Equate Beauty Clarifying Charcoal Cleanser

A deep-cleaning, gel-based wash featuring Salicylic Acid and Charcoal to target acne and oil, though the inclusion of SLES and Menthol makes it potentially drying.

Performance Rating: 4.0

This formulation is highly effective for oily and acne-prone skin. It utilizes Sodium Laureth Sulfate combined with Cocamidopropyl Betaine to create a rich foam that effectively removes dirt and sebum. The key active ingredient, Salicylic Acid, provides chemical exfoliation to unclog pores and fight bacteria, while Charcoal Powder assists in absorbing excess oil. The addition of Glycerin and Sorbitol helps prevent the skin from feeling completely stripped, and Menthol provides a noticeable cooling sensation that many users associate with cleanliness.

Safety Rating: 3.4

While safe for the general population, this product contains several potential irritants for sensitive skin. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), while milder than SLS, can still be drying. Fragrance and Menthol are common sensitizers that may cause redness or stinging, particularly around the eyes or on broken skin. Additionally, the use of Salicylic Acid requires the user to be diligent about sun protection, as it can increase UV sensitivity.

Final Rating: 3.7

This is a solid, commercial-grade cleanser designed specifically for deep pore cleaning. It excels at controlling oil and managing breakouts thanks to the Charcoal and Salicylic Acid combination. However, it is likely too harsh for dry or sensitive skin types due to the stripping nature of the sulfates combined with sensory irritants like menthol and fragrance. It is an excellent choice for a teenage or oily skin demographic but not a universal cleanser.

Verdict

This facial cleanser acts as a high-strength detergent system specifically engineered for oily and acne-prone skin types. The primary cleansing agent is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a surfactant known for its exceptional ability to emulsify oils and create a satisfying, foaming lather. While effective at removing grime, SLES is often considered too harsh for modern barrier-focused skincare routines, potentially stripping away natural lipids alongside the dirt. This action is somewhat mitigated by Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a gentler amphoteric surfactant, and the inclusion of humectants like Glycerin and Sorbitol which attempt to keep the skin hydrated during the wash process. The active profile is impressive for treating breakouts. Salicylic Acid serves as a chemical exfoliant that penetrates lipid layers to unclog pores and reduce inflammation associated with acne. This is bolstered by Charcoal Powder, a porous ingredient that physically adsorbs excess sebum and surface toxins. The ingredient list also suggests a textural element; Mannitol, Cellulose, and Iron Oxides usually combine to form scrubbing beads that break down upon massage, offering physical exfoliation to smooth the skin surface. Despite the efficacy in cleaning, the formula poses significant risks for irritation. The inclusion of Menthol creates a cooling effect that users often mistake for efficacy, but it acts as a vasoactive substance that can induce redness and sting sensitive areas. Additionally, Fragrance is present, which is a leading cause of contact dermatitis in skincare products. The presence of Sodium Hydroxide indicates that the pH has been adjusted, likely to ensure the Salicylic Acid remains active or to neutralize the formula, but the combination of strong detergents, fragrance, and menthol creates a sensory cocktail that is likely too aggressive for anyone with a compromised skin barrier. Ultimately, this is a utilitarian product for those with resilient, greasy skin who need a deep clean after a long day. It is not suitable for removing eye makeup due to the irritants and should be followed immediately by a strong moisturizer to replenish what the sulfates may have stripped away.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

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

🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Surfactant/Cleansing Agent

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin.

Notes: Anionic surfactant; provides strong foaming and cleansing power.

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant/Foam Booster

Concerns: Generally safe, rare allergic reactions.

Notes: Amphoteric surfactant; helps reduce the irritation potential of SLES and improves foam quality.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸

Purpose: Exfoliant/Anti-acne

Concerns: Can cause dryness or peeling; increases sun sensitivity.

Notes: A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to clear oil and fight acne.

🧪 Charcoal Powder / 炭粉

Purpose: Adsorbent

Concerns: May be drying for very dry skin types.

Notes: Used to absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin to prevent dryness.

🧪 Sorbitol / 山梨(糖)醇

Purpose: Humectant/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A sugar alcohol that helps retain moisture.

🧪 Mannitol / 甘露糖醇

Purpose: Humectant/Binder

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used in this context as part of dissolving scrubbing beads.

🧪 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; helps replenish skin surface.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Thickeners / 质地改良剂与增稠剂

🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Thickener/Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides the gel-like texture.

🧪 Polyquaternium-39 / 聚季铵盐-39

Purpose: Antistatic/Film Former

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a smooth, conditioned feel to the skin after washing.

🧪 Cellulose / 纤维素

Purpose: Slip Agent/Scrub

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived material, likely part of the physical scrubbing beads.

🧪 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose / 羟丙基甲基纤维素

Purpose: Thickener/Film Former

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to create the structure of suspended beads.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Generally safe; rarely causes sensitivity.

Notes: Prevents fungal and bacterial growth.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations (used in very small amounts here).

Notes: Used to neutralize the pH, particularly for the Salicylic Acid and thickeners.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to maintain formulation stability.

📁 Sensory & Aesthetic Agents / 感官与美学成分

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common sensitizer; can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Notes: Adds a pleasant smell to the product.

🧪 Menthol / 薄荷醇

Purpose: Cooling Agent

Concerns: Can be irritating, especially around the eyes.

Notes: Provides a cooling, refreshing sensation.

🧪 Iron Oxides / 氧化铁类

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides color, likely to the scrubbing beads.