Philosophy Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser
Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 OilVery 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.
Rosa Damascena Flower OilVery 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 OilVery 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.
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) OilVery 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.
TocopherolVery 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.
Coco-GlucosideGood
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.
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 suitable for all skin types.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Highly effective at moisturizing and maintaining skin hydration.
Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood OilGood
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 OilGood
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 OilGood
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.
Amyris Balsamifera Bark OilGood
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 OilGood
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.
Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark ExtractGood
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 OilGood
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) OilGood
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/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 cosmetics.
Benefits
Water helps in dissolving other ingredients and provides a medium for them to function.
Sodium Trideceth SulfateNeutral
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 LauroamphoacetateNeutral
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.
Coconut AlcoholNeutral
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 DioleateNeutral
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.
CarbomerNeutral
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.
Polysorbate 20Neutral
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.
Citric AcidNeutral
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.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
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.
Xanthan GumNeutral
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.
Piper Nigrum (Pepper) Fruit ExtractNeutral
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.
PhenoxyethanolBad
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.
ChlorphenesinBad
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.
LinaloolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Provides fragrance and potential calming effects.
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.
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.