The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Clay Wash
Works for
CleansingCocamidopropyl betaine, Decyl glucoside + 2 moreCleanses gently
“Formulated with bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan foothills, kaolin clay and Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya, it cleanses away dirt and impurities and helps unclog pores.”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.
Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl glucoside
Anti-blemishKaolinNot delivered
“Formulated with bamboo charcoal from the Himalayan foothills, kaolin clay and Community Trade tea tree oil from Kenya, it cleanses away dirt and impurities and helps unclog pores.”
Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy6 strong irritants: Parfum, Limonene + 4 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~3.9–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinCocamidopropyl betaine~4.8–7.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen
More about Cocamidopropyl betainePropanediol~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolKaolin~2.1–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color
More about KaolinMagnesium aluminum silicate~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation
More about Magnesium aluminum silicateDecyl glucoside~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideXanthan gum~1.2–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSodium cocoyl glycinate~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium cocoyl glycinateSodium chloride~0.85–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chlorideHydroxyacetophenone~0.5–1.1%
Phenoxyethanol~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCaprylyl glycol~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolParfum~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumCharcoal powder~0.4–0.95%
Limonene~0.2–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneLinalool~0.15–0.7%
Citric acid~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateAloe barbadensis leaf juice powder~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
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 powderEucalyptus globulus leaf oil~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be very irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Eucalyptus globulus leaf oilMelaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilMenthoxypropanediol~0.1–0.3%
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.3%
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate~0.05–0.25%
Benzyl alcohol~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholCi 77499~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Propanediol, Kaolin, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Decyl glucoside, Xanthan gum, Sodium cocoyl glycinate, Sodium chloride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl glycol, Parfum, Charcoal powder, Limonene, Linalool, Citric acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Menthoxypropanediol, Sodium hydroxide, Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, Benzyl alcohol, Ci 77499
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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.
| The Body ShopHimalayan Charcoal Purifying Clay WashYOUR PRODUCT | NaturiumThe Calmer Ceramide Body Wash | MEDIHEALRose PDRN Derma Cream Pack Cleanser | NeutrogenaUltra Gentle Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 43% | 40% | 39% |
| Price | — | $14.15 | $17.22 | $7.54 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 6 | 3 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Key difference | — | Ceramide Eop | Gluconolactone | Centella Asiatica Extract |
| Irritancy | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser BlackberryDr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Cleansing Cream
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 4 studies and safety reviews.
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