NEOSTRATA Restore - Facial Cleanser Gentle Gel Face Wash

NEOSTRATA Restore - Facial Cleanser Gentle Gel Face Wash

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Cleansing
Glyceryl stearate, Peg-100 stearate +ย 7ย more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
โ€œFacial Cleanser Gentle Gel Face Washโ€
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 (carbomer, ceteth-20, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, peg-75 stearate, polysorbate 20, steareth-20, 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.

Glyceryl stearateEffect: HighAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~2.5โ€“3.7%
Peg-100 stearateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture~1โ€“1.5%
Cetyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.45โ€“1.1%
Ceteth-20Effect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~0.1โ€“0.35%
Steareth-20Effect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.1โ€“0.3%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.05โ€“0.15%
CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.05โ€“0.25%
Polysorbate 20Effect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.05โ€“0.2%
Peg-75 stearateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~0.01โ€“0.05%
Exfoliation
Acetyl glucosamine, Retinol
Works well
What the product description says
โ€œis found naturally in the skin and provides antiaging and gentle exfoliating benefits without sun sensitivity.โ€
Source: Feelunique

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: retinol.

Acetyl glucosamineKey activeEffect: MediumAn effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin~4.3โ€“6.5%
RetinolKey activeEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.05โ€“0.25%
Anti-blemish
Not advertised by the brand ยท Retinol
Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

RetinolHeroEffect: HighTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating~0.05โ€“0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Retinol, Rosa damascena flower oil
Medium risk
We flagged 21 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamateOctinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritatingHigh7.5%
RetinolTwo steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritatingHigh~0.05โ€“0.25%est.
Rosa damascena flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05โ€“0.25%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.05โ€“0.1%est.
MethyldihydrojasmonateUsed as a fragrance. Smells similar to jasmineHigh~0.05โ€“0.25%est.
Ethylene brassylateA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05โ€“0.1%est.
Ci 19140A yellow dyeHigh~0.05โ€“0.1%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium3%
Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownMedium~4.1โ€“6.2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05โ€“0.25%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.05โ€“0.3%est.
Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.05โ€“0.25%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.05โ€“0.25%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05โ€“0.15%est.
BhtA preservativeMedium~0.01โ€“0.1%est.
Peg-75 stearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.01โ€“0.05%est.
Ceteth-20Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.1โ€“0.35%est.
Steareth-20Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1โ€“0.3%est.
Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.05โ€“0.15%est.
ChlorphenesinA preservativeMedium~0.05โ€“0.15%est.
Ci 17200A red colorantMedium~0.01โ€“0.1%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0โ€“5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0โ€“5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1.4โ€“2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate7.5%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Sun protection

Octinoxate. When used in higher concentrations, works as a sunscreen protecting the skin from UVB rays. When used in lower concentration, helps to preserve the product formulation. Is shown to be harmful to coral reefs - consider avoiding bathing in coral reef areas when wearing a product with this ingredient. It can be irritating

More about Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
Ethylhexyl salicylate5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate
Water~40โ€“60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Acetyl glucosamine~4.3โ€“6.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Evens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-agingExfoliation

An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin

More about Acetyl glucosamine
Butyloctyl salicylate~4.1โ€“6.2%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own

More about Butyloctyl salicylate
Cyclopentasiloxane~3.3โ€“5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps improve the product texture and spreadability. Can absorb oil creating a short-term mattifying effect on the skin

More about Cyclopentasiloxane
Glyceryl stearate~2.5โ€“3.7%
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
Butylene glycol~1.6โ€“2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.4โ€“2%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Peg-100 stearate~1โ€“1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate
Dimethicone~0.95โ€“1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Cetyl alcohol~0.45โ€“1.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Nylon-12~0.45โ€“1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a nice product consistency

More about Nylon-12
Triacontanyl pvp~0.2โ€“0.75%
Formula
Retinol~0.05โ€“0.25%
Hero ยท Anti-blemishIrritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MattifyingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidationExfoliation

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

More about Retinol
Citric acid~0.05โ€“0.25%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

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

More about Citric acid
Palmitoyl tripeptide-1~0.1โ€“0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.1โ€“0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
Coffea arabica fruit extract~0.05โ€“0.25%
Formula
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05โ€“0.3%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Rosa damascena flower oil~0.05โ€“0.25%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Rosa damascena flower oil
Punica granatum extract~0.05โ€“0.25%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract
Arginine~0.05โ€“0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Glycerin~0.05โ€“0.25%
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
Propylene glycol~0.05โ€“0.1%
Irritant ยท 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
Cyclohexasiloxane~0.05โ€“0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that serves as an emollient. Helps create a nice non-greasy feels

More about Cyclohexasiloxane
Caprylyl glycol~0.05โ€“0.25%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Dimethiconol~0.05โ€“0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that makes products more spreadable and keeps skin smooth. Helps to add gloss to skin and may visually fill in fine lines/wrinkles for short time

More about Dimethiconol
Disodium edta~0.05โ€“0.15%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Bht~0.01โ€“0.1%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Bht
Xanthan gum~0.05โ€“0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Peg-75 stearate~0.01โ€“0.05%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-75 stearate
Ceteth-20~0.1โ€“0.35%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Ceteth-20
Steareth-20~0.1โ€“0.3%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Steareth-20
Polysorbate 20~0.05โ€“0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 20
Triethyl citrate~0.05โ€“0.15%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.05โ€“0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Methyldihydrojasmonate~0.05โ€“0.25%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Smells similar to jasmine

More about Methyldihydrojasmonate
Carbomer~0.05โ€“0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Ethylene brassylate~0.05โ€“0.1%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Ethylene brassylate
Phenoxyethanol~0.05โ€“0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Chlorphenesin~0.05โ€“0.15%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Chlorphenesin
Ci 19140~0.05โ€“0.1%
Irritant ยท high
Irritation risk
High

A yellow dye

More about Ci 19140
Ci 17200~0.01โ€“0.1%
Irritant ยท medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A red colorant

More about Ci 17200
Ingredient list view

Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Water, Acetyl glucosamine, Butyloctyl salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl stearate, Butylene glycol, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Peg-100 stearate, Dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol, Nylon-12, Triacontanyl pvp, Retinol, Citric acid, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Coffea arabica fruit extract, Tocopheryl acetate, Rosa damascena flower oil, Punica granatum extract, Arginine, Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylyl glycol, Dimethiconol, Disodium edta, Bht, Xanthan gum, Peg-75 stearate, Ceteth-20, Steareth-20, Polysorbate 20, Triethyl citrate, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Carbomer, Ethylene brassylate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Ci 19140, Ci 17200

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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
NEOSTRATARestore - Facial Cleanser Gentle Gel Face WashYOUR PRODUCTDerma EVitamin C Daily Brightening CleanserREVOLUTION SKINCARERetinol Smoothing Cream CleanserUrban Skin RxEven Tone Gentle Gel Cleanser
Matchโ€”75%74%74%
Priceโ€”$15.77โ€”$16.00
Shared key ingredientsโ€”3 of 237 of 231 of 23
Key differenceโ€”NiacinamideCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideAzelaic Acid
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Low
Drying alcoholโ€”โ€” Contains drying alcohol โ€”
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More alternatives: Cleaning Supply Retinol 24 + Peptide Face Wash, Smoothing, Sulfate-FreeYEOUTH Vitamin C Facial Cleanser Day/Night Cream

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 22 studies and safety reviews.

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NEOSTRATA Restore - Facial Cleanser Gentle Gel Face Wash
NEOSTRATARestore - Facial Cleanser Gentle Gel Face Wash

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.