RITUALS

RITUALS The Ritual of Namaste Skin Brightening Face Exfoliator

Name: RITUALS - The Ritual of Namaste Skin Brightening Face Exfoliator
Brand: RITUALS

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing

Cetearyl alcohol, Sodium stearoyl glutamate + 2 more

Cleanses gently

What the product description says

“Cleanse and refine your complexion with The Ritual of Namasté Skin Brightening Face Exfoliator , a natural exfoliating cleanser from a collection which respects both nature and your natural beauty by using responsibly sourced or naturally derived ingredients.”

Source: Lookfantastic

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cetearyl alcohol, cetearyl glucoside, sodium stearoyl glutamate, 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.

Cetearyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~3.3–4.9%

Sodium stearoyl glutamateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.3–0.75%

Cetearyl glucosideEffect: HighHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture~0.2–0.75%

Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.1–0.5%

Exfoliation

Gluconolactone ~0.35–0.75%, below the ~1% it needs

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“Turning your skincare routine into a soulful ritual, the gentle exfoliating cleanser uses natural scrub particles from Bamboo to delicately polish skin without irritating.”

Source: Lookfantastic

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~0.35–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Calendula officinalis flower extract, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Calendula officinalis flower extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritatingHigh~1–1.5%est.

Nelumbo nucifera flower extract—High~0.45–1.1%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.3%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~5.2–7.8%est.

Bambusa arundinacea stem powderAbrasive ingredient used for physical exfoliation (scrubing)Medium~2.2–3.3%est.

Hydrogenated coco-glyceridesHelps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skinMedium~1.5–2.2%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~1.3–1.9%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~0.35–0.75%est.

Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.2–0.75%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.75%est.

Acacia senegal gumHelps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product textureMedium~0.15–0.55%est.

Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.1–0.45%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.1–0.4%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.35%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

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~3.3–4.9%est.

Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~1.3–1.9%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Skingredients PreProbiotic Cleanse

Higher efficacy · 100/10054% match

Estelle and Thild Organic Silky Soft Cleansing Milk

Higher efficacy · 100/10052% match

View all alternatives

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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

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~5.2–7.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Cetearyl alcohol~3.3–4.9%

Comedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Glycerin~2.8–4.2%

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

Bambusa arundinacea stem powder~2.2–3.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Abrasive ingredient used for physical exfoliation (scrubing)

More about Bambusa arundinacea stem powder

Sesamum indicum seed oil~1.8–2.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A good moisturizing plant oil. Due to the high linoleic acid content, it helps soften the upper layer of the skin, reduce water loss and support skin barrier function

More about Sesamum indicum seed oil

Hydrogenated coco-glycerides~1.5–2.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together while creating a nice finish on the skin

More about Hydrogenated coco-glycerides

Glycine soja oil~1.3–1.9%

Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil

Calendula officinalis flower extract~1–1.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties. Can be irritating

More about Calendula officinalis flower extract

Moringa pterygosperma seed extract~0.85–1.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Moringa pterygosperma seed extract

Nelumbo nucifera flower extract~0.45–1.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

More about Nelumbo nucifera flower extract

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.4–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Gluconolactone~0.35–0.75%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

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

Calcium gluconate~0.3–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate

Cetearyl glucoside~0.2–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.75%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Bisabolol~0.15–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol

Maltodextrin~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

Tocopherol~0.15–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Acacia senegal gum~0.15–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps mask the small of other ingredients and improve the product texture

More about Acacia senegal gum

Xanthan gum~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Phytic acid~0.1–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid

Citric acid~0.1–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.05–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Limonene~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Linalool~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Citral~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Parfum~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetearyl alcohol, Glycerin, Bambusa arundinacea stem powder, Sesamum indicum seed oil, Hydrogenated coco-glycerides, Glycine soja oil, Calendula officinalis flower extract, Moringa pterygosperma seed extract, Nelumbo nucifera flower extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Gluconolactone, Calcium gluconate, Cetearyl glucoside, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Bisabolol, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Acacia senegal gum, Xanthan gum, Phytic acid, Citric acid, Sodium hydroxide, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Parfum

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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
	RITUALSThe Ritual of Namaste Skin Brightening Face ExfoliatorYOUR PRODUCT	SkingredientsPreProbiotic Cleanse	Estelle and ThildOrganic Silky Soft Cleansing Milk	Hero CosmeticsGentle Milky Cleanser
Match	—	54%	52%	51%
Price	—	—	—	—
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 11	4 of 11	3 of 11
Key difference	—	Myristyl Myristate	Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract	Ceramide Np
Irritancy	High	Low	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 28 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Protein and oil composition of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum, L.) grown in the Gizan area of Saudi Arabiatandfonline.com
3
Triglyceride composition of Sesamum indicum seed oilonlinelibrary.wiley.com
4
Seed oil content and fatty acid composition in East African sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) accessions evaluated over 3 yearssciencedirect.com
5
Topical application of Calendula officinalis (L.): Formulation and evaluation of hydrophilic cream with antioxidant activitypdfs.semanticscholar.org
6
The seamy side of natural medicines: contact sensitization to arnica (Arnica montana L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Final report on the safety assessment of Calendula officinalis extract and Calendula officinalisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – part 1: Achillea millefolium–Curcuma longaonlinelibrary.wiley.com
9
Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Careonlinelibrary.wiley.com
10
Topically Applied Sunflower Seed Oil Prevents Invasive Bacterial Infections in Preterm Infants in Egyptjournals.lww.com
11
Effect of topically applied lipids on surfactant-irritated skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
12
Impact of topical oils on the skin barrier: possible implications for neonatal health in developing countriesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acnencbi.nlm.nih.gov
14
The Polyhydroxy Acid Gluconolactone Protects Against Ultraviolet Radiation in an In Vitro Model of Cutaneous Photoagingonlinelibrary.wiley.com
15
Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
16
The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative studydovepress.com
17
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimenncbi.nlm.nih.gov
18
The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin
19
Blackwell Publishing, Ltd. Alpha-hydroxyacids and carboxylic acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
20
An evaluation of a polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen in combination with azelaic acid 15% gel in rosacea patientsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
21
Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Preventionsciencedirect.com
22
Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacidssciencedirect.com
23
Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Provide Conditioning Effects to Skin Without Increasing Sensitivity to UV Lightneostrata.neogen.gr
24
α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
25
Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
26
Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
27
Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
28
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasmancbi.nlm.nih.gov

RITUALSThe Ritual of Namaste Skin Brightening Face Exfoliator

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