SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
Works for
CleansingCetyl alcohol, Peg-100 stearate + 6 moreCleanses gently
“Mild cream face cleanser gently removes impurities and excess oil, while soothing and calming dry or sensitive skin.”
This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (capryl/capramidopropyl betaine, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, polyglyceryl-4 caprate, polysorbate 20, trideceth-6) 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.
ExfoliationSide benefit the brand mentions · Glycolic acid, AllantoinWorks well
“Experience a mild yet effective cleanse with SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, a non-foaming face wash that performs a delicate cleanse while conditioning the skin.”
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: glycolic acid.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, LimoneneMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
1 of 2 community members would buy it again.
This cleanser has a lovely creamy texture and cleaned my skin while leaving it feeling moisturized..and with a burning sensation! It is heavily fragranced with a citrus scent that smells very nice but irritated my skin badly. If you have dry yet very resilient skin you may love this. If it wasn't so irritating I would too.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~5.3–8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateGlycerin~3.5–5.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPropanediol~2.8–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolCetyl alcohol~2.1–3.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholMethyl gluceth-20~1.7–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it
More about Methyl gluceth-20Neopentyl glycol dicaprate~1.5–2.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Neopentyl glycol dicapratePeg-100 stearate~1.3–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateGlyceryl stearate~1.1–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearatePolyglyceryl-4 caprate~0.85–1.25%
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCitrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilLimonene~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerCapryl/capramidopropyl betaine~0.9–1.4%
Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolPolysorbate 20~0.3–0.75%
Allantoin~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinSodium hydroxide~0.15–0.55%
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to increase stability of product formulations
More about Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamateDisodium edta~0.1–0.45%
Polyquaternium-39~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish
More about Polyquaternium-39Sodium chloride~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures
More about Sodium chloridePeg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearateTrideceth-6~0.05–0.3%
Glycolic acid~0.05–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidSodium benzoate~0.05–0.2%
Ingredient list view
Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Cetyl alcohol, Methyl gluceth-20, Neopentyl glycol dicaprate, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl stearate, Polyglyceryl-4 caprate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Limonene, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Capryl/capramidopropyl betaine, Caprylyl glycol, Polysorbate 20, Allantoin, Sodium hydroxide, Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disodium edta, Polyquaternium-39, Sodium chloride, Peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, Trideceth-6, Glycolic acid, Sodium benzoate
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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.
| SkinCeuticalsGentle CleanserYOUR PRODUCT | CeraVeAcne Foaming Cream Wash | YEOUTHVitamin C Facial Cleanser Day/Night Cream | NeutrogenaOil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 51% | 50% | 49% |
| Price | $39.00 | $14.99−$24.01 | $41.90+$2.90 | $9.49−$29.51 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 4 of 11 | 2 of 11 | 3 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Benzoyl Peroxide | Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate | Salicylic Acid |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: AcneFree Dermatology Inspired Care NEW Benzoyl Peroxide Deep Cleansing Foaming WashUriage Hyséac 3-Régul Global Skin Care + Cleansing Gel
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 6 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6
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