Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With Salicylic Acid 3 fl oz

Common questions

Is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With Salicylic Acid 3 fl oz healthy?

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With Salicylic Acid 3 fl oz scores 72/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and sodium hyaluronate, which provide hydration and improve skin elasticity.

Which ingredients drive Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With Salicylic Acid 3 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride count in its favor; Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60, Phenoxyethanol 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 Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With Salicylic Acid 3 fl oz

Cetaphil
72 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$10.97 · 3 fl oz · $3.66 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Galderma
Category Moisturizer
Summary

This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and sodium hyaluronate, which provide hydration and improve skin elasticity. However, it also includes synthetic compounds such as dimethicone and sodium polyacrylate, which are common in processed skincare products. The presence of phenoxyethanol as a preservative and other synthetic emulsifiers slightly lowers the score due to potential irritation concerns for sensitive skin types.

Key ingredients 36

Squalane
Very Good

Squalane is a highly effective emollient and natural antioxidant. It mimics the skin's natural oils, providing deep hydration and improving skin elasticity. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with squalane.

Benefits

It provides intense hydration and helps to improve skin texture and elasticity.

See more about Squalane →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated. It is a natural compound found in lipids and is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for all skin types.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with glycerin.

Benefits

It helps to maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Good

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps to moisturize and replenish the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It is considered safe and beneficial for all skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides lightweight hydration and improves the spreadability of the product.

See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
Bisabolol
Good

Bisabolol is a natural compound known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is considered safe and beneficial for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with bisabolol.

Benefits

It provides soothing relief to irritated skin and reduces inflammation.

See more about Bisabolol →
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Good

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is known for its skin brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce redness and even out skin tone. It is considered safe and beneficial for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with licorice root extract.

Benefits

It helps to brighten the skin and reduce inflammation.

See more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It helps to plump and hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. It is considered safe and beneficial for all skin types.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with sodium hyaluronate.

Benefits

It provides intense hydration and helps to improve skin elasticity.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Allantoin
Good

Allantoin is known for its soothing and healing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and promote cell regeneration. It is considered safe and beneficial for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with allantoin.

Benefits

It provides soothing relief to irritated skin and promotes healing.

See more about Allantoin →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming emulsions and is essential for hydration. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a base for other ingredients.

See more about Water →
Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a common humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It also acts as a solvent and improves the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps in keeping the skin hydrated and improves the spreadability of the product.

See more about Butylene Glycol →
Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to soften the skin and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, soft feel to the skin and helps stabilize emulsions.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Sodium Polyacrylate
Neutral

Sodium Polyacrylate is a thickening agent and film-forming polymer used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and consistency of the product, providing a smooth application.

See more about Sodium Polyacrylate →
Ceteareth-20
Neutral

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifying agent that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a potential risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of ethoxylation.

Benefits

It helps to create stable emulsions and improves product consistency.

See more about Ceteareth-20 →
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Neutral

Hydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic emollient that provides a silky feel to the skin. It is used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and enhances product application.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Neutral

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an ester used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It provides a smooth, soft feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

It may cause mild irritation or breakouts in acne-prone skin.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and spreadability of the product.

See more about Ethylhexyl Palmitate →
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Neutral

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is used as an absorbent and anti-caking agent in cosmetics. It helps to absorb excess oil and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to control oil and provides a matte finish.

PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate
Neutral

PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate is an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It provides a smooth, silky feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Neutral

Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide is a prebiotic ingredient that supports the skin's natural microbiome. It helps to maintain a healthy balance of skin flora. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It supports the skin's natural defenses and promotes a healthy microbiome.

Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and skin conditioning agent. It helps to retain moisture and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to keep the skin hydrated and enhances product stability.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Zinc Gluconate
Neutral

Zinc Gluconate is used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It helps to soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation.

See more about Zinc Gluconate →
C12-15 Alkyl Lactate
Neutral

C12-15 Alkyl Lactate is an emollient and skin conditioning agent. It provides a smooth, soft feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and feel of the product on the skin.

Morus Alba Root Extract
Neutral

Morus Alba Root Extract is a botanical extract with antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to brighten the skin.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It helps to improve the efficacy of preservatives and provides a soft feel to the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the preservation of the product and provides a smooth feel.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Hexylene Glycol
Neutral

Hexylene Glycol is a solvent and viscosity agent used in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and application of the product.

See more about Hexylene Glycol →
Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters
Neutral

Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters are emollients that help to moisturize and soften the skin. They provide a smooth, non-greasy feel. They are generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with their use.

Benefits

They provide lightweight hydration and improve skin texture.

PPG-5-Laureth-5
Neutral

PPG-5-Laureth-5 is an emulsifier and surfactant used in cosmetics. It helps to blend oil and water components and improve product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It aids in the formation of stable emulsions and enhances product consistency.

Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics when used in low concentrations.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be corrosive and cause skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the desired pH level of the product.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Kojic Acid
Neutral

Kojic Acid is used for its skin brightening properties. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

It may cause irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.

Benefits

It helps to even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation.

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Neutral

Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin is used as a stabilizer and solubilizer in cosmetics. It helps to improve the delivery of active ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the stability and efficacy of active ingredients.

See more about Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin →
Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Neutral

Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract is a botanical extract with antioxidant properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to soothe the skin.

Polyquaternium-11
Neutral

Polyquaternium-11 is a film-forming agent used to provide a smooth, glossy finish. It helps to improve the texture and hold of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, glossy finish and enhances product texture.

Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Neutral

Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract is a botanical extract with astringent and antioxidant properties. It helps to tighten the skin and reduce inflammation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to tighten the skin.

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Neutral

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is a botanical extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to soothe the skin.

Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

It may cause build-up on the skin with prolonged use, potentially leading to clogged pores.

Benefits

It provides a silky, smooth feel and helps to lock in moisture.

See more about Dimethicone →
Polysorbate 60
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There is a potential risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane.

Benefits

It aids in the formation of stable emulsions and enhances product texture.

See more about Polysorbate 60 →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with its use.

Benefits

It enhances the stability and shelf life of the product.

See more about Disodium EDTA →

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