Equate Beauty Age Resisting Classic Cleanser

A cream-based acne scrub formulated with Salicylic Acid to unclog pores and fatty alcohols to soften the skin, though it utilizes strong Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as a cleanser.

Performance Rating: 3.6

This formula features Salicylic Acid, a highly effective BHA for exfoliating pores and treating acne. The base is rich in fatty alcohols (Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol), suggesting a creamy texture that provides emollience. However, the primary surfactant is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is a strong cleanser that can be drying or stripping, although the high content of emollients likely attempts to buffer its harshness.

Safety Rating: 3.0

The presence of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) lowers the safety score for sensitive skin, as it is a known irritant that can disrupt the skin barrier. Additionally, Fragrance is included, which is a common allergen and sensitizer. Salicylic Acid is generally safe but can cause dryness or irritation if overused.

Final Rating: 3.3

This is a decent, utilitarian cleanser likely targeted at acne-prone or oily skin types. While the Salicylic Acid is a strong active ingredient for clearing skin, the reliance on SLS and the inclusion of Fragrance make it less suitable for sensitive or dry skin compared to modern, gentler alternatives.

Verdict

This product presents a classic drugstore formulation that attempts to balance aggressive acne-fighting capabilities with moisturizing textures. The star ingredient here is Salicylic Acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) renowned for its ability to penetrate oil-filled pores and dissolve the debris that leads to breakouts. This makes the cleanser particularly effective for tackling blackheads and general congestion. The inclusion of Cellulose indicates that this is likely a physical scrub as well as a chemical one, offering dual-action exfoliation to smooth the skin’s surface. To counter the potential drying effects of the actives, the formula is heavily loaded with fatty alcohols, including Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, and Cetearyl Alcohol. These ingredients provide a thick, creamy slip and generally leave the skin feeling softer and conditioned, preventing that tight, ‘squeaky clean’ feeling often associated with acne washes. However, the cleansing system relies on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While SLS is an incredibly effective degreaser, it is often cited as a skin irritant that can strip the natural moisture barrier, potentially leading to dryness or rebound oil production in the long run. The heavy presence of fatty alcohols likely acts as a buffer to mitigate the harshness of the SLS, but the potential for irritation remains for those with compromised barriers. Additionally, the inclusion of Fragrance adds another risk factor for sensitization. Ultimately, this cleanser is a heavy-duty option best reserved for resilient, oily skin types that require significant exfoliation. It operates as a hybrid between a rich cream and a strong detergent scrub. While it may effectively reduce active acne lesions for some, the combination of physical scrubbing, chemical exfoliation, and strong surfactants may be overkill for daily use on anything other than very oily, non-sensitive complexions.

Who Is This Product For?

Who Should Avoid This Product?

Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸

Purpose: Exfoliant, Anti-acne agent

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin.

Notes: A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that penetrates oil to clean pores.

📁 Surfactants & Emulsifiers / 表面活性剂和乳化剂

🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 月桂醇硫酸酯钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Cleansing agent

Concerns: Known to be potentially irritating and drying; strips skin oils.

Notes: A strong cleanser.

🧪 Cetearyl Glucoside / 鲸蜡硬脂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle, vegetable-derived emulsifier.

🧪 Distearyldimonium Chloride / 二硬脂基二甲基氯化铵

Purpose: Conditioning agent, Antistatic

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps improve texture and feel.

🧪 Steareth-21 / 硬脂醇聚醚-21

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the formulation.

🧪 Steareth-2 / 硬脂醇聚醚-2

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Works in tandem with Steareth-21.

📁 Emollients & Moisturizers / 润肤剂和保湿剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 PPG-15 Stearyl Ether / PPG-15 硬脂醇醚

Purpose: Emollient, Skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a silky feel to the skin.

🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol derived from oils.

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, Texture enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A mixture of fatty alcohols.

🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇

Purpose: Thickener, Opacifying agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A plant-derived fatty alcohol.

📁 Solvents & Texture Modifiers / 溶剂和质地调节剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The main base of the product.

🧪 Cellulose / 纤维素

Purpose: Thickener, Absorbent

Concerns: None

Notes: Can also provide mild physical exfoliation.

📁 Miscellaneous Additives / 其他添加剂

🧪 Fragrance / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: High risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

Notes: Synthetic or natural scent compounds.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in high concentrations, but safe as used to balance pH.

Notes: Used to neutralize the acidity of Salicylic Acid.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents minerals in water from reacting with ingredients.