A highly clarifying gel cleanser that combines exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids with deep-cleansing agents, though its high concentration of denatured alcohol makes it potentially too drying for most skin types.
The performance rating of 6.8/10 reflects a product with capable cleansing and exfoliating properties that are unfortunately compromised by a drying formulation base. The cleanser utilizes mild, coconut-derived surfactants like Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Coco-Betaine to cleanse without stripping, while Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid act as chemical exfoliants to brighten and smooth the skin. Hydrating humectants like Glycerin and Glyceryl Glucoside help retain moisture. However, the high concentration of Alcohol Denat. (the second ingredient) significantly hinders performance by rapidly evaporating moisture, leading to tightness and potential rebound sebum production.
The safety rating of 6.1/10 is largely degraded by the formulation’s harshness. Alcohol Denat. is a major skin sensitizer when used in high percentages, capable of eroding the lipid barrier and causing irritation, redness, and dryness. Furthermore, the inclusion of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid increases skin sensitivity to sunburn and UV damage. Finally, Sodium Hydroxide is highly alkaline and, while used as a pH adjuster, can be irritating if not perfectly balanced, making this formulation unsuitable for sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
The final rating of 6.5/10 represents a formula that successfully incorporates beneficial active ingredients but delivers them in a harsh, alcohol-heavy vehicle. While users may appreciate the clarifying benefits of the AHA exfoliants and the gentle lather of the amphoteric surfactants, the long-term drying effects of Alcohol Denat. make this product difficult to recommend for daily use. It is best suited only for very oily skin types that can tolerate drying alcohols, while those with dry, normal, or sensitive skin should proceed with caution.
This facial cleanser is a double-edged sword designed to target skin congestion and uneven texture, but it carries a significant risk of dehydration. At first glance, the formulation highlights some excellent active ingredients. The inclusion of Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid—two powerful alpha-hydroxy acids—means this cleanser is chemically engineered to dissolve dead skin cells, sweep away surface impurities, and promote a brighter, smoother complexion. To balance the exfoliating action, the formula incorporates Glycerin and Glyceryl Glucoside, which are outstanding humectants that draw moisture into the skin, as well as mild, coconut-derived surfactants like Sodium Cocoamphoacetate and Coco-Betaine to cleanse without completely stripping the skin’s essential lipids. Despite these beneficial components, the primary concern lies in the formulation’s second ingredient: Alcohol Denat. (denatured alcohol). While alcohol is frequently used in skincare to deliver a lightweight, quick-drying texture and to enhance the penetration of active ingredients like AHAs, its presence at such a high concentration is highly problematic for a facial wash. Denatured alcohol rapidly evaporates, stripping away the skin’s natural moisture barrier and leaving it vulnerable to environmental stressors. Over time, regular exposure to high amounts of alcohol can lead to chronic dehydration, redness, and severe barrier disruption. Ironically, for oily skin types, this extreme stripping effect can trigger a rebound cycle where the sebaceous glands produce even more sebum to compensate for the dryness, leading to further breakouts. Consequently, while the wash may deliver a temporarily tight, “squeaky clean” sensation, it is a risky choice for daily use. Those with exceptionally resilient, very oily skin might tolerate it as an occasional treatment to control sebum, but the average user should approach it with caution. If you decide to incorporate this cleanser into your routine, it is imperative to follow up immediately with a deeply hydrating, barrier-repairing moisturizer and to restrict its use to a few times a week rather than twice daily.
🧪 Sodium Cocoamphoacetate / 椰油酰两性基乙酸钠
Purpose: Mild amphoteric surfactant and cleansing agent.
Concerns: Extremely low risk of irritation; highly safe.
Notes: Often used in sensitive skin or baby care products to gently cleanse without stripping.
🧪 Coco-Betaine / 椰油酰甜菜碱
Purpose: Mild amphoteric surfactant and foaming agent.
Concerns: Low risk of skin irritation; rare instances of contact sensitivity.
Notes: Improves foam quality, stabilizes lather, and buffers the harshness of other surfactants.
🧪 Lactic Acid / 乳酸
Purpose: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliant and mild humectant.
Concerns: Can cause mild irritation, stinging, or redness, and increases skin sensitivity to UV rays.
Notes: A gentler AHA that exfoliates dead skin cells, brightens the complexion, and hydrates the skin.
🧪 Glycolic Acid / 甘醇酸
Purpose: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliant.
Concerns: May cause skin irritation, peeling, redness, and significantly increases sun sensitivity.
Notes: The smallest AHA molecule that deeply penetrates skin to exfoliate, improve texture, and stimulate cell renewal. Daytime sunscreen is essential when using this ingredient.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant and skin-identical replenishing agent.
Concerns: None. Highly safe and well-tolerated.
Notes: A classic moisturizer that draws water into the outer layer of the skin, preventing dryness during cleansing.
🧪 Glyceryl Glucoside / 甘油葡糖苷
Purpose: Deep humectant and skin conditioning agent.
Concerns: None. Extremely safe and skin-friendly.
Notes: Stimulates Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) channels in skin cells to enhance moisture circulation and improve skin barrier function.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Primary solvent and base of the formulation.
Concerns: None. Requires high purification to avoid microbiological contamination.
Notes: Acts as a carrier to dissolve other ingredients and facilitate product application.
🧪 Alcohol Denat. / 变性乙醇
Purpose: Solvent, astringent, and penetration enhancer.
Concerns: Can be drying, irritating, and sensitizing, especially to dry or sensitive skin.
Notes: Used to provide a lightweight, quick-drying texture and help active ingredients penetrate, but can compromise the skin barrier if present in high amounts.
🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickening agent (viscosity increasing agent).
Concerns: None in rinse-off products, though potentially drying at very high concentrations.
Notes: Standard salt, commonly used to thicken surfactant-based formulas into a gel consistency.
🧪 Dehydroxanthan Gum / 脱氢黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener, stabilizer, and film former.
Concerns: None. Extremely safe.
Notes: A modified natural polysaccharide that provides a smooth, non-sticky skin feel and ensures formulation stability.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH buffering and neutralizing agent.
Concerns: Highly alkaline and irritating in its pure form, but completely safe and neutralized in the final cosmetic formulation.
Notes: Used to adjust and balance the pH of the cleanser to a level compatible with the skin, especially to neutralize active acids.