In deciding whether or not to use a facewash, I apply this quite rudimentary and basic test of my own design:
1) What are the cleansing agents (surfactants) present?
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate | Cocamido propyl betaine | Glycerine (2nd) | DMDM Hydantoin |
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?
No.
Formaldehyde, is a chemical that is used in embalming and is per se not permitted for use in cosmetics. DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde releasing preservative. This is an approved preservative, which means that the quantity of formaldehyde that is released is not of concern. In addition, this product has methylparaben. I don’t use products with parabens. Parabens are cheap and effective preservatives. They are also estrogen mimickers and if you are thinking PCOS, then you are not the only one. (See also Chemicals to Avoid: parabens)
If you wish to use this product, because you don’t care about the nature of chemicals it contains, then please continue reading.
3) Does the product have glycerin?
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?
The gel has an extremely awful lemon smell. It is enough to make me suicidal – of course, I am exaggerating. However, it is not a nice smell and if you are a regular reader you know I love my smells!
This facewash produces a fair amount of foam and is less drying than fabindia and unhappily married but more drying than kaya
What is my view?
Ignoring the preservative system, I wouldn’t buy this product or use it with a barge pool. I was not at all happy with the disgusting smell and it was a fairly drying facewash. I can live without it.
Available for sale for INR 175