An energizing gel cleanser formulated with Vitamin C and Ginseng to remove oil and dirt while providing a cooling sensation, though the strong surfactants may be drying.
This formula functions as a high-efficacy, deep-cleansing gel. The primary surfactant, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, provides strong foaming and oil removal, making it highly effective for oily or congested skin. The inclusion of Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps mitigate some harshness. The product features an “energizing” profile with Menthol, Ginseng, and Ginger, providing a cooling sensory experience. Additionally, the presence of Mannitol, Cellulose, and Iron Oxides suggests the inclusion of suspended beads that likely burst to release Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), though the actual skincare benefits of actives in a wash-off product are limited.
While the ingredients are generally safe for cosmetic use, the potential for irritation is moderate to high for sensitive skin types. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate can be stripping to the moisture barrier if not well-formulated. The combination of Fragrance, Menthol, and Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract poses a risk for contact dermatitis and eye irritation. Methylchloroisothiazolinone is notably absent (replaced by Phenoxyethanol), which is a positive for safety, but the cooling agents and strong detergents make this unsuitable for dry, rosacea-prone, or sensitive skin.
This is a classic drugstore-style “energizing” cleanser. It excels at removing heavy oils and providing a refreshing, wake-up sensation due to the cooling agents and botanical extracts. However, it lacks the sophistication of modern, barrier-supporting cleansers. It is a solid choice for teenagers or those with resilient, very oily skin, but it is likely too drying and irritating for daily use on normal, dry, or sensitive skin types.
This formulation is a classic example of a high-foaming, sensory-driven cleanser designed to wake up the skin. At the heart of the formula is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, a strong anionic surfactant. It is highly effective at cutting through grease, heavy oils, and debris, making this product capable of providing a very deep clean. However, this surfactant can be stripping for many skin types, potentially disrupting the moisture barrier if used daily on anything other than very oily skin. It creates a rich lather that many consumers associate with cleanliness, but this often comes at the cost of hydration.
The sensory experience is heavily influenced by the inclusion of Menthol and Menthyl Lactate. These ingredients provide an immediate cooling and tingling effect that aligns with the “energizing” marketing often associated with these ingredients. While refreshing for some, menthol is a known sensitizer and can cause significant irritation, stinging, or redness, particularly for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. Additionally, the presence of Fragrance relatively high on the ingredient list further increases the potential for irritation compared to fragrance-free alternatives.
To balance the harshness, the formula includes Glycerin and suspended beads likely containing Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C). These “bursting beads” (composed of Mannitol and Microcrystalline Cellulose) are designed to release antioxidants upon application. While Vitamin C and Ginseng are excellent ingredients for brightening and revitalizing the skin, their efficacy in a rinse-off product is limited since they are washed away quickly. The inclusion of Cucumber and Ginger extracts adds nice botanical appeal, theoretically offering soothing and antioxidant benefits, but they are likely present in low concentrations.
In summary, this is a robust cleanser suitable for teenagers or adults with resilient, grease-prone skin who enjoy a physical sensation while washing. It is not recommended for those looking to maintain a delicate skin barrier or those prone to dryness.
🧪 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate / C14-16 烯烃磺酸钠
Purpose: Surfactant/Cleansing Agent
Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin if concentration is high.
Notes: A strong cleansing agent that produces high foam.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Surfactant/Foam Booster
Concerns: Generally mild, but impurities can cause allergic reactions in very sensitive individuals.
Notes: An amphoteric surfactant often used to reduce the harshness of stronger detergents.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None.
Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.
🧪 Mannitol / 甘露糖醇
Purpose: Humectant/Binding Agent
Concerns: None.
Notes: A sugar alcohol that provides hydration.
🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇
Purpose: Humectant/Solvent
Concerns: Can cause contact dermatitis in some people at high concentrations.
Notes: Helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.
🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇
Purpose: Humectant/Conditioning
Concerns: None.
Notes: Also boosts the efficacy of preservatives.
🧪 Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate / 抗坏血酸磷酸酯钠
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None.
Notes: A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C.
🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant
Concerns: None.
Notes: A form of Vitamin E.
🧪 Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract / 黄瓜果提取物
Purpose: Soothing/Emollient
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
🧪 Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract / 葡萄柚果提取物
Purpose: Antioxidant/Skin Conditioning
Concerns: Citrus extracts can sometimes be sensitizing.
Notes: Provides antioxidant benefits.
🧪 Panax Ginseng Root Extract / 人参根提取物
Purpose: Skin Conditioning
Concerns: None.
Notes: Known for revitalizing properties.
🧪 Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract / 姜根提取物
Purpose: Soothing/Antioxidant
Concerns: Can be sensitizing in high amounts, though usually soothing in wash-off products.
Notes: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None.
Notes: The base of the formulation.
🧪 Acrylates Copolymer / 丙烯酸（酯）类共聚物
Purpose: Film Former/Binder
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps with texture and suspending beads or particles.
🧪 Hexylene Glycol / 己二醇
Purpose: Solvent/Viscosity Decreasing Agent
Concerns: Low risk of irritation.
Notes: Used to thin out heavy formulations.
🧪 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose / 羟丙基甲基纤维素
Purpose: Thickener/Stabilizer
Concerns: None.
Notes: Used to modify viscosity.
🧪 Microcrystalline Cellulose / 微晶纤维素
Purpose: Abrasive/Bulking Agent
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often used in exfoliating beads (biodegradable).
🧪 Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 / 聚丙烯酸酯交联聚合物-6
Purpose: Thickener
Concerns: None.
Notes: Provides a smooth texture.
🧪 Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer / 丙烯酸（酯）类/甲基丙烯酸铵共聚物
Purpose: Film Former
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps form a layer on the skin or encapsulate other ingredients.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Corrosive in pure form, but safe as used to neutralize the formula.
Notes: Ensures the cleanser is not too acidic.
🧪 Simethicone / 西甲硅油
Purpose: Antifoaming Agent
Concerns: None.
Notes: Prevents excessive foaming during manufacturing.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Scent
Concerns: Common sensitizer; can cause irritation in sensitive skin.
Notes: Adds a pleasant smell to the product.
🧪 Menthyl Lactate / 乳酸薄荷酯
Purpose: Cooling Agent
Concerns: Less irritating than pure menthol but can still sensitize.
Notes: Provides a refreshing sensation.
🧪 Menthol / 薄荷醇
Purpose: Cooling Agent/Denaturant
Concerns: Can be irritating and sensitizing to skin and eyes.
Notes: Provides a strong cooling/tingling sensation.
🧪 Triethyl Citrate / 柠檬酸三乙酯
Purpose: Solvent/Perfume Fixative
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps stabilize fragrance.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Safe in low concentrations, but some people may be sensitive.
Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / EDTA 二钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None.
Notes: Binds to metal ions to keep the formula stable and effective.
🧪 Mica / 云母
Purpose: Opacifier/Colorant
Concerns: None.
Notes: Adds shimmer or sparkle.
🧪 Iron Oxides / 氧化铁类
Purpose: Colorant
Concerns: None.
Notes: Provides color to the product or beads.
🧪 Titanium Dioxide / 二氧化钛
Purpose: Opacifier/Colorant
Concerns: None.
Notes: Makes the product white or opaque.