A medicated exfoliating cleanser utilizing Salicylic Acid and Cellulose beads to target oily and acne-prone skin.
This cleanser features Salicylic Acid for chemical exfoliation and Cellulose for physical exfoliation, making it effective for acne-prone and oily skin. However, the use of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as a primary surfactant can be excessively stripping, potentially leading to a compromised moisture barrier and compensatory oil production.
The formula contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is widely recognized as a skin irritant that can cause redness and dryness. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fragrance increases the risk of allergic sensitization, particularly for those with reactive or compromised skin.
Overall, this is a functional medicated cleanser for those needing deep pore cleansing, but it is formulated with dated surfactants that may be too harsh for daily use. While it will effectively clear debris, users should be wary of potential irritation and follow up with a strong moisturizer to counteract the drying effects of the SLS and BHA combination.
This facial cleanser is designed as a dual-action treatment that merges chemical and physical exfoliation to combat acne and skin congestion. At its core, the formula utilizes Salicylic Acid, a well-known beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve sebum and prevent future breakouts. Complementing this chemical process is Cellulose, which provides a mechanical scrubbing action to slough off dead surface skin cells. Together, these ingredients aim to leave the skin feeling exceptionally smooth and clear. However, the presence of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a noteworthy inclusion that users should approach with caution. SLS is a powerful surfactant that produces a rich lather but is also notorious for being potentially irritating and drying. It can strip the skin of its natural oils, which might lead to a “squeaky clean” feeling that actually signifies a disrupted skin barrier. While the formula includes Glycerin and various fatty alcohols such as Stearyl, Cetyl, and Cetearyl Alcohol to provide moisture and maintain a creamy texture, these emollients may not fully offset the stripping nature of the sulfate for everyone. The addition of conditioning agents like Distearyldimonium Chloride and PPG-15 Stearyl Ether attempts to leave a soft after-feel on the skin, but they may mask the underlying dryness caused by the surfactants. Furthermore, the inclusion of Fragrance and Steareth-21 emulsifiers suggests that this product is geared more toward sensory appeal rather than being a “clean” or minimalist formula. Those with fragrance sensitivities or allergic contact dermatitis should be wary. The pH is likely adjusted with Sodium Hydroxide to ensure the Salicylic Acid is effective, yet the combination of physical beads and a harsh surfactant makes this product quite aggressive. Ultimately, this cleanser is best suited for individuals with very oily or resilient skin who are struggling with persistent blackheads and dullness. It is less ideal for daily use by those with normal or combination skin, as the cumulative effect of SLS and dual exfoliation could lead to redness or increased sensitivity over time. If you choose to incorporate this into your routine, it is highly recommended to follow up with a ceramide-rich moisturizer to replenish the lipid barrier and protect the skin from dehydration. Using it once every other day, rather than twice daily, might also help mitigate potential irritation.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Main solvent and base
Concerns: None
Notes: Forms the foundation of the liquid formulation.
🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸
Purpose: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) exfoliant
Concerns: Can cause dryness or irritation if used too frequently.
Notes: Effective for deep pore cleansing and treating acne.
🧪 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / 十二烷基硫酸钠
Purpose: Surfactant and foaming agent
Concerns: Known to be a potential skin irritant and can strip natural oils.
Notes: Commonly abbreviated as SLS, used for its high cleansing power.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Attracts water to the skin to maintain hydration.
🧪 PPG-15 Stearyl Ether / PPG-15 硬脂醇醚
Purpose: Emollient and skin conditioner
Concerns: Low concern
Notes: Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel to the skin.
🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient and emulsion stabilizer
Concerns: Low concern
Notes: A fatty alcohol that does not irritate the skin like simple alcohols.
🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇
Purpose: Emollient and thickening agent
Concerns: Generally safe, though can be mildly comedogenic for some.
Notes: Helps stabilize the cream texture.
🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇
Purpose: Emollient and stabilizer
Concerns: Low concern
Notes: A mixture of fatty alcohols used to soften the skin.
🧪 Behenyl Alcohol / 山嵛醇
Purpose: Emollient and binder
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps thicken the product and prevent separation.
🧪 Cetearyl Glucoside / 鲸蜡硬脂基葡糖苷
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: None
Notes: Helps oil and water mix; often derived from plants.
🧪 Distearyldimonium Chloride / 二硬脂基二甲基氯化铵
Purpose: Conditioning agent and antistatic
Concerns: Low concern
Notes: Commonly used to improve the skin-feel of the product.
🧪 Steareth-21 / 硬脂醇聚醚-21
Purpose: Emulsifier and surfactant
Concerns: May contain trace impurities from manufacturing.
Notes: Helps maintain a stable emulsion.
🧪 Steareth-2 / 硬脂醇聚醚-2
Purpose: Emulsifier
Concerns: May contain trace impurities from manufacturing.
Notes: Used to create stable cream textures.
🧪 Cellulose / 纤维素
Purpose: Thickener and mild exfoliant
Concerns: None
Notes: Natural polymer used for texture or physical scrubbing.
🧪 Fragrance / 香精
Purpose: Scenting agent
Concerns: Frequent cause of contact dermatitis or allergies.
Notes: Used to mask chemical odors and provide a pleasant scent.
🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: Highly alkaline/caustic in concentrated form.
Notes: Used in tiny amounts to balance the acidity of the product.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating agent
Concerns: Low concern
Notes: Prevents minerals in water from reacting with other ingredients.