philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash - 8 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Contains Vitamin C, For Normal, Sensitive and Mature Skin, Cream Formulation
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This facial wash contains several beneficial ingredients such as diatomaceous earth for gentle exfoliation, glycerin for hydration, and panthenol for soothing the skin. However, the presence of acrylates copolymer and polysorbate compounds indicates a moderate level of processing, which slightly impacts the overall score. The product is generally safe for sensitive skin, but the inclusion of synthetic components prevents it from achieving a higher rating.
Key ingredients 31
PanthenolVery Good
Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5 that acts as a moisturizer and skin conditioner. It helps in improving skin hydration and reducing inflammation. It is widely used for its soothing and healing properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and promotes healing.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilVery Good
Sunflower Seed Oil is a natural oil rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E. It helps in moisturizing and nourishing the skin. It is often used for its emollient properties and ability to improve skin barrier function.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and nourishment to the skin.
TocopherolVery Good
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant. It helps in protecting the skin from free radical damage and improving moisture retention. It is widely used for its skin-conditioning properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant protection and enhances skin hydration.
TocotrienolsVery Good
Tocotrienols are a form of Vitamin E with potent antioxidant properties. They help in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and improving skin health. They are often used for their anti-aging benefits.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides strong antioxidant protection and supports skin health.
Borago Officinalis Seed OilVery Good
Borage Seed Oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. It helps in moisturizing and soothing the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin. It is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides deep hydration and soothes irritated skin.
Solum Diatomeae/Diatomaceous Earth/Terre De DiatomeesGood
Diatomaceous Earth is a natural exfoliant that helps remove dead skin cells. It is gentle on the skin and improves texture. It is often used in exfoliating products for its mild abrasive properties.
Risks
Overuse can lead to skin irritation or micro-abrasions.
Benefits
It helps in smoothing the skin and enhancing the absorption of other skincare ingredients.
Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino AcidsGood
This ingredient is a mild surfactant derived from apple amino acids. It is gentle on the skin and helps in cleansing without stripping natural oils. It is suitable for sensitive skin types.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing and maintains skin's natural moisture balance.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It helps improve skin barrier function.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and smoothness.
Decyl GlucosideGood
Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose. It is gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps in cleansing without causing irritation.
Risks
Low risk of irritation, generally considered safe.
Benefits
Provides effective cleansing while being gentle on the skin.
Lauryl GlucosideGood
Lauryl Glucoside is a mild surfactant derived from natural sources. It is gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps in cleansing without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Risks
Low risk of irritation, generally considered safe.
Benefits
Provides gentle cleansing and maintains skin's natural moisture balance.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel ExtractGood
Orange Peel Extract is rich in antioxidants and provides a refreshing scent. It helps in revitalizing the skin and providing a natural fragrance. It is often used for its skin-brightening properties.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural citrus oils.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant benefits and a refreshing scent.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) JuiceGood
Orange Juice is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps in brightening the skin and providing a natural fragrance. It is often used for its skin-rejuvenating properties.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive skin due to natural citrus acids.
Benefits
Provides antioxidant benefits and a refreshing scent.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It is essential for the formulation but does not provide direct benefits or risks. It acts as a base for the product.
Risks
There are no direct risks associated with water in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
Water helps in the application and absorption of other active ingredients.
Disodium CocoamphodiacetateNeutral
This is a mild surfactant used to enhance the foaming properties of cleansers. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered gentle. It helps in reducing the irritation potential of other surfactants.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Improves the foaming and cleansing ability of the product.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and preservative booster. It helps in stabilizing the formulation and protecting it from degradation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances the stability and shelf-life of the product.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is essential for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is used in very small amounts to ensure safety.
Risks
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but safe in regulated amounts.
Benefits
Ensures the product is at the correct pH for skin compatibility.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics to improve texture and stability. It is generally considered safe for use.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves product consistency and stability.
HydroxyethylcelluloseNeutral
Hydroxyethylcellulose is a thickening agent used to improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps in stabilizing emulsions and providing a smooth application. It is derived from cellulose and is considered safe.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances the texture and application of the product.
Hexylene GlycolNeutral
Hexylene Glycol is used as a solvent and viscosity agent in cosmetics. It helps in improving the texture and spreadability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves product texture and application.
1,2-HexanediolNeutral
1,2-Hexanediol is used as a preservative and humectant in cosmetics. It helps in maintaining the product's stability and moisture content. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and moisture retention.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative. It helps in maintaining the product's stability and improving skin feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and skin conditioning.
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateNeutral
This ingredient is used as a chelating agent to improve the stability of cosmetic formulations. It helps in preventing the degradation of the product by binding metal ions. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and shelf-life.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
This ingredient is a chelating agent used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps in preventing the degradation of the product by binding metal ions. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and shelf-life.
Disodium PhosphateNeutral
Disodium Phosphate is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps in maintaining the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is used in very small amounts to ensure safety.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Ensures the product is at the correct pH for skin compatibility.
TrioleinNeutral
Triolein is a triglyceride that acts as an emollient in cosmetic formulations. It helps in moisturizing the skin and improving texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and smoothness.
TrilinoleinNeutral
Trilinolein is a triglyceride that acts as an emollient in cosmetic formulations. It helps in moisturizing the skin and improving texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and smoothness.
Acrylates CopolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Contributes to the product's consistency and ease of application.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Contributes to the product's consistency and stability.
LimoneneBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Can cause skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals.
Benefits
Provides a pleasant citrus scent and potential antioxidant benefits.
Polysorbate 60Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Improves product consistency and stability.
Sodium PhosphateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Ensures the product is at the correct pH for skin compatibility.
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