CARE:NEL Cicavita B5 Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser

CARE:NEL Cicavita B5 Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser

Efficacy33/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Cleansing
Palmitic acid, Myristic acid + 5 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Cicavita B5 Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser”
From product name

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (capric acid, glyceryl stearate, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, sodium cocoyl alaninate, stearic acid) 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.

Palmitic acidEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it~3.4–5%
Myristic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic~2.6–3.9%
Stearic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~2.1–3.1%
Lauric acidEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~1.7–2.6%
Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~1.3–1.9%
Sodium cocoyl alaninateEffect: High~1–1.45%
Capric acidEffect: High~0.1–0.4%
Anti-blemish
Lauric acid, Centella asiatica extract + 2 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Gently exfoliates your skin and clears clogged waste in pores for a smooth finish.”
Source: Yesstyle

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Lauric acidEffect: LowHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes~1.7–2.6%
Centella asiatica extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.1%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.2–0.75%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)0.1%
Exfoliation
Gluconolactone, Salicylic acid
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Gently exfoliates your skin and clears clogged waste in pores for a smooth finish.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.2–0.75%
Salicylic acidUnder-dosedUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)0.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Parfum, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract
Medium risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extractAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh0.1%
Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High0.1%
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~2.6–3.9%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishesMedium~1.7–2.6%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~1.4–2.1%est.
Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium1%
Potassium benzoateHelps preserve the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.1%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
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~2.6–3.9%est.
Lauric acidHelps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes3/5~1.7–2.6%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4.7–7%
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
Palmitic acid~3.4–5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it

More about Palmitic acid
Myristic acid~2.6–3.9%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Stearic acid~2.1–3.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Lauric acid~1.7–2.6%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
CleansingAntibacterialAnti-blemish

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

More about Lauric acid
Potassium hydroxide~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Glyceryl stearate~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate
Sodium cocoyl alaninate~1–1.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sodium cocoyl alaninate
Centella asiatica extract1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Reduces irritationReduces rednessMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-agingAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract
Beeswax~0.9–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Beeswax
Potassium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps preserve the product formulation

More about Potassium benzoate
Parfum~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Tranexamic acid~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino acid that is effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and evening out the skin tone. It can also help in skin barrier recovery. It is used to treat melasma, especially with injections and when taken orally

More about Tranexamic acid
Panthenol0.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

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

More about Panthenol
Gluconolactone~0.2–0.75%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Polyquaternium-7~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

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

More about Polyquaternium-7
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract
Disodium edta~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Salicylic acid0.1%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid
Capric acid~0.1–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Capric acid
1,2-hexanediol~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Palmitic acid, Myristic acid, Stearic acid, Lauric acid, Potassium hydroxide, Glyceryl stearate, Sodium cocoyl alaninate, Centella asiatica extract, Beeswax, Potassium benzoate, Parfum, Tranexamic acid, Panthenol, Gluconolactone, Polyquaternium-7, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf extract, Disodium edta, Salicylic acid, Capric acid, 1,2-hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin

Compare prices

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 12:09 GMT
$14.90
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Yesstyle
$21.20
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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
CARE:NELCicavita B5 Salicylic Acid Gentle CleanserYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeRenewing SA Face Cleanser for Normal CleanserNiche Beauty labPHA Soft Peeling CleanserTransparent LabPHA Soft Peeling Cleanser
Match—79%78%78%
Price$21.20$9.89−$11.31——
Shared key ingredients—3 of 143 of 143 of 14
Key difference—NiacinamidePeg-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesPeg-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 31 studies and safety reviews.

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CARE:NEL Cicavita B5 Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser
CARE:NELCicavita B5 Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.