This is a foaming, physical, and chemical exfoliating facial cleanser formulated with sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), salicylic acid, and encapsulated antioxidant beads to deeply cleanse and gently renew the skin.
The cleanser offers decent cleansing and exfoliating capabilities, earning a 6.4/10 performance rating. The combination of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Cocamidopropyl Betaine creates a rich lather that effectively removes dirt and excess sebum. Active ingredients like Salicylic Acid (BHA) help to gently exfoliate skin and clear out pores, while physical biodegradable exfoliants like Microcrystalline Cellulose and Zea Mays (Corn) Starch provide mild mechanical scrubbing. Humectants such as Glycerin help mitigate dryness, and stable antioxidants like Tocopheryl Acetate and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate are present, though their benefits are limited in a rinse-off product. However, the use of SLES as the primary cleanser can be overly stripping for some skin types, capping its overall performance.
With a safety rating of 5.0/10, this formulation contains several ingredients of concern for sensitive skin. A major drawback is DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that carries a high risk of skin sensitization and contact dermatitis. Additionally, Triethanolamine (TEA) is a pH adjuster that can cause irritation and has the potential to form nitrosamines under certain conditions. The inclusion of synthetic Fragrance further increases the likelihood of allergic reactions. Potential impurities associated with Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine also present minor risks of contact allergy, making this formulation less suitable for compromised or sensitive skin barriers.
The final rating of 5.7/10 represents a compromise between effective cleansing utility and notable safety concerns. On one hand, the product successfully delivers on its primary function of deep cleansing and pore-unclogging, thanks to Salicylic Acid and a strong surfactant system. On the other hand, the incorporation of high-risk preservatives like DMDM Hydantoin, irritating pH adjusters like Triethanolamine, and artificial Fragrance significantly lowers its safety profile. While it may be suitable for oily or resilient skin types looking for a deep clean, individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin should exercise caution or seek gentler alternatives.
This facial cleanser is a hybrid formulation that combines chemical exfoliation with mild physical scrubbing action to deeply clarify the complexion. The inclusion of Salicylic Acid, a well-known oil-soluble Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), makes this product highly effective at penetrating deep inside the pores to dissolve excess sebum, debris, and dead skin cells. This makes it a great option for targeting blackheads, whiteheads, and active acne breakouts. Complementing this chemical action are soft exfoliating beads composed of microcrystalline cellulose, starch, and sugars. These beads encapsulate nourishing antioxidants, specifically Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) and a stable form of Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate), which burst upon massaging to defend the skin against environmental stressors and promote a brighter, more radiant tone. However, the primary cleansing power comes from Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). While SLES is significantly gentler than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it remains a strong, high-foaming surfactant. For individuals with oily, congested, or robust skin, this provides a thoroughly clean, refreshed feeling. But for those with dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin barriers, SLES can strip away the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leading to a tight, uncomfortable sensation post-wash. Although humectants like Glycerin are included to offset this drying effect, they may not fully counteract the stripping nature of the sulfates for delicate skin. Furthermore, the formula contains DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. While completely safe under strict cosmetic regulations, it can trigger sensitivities in some individuals. Combined with added Fragrance, this cleanser carries a higher potential for irritation, particularly around the delicate eye area or on eczema-prone skin. In conclusion, this is a powerful clarifying wash. It is an excellent fit for those with oily, acne-prone, or dull skin who want a deep, foaming cleanse that refines texture and sweeps away sebum. Conversely, individuals with dry, highly sensitive, or barrier-compromised skin should likely look for a gentler, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free alternative to avoid unnecessary irritation.
🧪 SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE / 月桂醇聚醚硫酸酯钠
Purpose: Surfactant and cleansing agent
Concerns: Can be stripping or drying for sensitive skin types.
Notes: Provides rich lather and strong cleansing ability.
🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱
Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant
Concerns: Low; potential risk of contact allergy from impurities.
Notes: A gentle cleanser that mitigates the potential harshness of stronger sulfates.
🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE / 椰油酰胺丙基二甲胺
Purpose: Emulsifying surfactant
Concerns: Low
Notes: Often formulated with salicylic acid to help stabilize it and improve lipid-barrier compatibility.
🧪 WATER / 水
Purpose: Solvent
Concerns: None
Notes: The primary carrier and solvent in the formula.
🧪 ACRYLATES COPOLYMER / 丙烯酸酯共聚物
Purpose: Viscosity controller and film former
Concerns: Low
Notes: Used to suspend active microcapsules or scrub beads and build thickness.
🧪 TRIETHANOLAMINE / 三乙醇胺
Purpose: pH Adjuster
Concerns: May cause irritation at higher concentrations.
Notes: Helps neutralize polymer thickeners and balance formula pH.
🧪 MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE / 微晶纤维素
Purpose: Physical exfoliant and texturizer
Concerns: None
Notes: Biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads for gentle physical exfoliation.
🧪 ZEA MAYS (CORN) STARCH / 玉米淀粉
Purpose: Absorbent, carrier, and binder
Concerns: None
Notes: Acts as a natural binder and matrix for encapsulated active ingredients.
🧪 CELLULOSE ACETATE BUTYRATE / 醋酸丁酸纤维素
Purpose: Film former and binder
Concerns: None
Notes: Often used in encapsulated bead formulations to protect active ingredients from degradation.
🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant
Concerns: None
Notes: Classic hydrating agent that offsets drying effects of surfactants.
🧪 MANNITOL / 甘露糖醇
Purpose: Humectant and antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: Protects skin and aids in stabilizing active-carrying microcapsules.
🧪 SUCROSE / 蔗糖
Purpose: Humectant and skin conditioning
Concerns: None
Notes: Provides natural hydration and aids in particle structure solubility.
🧪 SALICYLIC ACID / 水杨酸
Purpose: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) exfoliant
Concerns: Can cause irritation, redness, or peeling in sensitive skin.
Notes: Oil-soluble acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum and fight acne.
🧪 TOCOPHERYL ACETATE / 生育酚乙酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant (Vitamin E)
Concerns: Very low
Notes: Helps protect skin lipids from oxidative stress and conditions the skin.
🧪 ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE / 抗坏血酸四异棕榈酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant and skin brightener (Vitamin C)
Concerns: None
Notes: A highly stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects.
🧪 DMDM HYDANTOIN / DMDM 乙内酰脲
Purpose: Preservative
Concerns: Formaldehyde donor; can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Notes: Highly effective broad-spectrum preservative to prevent microbial growth.
🧪 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE / 季戊四醇四(双-叔丁基羟基氢化肉桂酸)酯
Purpose: Product antioxidant
Concerns: None
Notes: Stabilizes oil-based active ingredients against degradation and color changes.
🧪 FRAGRANCE / 香精
Purpose: Perfuming agent
Concerns: Potential skin allergen and sensitizer.
Notes: Enhances the scent of the product but might irritate sensitive skin.
🧪 TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) / 二氧化钛
Purpose: Opacifier and colorant
Concerns: None for wash-off cosmetics
Notes: Provides a white base color and opacity to the cleanser or encapsulated beads.
🧪 IRON OXIDES (CI 77491) / 氧化铁红
Purpose: Cosmetic colorant (Red)
Concerns: None
Notes: Mineral-derived pigment used to color encapsulated active beads.
🧪 IRON OXIDES (CI 77492) / 氧化铁黄
Purpose: Cosmetic colorant (Yellow)
Concerns: None
Notes: Mineral-derived pigment used to color encapsulated active beads.