Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol, which provide hydration and improve skin texture. The presence of mild surfactants derived from coconut oil contributes to its gentle cleansing properties. However, the inclusion of phenoxyethanol as a preservative, which can cause irritation for some users, and the processed nature of the product slightly lower its overall rating.
Key ingredients 20
PanthenolVery Good
Panthenol, or Vitamin B5, is a humectant and skin conditioning agent. It helps attract moisture to the skin and promotes healing. It is widely used for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with panthenol.
Benefits
It hydrates the skin, promotes healing, and improves skin texture.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderVery Good
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is derived from aloe vera and is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It helps calm irritated skin and provides moisture. It is widely used in skincare for its beneficial effects on the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateGood
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is less irritating than traditional sulfates. It helps create a creamy lather without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing while maintaining skin moisture and is suitable for sensitive skin.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though overuse can lead to a sticky feeling.
Benefits
Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateGood
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glutamic acid. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance.
Risks
It is generally safe, but in rare cases, it may cause mild irritation.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin's natural oils.
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is a potent skin active known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. It helps improve skin texture, reduce redness, and enhance barrier function. It is suitable for all skin types and is highly regarded in skincare.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It improves skin tone, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.
WaterNeutral
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 in hydrating the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.
Glycol DistearateNeutral
Glycol Distearate is used as an opacifying agent and emollient in cosmetics. It gives products a pearlescent appearance and helps improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Glycol Distearate.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and appearance of cosmetic products.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It is used to enhance the texture and cleansing properties of products. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation in some individuals.
Risks
It may cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and foaming ability of cleansing products.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickening agent. It helps stabilize emulsions and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with Cetearyl Alcohol.
Benefits
It helps soften and smooth the skin, enhancing product feel.
ArginineNeutral
Arginine is an amino acid used for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It is generally considered safe and beneficial for skin health. It helps improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with arginine.
Benefits
It helps maintain skin hydration and supports skin barrier function.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve product texture and stability. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with sodium chloride.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize emulsions. It is derived from fermented sugars and is generally considered safe. It helps improve product texture and consistency.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with xanthan gum.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. It helps improve the efficacy of preservatives in cosmetic formulations.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with ethylhexylglycerin.
Benefits
It enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and conditions the skin.
PantolactoneNeutral
Pantolactone is used as a humectant and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps attract moisture to the skin and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with pantolactone.
Benefits
It helps maintain skin hydration and enhances product texture.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is derived from citrus fruits and is generally considered safe. It helps maintain the stability and efficacy of cosmetic products.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause irritation, but it is typically used in safe amounts.
Benefits
It helps maintain the pH balance and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing while being gentle on the skin.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps preserve the product by preventing microbial contamination.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Propylene GlycolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps maintain skin hydration and improves product texture.
Processing
Processed Foods
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