Equate Beauty Energizing Facial Cleanser

A foaming gel cleanser that combines Salicylic Acid with physical exfoliating beads and encapsulated vitamins to deep clean pores and combat excess oil.

Performance Rating: 3.8

This formulation offers strong cleansing power driven by Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) balanced with Cocamidopropyl Betaine. It is particularly geared towards oily and acne-prone skin due to the inclusion of Salicylic Acid, a BHA known for unclogging pores. The ingredient list suggests a suspended-bead texture (Mannitol, Cellulose, Starch) containing Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) and Vitamin E, providing mild physical exfoliation and potential antioxidant benefits, although the latter is limited in rinse-off products. Glycerin is included to mitigate some dryness.

Safety Rating: 2.7

The safety rating is lowered primarily by the presence of DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that can be a significant allergen and irritant for sensitive skin. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is effective but can be stripping and irritating to the skin barrier compared to modern amino-acid surfactants. Furthermore, the inclusion of Triethanolamine and Fragrance increases the risk of contact dermatitis or sensitization. This profile is considered harsh for sensitive or dry skin types.

Final Rating: 3.2

This is a functional, ‘old-school’ cleanser best suited for resilient, oily skin. While it effectively cleanses and includes beneficial Salicylic Acid, the formulation relies on dated preservative systems (DMDM Hydantoin) and potentially harsh surfactants. It will do the job of removing oil and debris effectively, but lacks the refinement and safety profile of modern, gentle cleansers.

Verdict

This facial cleanser is formulated as a robust solution for congested skin, utilizing a combination of strong surfactants, physical scrubbers, and chemical exfoliants. The primary cleansing agent is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), a powerful detergent known for creating a rich foam and stripping away oil and grime effectively. While this ensures a deep clean, SLES can be drying, making the formula less suitable for those with delicate moisture barriers. To help mitigate this, Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Glycerin are included to provide a degree of softness and hydration, though the overall profile leans heavily towards heavy-duty purification rather than gentle conditioning.

The standout feature of this product is its dual-action approach to exfoliation. It incorporates Salicylic Acid, a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) renowned for its ability to penetrate oil-filled pores and dissolve the debris that causes acne. This makes the cleanser particularly adept at managing blackheads and whiteheads. Complementing the chemical exfoliation are physical scrubbing agents in the form of Microcrystalline Cellulose and corn starch-based beads. These visible beads likely contain the encapsulated vitamins found in the ingredient list, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C), which are designed to burst upon application to offer antioxidant protection and brightening benefits.

However, users should approach this product with caution regarding specific ingredient sensitivities. The formulation includes DMDM Hydantoin, a preservative that functions as a formaldehyde releaser. While effective against bacteria, it is a known trigger for those with contact dermatitis or highly reactive skin. Furthermore, the presence of Fragrance and Triethanolamine adds potential allergens that could irritate compromised skin barriers. The inclusion of physical beads also categorizes this as a scrub; using it daily could potentially lead to over-exfoliation or micro-tears if the skin is scrubbed too vigorously.

In summary, this cleanser is a powerhouse for oily and acne-prone skin types looking for a deep, “squeaky clean” feeling. The combination of BHA and physical scrubbers provides immediate texture smoothing and rigorous oil control. However, due to the presence of sulfates, physical exfoliants, and stronger preservatives, it is likely too aggressive for dry or sensitive skin types, who might find it strips away the natural oils essential for maintaining skin health.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 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 to the skin; potential for irritation in sensitive skin.

Notes: A strong cleansing agent that produces rich foam. Less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Low risk, but impurities can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant often used to reduce the harshness of sulfates.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE / 椰油酰胺丙基二甲胺

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: Potential skin sensitizer.

Notes: Often used to solubilize active ingredients like Salicylic Acid.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 SALICYLIC ACID / 水杨酸

Purpose: Exfoliant (BHA), Anti-acne

Concerns: Can cause dryness or peeling; sun sensitivity. Not recommended for those with aspirin allergies.

Notes: Penetrates pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells.

🧪 TOCOPHERYL ACETATE / 生育酚乙酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin E)

Concerns: Generally safe.

Notes: Protects skin from free radical damage; often encapsulated in beads in cleansers.

🧪 ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE / 抗坏血酸四异棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin C derivative)

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C used for brightening and collagen support.

📁 Solvents & Moisturizers / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None.

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin to prevent dryness.

🧪 MANNITOL / 甘露糖醇

Purpose: Humectant, Binding Agent

Concerns: None.

Notes: Sugar alcohol often used in the formation of cosmetic beads.

🧪 SUCROSE / 蔗糖

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Table sugar; acts as a water-binding agent.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Stabilizers & Bead Structure / 质地调节、稳定剂与颗粒基质

🧪 ACRYLATES COPOLYMER / 丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer, Film Former

Concerns: Low risk.

Notes: Helps suspend beads or particles in the formula and creates a smooth texture.

🧪 MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE / 微晶纤维素

Purpose: Abrasive, Absorbent, Bulking Agent

Concerns: None.

Notes: Biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads; provides gentle physical exfoliation.

🧪 ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH / 玉米淀粉

Purpose: Absorbent, Viscosity Controller

Concerns: None.

Notes: Used to absorb excess oil and thicken the formula.

🧪 CELLULOSE ACETATE BUTYRATE / 乙酸丁酸纤维素

Purpose: Film Former, Binder

Concerns: None.

Notes: Used in the coating or structure of encapsulated active ingredient beads.

🧪 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE / 季戊四醇四(双-叔丁基羟基氢化肉桂酸)酯

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Used primarily to stabilize the formulation ingredients rather than for skin benefits.

📁 pH Adjusters & Preservatives / 酸碱调节与防腐剂

🧪 TRIETHANOLAMINE / 三乙醇胺

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Potential allergen; can form carcinogenic nitrosamines if combined with nitrosating agents.

Notes: Used to balance the pH of the product.

🧪 DMDM HYDANTOIN / DMDM 乙内酰脲

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Formaldehyde releaser; high potential for skin irritation and contact dermatitis.

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth; generally considered a harsher preservative.

📁 Fragrance & Colorants / 香精与色素

🧪 FRAGRANCE / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: High risk of skin sensitization and allergic reactions.

Notes: Adds pleasant smell to the product.

🧪 TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) / 二氧化钛

Purpose: Colorant, Opacifier

Concerns: Safe as used in wash-off products.

Notes: White pigment, likely used to color the beads.

🧪 IRON OXIDES (CI 77491) / 氧化铁类 (红)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Red pigment.

🧪 IRON OXIDES (CI 77492) / 氧化铁类 (黄)

Purpose: Colorant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Yellow pigment.