Neutrogena Evenly Clear Gentle Acne Foaming Face Cleanser with Salicylic Acid and PHAs - 9.1 fl oz: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone Skin, Unscented
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 AcidVery 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.
PanthenolVery 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.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractVery 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.
GlycerinGood
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.
GluconolactoneGood
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.
WaterNeutral
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.
Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineNeutral
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.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateNeutral
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.
Sodium Hydrolyzed Potato Starch DodecenylsuccinateNeutral
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.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
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.
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateNeutral
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 LactateNeutral
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 LactateNeutral
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 PhosphateNeutral
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.
Disodium EDTABad
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.
Benzalkonium ChlorideBad
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.
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