Equate Beauty Foaming Cleanser 2-in-1

A robust, foaming gel cleanser formulated with Ammonium Laureth Sulfate and Glycerin to provide a deep clean, best suited for oily and resilient skin types.

Performance Rating: 3.8

This formula utilizes a robust surfactant system led by Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, which provides strong cleansing power and high foaming capability. This is balanced by milder co-surfactants like Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate to reduce harshness. The high concentration of Glycerin (the second ingredient) helps maintain moisture levels. It effectively removes oil and impurities, making it a solid performer for oily to normal skin types, though it may be too stripping for dry or compromised skin barriers.

Safety Rating: 2.7

The safety score is impacted primarily by the presence of DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that is a known allergen and sensitizer for some individuals. The formula also contains added Fragrance, a common trigger for contact dermatitis. Furthermore, while Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is considered safe for use, ethoxylated sulfates can be irritating to sensitive skin compared to modern amino-acid based alternatives.

Final Rating: 3.2

This is a functional, standard cleanser that relies on older cosmetic chemistry. While effective at cleaning, the combination of sulfates and formaldehyde donors makes it a less modern choice compared to gentler options available today. It is best suited for those with resilient, oily skin who require a deep clean and are not sensitive to common preservatives or fragrances.

Verdict

This facial cleanser is a robust formulation designed effectively for those seeking a deep, foaming cleanse. The primary surfactant utilized here is Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, a cleansing agent known for its excellent ability to remove oil and grime. While generally considered slightly gentler than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate due to its larger molecular size, it remains a strong anionic surfactant that can potentially strip natural oils from the skin if used excessively. To counterbalance this, the formula places Glycerin as the second ingredient, a highly effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin to help mitigate the drying effects of the wash.

The surfactant system is further rounded out by a blend of secondary cleansers including Lauryl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate. These are significantly milder amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants that help to buffer the harshness of the primary sulfate, creating a more balanced profile. This combination ensures that the product produces a rich, satisfying lather—boosted by Cocamide MEA—which many users associate with a thorough clean. The addition of Glycol Distearate gives the formula a pearlescent, luxurious visual appeal, while Acrylates Copolymer and PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate work to stabilize the viscosity, ensuring the gel feels substantial rather than runny in the hand.

However, the ingredient list reveals some potential drawbacks for modern skincare enthusiasts, particularly regarding the preservation and scenting of the product. The inclusion of DMDM Hydantoin is notable; this is a traditional preservative that functions by releasing small amounts of formaldehyde. While effective at preventing microbial growth, it is a known allergen and sensitizer for a subset of the population. Additionally, the presence of Fragrance (Parfum) is a frequent trigger for contact dermatitis and irritation, making this product risky for those with reactive complexions.

In summary, this cleanser is best viewed as a heavy-duty option. It is likely capable of removing heavy makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum with ease, leaving the skin feeling “squeaky clean.” This makes it a viable candidate for individuals with very oily or resilient skin who enjoy high-foaming products. Conversely, due to the combination of sulfates, fragrance, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, it is not recommended for those with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin, as it may disrupt the skin barrier and cause redness or irritation over time.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula, helps dissolve other ingredients.

📁 Moisturizers & Humectants / 保湿剂与吸湿剂

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.

🧪 GLYCERETH-7 / 甘油聚醚-7

Purpose: Humectant, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: A chemically modified form of glycerin used to condition skin.

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

🧪 AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯铵

Purpose: Cleansing Agent

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating

Notes: A strong surfactant that creates foam and cleanses oil, but may be harsh for dry/sensitive skin.

🧪 LAURYL GLUCOSIDE / 月桂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Cleansing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild, non-ionic surfactant suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Potential impurities can cause allergies

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil, often used to reduce the irritation of stronger sulfates.

🧪 SODIUM COCOYL SARCOSINATE / 椰油酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Cleansing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild surfactant that also improves foam quality.

🧪 DECYL GLUCOSIDE / 癸基葡糖苷

Purpose: Cleansing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A very mild, plant-derived non-ionic surfactant.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Thickeners & Emulsifiers / 质地调节剂、增稠剂与乳化剂

🧪 GLYCOL DISTEARATE / 乙二醇二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Opacifier, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Gives the product a pearlescent appearance.

🧪 LAURETH-4 / 月桂醇聚醚-4

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: Potential comedogenicity

Notes: Helps mix oil and water; can trigger acne in very acne-prone skin.

🧪 ACRYLATES COPOLYMER / 丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物

Purpose: Thickener, Film Former

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides texture and stability to the formula.

🧪 PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: PEG contamination risks (trace)

Notes: Effective thickening agent specifically for surfactant systems to reduce irritation.

🧪 COCAMIDE MEA / 椰油酰胺 MEA

Purpose: Foam Stabilizer, Thickener

Concerns: Nitrosamine formation risk (low)

Notes: Increases foaming capacity and stabilizes foam.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 DMDM HYDANTOIN / DMDM 乙内酰脲

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Formaldehyde releaser

Notes: Prevents microbial growth; may cause irritation in sensitive individuals due to formaldehyde release.

🧪 TETRASODIUM EDTA / EDTA 四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to prevent spoilage and maintain stability.

📁 Others / 其他

🧪 FRAGRANCE / 香精

Purpose: Scent

Concerns: Common allergen

Notes: Adds a pleasant smell to the product; potential irritant for sensitive skin.

🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Corrosive in pure form

Notes: Used in small amounts to neutralize acidic ingredients and balance the pH of the product.