A cult-classic, lotion-textured cleanser that utilizes a minimal blend of fatty alcohols and buffered Sodium Lauryl Sulfate to gently clean sensitive skin without stripping its natural oils.
This formula utilizes a classic lipid-free cleansing lotion mechanism. The high concentration of Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol (fatty alcohols) creates a creamy, non-foaming texture that cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier. While Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is included as the primary surfactant, it is buffered by the emollients to reduce harshness. However, this gentle profile means it may struggle to remove heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen effectively on its own.
The formulation is minimalist and appears to be Fragrance-Free, which significantly improves safety for sensitive skin types. It relies on standard, well-tolerated preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Hydroxyacetophenone. The main point of contention is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is a known potential irritant; however, in this specific type of high-fatty-alcohol formulation, it is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
This is a reliable, no-nonsense cleanser likely modeled after or being the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It is excellent for sensitive, dry, or normal skin that needs a basic morning cleanse or a second cleanse. While it lacks the sophistication of modern amino-acid-based cleansers and relies on older technology (SLS), its non-stripping nature and short ingredient list make it a safe, staple product.
This formulation represents one of the most recognizable and widely debated ingredient lists in the skincare world. It is the archetype of a non-foaming, lipid-rich cleanser. Instead of relying on a high load of strong surfactants to degrease the skin, it utilizes a smart combination of Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol—fatty alcohols that act as emollients—alongside a relatively low concentration of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While SLS typically gets a bad reputation for being harsh in shampoos or foaming gels, in this specific colloidal structure, it is buffered significantly by the fatty alcohols. This prevents the surfactant from penetrating and irritating the skin barrier, creating a cleaning mechanism that slides over the skin rather than scouring it.
For those with sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin, this mechanism is a lifesaver. It cleanses the skin of surface impurities without disrupting the acid mantle or stripping away natural lipids. The inclusion of Propylene Glycol acts as a humectant to help retain moisture during the cleansing process, ensuring the face does not feel tight immediately after washing. Because it lacks strong degreasing agents, the finish leaves the skin feeling soft, calm, and slightly hydrated, completely avoiding the “squeaky clean” sensation that often signals barrier damage.
However, this extreme gentleness comes with a trade-off. The formula is often too mild for oily skin or for removing heavy makeup and water-resistant sunscreen effectively. Users who prefer a satisfying foam or a deep-clean feeling will find this texture—which resembles a watery lotion—underwhelming and potentially insufficient for pore decongestion. Additionally, while the formula is generally hypoallergenic, Propylene Glycol can cause contact dermatitis in a very small percentage of the population. Furthermore, despite the buffering, purists who strictly avoid sulfates might still be wary of the SLS, although clinical data supports its mildness in this specific vehicle.
Ultimately, this is a utilitarian product designed for safety and functionality over luxury. It serves as an excellent morning cleanser or a second cleanse for dry types, but it almost certainly requires a separate makeup remover or oil cleanser for evening routines. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, offering a “reset” for skin that has been damaged by overuse of active ingredients or harsh environmental stressors.
🧪 WATER / 水
Purpose: Acts as the liquid base to dissolve other ingredients.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The most common ingredient in cosmetics.
🧪 SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠
Purpose: A strong surfactant that removes oils and creates lather.
Concerns: Can be drying and irritating to the skin, potentially damaging the skin barrier if used in high concentrations or left on for too long.
Notes: Known as SLS; often considered harsher than SLES.
🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol that softens skin, stabilizes emulsions, and thickens the texture.
Concerns: Generally safe, though it can be mildly comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Notes: This is a ‘good’ alcohol that moisturizes, unlike drying volatile alcohols.
🧪 STEARYL ALCOHOL / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Fatty alcohol used to soothe skin and give the product a creamy consistency.
Concerns: Low risk of irritation.
Notes: Often works synergistically with Cetyl Alcohol.
🧪 PROPYLENE GLYCOL / 丙二醇
Purpose: Attracts water to the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Concerns: Can cause contact dermatitis or irritation in people with sensitive skin or eczema.
Notes: A versatile ingredient used in food and cosmetics.
🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Concerns: Generally safe in concentrations under 1%, but can be irritating to broken skin.
Notes: One of the most common alternatives to parabens.
🧪 HYDROXYACETOPHENONE / 对羟基苯乙酮
Purpose: Synthetic antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that boosts preservative efficacy.
Concerns: None significant.
Notes: Helps stabilize the formula and reduce the need for stronger preservatives.
🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: Used to establish and hold the pH of a product.
Concerns: Corrosive in high concentrations, but safe when reacted in the formula to balance pH.
Notes: Also known as Lye.