EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 2.7oz

Common questions

Is EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 2.7oz healthy?

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 2.7oz scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Bromelain, which are gentle and help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Which ingredients drive EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 2.7oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids, Bromelain count in its favor; Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Glycol 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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EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 2.7oz

EltaMD
65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$35.00 · 5 fl oz · $7.00 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Colgate-Palmolive
Category Face Wash
Summary

This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Bromelain, which are gentle and help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier. However, the presence of 'Parfum' introduces potential irritation risks due to undisclosed chemical components. Additionally, the inclusion of PEG/PPG compounds and other synthetic ingredients suggests a moderate level of processing, which affects the overall safety profile of the product.

Key ingredients 25

Bromelain
Very Good

Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapples that has exfoliating properties. It helps remove dead skin cells and promotes a smoother complexion. It is beneficial for skin renewal and improving texture.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Promotes exfoliation and skin renewal.

See more about Bromelain →
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Good

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glycine. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is less likely to irritate the skin compared to harsher surfactants. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain skin hydration.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate →
Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids
Good

This ingredient is a mild surfactant derived from apple amino acids and coconut oil. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance.

Risks

Minimal risks, though some may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and maintains skin hydration.

Water
Neutral

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

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water hydrates the skin and helps in the application of the product.

See more about Water →
Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether
Neutral

Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether is used for its ability to enhance the spreadability of products. It is a fluorinated compound that provides a silky feel. It is considered safe in the concentrations used in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential environmental concerns due to persistence.

Benefits

Improves product spreadability and feel.

Methyl Perfluorobutyl Ether
Neutral

Similar to Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl Ether, this ingredient enhances the spreadability and feel of the product. It is used in small amounts and is considered safe for cosmetic use.

Risks

Environmental persistence is a concern.

Benefits

Contributes to a smooth application and feel.

Magnesium Silicate
Neutral

Magnesium Silicate is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Inhalation of fine particles may pose respiratory risks.

Benefits

Improves texture and prevents caking.

PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
Neutral

This is a silicone-based compound used for its conditioning and smoothing properties. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use.

Benefits

Improves texture and provides a smooth feel.

Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Neutral

Polyhydroxystearic Acid is used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Polyhydroxystearic Acid →
Isononyl Isononanoate
Neutral

Isononyl Isononanoate is an emollient that provides a silky feel and improves the spreadability of products. It is used to enhance the texture and application of cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances texture and provides a silky feel.

See more about Isononyl Isononanoate →
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
Neutral

This ingredient is an emollient that helps improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It provides a smooth application and is considered safe for use. It is commonly used in skincare formulations.

Risks

Minimal risks, though some may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

Improves texture and provides a smooth application.

Sodium Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
Neutral

This ingredient is a conditioning agent that helps improve the feel and manageability of the skin. It is used to enhance the texture of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves skin feel and product texture.

Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small amounts to ensure product stability. It is considered safe when used appropriately.

Risks

Can be irritating in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps maintain product stability by adjusting pH.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Capryloyl Glycine
Neutral

Capryloyl Glycine is used for its antimicrobial properties in cosmetics. It helps maintain the integrity of the product by preventing microbial growth. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

Provides antimicrobial protection and maintains product integrity.

Undecylenoyl Glycine
Neutral

Undecylenoyl Glycine is used for its antimicrobial properties in cosmetics. It helps protect the product from microbial contamination. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

Provides antimicrobial protection and maintains product integrity.

Sodium Bisulfite
Neutral

Sodium Bisulfite is used as a preservative and antioxidant in cosmetics. It helps prevent oxidation and spoilage of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents oxidation and extends product shelf life.

Maltodextrin
Neutral

Maltodextrin is used as a binding agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and stability of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

Improves texture and stability of the product.

See more about Maltodextrin →
Coconut Acid
Neutral

Coconut Acid is used as a surfactant and cleansing agent in cosmetics. It helps remove dirt and oil from the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Provides cleansing properties and helps remove impurities.

See more about Coconut Acid →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and viscosity of the product. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves texture and viscosity of the product.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Hexylene Glycol
Neutral

Hexylene Glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of the product.

See more about Hexylene Glycol →
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Neutral

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is used as a chelating agent in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations by binding metal ions. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product stability.

See more about Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate →
Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Acrylates Copolymer →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Retains moisture and improves product texture.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Parfum
Bad

Parfum, or fragrance, is used to impart scent to cosmetic products. It can contain a mixture of various chemicals, some of which may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its potential to cause skin sensitivity.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent to the product.

See more about Parfum →

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