Cetaphil Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser - Unscented - 8 fl oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and salicylic acid, which provide hydration, anti-inflammatory benefits, and exfoliation. However, the presence of PEG compounds and phenoxyethanol, a synthetic preservative, slightly lowers its score due to concerns about synthetic additives. The product is processed, which also impacts its overall rating, despite the inclusion of several skin-friendly components.
Key ingredients 23
PanthenolVery Good
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a moisturizing and soothing agent. It helps improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation. It is widely used in skincare for its beneficial properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with panthenol.
Benefits
Panthenol helps improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilVery Good
Sunflower Seed Oil is a natural oil rich in fatty acids and vitamin E. It helps moisturize and nourish the skin. It is widely used in skincare for its emollient properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it can cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
Benefits
Sunflower Seed Oil helps moisturize and nourish the skin.
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, or vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has moisturizing properties and helps improve skin texture. It is widely used in skincare for its protective benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with tocopherol.
Benefits
Tocopherol helps protect the skin from damage and improve hydration.
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 generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
GluconolactoneGood
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration. It is suitable for sensitive skin types and helps improve skin texture. It also has antioxidant properties.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation or redness in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Gluconolactone helps exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin hydration.
BetaineGood
Betaine is a natural amino acid derivative that helps maintain skin hydration and reduce irritation. It is often used in skincare for its soothing properties. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with betaine.
Benefits
Betaine helps improve skin hydration and reduces irritation.
Salicylic AcidGood
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its exfoliating and acne-fighting properties. It helps unclog pores and reduce acne breakouts. It is widely used in skincare for its effectiveness in treating acne.
Risks
It can cause dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Salicylic Acid helps exfoliate the skin and reduce acne.
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It helps improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores. It is widely used in skincare for its multiple benefits.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with niacinamide.
Benefits
Niacinamide helps improve skin texture and reduce inflammation.
Mandelic AcidGood
Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that provides gentle exfoliation. It is suitable for sensitive skin types and helps improve skin texture. It is often used in skincare for its mild exfoliating properties.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation or redness in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Mandelic Acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.
Benefits
Water acts as a solvent and helps in the application of the product.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create foam and cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils. It is considered less irritating than harsher surfactants.
Risks
In rare cases, it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance.
Coco-GlucosideNeutral
Coco-Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is used to enhance the foaming and cleansing properties of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and is biodegradable, making it environmentally friendly.
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateNeutral
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is an emulsifier and thickener used in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There is a potential risk of contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
It helps improve the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Sodium CocoamphoacetateNeutral
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to cleanse the skin without causing irritation. It is considered safe and gentle for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Glycereth-26Neutral
Glycereth-26 is a humectant and emollient used to improve skin hydration. It helps enhance the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with Glycereth-26.
Benefits
It helps improve skin hydration and product texture.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or table 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 cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though it can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps improve the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Sodium CitrateNeutral
Sodium Citrate is used as a buffering agent to maintain the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps stabilize the product and improve its shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium citrate.
Benefits
It helps maintain the pH balance and stability of cosmetic formulations.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps ensure the product is safe and effective for use. It is used in very small amounts and is generally considered safe.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can be irritating, but it is used in very low amounts in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps adjust the pH of formulations to ensure safety and efficacy.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps ensure the product is safe and effective for use. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can be irritating, but it is used in very low amounts in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps adjust the pH of formulations to ensure safety and efficacy.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin-conditioning agent. It helps enhance the efficacy of other preservatives and improve skin feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ethylhexylglycerin.
Benefits
It helps preserve the product and improve skin feel.
PantolactoneNeutral
Pantolactone is a humectant and conditioning agent used in cosmetics. It helps improve skin hydration and texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with pantolactone.
Benefits
It helps improve skin hydration and texture.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can cause irritation, but it is used in low amounts in cosmetics.
Benefits
It helps preserve the product and prevent microbial contamination.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with disodium EDTA.
Benefits
It helps improve the stability and efficacy of cosmetic formulations.
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