Medix 5.5 Glycolic Lactic Acid Body Wash Two Pack 15 fl oz Exfoliating Face and Body Cleanser
Lower PFAS concern. Rinse-off liquid cleanser, typical formula.
Medix body wash is a rinse-off liquid cosmetic with no disclosed PFAS-prone ingredients or treatments. Standard surfactant-based formulations pose lower concern than personal care items with water repellency or special coatings.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water, glycolic acid, lactic acid, surfactants, preservatives
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
You may also be interested in
Top-graded picks in the categories readers replace first, every one scored on the same rubric.
- polypropylene filter housing, carbon/sediment cartridge
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial growth in spent cartridges
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Aquasure
Premier Series 75 GPD Under Sink Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
- RO membrane, carbon filters, stainless steel housing
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Bacterial and microbial growth in housing and filters
4 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Avocado
Vegan Mattress
- organic cotton, natural latex, coconut coir, recycled steel coils
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Heavy metals
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
What Medix 5.5 Glycolic Lactic Body Cleanser is made of, ingredients and materials
This is a water-based liquid cleanser formulated with glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) and lactic acid (a gentler hydroxy acid) as the active exfoliants, combined with surfactants and preservatives. Glycolic and lactic acids work by loosening dead skin cells and are rinsed away after brief contact; they are not persistent in the product or on skin long-term. The formulation is designed to be diluted and washed off, which limits skin contact time and systemic absorption risk compared to leave-on products.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens and sensitizers
Product label does not explicitly disclose fragrance ingredients or whether fragrance is present. If fragrance is used, typical rinse-off contact limits exposure, but individuals with fragrance sensitivity or compromised skin barrier should verify ingredient absence before use.
Hydroxy acid irritation and barrier damage
Glycolic and lactic acids are known to cause irritation, erythema, and temporary barrier disruption if over-applied, applied to broken skin, or used too frequently. This is a category-level hazard, not specific to Medix, but users with sensitive skin or active dermatitis should use with caution and reduced frequency.
Microbial contamination if improperly stored or contaminated during use
Liquid cleansers are susceptible to bacterial or fungal growth if the bottle is stored in warm, humid environments or if water or bacteria are introduced during use. This is a use and storage concern, not a manufacturing defect on record, but best practice is to keep the pump or dispenser clean and avoid direct contact between fingers and product.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No specific formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (e.g., DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea) are disclosed on the label or in public product information for this product. Standard rinse-off cleanser preservatives are unlikely to pose concern given immediate dilution and removal.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No pigments, dyes, or colorants are indicated in the product description or typical formulation of clear exfoliating cleansers. Risk is not on record for this product category unless additional coloring agents are present.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Medix does not publicly disclose detailed safety data sheets or certifications for this product on record. The brand has no documented recalls, safety controversies, or third-party safety certifications (e.g., EWG Verified, Dermatologist Tested labeling) prominently associated with this line. There is no available evidence of independent testing or public commitment to ingredient transparency beyond the label.
How it compares in its category
Glycolic and lactic acid cleansers are mainstream category products; this formulation sits in the mid-range accessibility tier. Many competing brands (e.g., The Ordinary, Paula's Choice, CeraVe) offer similar or slightly higher-transparency products with third-party testing or dermatological backing. Medix's two-pack format and price point suggest a mass-market positioning; ingredient lists are standard and not notably different from competitors.
If you buy it
Use as directed, apply to damp skin, massage gently for a few seconds, and rinse thoroughly with water. Do not leave on skin for extended periods; exfoliating acids can cause irritation if over-applied or if skin barrier is compromised. Discontinue if redness, burning, or sensitization develops, and perform a patch test if you have sensitive or reactive skin. Store in a cool, dry place and use within the recommended timeframe after opening; liquid cleansers can degrade if exposed to heat or direct sunlight over time.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Medix has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More body wash grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.