SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream Unisex 6.8 oz

Common questions

Is SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream Unisex 6.8 oz healthy?

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream Unisex 6.8 oz scores 70/100 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 glycerin, cetyl alcohol, and allantoin, which are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties.

Which ingredients drive SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream Unisex 6.8 oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, glycerin, citrus aurantium dulcis oil / orange peel oil, allantoin count in its favor; phenoxyethanol, limonene, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer 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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SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream Unisex 6.8 oz

70 Good

Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 5
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, cetyl alcohol, and allantoin, which are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation, and PEG compounds, which are synthetic emulsifiers, slightly detracts from its overall safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also influences its rating.

Key ingredients 27

glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it a popular ingredient in skincare. It helps to maintain skin hydration and improve barrier function. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though overuse can lead to a sticky feel.

Benefits

Glycerin helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft, enhancing overall skin health.

See more about glycerin →
citrus aurantium dulcis oil / orange peel oil
Good

Orange peel oil is a natural essential oil used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It has antioxidant properties and can help to refresh the skin. It is generally considered safe when used in appropriate concentrations.

Risks

There is a risk of skin irritation and photosensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

It provides a pleasant scent and has potential antioxidant benefits for the skin.

allantoin
Good

Allantoin is a skin-soothing agent known for its ability to promote skin healing and reduce irritation. It is commonly used in skincare products for its calming properties. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with allantoin.

Benefits

It helps to soothe and protect the skin, promoting healing and reducing irritation.

See more about allantoin →
glycolic acid
Good

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for its exfoliating properties. It helps to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. It is effective in promoting skin renewal and enhancing radiance.

Risks

It can cause skin irritation and sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

It helps to exfoliate the skin, improving texture and promoting a brighter complexion.

See more about glycolic acid →
aqua / water / eau
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps to hydrate the skin and is essential for the formulation of many cosmetic products.

See more about aqua / water / eau →
c12-15 alkyl benzoate
Neutral

C12-15 alkyl benzoate is an emollient that helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning properties. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a silky feel to the skin and helps to lock in moisture.

See more about c12-15 alkyl benzoate →
propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and absorption of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation, particularly for sensitive skin.

Benefits

Propanediol enhances the penetration of other ingredients and provides a smooth application.

See more about propanediol →
cetyl alcohol
Neutral

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

Risks

There is a low risk of irritation, but it is generally considered safe.

Benefits

Cetyl alcohol helps to improve the texture of products and provides moisturizing benefits.

See more about cetyl alcohol →
methyl gluceth-20
Neutral

Methyl gluceth-20 is a humectant and emollient that helps to hydrate the skin. It is derived from glucose and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to maintain skin moisture and improve the feel of the product.

See more about methyl gluceth-20 →
neopentyl glycol dicaprate
Neutral

Neopentyl glycol dicaprate is an emollient that provides a silky feel to the skin. It is used to enhance the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to improve the texture of products and provides a smooth application.

peg-100 stearate
Neutral

PEG-100 stearate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stabilizing properties. 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 stabilize formulations and improve product consistency.

See more about peg-100 stearate →
glyceryl stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl stearate is an emulsifier and emollient that helps to soften the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetics to improve texture and stability. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to maintain skin moisture and improve product texture.

See more about glyceryl stearate →
polyglyceryl-4 caprate
Neutral

Polyglyceryl-4 caprate is an emulsifier that helps to blend ingredients in cosmetic formulations. It is derived from natural sources and is considered safe for use. It is non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and improve product consistency.

See more about polyglyceryl-4 caprate →
capryl/capramidopropyl betaine
Neutral

Capryl/capramidopropyl betaine is a mild surfactant used to cleanse the skin. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered gentle and non-irritating. It is suitable for sensitive skin and helps to improve product foaming.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing and helps to improve product foaming.

caprylyl glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl glycol is a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster. It helps to hydrate the skin and enhance the efficacy of preservatives. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to maintain skin moisture and enhance preservative efficacy.

See more about caprylyl glycol →
polysorbate 20
Neutral

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stabilizing properties. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a potential risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and improve product consistency.

See more about polysorbate 20 →
sodium hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small concentrations but can be irritating in higher amounts. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

Risks

It can cause skin irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the desired pH of the product, ensuring stability and efficacy.

See more about sodium hydroxide →
pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Neutral

This ingredient is an antioxidant used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent the degradation of other ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and extend product shelf life.

See more about pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate →
polyquaternium-39
Neutral

Polyquaternium-39 is a conditioning agent used to improve the texture and feel of cosmetic products. It helps to enhance the spreadability and smoothness of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It provides conditioning benefits and improves product texture.

sodium chloride
Neutral

Sodium chloride is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and improve product texture.

See more about sodium chloride →
peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate
Neutral

PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stabilizing properties. 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 stabilize formulations and improve product consistency.

See more about peg-30 dipolyhydroxystearate →
trideceth-6
Neutral

Trideceth-6 is an emulsifier and surfactant used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It helps to blend ingredients and enhance product performance. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and improve product texture.

See more about trideceth-6 →
phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential for irritation.

Risks

It can cause skin and eye irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

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

See more about phenoxyethanol →
limonene
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

It can cause skin irritation and sensitization, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It provides a refreshing citrus scent and has potential antioxidant benefits.

See more about limonene →
acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and improve product texture.

See more about acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer →
disodium edta
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

It helps to stabilize formulations and enhance product performance.

See more about disodium edta →
sodium benzoate
Bad

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

Risks

There is a low risk of skin irritation.

Benefits

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

See more about sodium benzoate →

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