This is a refreshing, cream-based salicylic acid cleanser designed to target acne, excess oil, and clogged pores while providing an invigorating, cooling sensation.
The performance rating of 7.2/10 reflects a highly functional formulation centered around Salicylic Acid, a well-proven Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that effectively penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and fight acne. This active exfoliant is balanced by Glycerin, a humectant that draws moisture into the skin to prevent excessive dryness, and emollients like Cetyl Alcohol and PPG-15 Stearyl Ether which provide a smooth, skin-conditioning texture. While the addition of Menthol offers a refreshing cooling sensation, it serves primarily sensory purposes rather than therapeutic benefits.
The safety rating of 6.2/10 is moderated by the inclusion of several potential skin irritants. While the primary cleansing and moisturizing agents are generally safe, the presence of Fragrance and Menthol introduces risks of sensitization, redness, and contact dermatitis, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. Additionally, Salicylic Acid requires careful use to prevent dryness or irritation, although Sodium Hydroxide is appropriately included to safely adjust and balance the formula’s pH.
The final rating of 6.7/10 positions this product as a solid, mid-tier acne-fighting cleanser. It excels in performance due to the inclusion of Salicylic Acid for chemical exfoliation and Glycerin for essential hydration. However, its safety and overall appeal are compromised by unnecessary sensory additives like Fragrance and Menthol, which pose irritation risks for sensitive skin types, resulting in a balanced but slightly flawed everyday skincare solution.
This formulation is a classic example of an acne-fighting cream wash, balancing oil-soluble exfoliants with nourishing, non-stripping emollients. At its core, the cleanser utilizes salicylic acid (BHA), an excellent active ingredient that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum, debris, and dead skin cells. This makes it particularly effective at preventing breakouts, blackheads, and whiteheads. Unlike harsh, stripping gel or foaming cleansers, this product features a creamy texture primarily built around cetyl alcohol, a skin-friendly fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener rather than drying out the skin. Combined with glycerin and PPG-15 stearyl ether, the cleanser works to preserve the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent the over-drying that typically accompanies chemical exfoliation. However, the formulation presents some notable drawbacks due to its sensory-enhancing additives. The inclusion of menthol is responsible for the signature ‘cooling tingle’ associated with deep-cleansing products. While many users associate this tingling sensation with a deeper clean, menthol is a known sensory irritant that offers no therapeutic benefits to the skin barrier. Instead, it can provoke redness, increase trans-epidermal water loss, and cause stinging, especially when applied around the delicate eye area. Furthermore, the presence of fragrance increases the risk of sensitization and contact dermatitis over time. Additionally, because salicylic acid is formulated in a wash-off cleanser, its contact time with the skin is relatively short, meaning it may be gentler than a leave-on treatment but also slightly less effective for deep, cystic acne. The inclusion of pH adjusters like sodium hydroxide ensures the product remains stable, but the overall formulation requires caution. In summary, this cleanser is best suited for individuals with robust, oily, or combination skin who are dealing with mild acne and congestion and who do not have a history of sensitivity to fragrance or cooling agents. If you enjoy an invigorating wash and have resilient skin, this cream cleanser will effectively clarify your pores without leaving your face feeling tight. However, those with dry, reactive, or compromised skin barriers should look for a gentler, fragrance-free alternative.
🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸
Purpose: Chemical exfoliant and anti-acne agent.
Concerns: Can cause dryness, peeling, or irritation, particularly for sensitive skin types. It may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Notes: A oil-soluble Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that deep cleans pores, dissolves sebum, and helps prevent acne breakouts.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent and vehicle.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The primary base used to dissolve water-soluble ingredients and control the formula’s consistency.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant and skin-identical ingredient.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Attracts water to the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss and counteract the drying effects of cleansing surfactants.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient, emulsion stabilizer, and viscosity-increasing agent.
Concerns: May be mildly comedogenic for highly acne-prone skin, though minimal risk in rinse-off formulations.
Notes: A fatty alcohol that is non-drying; it softens the skin and gives the product a creamy, thick texture.
🧪 PPG-15 Stearyl Ether / PPG-15 硬脂醇醚
Purpose: Emollient and skin conditioning agent.
Concerns: Low risk; can enhance the skin absorption of other ingredients.
Notes: Helps the formula glide smoothly onto the skin and leaves a soft, non-greasy after-feel.
🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener and emulsion stabilizer.
Concerns: None.
Notes: A natural polysaccharide used to adjust the viscosity and consistency of the cleanser.
🧪 Polysorbate 60 / 聚山梨醇酯-60
Purpose: Surfactant and emulsifying agent.
Concerns: Generally safe; very low potential for skin irritation.
Notes: Helps mix water and oil ingredients together to keep the formula stable.
🧪 Steareth-21 / 硬脂醇聚醚-21
Purpose: Surfactant, cleansing agent, and emulsifier.
Concerns: Low concern in cosmetic rinse-off formulations.
Notes: Aids in the cleansing process by helping water mix with dirt and oils so they can be easily rinsed away.
🧪 Potassium Cetyl Phosphate / 鲸蜡醇磷酸酯钾
Purpose: Surfactant and co-emulsifier.
Concerns: Highly safe with low irritation potential.
Notes: Commonly used to boost the stability of emulsions and enhance cleansing capabilities.
🧪 Menthol / 薄荷醇
Purpose: Cooling agent and fragrance.
Concerns: Can cause skin irritation, sensitization, or a burning sensation, especially on sensitive, compromised skin or near the eyes.
Notes: Provides a refreshing, cooling sensation upon application, but offers no therapeutic skincare benefits.
🧪 Fragrance / （日用）香精
Purpose: Masking agent and scent.
Concerns: One of the most common triggers for allergic contact dermatitis, irritation, and skin sensitivity.
Notes: Used to provide a pleasant scent or mask the chemical odors of raw ingredients.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating agent.
Concerns: Low risk for skin; has minor environmental concerns regarding biodegradability.
Notes: Binds to metal ions in water to prevent product discoloration, rancidity, and degradation over time.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: Highly alkaline and caustic in its raw state, but completely safe once neutralized in the final cosmetic formulation.
Notes: Used in very small amounts to balance the pH of the cleanser to make it skin-friendly, particularly important when formulating with acidic actives.