SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser

SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser

Efficacy50/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Cleansing
Sucrose polycottonseedate, Isohexadecane + 7 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser”
Source: Sephora AU

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, cetyl alcohol, isohexadecane, laureth-7, peg-100 stearate, stearyl alcohol, sucrose polycottonseedate) 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.

Sucrose polycottonseedateEffect: High~1.7–2.5%
IsohexadecaneEffect: HighImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~1.3–2%
Cetyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.85–1.3%
Stearyl alcoholEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin~0.2–0.75%
Peg-100 stearateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture~0.15–0.65%
Cetearyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.1–0.45%
Cetearyl glucosideEffect: HighHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture~0.1–0.35%
Laureth-7Effect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.1–0.35%
Stearic acidEffect: High, below effective doseHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.15–0.65%
Exfoliation
No ingredient credited for this claim
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Formulated with SK-II’s signature ingredient PITERA, this foaming cleanser helps to achieve crystal clear skin by gently exfoliating dead skin cells, toning skin and facilitating the absorption of your next skin care regimen.”
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.

Anti-blemish
Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Galactomyces ferment filtrate
Works well

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.7–4.1%
Galactomyces ferment filtrateEffect: LowA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~3.4–5.1%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 8 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
PolyacrylamideUsed to improve product texture and help oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–1.15%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~0.2–0.75%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Laureth-7Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae extractA moisturizing ingredient that works as a humectant to attract water to the upper layer of the skin.Medium~0.05–0.2%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
Isopropyl isostearateAn emollient that helps soften the skin3/5~1.4–2.1%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.1–0.45%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

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~4.3–6.4%
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
Galactomyces ferment filtrate~3.4–5.1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-agingMattifyingAnti-blemish

A yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores

More about Galactomyces ferment filtrate
Niacinamide~2.7–4.1%
Hero · Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Butylene glycol~2–3%
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
Sucrose polycottonseedate~1.7–2.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Sucrose polycottonseedate
Isopropyl isostearate~1.4–2.1%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Isopropyl isostearate
Isohexadecane~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Dimethicone~1.1–1.6%
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~0.85–1.3%
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
Polyacrylamide~0.5–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together

More about Polyacrylamide
Panthenol~0.35–0.85%
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
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · 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
Stearyl alcohol~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
C13-14 isoparaffin~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency

More about C13-14 isoparaffin
Benzyl alcohol~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben
Dimethiconol~0.15–0.65%
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
Peg-100 stearate~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

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

More about Peg-100 stearate
Stearic acid~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Disodium edta~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Laureth-7~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Laureth-7
Propylparaben~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben
Cetearyl alcohol~0.1–0.45%
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
Cetearyl glucoside~0.1–0.35%
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
Ethylparaben~0.05–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Ethylparaben
Parfum~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Sodium hydroxide~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A moisturizing ingredient that works as a humectant to attract water to the upper layer of the skin.

More about Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract
Palmitoyl dipeptide-7~0.05–0.15%
Formula
Hexapeptide-3~0.01–0.1%
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 Hexapeptide-3
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol, Sucrose polycottonseedate, Isopropyl isostearate, Isohexadecane, Dimethicone, Cetyl alcohol, Polyacrylamide, Panthenol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tocopheryl acetate, Stearyl alcohol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Benzyl alcohol, Methylparaben, Dimethiconol, Peg-100 stearate, Stearic acid, Disodium edta, Laureth-7, Propylparaben, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside, Ethylparaben, Parfum, Sodium hydroxide, Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, Palmitoyl dipeptide-7, Hexapeptide-3

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Yesstyle20 g
$10.74
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/3 22:06 GMT
$75.00
Buy

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

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
SK-IIFacial Treatment Gentle CleanserYOUR PRODUCTNativeSensitive Facial CleanserI'm fromRice Whip Facial CleanserLa Roche-PosayLipikar AP+ Body & Face Wash
Match—69%69%68%
Price$10.74$10.72$10.47$19.99+$9.25
Shared key ingredients—4 of 182 of 182 of 18
Key difference—Butyrospermum Parkii ButterSalicylic AcidButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: SVR Sebiaclear Cleansing CreamCeraVe Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
SK-II Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser
SK-IIFacial Treatment Gentle Cleanser

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.