Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Fragrance-Free 12 oz
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin and Centella Asiatica extract, which provide moisturizing and soothing benefits. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation, and PEG compounds, which are synthetic emulsifiers, slightly lower the score. The product is mostly safe but includes some synthetic components that prevent it from achieving a higher rating.
Key ingredients 19
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
Centella Asiatica ExtractGood
Centella Asiatica Extract is a botanical ingredient known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to calm irritated skin and promote healing. It is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Risks
There is a low risk of allergic reactions, but it is generally considered safe.
Benefits
It helps in soothing the skin and reducing inflammation.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming the base of the product. It is generally safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to create foam and cleanse the skin. It is considered less irritating than harsher surfactants. It is commonly used in personal care products for its gentle cleansing properties.
Risks
It may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing while being gentle on the skin.
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateNeutral
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used for its cleansing and foaming properties. It is less irritating than traditional sulfates. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of natural oils.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used to thicken the consistency of cosmetic products. It is generally safe and non-irritating. It helps in stabilizing the formulation.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause dryness or irritation.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the desired texture and consistency of the product.
Sodium Cocoyl GlycinateNeutral
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glycine, used for its cleansing properties. It is known for being gentle on the skin. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain skin hydration.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and surfactant in cosmetics. It helps in moisturizing and conditioning the skin. It is generally well-tolerated and safe for use.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining skin hydration and improving texture.
Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch DodecenylsuccinateNeutral
This ingredient is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the desired texture and stability of the product.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps in moisturizing and conditioning the skin. It is generally well-tolerated and safe for use.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining skin hydration and improving texture.
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateNeutral
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is used as a thickener and emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps in stabilizing formulations and improving texture. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, particularly in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the desired consistency and stability of the product.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a humectant used to retain moisture in the skin. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, particularly in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining skin hydration and improving product texture.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in maintaining product safety. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It helps in preserving the product and extending its shelf life.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and skin conditioning agent used in cosmetics. It helps in retaining moisture and improving skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining skin hydration and improving product texture.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the desired pH balance of the product.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is generally considered safe for use in low concentrations.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the desired pH balance of the product.
Acrylates CopolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, particularly in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the desired consistency and stability of the product.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Benefits
It helps in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the product.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient.
Risks
It may cause irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps in preserving the product and extending its shelf life.
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