Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Ceramides - Normal to Dry Skin/Sensitive - 12fl oz - up&up™

Common questions

Is Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Ceramides - Normal to Dry Skin/Sensitive - 12fl oz - up&up™ healthy?

Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Ceramides - Normal to Dry Skin/Sensitive - 12fl oz - up&up™ scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate, which are excellent for maintaining skin hydration and barrier function.

Which ingredients drive Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Ceramides - Normal to Dry Skin/Sensitive - 12fl oz - up&up™'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Beta-Sitosterol, Ceramide NP count in its favor; Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA 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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Hydrating Facial Cleanser with Ceramides - Normal to Dry Skin/Sensitive - 12fl oz - up&up™

Up&Up
78 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 8
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Target Corporation
Category Face Wash
Summary

This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate, which are excellent for maintaining skin hydration and barrier function. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation in some individuals, slightly lowers the score. The product has a balanced formulation with mostly safe ingredients, but the inclusion of a moderate risk preservative affects its overall rating.

Key ingredients 24

Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that supports the skin's barrier function. It helps retain moisture and protects the skin from external irritants. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin barrier and retains moisture.

See more about Ceramide AP →
Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is a lipid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's barrier. It helps prevent moisture loss and protects against environmental stressors. It is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.

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Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and enhances the skin's natural barrier function. It is a beneficial ingredient in skincare products.

Risks

Rarely, glycerin can cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Beta-Sitosterol
Good

Beta-Sitosterol is a plant-derived compound with anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe the skin and can improve skin barrier function. It is beneficial for sensitive and dry skin types.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause mild irritation.

Benefits

Provides anti-inflammatory benefits and supports skin barrier health.

See more about Beta-Sitosterol →
Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps restore the skin's natural barrier. It is essential for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental damage. It is highly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Restores skin barrier function and improves hydration.

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Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It is highly effective in hydrating and plumping the skin. It is beneficial for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin.

Benefits

Provides intense hydration and improves skin texture.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Cholesterol
Good

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps maintain the skin's barrier function. It works synergistically with ceramides to improve skin hydration and resilience. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier and enhances hydration.

See more about Cholesterol →
Phytosphingosine
Good

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps maintain the skin's barrier and has antimicrobial properties. It is beneficial for improving skin health and reducing inflammation. It is particularly useful for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier and provides antimicrobial benefits.

See more about Phytosphingosine →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in this context.

Benefits

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

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Cetyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Acts as an emollient, providing a smooth and soft texture to the skin.

See more about Cetyl Alcohol →
Stearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Stearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient and thickener. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product texture and provides emollient properties.

See more about Stearyl Alcohol →
PEG-40 Stearate
Neutral

PEG-40 Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics for its stabilizing properties. It is generally considered safe but may cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps stabilize formulations and improve texture.

See more about PEG-40 Stearate →
Sucrose Stearate
Neutral

Sucrose Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend ingredients in cosmetic formulations. It is derived from sugar and stearic acid and is generally considered safe. It does not have significant direct benefits or risks.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Helps stabilize and blend cosmetic formulations.

Sucrose Distearate
Neutral

Sucrose Distearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It is derived from sugar and stearic acid and is generally safe for use. It does not provide direct skin benefits.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier and emollient used in cosmetics. It helps blend ingredients and provides a smooth texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves texture and provides emollient properties.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
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 but may cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps stabilize formulations and improve texture.

See more about Polysorbate 20 →
Dipotassium Phosphate
Neutral

Dipotassium Phosphate is used as a buffering agent in cosmetics. It helps maintain the pH balance of the product. It does not have significant direct benefits or risks.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Maintains pH balance in formulations.

See more about Dipotassium Phosphate →
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It helps cleanse the skin and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides mild cleansing and stabilizes formulations.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a skin conditioning agent and preservative. It helps improve the texture of formulations and provides antimicrobial properties. It is generally safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves texture and provides antimicrobial benefits.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Hexylene Glycol
Neutral

Hexylene Glycol is a solvent and viscosity agent used in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of formulations. It is generally considered safe but may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves texture and spreadability of formulations.

See more about Hexylene Glycol →
Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to create gel-like textures in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

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Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves texture.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is considered a moderate risk ingredient.

Risks

Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Improves product stability and prevents degradation.

See more about Disodium EDTA →

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