CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser for Normal Skin 8 oz.
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and ceramides, which support skin hydration and barrier function. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation, and the use of PEG compounds contribute to a moderate processing level. The inclusion of natural oils and skin actives is positive, but the overall formulation is not entirely free from synthetic chemicals, which affects the score.
Key ingredients 27
Ceramide APVery Good
Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that helps maintain the skin's barrier function. It prevents moisture loss and protects against irritants. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Ceramide AP enhances skin hydration and barrier protection.
Ceramide EOPVery Good
Ceramide EOP is a skin-identical lipid that helps restore the skin's barrier. It improves moisture retention and protects against environmental stressors. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Ceramide EOP supports skin barrier function and hydration.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidVery Good
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin to provide deep hydration. It helps improve skin elasticity and smoothness. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates and improves skin texture.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is a natural compound that is well-tolerated by most skin types. It enhances the skin's barrier function and smoothness.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin; it is generally safe.
Benefits
Glycerin helps to hydrate and protect the skin, improving its texture and barrier function.
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple skin benefits, including improving skin tone and texture. It helps reduce inflammation and supports the skin barrier. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Niacinamide improves skin elasticity, enhances barrier function, and reduces redness.
GluconolactoneGood
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration. It is less irritating than other acids and suitable for sensitive skin. It also offers antioxidant benefits.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Gluconolactone gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin, improving its texture.
Zea Mays Oil/Corn OilGood
Corn oil is a natural oil that provides moisturizing benefits to the skin. It is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, which nourish and protect the skin. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There is a low risk of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Corn oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improving its overall health.
Ceramide NPGood
Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps restore the skin's natural barrier. It retains moisture and protects against environmental damage. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Ceramide NP strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.
Salicylic AcidGood
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that provides exfoliation and helps clear pores. It is effective in treating acne and improving skin texture. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
It may cause dryness or irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Salicylic Acid helps exfoliate the skin and reduce acne.
CholecalciferolGood
Cholecalciferol, or Vitamin D3, is used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning properties. It helps improve skin health and supports the skin barrier. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Cholecalciferol supports skin health and barrier function.
CholesterolGood
Cholesterol is a lipid that helps maintain the skin's barrier function. It improves moisture retention and protects against environmental damage. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Cholesterol enhances skin hydration and barrier protection.
PhytosphingosineGood
Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps maintain the skin's barrier function and has anti-inflammatory properties. It supports skin health and reduces redness. It is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Phytosphingosine supports skin barrier function and reduces inflammation.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a universal solvent and is used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides hydration. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps to hydrate the skin and dissolve other beneficial ingredients.
Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create foam and cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain skin moisture.
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl TetrastearateNeutral
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It stabilizes formulations and improves texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There is a potential risk of contamination with impurities during manufacturing.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateNeutral
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to cleanse the skin without causing irritation. It is suitable for sensitive skin types.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain skin moisture.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and enhance the texture of cosmetic formulations. It helps create a smooth and consistent product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There is a low risk of irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Carbomer improves the texture and stability of cosmetic products.
Calcium GluconateNeutral
Calcium Gluconate is used as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps improve skin texture and hydration. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with its use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Calcium Gluconate helps condition and hydrate the skin.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or salt, is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause dryness or irritation.
Benefits
Sodium Chloride enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateNeutral
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It helps cleanse the skin and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and enhances product texture.
Tetrasodium EDTANeutral
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that helps stabilize cosmetic formulations. It binds metal ions to prevent product degradation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Tetrasodium EDTA improves product stability and shelf life.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize and enhance the texture of cosmetic formulations. It helps create a smooth and consistent product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Xanthan Gum improves the texture and stability of cosmetic products.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin-conditioning agent used in cosmetics. It helps enhance the efficacy of other preservatives and provides moisturizing benefits. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Ethylhexylglycerin enhances preservation and provides skin conditioning.
Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing while being gentle on the skin.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Sodium Benzoate helps preserve the product and prevent spoilage.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in extending product shelf life but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential risks.
Risks
It may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Phenoxyethanol helps preserve the product and prevent spoilage.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks; it is generally safe for all skin types.
Benefits
Disodium EDTA enhances product stability and shelf life.
Processing
Processed Foods
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.