Kiehl's Since 1851 Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, 7.8 fl. oz.

Common questions

Is Kiehl's Since 1851 Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, 7.8 fl. oz. healthy?

Kiehl's Since 1851 Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, 7.8 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 face wash contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, which provide gentle cleansing and soothing properties.

Which ingredients drive Kiehl's Since 1851 Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, 7.8 fl. oz.'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Glycerin, Geranium Maculatum Oil count in its favor; Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene 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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Kiehl's Since 1851 Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, 7.8 fl. oz.

Kiehl's
72 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$67.00 · 7.8 fl oz · $3.96 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 5
Owned by L'Oreal
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate and Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, which provide gentle cleansing and soothing properties. However, the presence of Phenoxyethanol and Limonene, which can cause irritation and are potential skin sensitizers, affects its overall safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also influences its rating.

Key ingredients 18

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Very Good

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial for calming irritated skin and promoting healing. It is well-regarded in skincare for its gentle nature.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk.

Benefits

Soothes and calms irritated skin, promoting healing.

See more about Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract →
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Good

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glycine. It is known for its gentle cleansing properties and is less likely to irritate the skin compared to harsher surfactants. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing while maintaining skin hydration.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate →
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 ability to improve skin barrier function and smoothness. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Rarely, may cause irritation in extremely sensitive skin.

Benefits

Excellent for hydrating and maintaining skin moisture.

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Geranium Maculatum Oil
Good

Geranium Maculatum Oil is used for its fragrance and potential skin-balancing properties. It may help in regulating oil production and has a pleasant floral scent. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Rarely, may cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Balances oil production and provides a pleasant scent.

Aqua/Water
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a medium for them to be applied to the skin. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Benefits

Provides a medium for other ingredients to be delivered to the skin.

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Coco-Betaine
Neutral

Coco-Betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to enhance the foaming properties of cleansers. It is generally considered mild and suitable for sensitive skin. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product.

Risks

Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances foaming and improves product texture.

See more about Coco-Betaine →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used to thicken the aqueous portion of cosmetic products. It helps in adjusting the viscosity of the formulation. It is generally safe and non-irritating in small amounts.

Risks

Excessive use can lead to dryness or irritation.

Benefits

Helps in thickening and stabilizing formulations.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Citrus Limon Peel Oil/Lemon Peel Oil
Neutral

Lemon Peel Oil is used for its fragrance and potential astringent properties. It can provide a refreshing scent and may help in balancing oily skin. However, it can be photosensitizing and irritating to some skin types.

Risks

Can cause photosensitivity and irritation.

Benefits

Provides a refreshing scent and potential astringent effects.

Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small amounts but can be corrosive in higher concentrations. It helps ensure the product is at a skin-friendly pH.

Risks

Corrosive in high concentrations.

Benefits

Adjusts pH to ensure product safety and efficacy.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Tetrasodium EDTA
Neutral

Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that helps stabilize formulations by binding metal ions. It enhances the effectiveness of preservatives. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and enhances preservative efficacy.

See more about Tetrasodium EDTA →
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil
Neutral

Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, also known as Lemongrass Oil, is used for its fragrance and potential antimicrobial properties. It provides a fresh scent and may help in reducing skin oiliness. However, it can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Risks

Can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides a fresh scent and potential antimicrobial effects.

Artemisia Absinthium Extract
Neutral

Artemisia Absinthium Extract is used for its potential soothing and antioxidant properties. It may help in calming the skin and protecting against environmental stressors. It is generally well-tolerated in skincare formulations.

Risks

Rarely, may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Soothes the skin and provides antioxidant protection.

Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products and can also provide mild exfoliation. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is generally safe but can be irritating in high concentrations.

Risks

Potential irritant in high concentrations.

Benefits

Adjusts pH and provides mild exfoliation.

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Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Acrylates Copolymer →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation, especially in sensitive skin. There are concerns about its potential neurotoxicity at high concentrations.

Risks

Potential skin irritant and concerns about neurotoxicity.

Benefits

Effective preservative that extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Limonene
Bad

Limonene is a fragrance component that can oxidize and cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is commonly used for its pleasant citrus scent. However, it is a known skin sensitizer.

Risks

Potential skin sensitizer and irritant.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant citrus fragrance.

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Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential irritant for sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps retain moisture and improve product texture.

See more about Propylene Glycol →
Citral
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential skin sensitizer.

Benefits

Provides a lemon fragrance.

See more about Citral →

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