Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5

Common questions

Is Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5 healthy?

Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5 scores 68/100 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 niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol, which provide hydration and improve skin texture.

How processed is Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5?

Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5 is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate count in its favor; Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer 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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Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser Face Wash with Niacinamide - 16oz: Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Contains Vitamin B5

68 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$11.97 · 16 fl oz · $0.75 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 4
Category Face Wash
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

Panthenol
Very 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.

See more about Panthenol →
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Very 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.

See more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder →
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Good

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.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate →
Glycerin
Good

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.

See more about Glycerin →
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Good

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.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate →
Niacinamide
Good

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.

See more about Niacinamide →
Water
Neutral

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.

See more about Water →
Glycol Distearate
Neutral

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.

See more about Glycol Distearate →
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

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.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

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.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Arginine
Neutral

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.

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Sodium Chloride
Neutral

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.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

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.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

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.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Pantolactone
Neutral

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 Acid
Neutral

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.

See more about Citric Acid →
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Bad

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.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

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.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Bad

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.

See more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

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.

See more about Propylene Glycol →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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