EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 2.7oz
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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
BromelainVery 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.
Sodium Cocoyl GlycinateGood
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.
Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino AcidsGood
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.
WaterNeutral
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.
Methyl Perfluoroisobutyl EtherNeutral
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 EtherNeutral
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 SilicateNeutral
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 DimethiconeNeutral
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 AcidNeutral
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.
Isononyl IsononanoateNeutral
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.
Ethylhexyl IsononanoateNeutral
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 PhosphateNeutral
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 HydroxideNeutral
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.
Capryloyl GlycineNeutral
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 GlycineNeutral
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 BisulfiteNeutral
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.
MaltodextrinNeutral
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.
Coconut AcidNeutral
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.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
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.
Hexylene GlycolNeutral
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.
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateNeutral
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.
Acrylates CopolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
PhenoxyethanolBad
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.
Propylene GlycolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.
Benefits
Retains moisture and improves product texture.
ParfumBad
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.
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