A creamy cleanser featuring Salicylic Acid and fatty alcohols for exfoliation and moisture, but compromised by harsh Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Fragrance.
This cleanser features Salicylic Acid, a highly effective Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) known for deep pore cleansing and acne treatment. The high concentration of fatty alcohols (Stearyl, Cetyl, Cetearyl, Behenyl) suggests a creamy, lotion-like texture that minimizes stripping and supports the moisture barrier. Glycerin provides essential hydration. While Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is included, its placement lower on the list (below several emollients) implies it is likely buffered by the rich base, allowing for effective cleansing without the harshness typically associated with sulfates.
The inclusion of Fragrance prevents a higher safety score, as it is a frequent cause of contact dermatitis and irritation for sensitive skin. Additionally, while the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is likely buffered, it remains a surfactant that some users prefer to avoid due to its potential to disrupt the skin barrier. The remaining ingredients, including standard stabilizers like Disodium EDTA, are widely regarded as safe.
This is a well-formulated product for individuals dealing with breakouts or congestion who find traditional foaming acne washes too drying. The balance between the active exfoliant and the moisturizing cream base is excellent for maintaining skin comfort. However, it is not the best fit for purists seeking fragrance-free or sulfate-free clean beauty options.
This facial cleanser offers a complex formulation that attempts to strike a balance between deep cleansing, chemical exfoliation, and moisturization, though it relies on some controversial ingredients to achieve its texture and foam. The primary active ingredient is Salicylic Acid, a widely respected Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA). It is excellent for acne-prone skin because it is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep inside the pores to dissolve sebum and exfoliate dead skin cells from within. This helps significantly in reducing blackheads and preventing future breakouts. Structurally, the product feels creamy rather than gel-like. This is due to the high concentration of fatty alcohols such as Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and Behenyl Alcohol. Unlike drying simple alcohols, these ingredients act as emollients and thickeners, leaving the skin feeling softer and helping to maintain a protective layer during the cleansing process. The addition of Glycerin further supports hydration, pulling moisture into the skin to prevent the ‘squeaky clean’ feeling that often signals dehydration. However, the surfactant system relies on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While SLS is an incredibly effective degreaser and foaming agent, it is often considered too harsh for facial skin. It can disrupt the stratum corneum, leading to trans-epidermal water loss. For users with oily skin, the fatty alcohols in this formula might sufficiently buffer the stripping nature of SLS, but for others, it remains a risky inclusion. Furthermore, the presence of Cellulose indicates a physical exfoliating aspect. While biodegradable and generally softer than nut shells, physical scrubs can still cause irritation if the user applies too much pressure or uses the product too frequently. Finally, the inclusion of Fragrance is a sensory addition that adds no skincare benefit and increases the risk of sensitization or allergic reactions. Consequently, while this cleanser is a powerhouse for cutting through grease and congestion, it lacks the gentleness required for modern, barrier-focused skincare routines suited for sensitive types. It is a heavy-duty option that demands cautious use.
🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸
Purpose: Exfoliant, Anti-acne agent
Concerns: Can cause dryness or irritation if overused; increased sun sensitivity.
Notes: A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to clear oil and dead skin cells.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary base for most cosmetic formulations.
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠
Purpose: Cleansing agent, Foam booster
Concerns: Known to be potentially drying and irritating to sensitive skin.
Notes: A strong anionic surfactant.
🧪 Cetearyl Glucoside / 鲸蜡硬脂基葡糖苷
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: A mild emulsifier derived from natural sources.
🧪 Distearyldimonium Chloride / 二硬脂基二甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Antistatic agent, Hair/Skin conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: A cationic surfactant often used to improve texture and feel.
🧪 Steareth-21 / 硬脂醇聚醚-21
Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant
Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient (trace contamination possible).
Notes: Helps mix oil and water.
🧪 Steareth-2 / 硬脂醇聚醚-2
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient (trace contamination possible).
Notes: Works in synergy with Steareth-21.
🧪 PPG-15 Stearyl Ether / PPG-15 硬脂醇醚
Purpose: Emollient, Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps keep ingredients stable and reduces the stinging sensation of acids.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient, Thickener
Concerns: Low risk; generally non-irritating.
Notes: A fatty alcohol used to improve texture.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient, Thickener, Emulsifier
Concerns: Low risk.
Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin.
🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient, Texture enhancer
Concerns: Low risk.
Notes: A mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols.
🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇
Purpose: Thickener, Opacifier
Concerns: None
Notes: A long-chain fatty alcohol useful for stability.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin to keep it hydrated.
🧪 Cellulose / 纤维素
Purpose: Absorbent, Slip agent, Scrubbing agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Plant-derived material.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Highly corrosive in raw form, but safe in formulated amounts.
Notes: Used to neutralize the pH of the product.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds to metal ions to maintain product stability and efficacy.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common sensitizer; can cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Notes: Added for sensory appeal.