Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser

Common questions

Is Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser healthy?

Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This facial cleanser contains beneficial natural oils and mild surfactants that are gentle on the skin, contributing positively to its formulation.

Which ingredients drive Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin count in its favor; Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Linalool 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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Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser

Philosophy
65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$29.00 · $3.63 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 15
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by Coty, Inc.
Category Face Wash
Summary

This facial cleanser contains beneficial natural oils and mild surfactants that are gentle on the skin, contributing positively to its formulation. However, the presence of synthetic preservatives like phenoxyethanol and chlorphenesin, which can cause irritation, along with PEG compounds, slightly lowers its overall safety profile. The product's processing level is moderate, with a mix of natural and synthetic ingredients.

Key ingredients 30

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Very Good

Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a natural oil known for its moisturizing properties. It helps to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier on the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids.

Risks

Rarely causes allergic reactions or irritation.

Benefits

Highly moisturizing and helps to protect the skin barrier.

See more about Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil →
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Very Good

Rose Oil is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It is often used in high-end skincare products.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Very Good

Carrot Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants and known for its rejuvenating properties. It helps to nourish and protect the skin. It is often used in anti-aging skincare products.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and rejuvenates the skin.

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Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil
Very Good

Sandalwood Oil is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It is often used in high-end skincare products.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides soothing and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

See more about Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil →
Tocopherol
Very Good

Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing and protective properties. It is suitable for all skin types.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and helps to moisturize the skin.

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Coco-Glucoside
Good

Coco-Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and glucose. It is gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps to cleanse without causing irritation.

Risks

Generally considered safe with low risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and is environmentally friendly.

See more about Coco-Glucoside →
Glycerin
Good

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 suitable for all skin types.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Highly effective at moisturizing and maintaining skin hydration.

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Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil
Good

Rosewood Oil is a natural essential oil known for its soothing and aromatic properties. It can help to calm the skin and provide a pleasant fragrance. It is often used in aromatherapy.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides soothing properties and a pleasant aroma.

Bulnesia Sarmientoi Wood Oil
Good

Bulnesia Sarmientoi Wood Oil, also known as Palo Santo oil, is known for its aromatic and potential anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for its fragrance and soothing effects. It is often used in aromatherapy.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant aroma and potential soothing effects.

Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Good

Geranium Oil is known for its balancing and soothing properties on the skin. It is used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It is often used in aromatherapy and skincare.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides balancing and soothing effects on the skin.

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Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
Good

Amyris Oil is known for its calming and aromatic properties. It is used for its fragrance and potential soothing effects. It is often used in aromatherapy.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides calming effects and a pleasant aroma.

Cymbopogon Martini Oil
Good

Palmarosa Oil is known for its hydrating and balancing properties on the skin. It is used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It is often used in aromatherapy and skincare.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides hydrating and balancing effects on the skin.

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Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract
Good

Mimosa Bark Extract is known for its healing and soothing properties. It is used to calm irritated skin and promote healing. It is often used in skincare for sensitive skin.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides healing and soothing effects on the skin.

Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Good

Ormenis Oil, also known as Moroccan Chamomile, is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It is often used in aromatherapy and skincare.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides calming and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.

Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil
Good

Clary Oil is known for its balancing and soothing properties on the skin. It is used for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It is often used in aromatherapy and skincare.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides balancing and soothing effects on the skin.

Aqua/Water/Eau
Neutral

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 cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in dissolving other ingredients and provides a medium for them to function.

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Sodium Trideceth Sulfate
Neutral

Sodium Trideceth Sulfate is a surfactant used for cleansing and foaming. It is milder than SLS but can still cause irritation in sensitive skin. It helps in removing dirt and oil from the skin.

Risks

May cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Effective in cleansing and removing impurities from the skin.

Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
Neutral

Sodium Lauroamphoacetate is a mild surfactant that helps in cleansing without stripping natural oils. It is often used in formulations for sensitive skin. It provides a gentle cleansing action.

Risks

Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing suitable for sensitive skin.

See more about Sodium Lauroamphoacetate →
Coconut Alcohol
Neutral

Coconut Alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil. It is used as an emollient and thickener in formulations. It helps to improve the texture and feel of the product.

Risks

May cause irritation in very sensitive skin types.

Benefits

Improves product texture and provides emollient properties.

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate
Neutral

PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate is an emulsifier and thickener used in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of ethoxylation.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation when used in appropriate concentrations.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

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Polysorbate 20
Neutral

Polysorbate 20 is an emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients. It is commonly used in cosmetics to improve texture and stability. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and texture.

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Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It can also act as a mild exfoliant. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin when used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps to balance pH and can provide mild exfoliation.

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Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It helps to improve the efficacy of preservatives. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances preservative efficacy and conditions the skin.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation when used in appropriate concentrations.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Fruit Extract
Neutral

Pepper Fruit Extract is used for its antioxidant properties and potential to enhance circulation. It is used in small amounts in skincare formulations. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

Potential for irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and may enhance circulation.

Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is a common alternative to parabens.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Effective preservative that extends product shelf life.

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Chlorphenesin
Bad

Chlorphenesin is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. It is used to extend the shelf life of products.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Effective preservative that helps maintain product integrity.

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Linalool
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides fragrance and potential calming effects.

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Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Very Bad

Heavily flagged ingredient class under Scout's doctrine.

Risks

Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides color to enhance the visual appeal of the product.

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