A clarifying, charcoal-infused gel cleanser formulated with salicylic acid and menthol to deep-clean pores, control excess sebum, and provide a refreshing, cooling sensation.
This cleanser delivers a solid 7.2/10 performance by combining chemical and physical exfoliating agents. Salicylic Acid (BHA) works effectively to penetrate deep into pores and dissolve excess sebum, while Charcoal Powder and Cellulose beads help physically lift impurities and oil from the skin’s surface. The surfactant system of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Cocamidopropyl Betaine produces a rich, satisfying lather that cleanses thoroughly. However, the inclusion of sulfates and physical scrubs may feel too stripping or harsh for normal-to-dry skin types, slightly limiting its performance versatility.
The safety score is moderate at 6.0/10 due to several potential irritants. While humectants like Glycerin help mitigate dryness, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) can disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation for some users. The addition of Menthol provides a cooling sensation but is a known sensitizer that can trigger redness or burning. Furthermore, synthetic Fragrance poses a risk of contact dermatitis for sensitive individuals. The formulation is stabilized with Sodium Benzoate and Disodium EDTA, which are standard and safe, but the overall potential for skin sensitization remains elevated.
Earning a 6.6/10 overall rating, this facial cleanser is a double-edged sword. It is highly suitable as an active, clarifying wash for those with oily, robust, or acne-prone skin who benefit from Salicylic Acid and Charcoal. However, the combination of sulfates, synthetic fragrance, and menthol makes it highly unsuitable for sensitive, dry, or compromised skin barriers. It provides effective cleansing power at the cost of potential barrier disruption and irritation.
This facial cleanser is a highly clarifying, deep-cleansing gel that is specifically formulated to combat excess oil, clogged pores, and acne. Its primary cleansing power comes from a combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Cocamidopropyl Betaine. While SLES is a powerful anionic surfactant capable of producing a rich, satisfying lather and stripping away heavy sebum, the inclusion of Cocamidopropyl Betaine helps mitigate potential dryness. Additionally, humectants like Glycerin and Sorbitol are present to preserve essential skin moisture, preventing the skin from feeling completely taut or dehydrated after rinsing.
The true workhorses of this formula are Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Charcoal Powder. Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, meaning it can easily penetrate deep into the pores to dissolve dead skin cells, debris, and stubborn sebum plugs. This makes it highly effective for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and active breakouts. Charcoal Powder acts like a physical magnet to lift impurities from the surface of the skin, promoting a thoroughly detoxified complexion. This chemical exfoliation is supported by soft micro-particles composed of Cellulose, Mannitol, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which dissolve upon gentle massage to deliver a mild scrub without the micro-tears associated with harsh, jagged plastic beads.
However, this cleanser contains several sensory and aromatic ingredients that require caution. Menthol is included to provide an immediate cooling, tingling sensation that many users associate with a refreshed feel, but it can be highly sensitizing and irritating, especially when used around the delicate eye area. Furthermore, the inclusion of synthetic Fragrance increases the potential for redness and allergic contact dermatitis, especially when paired with active exfoliants. Additionally, the potent sulfate-based cleansing base can easily strip dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin types, compromising the skin barrier and potentially leading to rebound oiliness as the skin attempts to overcompensate for lost hydration.
In summary, this cleanser is an effective option for those with oily, robust, and acne-prone skin who enjoy a deeply foaming, refreshing wash that targets congestion. However, it is far too aggressive for individuals with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers, who should instead opt for milder, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free alternatives.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary carrier and solvent in the formulation.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant / Moisturizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Draws moisture into the skin, preventing dryness after washing.
🧪 Sorbitol / 山梨糖醇
Purpose: Humectant / Moisturizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps retain skin moisture and adds a pleasant skin feel.
🧪 Mannitol / 甘露糖醇
Purpose: Humectant / Moisturizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Sugar alcohol that provides hydration and skin-conditioning benefits.
🧪 Sodium Laureth Sulfate / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Surfactant / Cleansing Agent
Concerns: May cause dryness or irritation for dry or sensitive skin.
Notes: Creates rich foam and removes oil effectively, but can be stripping.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Surfactant / Cleansing Agent
Concerns: Low risk of contact allergy.
Notes: A mild co-surfactant that helps reduce the irritation of stronger surfactants.
🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸
Purpose: Active / Exfoliant (BHA)
Concerns: May cause irritation, dryness, or peeling if overused or on sensitive skin.
Notes: Dissolves sebum, unclogs pores, and helps prevent acne. Highly beneficial for oily skin.
🧪 Charcoal Powder / 炭粉
Purpose: Absorbent
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps absorb excess sebum and impurities from the skin surface.
🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30烷基丙烯酸酯交联聚合物
Purpose: Thickener / Viscosity Controlling Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Enhances product texture and helps stabilize the formula.
🧪 Polyquaternium-39 / 聚季铵盐-39
Purpose: Antistatic / Film Former / Conditioning Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Leaves a smooth, conditioned feeling on the skin after rinsing.
🧪 Cellulose / 纤维素
Purpose: Bulking / Viscosity Controlling Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Used to construct scrub particles or beads that break down when massaged.
🧪 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯
Purpose: Emollient
Concerns: Low risk of clogging pores for highly acne-prone skin.
Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, provides a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizing layer.
🧪 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose / 羟丙基甲基纤维素
Purpose: Thickener / Film Former / Emulsion Stabilizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Often used to encapsulate active ingredients or oils in beads.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Low risk of irritation.
Notes: Prevents bacterial and fungal growth in the product.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Highly alkaline in raw form, but safe when neutralized in formulation.
Notes: Used in very small quantities to adjust and balance the pH level of the cleanser.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating Agent
Concerns: None
Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent formula degradation and improve stability.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Perfuming Agent
Concerns: Potential allergen for highly sensitive skin.
Notes: Imparts a pleasant scent to mask chemical odors.
🧪 Menthol / 薄荷醇
Purpose: Cooling Agent / Fragrance
Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes and sensitive skin.
Notes: Provides a refreshing, cooling sensation upon application.
🧪 Iron Oxides / 氧化铁类
Purpose: Colorant
Concerns: None
Notes: Inorganic pigments used to color the cleanser or encapsulated beads.