Aveeno Calm + Restore Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin - Fragrance Free - 1.7 oz: Gel, Alcohol-Free, Noncomedogenic
AveenoAnalysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, dimethicone, and oat extracts, which are known for their hydrating and soothing properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin. However, the presence of polyacrylamide, a synthetic polymer with potential contamination concerns, and phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation, lowers its overall safety profile. The formulation is mostly safe but includes some synthetic components that warrant caution.
Key ingredients 22
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel FlourVery Good
Oat kernel flour is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It helps to calm irritation and redness. It is rich in antioxidants and beneficial for maintaining skin health.
Risks
Rarely, individuals with oat allergies may experience irritation.
Benefits
Soothes and calms irritated skin, rich in antioxidants.
PanthenolVery Good
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a moisturizing and soothing agent. It helps to improve skin hydration and reduce inflammation. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and is well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Moisturizes and soothes the skin, promoting skin health.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractVery Good
Oat kernel extract is rich in antioxidants and known for its soothing properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It helps to calm irritation and support skin health. It is a beneficial natural ingredient in skincare.
Risks
Rarely, individuals with oat allergies may experience irritation.
Benefits
Soothes and calms irritated skin, rich in antioxidants.
Centella Asiatica ExtractVery Good
Centella Asiatica extract is renowned for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to soothe irritated skin and promote collagen production. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy, resilient skin.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Promotes healing and soothes irritated skin.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Excellent for moisturizing and maintaining skin hydration.
Cetearyl OlivateGood
Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier derived from olive oil, used to blend ingredients and improve texture. It is considered mild and beneficial for the skin. It helps to maintain skin hydration and softness.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and improves product texture.
Sorbitan OlivateGood
Sorbitan Olivate is an emulsifier derived from olive oil, used to stabilize formulations. It is gentle on the skin and helps to maintain moisture balance. It is considered safe and beneficial for sensitive skin.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally well-tolerated.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and maintains skin moisture.
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem JuiceGood
Feverfew extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for sensitive skin. It helps to calm irritation and reduce redness. It is a natural ingredient that supports skin health.
Risks
Rarely, individuals with allergies to feverfew may experience irritation.
Benefits
Calms irritation and provides antioxidant benefits.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not provide direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Acts as a solvent and helps in product application.
C13-14 IsoparaffinNeutral
C13-14 Isoparaffin is a hydrocarbon used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Improves texture and spreadability of cosmetic products.
Butylene GlycolNeutral
Butylene Glycol is a common solvent and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve product texture and enhance penetration of other ingredients. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.
Benefits
Improves product texture and enhances ingredient penetration.
Dimethicone CrosspolymerNeutral
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone-based ingredient used to enhance texture and provide a smooth feel. It helps to improve the spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances texture and provides a smooth application.
ChlorphenesinNeutral
Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in maintaining product stability. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
DimethiconolNeutral
Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used to provide a smooth application and improve texture. It helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Provides a smooth application and locks in moisture.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic products. It helps to create a gel-like consistency. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.
Laureth-7Neutral
Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and surfactant used to blend ingredients and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. It helps to enhance the spreadability of products.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances texture and spreadability of cosmetic products.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin conditioning agent used to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating. It helps to maintain product stability.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Enhances preservative efficacy and conditions the skin.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is effective in small amounts to ensure product stability. It is generally considered safe when used in low concentrations.
Risks
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but safe in regulated amounts.
Benefits
Adjusts pH to maintain product stability.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts in some individuals with silicone sensitivity.
Benefits
Provides a protective barrier and smooths skin texture.
Synthetic BeeswaxBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation, generally safe for use.
Benefits
Acts as a thickening agent and provides emollient properties.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals, especially with prolonged use. It is a common alternative to parabens but still has potential risks.
Risks
May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.
PolyacrylamideVery Bad
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics. It is controversial due to potential contamination with acrylamide, a suspected carcinogen. Its use is heavily scrutinized in personal care products.
Risks
Potential contamination with acrylamide, a suspected carcinogen.
Benefits
Provides thickening and stabilizing properties in formulations.
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