men-u Healthy Facial Wash

men-u Healthy Facial Wash

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium laureth sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine + 2 more
Can be harsh
What the product description says
“Healthy Facial Wash”
Source: Mankind

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin.

It contains the following cleansing agents that tend to be harsh on the skin: sodium laureth sulfate.

The following cleansing agents are typically mild, but still can cause an irritation or allergy for some people cocamidopropyl betaine.

Keep in mind that cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Sodium laureth sulfateEffect: HighWorks as a foaming cleansing agent~5.2–6.4%
Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~4.3–5.3%
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateEffect: HighHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent~2.2–2.7%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.65–1%
Anti-blemish
Niacinamide ~0.25–0.4%, below the ~1% it needs
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Ideal for oily T-zones, it helps protect against spots and shaving rash.”
Source: Mankind

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.4–0.6%
NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.25–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
7 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Mentha piperita oil + 5 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 22 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Sodium laureth sulfateWorks as a foaming cleansing agentHigh~5.2–6.4%est.
Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~4.3–5.3%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~1.7–2%est.
Mentha piperita oilUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~1.1–1.3%est.
Hamamelis virginiana leaf extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.65%est.
Benzophenone-4Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritatingHigh~0.6–0.9%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
MethylchloroisothiazolinoneA preservative. Is a frequent allergen in cosmeticsHigh~0.00075–0.0015%est.
MethylisothiazolinoneA preservative. Is a frequent allergenHigh~0.00075–0.0015%est.
Ci 15985A colorantHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
Ci 16035A red dyeHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoateHelps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~2.2–2.7%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.4–1.7%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.4–0.65%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.4–0.6%est.
Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.3–0.55%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Ci 42090A colorant (dye)Medium~0.05%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Ci 16035A red dye3/5~0.05–0.1%est.
Sodium laureth sulfateWorks as a foaming cleansing agent2/5~5.2–6.4%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.4–5.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Sodium laureth sulfate~5.2–6.4%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Works as a foaming cleansing agent

More about Sodium laureth sulfate
Cocamidopropyl betaine~4.3–5.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine
Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate~2.2–2.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oils and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~1.7–2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Peg-12 dimethicone~1.5–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Peg-12 dimethicone
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Mentha piperita oil~1.1–1.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita oil
Panthenol~0.95–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Xanthan gum~0.65–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Sodium pca~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

More about Sodium pca
Sodium lactate~0.5–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract~0.45–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract
Benzophenone-4~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Sulisobenzone. A UV filter. Is typically used to improve the product stability under exposure to UV light. It is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It can be used is larger concentrations as a sun protection ingredient for the skin, but can be irritating

More about Benzophenone-4
Disodium edta~0.4–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Sodium hydroxide~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Lactic acid~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid
Triethylene glycol~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Benzyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Propylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Limonene~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Glycine~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine
Niacinamide~0.25–0.4%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Fructose~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Fructose
Urea~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea
Inositol~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Inositol
Potassium sorbate~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Magnesium nitrate~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Magnesium chloride~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps thicken the product formulation

More about Magnesium chloride
Methylchloroisothiazolinone~0.00075–0.0015%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Is a frequent allergen in cosmetics

More about Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone~0.00075–0.0015%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Is a frequent allergen

More about Methylisothiazolinone
Ci 15985~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A colorant

More about Ci 15985
Ci 16035~0.05–0.1%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Comedogenicity
3/5

A red dye

More about Ci 16035
Ci 42090~0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A colorant (dye)

More about Ci 42090
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Sodium laureth sulfate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Peg-7 glyceryl cocoate, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Peg-12 dimethicone, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Mentha piperita oil, Panthenol, Xanthan gum, Sodium pca, Sodium lactate, Hamamelis virginiana leaf extract, Benzophenone-4, Disodium edta, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Sodium hydroxide, Lactic acid, Triethylene glycol, Benzyl alcohol, Propylene glycol, Limonene, Sodium benzoate, Glycine, Niacinamide, Fructose, Urea, Inositol, Potassium sorbate, Magnesium nitrate, Citric acid, Magnesium chloride, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Ci 15985, Ci 16035, Ci 42090

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 00:30 GMT
$13.96
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
men-uHealthy Facial WashYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeGel Moussant Anti-ImperfectionsISDINAcniben Teen Klärender ReinigungsschaumPaula's choiceHYDRALIGHT One Step Face Cleanser
Match—79%75%75%
Price$13.96———
Shared key ingredients—4 of 157 of 1512 of 15
Key difference—Salicylic AcidArginineAllantoin
Irritancy High Low Medium Medium
Drying alcohol—— Contains drying alcohol —
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