Clean & Clear are a Johnson & Johsnon brand and despite the whole talcum powder incident, I am a fan of this brand. I am hoping this cheap as chips facewash doesn’t dent my image of J&J.
In deciding whether or not to use a facewash, I apply this quite rudimentary and basic test of my own design:
This is an oil-free formulation from Clean & Clear (who are a Johnson & Johnson brand).
1) What are the surfactants present and are they mild?
| Sodium Laurteh Sulfate (2nd ingredient) | Cocamido propyl betaine (5th ingredient) |
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate has great detergency action: its great at removing dirt and grim. But its primarily used because it produces foam and good lather. (Asians like their facewashes to foam).
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant and its present because it reduces the irritation potential of the other sulphate based detergents.
The combination of these surfactants should produce a mild to medium strong cleansing agent. If you have sensitive skin or prefer mild cleansers, this is not for you.
2) Does the product have a good preservative system?
This product contains Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and its companion Methylcholorisothiazolinone. MI is a preservative and a biocide. It’s used in industrial products (paints, adhesives, varnishes), household products and in the USA and India, its also used in cosmetics, shampoos, and sunscreens.
MI is banned in the European Union (EU) in leave-on products, such as sunscreen as its a contact allergen. The EU reached this decision after finding sufficient data in a bunch of European countries that showed not only was MI a contact allergen but also the number of incidences of contact allergy to MI were increasing. In the US, the status of MI is under review but in 2013, the American Contact Dermatitis Society named in as “Allergen of the Year.”
See this Should you avoid products with Methylisothiazolinone? for more information.
However, it is permitted in rinse-off products.
My personal view is that this may cause irritation over time because of how I use this facewash. Am I always going to leave my facewash on for a few seconds or will there be many times when I leave it on for 30 seconds+? What is the prolonged impact of this on my skin? But I don’t want to be that guinea pig that finds out if my skin becomes sensitised over time. I just don’t.
Therefore, I do not use MI in leave-on or rinse-off products.
I respect that you may wish to ignore this and please continue reading?
2) Is there any glycerine?
Yes, this product has glycerine. Glycerine keeps the skin hydrated by reducing the amount of trans-epidermal water loss.
See also The Critical Importance of Glycerin in the Skin
4) Does the product irritate or dry the skin?
This product is a transparent lemon coloured smell. It has a pungent lemon smell much like dishwashing liquid. A lot of foam is produced BUT its not a drying formulation. It is surprisingly less drying than Neutrogena, Fabindia, Richfeel or Happily Unmarried facewashes.
Will I use this product again?
Ignoring the preservative system, I would buy this.
Available for sale for Rs 130 for 100ml.
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