CeraVe Hydrating Toner for Face, Alcohol Free Facial Toner for Normal to Dry Skin - 6.8 fl oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This toner contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate, which are excellent for hydrating and maintaining the skin's barrier. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol as a preservative and sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment, which can be irritating, slightly lowers its rating. The product is minimally processed and free from alcohol, enhancing its suitability for sensitive skin.
Key ingredients 22
Ceramide APVery Good
Ceramide AP is another type of ceramide that supports the skin's natural barrier. It helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from external aggressors. Ceramides are essential for healthy skin function.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with ceramides.
Benefits
Ceramide AP aids in maintaining skin hydration and resilience, promoting a healthy complexion.
Ceramide EOPVery Good
Ceramide EOP is a type of ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier. It plays a vital role in maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental stressors. Ceramides are beneficial for all skin types.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with ceramides.
Benefits
Ceramide EOP supports skin barrier function and hydration, enhancing overall skin health.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it an excellent hydrating agent. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier. It is a common ingredient in skincare for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it can be sticky in high concentrations.
Benefits
Glycerin helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft, improving overall skin texture.
Ceramide NPGood
Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin's barrier function. It is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental damage. Ceramides are naturally occurring in the skin and are well-tolerated.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with ceramides.
Benefits
Ceramide NP helps to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture, improving skin health.
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple skin benefits, including improving skin tone and texture. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce redness and irritation. Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types and is well-tolerated.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with niacinamide, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Niacinamide helps to improve skin texture, reduce redness, and enhance overall skin health.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that is highly effective at retaining moisture in the skin. It is known for its ability to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. It is suitable for all skin types and is well-tolerated.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium hyaluronate.
Benefits
Sodium Hyaluronate provides intense hydration and helps to improve skin elasticity and smoothness.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It is known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Tocopherol is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with tocopherol.
Benefits
Tocopherol helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and improve hydration.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a universal solvent and is used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides hydration. 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 acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a glycol that is used as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. It can enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Propanediol can improve skin hydration and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a conditioning agent that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its ability to improve texture and spreadability. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
It may cause irritation in sensitive individuals or when used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Butylene Glycol helps to improve skin hydration and enhances the texture of formulations.
Potassium LaurateNeutral
Potassium Laurate is a surfactant and cleansing agent used in cosmetics. It helps to emulsify and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
It may cause irritation in sensitive skin or when used in high concentrations.
Benefits
Potassium Laurate helps to cleanse the skin and improve the texture of formulations.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and control the viscosity of cosmetic formulations. It is widely used in skincare products for its ability to create a smooth texture. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Carbomer helps to improve the texture and stability of skincare products.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Sodium Hydroxide can cause skin irritation and dryness if used in high concentrations.
Benefits
In small amounts, it helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the formulation.
Sodium CitrateNeutral
Sodium Citrate is used as a buffering agent to control the pH of cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium citrate.
Benefits
Sodium Citrate helps to stabilize formulations and maintain product efficacy.
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateNeutral
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Benefits
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations.
CholesterolNeutral
Cholesterol is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier. It is used in skincare products to improve hydration and skin texture. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with cholesterol in cosmetics.
Benefits
Cholesterol helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetics. It is effective at low concentrations and is generally considered safe for use. It helps to maintain product integrity.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Chlorphenesin helps to preserve the product and prevent microbial contamination.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is an alpha hydroxy acid that can also provide mild exfoliation. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
In high concentrations, citric acid can cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
Citric Acid helps to maintain product stability and can improve skin texture.
PhytosphingosineNeutral
Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to support the skin's natural barrier. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with phytosphingosine.
Benefits
Phytosphingosine helps to improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations. It is derived from natural sources and is generally considered safe for use. It helps to create a smooth and consistent product texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with xanthan gum.
Benefits
Xanthan Gum helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It is effective at low concentrations and is generally considered safe for use. It helps to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives.
Risks
It may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Ethylhexylglycerin helps to preserve the product and improve skin feel.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective at low concentrations but can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It is a common alternative to parabens.
Risks
Phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.
Processing
Processed Foods
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