Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin
Summary
This face wash contains salicylic acid, which is effective for acne treatment, and shea butter, a natural moisturizer. However, it includes synthetic preservatives like phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate, which are generally considered safe but are not natural. The presence of these synthetic ingredients and the moderate level of processing slightly lowers its overall rating.
At a glance
Key ingredients 21
SALICYLIC ACID 2%
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and clear pores. It is commonly used in acne treatments due to its effectiveness in reducing acne lesions. It also helps in reducing inflammation and redness associated with acne.
Risks
Overuse can lead to skin irritation and dryness, especially for sensitive skin types.
Benefits
It effectively treats acne by exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, reducing the occurrence of breakouts.
BENZYL ALCOHOL
Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps in preventing the growth of bacteria and extending the shelf life of products. It also acts as a mild anesthetic, providing a soothing effect.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps maintain product stability and prevents microbial contamination, ensuring product safety.
BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its moisturizing properties. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent emollient for skin care. It helps in soothing and nourishing dry skin.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.
Benefits
It deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improving skin elasticity and reducing dryness.
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to create foam and cleanse the skin. It is considered milder than other surfactants, making it suitable for sensitive skin formulations. It helps in removing dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Benefits
It effectively cleanses the skin while maintaining its natural moisture balance, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
GLYCERIN
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is commonly used in skincare products for its ability to improve skin barrier function. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
It helps maintain skin hydration and improves the skin's natural barrier, making it soft and supple.
GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL
Soybean oil is a natural oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, used for its moisturizing properties. It helps in maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Risks
It may cause allergic reactions in individuals with soy allergies.
Benefits
It nourishes and moisturizes the skin, improving its texture and reducing signs of aging.
GUAR HYDROXYPROPYL-TRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
This ingredient is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum, used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It helps in detangling and smoothing the skin or hair. It is often used in formulations to enhance product spreadability.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of products, providing a smooth and silky feel.
HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL
Hydrogenated soybean oil is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps in forming a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. It is rich in fatty acids, which nourish and soften the skin.
Risks
It may cause allergic reactions in individuals with soy allergies.
Benefits
It provides a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and improving skin softness.
HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE
This ingredient is a modified starch used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It is considered safe and non-irritating for most skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and stability of products, ensuring a smooth application.
LACTIC ACID
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used for its exfoliating properties in skincare. It helps in removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, improving skin texture and tone. It is also known for its hydrating properties.
Risks
Overuse can lead to skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Benefits
It exfoliates and hydrates the skin, improving its texture and radiance.
LAURIC ACID
Lauric acid is a fatty acid known for its antimicrobial properties, often used in skincare for its ability to cleanse and protect the skin. It is derived from coconut oil and is effective in reducing acne-causing bacteria. It also helps in maintaining skin hydration.
Risks
It may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to coconut-derived ingredients.
Benefits
It provides antimicrobial benefits, helping to reduce acne and maintain skin health.
PALMITIC ACID
Palmitic acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and surfactant in cosmetic formulations. It helps in moisturizing the skin and improving product texture. It is naturally found in palm oil and is considered safe for use in skincare.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with palmitic acid, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It moisturizes and softens the skin, enhancing the texture and feel of products.
PHENOXYETHANOL
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It is effective in extending the shelf life of products and ensuring their safety. It is considered a safer alternative to parabens.
Risks
It can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
Benefits
It helps maintain product safety by preventing microbial contamination, ensuring product longevity.
SODIUM BENZOATE
Sodium benzoate is a preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetic products. It is commonly used in combination with other preservatives to enhance efficacy. It is considered safe for use in low concentrations.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It effectively preserves products, preventing spoilage and ensuring safety.
SODIUM CHLORIDE
Sodium chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps in improving the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating for most skin types.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause skin dryness or irritation.
Benefits
It enhances product texture and stability, ensuring a smooth application.
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations, ensuring product stability and efficacy. It is a strong alkaline compound that helps in neutralizing acidic ingredients. It is used in very low concentrations to avoid skin irritation.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation and burns.
Benefits
It helps maintain the desired pH of products, ensuring their stability and effectiveness.
SODIUM LAUROYL GLYCINATE
Sodium lauroyl glycinate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties in skincare products. It is derived from amino acids and is known for being gentle on the skin. It helps in removing dirt and oil without causing irritation.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing, making it suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
SODIUM LAUROYL ISETHIONATE
Sodium lauroyl isethionate is a mild surfactant used for its ability to create a creamy lather in cleansing products. It is derived from coconut oil and is known for being gentle on the skin. It helps in effectively removing dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture.
Risks
It is generally considered safe, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It provides a gentle and effective cleansing experience, suitable for sensitive skin.
STEARIC ACID
Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps in stabilizing products and improving their texture. It is naturally found in animal and plant fats and is considered safe for use in skincare.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with stearic acid, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances product stability and texture, ensuring a smooth and consistent application.
TETRASODIUM EDTA
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of cosmetic products. It helps in binding metal ions, preventing them from affecting product stability. It is considered safe for use in low concentrations.
Risks
It may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It enhances product stability and effectiveness, ensuring product safety and longevity.
WATER
Water is used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations, helping to dissolve other ingredients and create a suitable consistency. It is the most common ingredient in skincare products, providing hydration and aiding in product application. It is considered safe and non-irritating for all skin types.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It provides hydration and helps in dissolving other ingredients, ensuring a smooth application.
Processing
Processed Foods
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