CeraVe Foaming Face Wash Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin 12 oz.

Common questions

Is CeraVe Foaming Face Wash Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin 12 oz. healthy?

CeraVe Foaming Face Wash Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin 12 oz. scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and ceramides, which are known for their moisturizing and skin barrier-strengthening properties.

Which ingredients drive CeraVe Foaming Face Wash Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin 12 oz.'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP count in its favor; Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben 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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CeraVe Foaming Face Wash Face Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin 12 oz.

65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$16.97 · 19 fl oz · $0.89 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 5
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and ceramides, which are known for their moisturizing and skin barrier-strengthening properties. However, the presence of parabens, which are associated with potential endocrine disruption, negatively impacts the product's safety profile. Additionally, the inclusion of PEG compounds and the processed nature of the product further influence its overall rating.

Key ingredients 24

Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier. It plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and preventing water loss. It helps to improve skin texture and resilience.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances skin barrier function and improves hydration.

See more about Ceramide AP →
Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is a lipid that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. It is important for preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin from environmental stressors. It helps to improve skin hydration and texture.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Strengthens the skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

See more about Ceramide EOP →
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Very Good

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin more easily. It provides intense hydration and helps to plump the skin. It is known for its ability to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and elasticity.

Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is a common ingredient in skincare due to its moisturizing properties. It helps to maintain the skin's water balance.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Helps to improve skin hydration and barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple skin benefits, including improving skin tone and texture. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce redness. It helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration.

Risks

Generally well-tolerated with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Improves skin elasticity, reduces fine lines, and enhances barrier function.

See more about Niacinamide →
Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing moisture loss. It helps to improve skin hydration and resilience.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Strengthens the skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

See more about Ceramide NP →
Aqua / Water / Eau
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It is essential for the formulation but does not provide direct skin benefits. It acts as a base for the product.

Risks

There are no known risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps to hydrate the skin by providing moisture.

See more about Aqua / Water / Eau →
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Neutral

This is a mild surfactant used to create foam and cleanse the skin. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered less irritating than harsher surfactants. It helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin's natural oils.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine →
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Neutral

This ingredient is used as a thickener and emulsifier in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize the product and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

Benefits

Improves product consistency and stability.

See more about PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate →
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Neutral

This ingredient is used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and provides mild skin conditioning.

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Neutral

This is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used for its cleansing properties. It is less irritating than traditional sulfates. It helps to create a rich lather and cleanse the skin effectively.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing with a lower risk of irritation.

See more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate →
Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product consistency and stability.

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Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium chloride is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

This is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing and emulsifying properties. It is derived from lauric acid and lactic acid. It helps to cleanse the skin without causing excessive dryness.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and improves product texture.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate →
Cholesterol
Neutral

Cholesterol is used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin barrier function and hydration. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances skin barrier function and improves hydration.

See more about Cholesterol →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain product stability and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product stability and texture.

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Tetrasodium EDTA
Neutral

Tetrasodium EDTA is used as a chelating agent in cosmetics to improve product stability. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent product degradation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product stability and shelf life.

See more about Tetrasodium EDTA →
Phytosphingosine
Neutral

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. It is naturally found in the skin and plays a role in maintaining skin health. It helps to improve skin texture and reduce redness.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances skin barrier function and reduces inflammation.

See more about Phytosphingosine →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve product texture and consistency. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides effective cleansing with a lower risk of irritation.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves skin hydration and product consistency.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product stability and shelf life.

See more about Disodium EDTA →
Methylparaben
Very Bad

Methylparaben is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in extending the shelf life of products. However, it is associated with potential endocrine disruption.

Risks

Potential endocrine disruptor and may cause skin irritation.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Methylparaben →
Propylparaben
Very Bad

Propylparaben is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in extending the shelf life of products. However, it is associated with potential endocrine disruption.

Risks

Potential endocrine disruptor and may cause skin irritation.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Propylparaben →

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