The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Acne + Blackhead Cleanser, Size: 5 FL Oz, None
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This face wash contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, salicylic acid, and zinc PCA, which are effective for moisturizing and treating acne-prone skin. However, the presence of PEG compounds and phenoxyethanol, which are synthetic and can be irritating to some individuals, slightly lowers its rating. The product is moderately processed, which also impacts the overall score.
Key ingredients 26
Salicylic AcidVery Good
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. It is widely used in acne treatments due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It helps reduce acne and blackheads effectively.
Risks
Overuse can lead to skin dryness or irritation, especially in sensitive skin.
Benefits
It promotes clearer skin by exfoliating dead skin cells and reducing inflammation.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it an excellent hydrating agent. It is naturally found in the skin and helps maintain the skin's moisture balance. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties.
Risks
Glycerin is generally safe, but in very high concentrations, it may cause irritation.
Benefits
It helps keep the skin soft and supple by drawing moisture from the air into the skin.
Zinc PCAGood
Zinc PCA is a zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, known for its sebum-regulating and antimicrobial properties. It helps control oil production and reduce acne. It is considered safe and effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with zinc PCA in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It helps reduce excess oil and prevent acne breakouts.
AllantoinGood
Allantoin is a skin-soothing and conditioning agent known for its ability to promote skin healing. It helps reduce irritation and supports skin regeneration. It is widely used in skincare for its calming properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with allantoin in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It helps soothe irritated skin and promotes a healthy skin barrier.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for all skin types.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with tocopherol in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It helps nourish and protect the skin, promoting a healthy and youthful appearance.
Aqua (Water)Neutral
Aqua is commonly used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-reactive.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.
Benefits
Water helps in hydrating 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 derived from corn sugar and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and feel of the product.
Risks
In rare cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
Propanediol can enhance the absorption of other ingredients and provide a smooth application.
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl TaurateNeutral
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create foam and cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils. It is considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
Risks
There is a low risk of skin irritation, especially for those with very sensitive skin.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Cocamidopropyl BetaineNeutral
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. It is used to reduce irritation potential of other surfactants and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or irritation.
Benefits
It helps in creating a rich lather and enhances the cleansing properties of the product.
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose DioleateNeutral
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is an emulsifier and thickening agent used in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
There is a potential risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of ethoxylation.
Benefits
It enhances the consistency and spreadability of the product.
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl TetrastearateNeutral
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is used as a thickening agent and emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps maintain the stability and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane is a concern due to the ethoxylation process.
Benefits
It improves the texture and application of the product.
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric GlyceridesNeutral
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides are used as emulsifiers and skin-conditioning agents. They help blend oil and water-based ingredients and improve product texture. They are considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There is a potential risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Benefits
They enhance the moisturizing properties of the product and improve skin feel.
BetaineNeutral
Betaine is a naturally derived humectant and anti-irritant. It helps maintain skin hydration and reduces the potential for irritation from other ingredients. It is considered safe and beneficial for sensitive skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with betaine in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It helps improve skin hydration and soothes irritation.
Sodium ChlorideNeutral
Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the viscosity and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause skin dryness or irritation.
Benefits
It helps enhance the texture and consistency of the product.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is a strong alkali that helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is used in very low concentrations to ensure safety.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can be corrosive and cause skin irritation.
Benefits
It helps balance the pH of the product for optimal performance.
Coco-GlucosideNeutral
Coco-Glucoside is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is used to cleanse the skin gently without stripping natural oils. It is considered safe and suitable for sensitive skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with coco-glucoside in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance.
Glyceryl OleateNeutral
Glyceryl Oleate is an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent derived from natural oils. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients and improve skin feel. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glyceryl oleate in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It enhances the moisturizing properties of the product and improves skin texture.
Coconut AcidNeutral
Coconut Acid is derived from coconut oil and used as a surfactant and emulsifier. It helps cleanse the skin and stabilize formulations. It is considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with coconut acid in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It provides effective cleansing and helps maintain product stability.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It enhances the efficacy of other preservatives and improves skin feel. It is considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ethylhexylglycerin in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It helps improve product preservation and provides a smooth application.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
Benefits
It helps balance the pH of the product for optimal performance.
Dehydroacetic AcidNeutral
Dehydroacetic Acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in low concentrations and considered safe for use in personal care products. It helps maintain product stability and safety.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with dehydroacetic acid in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It helps extend the shelf life of the product by preventing contamination.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and efficacy of cosmetic formulations. It helps bind metal ions and prevent product degradation. It is considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It enhances the stability and performance of the product.
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides CitrateNeutral
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate is used as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations and improve skin feel. It is considered safe for use in personal care products.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
Benefits
It enhances the texture and moisturizing properties of the product.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps extend the shelf life of the product by preventing contamination.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps extend the shelf life of the product by preventing contamination.
Sodium BenzoateBad
Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.
Risks
In high concentrations, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps extend the shelf life of the product by preventing contamination.
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