Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin

Common questions

Is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin healthy?

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin 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 salicylic acid, shea butter, and glycerin, which are known for their skin-clearing and moisturizing properties.

How processed is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin?

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, SALICYLIC ACID 2%, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, GLYCERIN count in its favor; BENZYL ALCOHOL, HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, 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 Pore Cleansing 2% Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Face Wash - 8 fl oz: Gel, Unscented, For Sensitive Skin

68 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$12.13 · 8 fl oz · $1.52 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 5
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like salicylic acid, shea butter, and glycerin, which are known for their skin-clearing and moisturizing properties. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol and tetrasodium EDTA, which can cause skin irritation and have environmental concerns, affects its overall safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also influences its rating.

Key ingredients 21

BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER
Very Good

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturizer for the skin. It helps in soothing and nourishing dry skin.

Risks

Generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.

Benefits

Provides deep moisturization and nourishment to the skin.

See more about BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER →
SALICYLIC ACID 2%
Good

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and clear pores. It is effective in treating acne by reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts. Its keratolytic properties help in shedding dead skin cells.

Risks

May cause dryness or irritation, especially for sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Helps in reducing acne and improving skin texture.

See more about SALICYLIC ACID 2% →
GLYCERIN
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare products for its ability to improve skin barrier function. It helps in maintaining skin softness and smoothness.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and improves barrier function.

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GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL
Good

Soybean oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, providing nourishment and moisture to the skin. It helps in maintaining skin elasticity and smoothness. It is often used in skincare for its emollient properties.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with soy allergies.

Benefits

Nourishes and moisturizes the skin, improving texture.

See more about GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL →
COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to create foam and cleanse the skin. It is milder than traditional sulfates and helps in reducing irritation. It is commonly used in personal care products for its gentle cleansing properties.

Risks

May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils.

See more about COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE →
GUAR HYDROXYPROPYL-TRIMONIUM CHLORIDE
Neutral

This ingredient is a conditioning agent derived from guar gum, used to improve the texture and feel of skincare products. It helps in reducing static and enhancing the spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation; generally safe for most skin types.

Benefits

Improves product texture and enhances conditioning effects.

HYDROXYPROPYL STARCH PHOSPHATE
Neutral

This ingredient is a modified starch used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the viscosity and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare formulations.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation; generally safe for most skin types.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and texture.

LACTIC ACID
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in higher concentrations.

Benefits

Exfoliates and hydrates the skin, improving texture and tone.

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LAURIC ACID
Neutral

Lauric acid is a fatty acid used for its antimicrobial properties and as a surfactant in skincare products. It helps in cleansing the skin and reducing the presence of harmful bacteria. It is commonly used in formulations for its cleansing and foaming abilities.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Provides antimicrobial benefits and enhances cleansing.

PALMITIC ACID
Neutral

Palmitic acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and surfactant in skincare products. It helps in moisturizing the skin and improving product texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation; generally safe for most skin types.

Benefits

Moisturizes the skin and enhances product texture.

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SODIUM CHLORIDE
Neutral

Sodium chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent and to enhance the texture of skincare products. It helps in improving the viscosity and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation; generally safe for most skin types.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability.

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SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Neutral

Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is generally considered safe when used in low concentrations.

Risks

Can cause irritation or burns if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Adjusts pH to ensure product stability and effectiveness.

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SODIUM LAUROYL GLYCINATE
Neutral

Sodium lauroyl glycinate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing and foaming properties. It is derived from amino acids and is known for being gentle on the skin. It is commonly used in formulations for sensitive skin.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.

SODIUM LAUROYL ISETHIONATE
Neutral

Sodium lauroyl isethionate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing and foaming properties. It is known for being gentle on the skin and is often used in formulations for sensitive skin. It helps in creating a creamy lather without stripping natural oils.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and creamy lather.

See more about SODIUM LAUROYL ISETHIONATE →
STEARIC ACID
Neutral

Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in skincare products. It helps in stabilizing formulations and improving texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation; generally safe for most skin types.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and enhances product texture.

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WATER
Neutral

Water is used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations, helping to dissolve other ingredients and create a suitable consistency. It is a fundamental component in many skincare products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and provides hydration to the skin.

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BENZYL ALCOHOL
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative to extend product shelf life.

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PHENOXYETHANOL
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in extending the shelf life of products. However, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.

Risks

Potential skin irritant and allergen, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, extending product shelf life.

See more about PHENOXYETHANOL →
SODIUM BENZOATE
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth, ensuring product safety.

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TETRASODIUM EDTA
Bad

Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of cosmetic formulations. It binds to metal ions, preventing them from affecting the product. However, it can cause skin irritation and is not biodegradable, raising environmental concerns.

Risks

Potential skin irritant and environmental pollutant.

Benefits

Improves product stability and efficacy by binding metal ions.

See more about TETRASODIUM EDTA →
HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL
Very Bad

Heavily flagged ingredient class under Scout's doctrine.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with soy allergies.

Benefits

Acts as an emollient, improving product texture and skin feel.

See more about HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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