Kiehl's Since 1851 Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, 7.8 fl. oz.
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 ExtractVery 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.
Sodium Cocoyl GlycinateGood
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.
GlycerinGood
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.
Geranium Maculatum OilGood
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/WaterNeutral
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.
Coco-BetaineNeutral
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.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
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.
Citrus Limon Peel Oil/Lemon Peel OilNeutral
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 HydroxideNeutral
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.
Tetrasodium EDTANeutral
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.
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilNeutral
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 ExtractNeutral
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 AcidNeutral
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.
Acrylates CopolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
PhenoxyethanolBad
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.
LimoneneBad
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.
Propylene GlycolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Benefits
Helps retain moisture and improve product texture.
CitralBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential skin sensitizer.
Benefits
Provides a lemon fragrance.
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