Neutrogena Evenly Clear Gentle Acne Foaming Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and PHAs - 9.1 fl oz: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone Skin, Unscented

Common questions

Is Neutrogena Evenly Clear Gentle Acne Foaming Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and PHAs - 9.1 fl oz: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone Skin, Unscented healthy?

Neutrogena Evenly Clear Gentle Acne Foaming Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and PHAs - 9.1 fl oz: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone Skin, Unscented scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like salicylic acid, glycerin, and chamomilla extract, which are known for their exfoliating, moisturizing, and soothing properties.

Which ingredients drive Neutrogena Evenly Clear Gentle Acne Foaming Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and PHAs - 9.1 fl oz: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone Skin, Unscented's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, Gluconolactone count in its favor; Disodium EDTA, Benzalkonium Chloride are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Neutrogena Evenly Clear Gentle Acne Foaming Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and PHAs - 9.1 fl oz: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone Skin, Unscented

Neutrogena
65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$14.97 · 9.1 fl oz · $1.65 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Kenvue
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like salicylic acid, glycerin, and chamomilla extract, which are known for their exfoliating, moisturizing, and soothing properties. However, it also includes sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, and benzalkonium chloride, which can be irritating or enhance chemical penetration, affecting its overall safety profile. The presence of these potentially harmful ingredients alongside beneficial ones results in a mixed assessment of ingredient safety.

Key ingredients 16

Salicylic Acid
Very Good

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and clear pores. It is effective in treating acne by reducing swelling and redness. It also helps to prevent future breakouts.

Risks

May cause dryness or irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Helps to clear acne and prevent future breakouts by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores.

See more about Salicylic Acid →
Panthenol
Very Good

Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a moisturizing and soothing agent. It helps to improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin barrier function.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and reduces inflammation, promoting a healthy skin barrier.

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Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Very Good

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract is a botanical ingredient known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Benefits

Soothes and calms irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.

See more about Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for all skin types.

Benefits

Helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin by attracting water from the environment.

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Gluconolactone
Good

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration. It is suitable for sensitive skin and helps to improve skin texture and tone. It also has antioxidant properties.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides gentle exfoliation and hydration, improving skin texture and tone.

See more about Gluconolactone →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and helps to hydrate the skin.

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Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It is used to cleanse the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt. It is generally considered mild and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps to cleanse the skin by allowing water to mix with oil and dirt.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine →
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Neutral

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create a creamy lather and cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils. It is considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

Generally low risk of irritation, but may cause dryness in some skin types.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance.

See more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate →
Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Improves the texture and consistency of the product.

See more about Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch Dodecenylsuccinate →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Can cause skin irritation and dryness if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps to stabilize the pH of the product, ensuring its effectiveness and safety.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Neutral

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is an emulsifier and thickener used in cosmetics. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability by emulsifying oil and water-based ingredients.

Menthyl Lactate
Neutral

Menthyl Lactate is used for its cooling and soothing properties. It provides a refreshing sensation on the skin without the irritation associated with menthol. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides a cooling and soothing sensation on the skin.

C12-15 Alkyl Lactate
Neutral

C12-15 Alkyl Lactate is an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It helps to soften and smooth the skin, improving its texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Softens and smooths the skin, improving its texture.

Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the feel and manageability of the skin and hair. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves the feel and manageability of the skin and hair.

See more about Cocamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve product stability by binding metal ions. It is considered safe in low concentrations but can enhance the penetration of other chemicals into the skin. It is used to maintain product integrity.

Risks

May enhance the penetration of other chemicals, potentially increasing their effects.

Benefits

Improves product stability by binding metal ions, maintaining product integrity.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Benzalkonium Chloride
Bad

Benzalkonium Chloride is a preservative and antimicrobial agent used in cosmetics. It is effective in preventing microbial growth but can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It is used in low concentrations to ensure product safety.

Risks

Can cause skin and eye irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, ensuring product safety and longevity.

See more about Benzalkonium Chloride →

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