Eucerin Radiant Tone Cleansing Gel

A gel-based cleanser formulated with Alcohol Denat. and a blend of Lactic and Glycolic Acids to degrease and exfoliate oily skin types.

Performance Rating: 3.7

This cleanser features a mild surfactant system (Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Coco-Betaine) that cleanses without the harshness of sulfates. The inclusion of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid provides chemical exfoliation to brighten skin and unclog pores. However, the high concentration of Alcohol Denat. (listed second) acts as a strong degreasing agent; while beneficial for very oily or acne-prone skin, it can be stripping and drying for normal to dry skin types. Glycerin and Glyceryl Glucoside are included to help mitigate some dryness.

Safety Rating: 3.9

The formula is fragrance-free, significantly reducing the risk of allergic contact dermatitis. It lacks controversial preservatives like parabens or formaldehyde releasers. However, the combination of Alcohol Denat. and AHAs presents a moderate risk of skin irritation, stinging, or barrier disruption, particularly for those with sensitive skin or rosacea. Users should be aware of increased sun sensitivity due to the acids.

Final Rating: 3.7

This is a well-formulated, targeted cleanser ideally suited for oily and blemish-prone skin. The synergy between gentle cleansing agents and exfoliating acids makes it effective for clarifying skin texture. Its minimalist ingredient list and lack of fragrance are major positives. However, it is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ product; the high alcohol content makes it less suitable for dry or compromised skin barriers.

Verdict

This facial cleanser represents a formulation designed for deep cleaning and resurfacing rather than gentle barrier maintenance. The surfactant system relies on Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Coco-Betaine, which are amphoteric surfactants known for being mild and well-tolerated. Under normal circumstances, these would form the base of a gentle wash. However, the profile of this product is drastically altered by the inclusion of Alcohol Denat. as the second ingredient. While this alcohol serves as a solvent and provides an immediate refreshing sensation by cutting through sebum, it is also known to be drying and can strip the skin of its natural lipids, potentially compromising the moisture barrier over time. To provide specific skincare benefits beyond cleansing, the formula incorporates Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid. These Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) act as chemical exfoliants that loosen the bonds holding dead skin cells together. Glycolic Acid, with its small molecular size, penetrates effectively to refine texture, while Lactic Acid offers milder exfoliation and hydration properties. This makes the product effective for brightening dull complexions and managing congestion. To counterbalance the potentially harsh effects of the alcohol and acids, Glycerin and Glyceryl Glucoside are included as humectants to attract moisture to the skin. Despite these hydrating additions, the high alcohol content makes this a polarized product. It is likely highly effective for those with very oily, non-sensitive skin who need to control shine and prevent acne, but it poses a significant risk of irritation and dryness for other skin types.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Dissolves other ingredients; forms the base of the product.

Concerns: None.

Notes: The most common ingredient in skincare.

🧪 Alcohol Denat. / 变性乙醇

Purpose: Solvent, astringent, antimicrobial, and penetration enhancer.

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating for sensitive and dry skin types; may disrupt the skin barrier if used in high concentrations.

Notes: Often used to give a quick-drying finish and degrease the skin.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 Sodium Cocoamphoacetate / 椰油酰两性基乙酸钠

Purpose: Mild amphoteric surfactant used for cleansing and foaming.

Concerns: Generally considered safe and mild.

Notes: Often used in baby products and formulations for sensitive skin.

🧪 Coco-Betaine / 椰油基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant used to create foam and clean the skin.

Concerns: Can cause irritation if impurities remain, but generally mild.

Notes: Helps improve the mildness of the formula.

📁 Exfoliants (AHAs) / 去角质成分 (果酸)

🧪 Lactic Acid / 乳酸

Purpose: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells and provides hydration.

Concerns: May cause stinging or irritation on sensitive or broken skin; increases sun sensitivity.

Notes: Milder than Glycolic Acid due to larger molecular size.

🧪 Glycolic Acid / 甘醇酸

Purpose: Potent Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) for deep exfoliation and skin renewal.

Concerns: Can be irritating; necessitates daily sunscreen use due to increased photosensitivity.

Notes: Smallest molecular size among AHAs, allowing deeper penetration.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant that draws moisture into the skin.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A gold standard ingredient for hydration.

🧪 Glyceryl Glucoside / 甘油葡糖苷

Purpose: Humectant that helps retain moisture and supports aquaporin channels.

Concerns: None.

Notes: Derived from glycerol and glucose.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Stabilizers / 质地调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickening agent (viscosity controller).

Concerns: Can be drying in very high concentrations.

Notes: Common table salt.

🧪 Dehydroxanthan Gum / 脱羟基黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener and emulsion stabilizer.

Concerns: None.

Notes: A modified gum that provides hold and texture.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: Used to adjust and neutralize the pH of the product.

Concerns: Highly corrosive in pure form, but safe in small amounts used to balance formulations containing acids.

Notes: Essential here to ensure the AHAs are at a safe and effective pH.