Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser

Common questions

Is Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser healthy?

Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face cleanser contains several beneficial ingredients such as glycerin, licorice root extract, and green tea extract, which provide hydration, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.

Which ingredients drive Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside count in its favor; Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol 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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Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser

Face Reality Skincare
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Norwest Venture Partners
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face cleanser contains several beneficial ingredients such as glycerin, licorice root extract, and green tea extract, which provide hydration, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits. However, the presence of alcohol and phenoxyethanol, which can be drying and irritating to the skin, slightly lowers its safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also impacts its overall rating.

Key ingredients 18

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Very Good

Licorice Root Extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties. It helps to soothe irritated skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. It is a natural ingredient with a long history of use in skincare.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Reduces inflammation and helps brighten the skin tone.

See more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract →
Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Very Good

Green Tea Extract is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental damage and soothes irritation. It is a well-regarded botanical in skincare.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with green tea extract; it is generally safe for all skin types.

Benefits

Provides antioxidant protection and soothes the skin.

See more about Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract →
Panthenol (D)
Very Good

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5 that acts as a moisturizer and skin conditioner. It helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for all skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with panthenol; it is generally safe for all skin types.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and improves elasticity.

Glycerin
Good

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

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin; it is generally safe for all skin types.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

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Decyl Glucoside
Good

Decyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from glucose and coconut oil. It is used for its gentle cleansing properties. It is biodegradable and suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and is environmentally friendly.

See more about Decyl Glucoside →
Lauryl Glucoside
Good

Lauryl Glucoside is a mild surfactant derived from natural sources like coconut oil and sugar. It is used for its gentle cleansing properties and is suitable for sensitive skin. It is biodegradable and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Offers gentle cleansing and is environmentally friendly.

See more about Lauryl Glucoside →
Fomes Officinalis (Mushroom) Extract
Good

Mushroom Extract is known for its astringent and pore-tightening properties. It helps to refine skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores. It is a natural ingredient with antioxidant benefits.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with mushroom extract; it is generally safe for all skin types.

Benefits

Tightens pores and provides antioxidant protection.

Aqua (Water)
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent and is used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides hydration. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps to hydrate the skin and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.

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Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It helps to cleanse the skin by removing dirt and oil. It is generally well-tolerated but can cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken cosmetic formulations. It is derived from fermented sugars. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with xanthan gum; it is generally safe for all skin types.

Benefits

Helps stabilize formulations and improve texture.

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Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Neutral

Witch Hazel Water is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to tone the skin and reduce inflammation. It is a natural ingredient commonly used in skincare.

Risks

May cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Tones the skin and reduces inflammation.

See more about Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is a natural acid found in citrus fruits. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating in low concentrations.

Risks

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

Benefits

Helps maintain the pH balance of the product.

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Alcohol
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Can cause dryness, irritation, and disrupt the skin barrier.

Benefits

Acts as a solvent and helps preserve the product.

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Butylene Glycol
Neutral

Butylene Glycol is a humectant that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It is used to improve the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps retain moisture and improves product texture.

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Ethylhexylglycerin
Neutral

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics. It enhances the efficacy of other preservatives and provides mild skin conditioning benefits. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

May cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances preservative efficacy and conditions the skin.

See more about Ethylhexylglycerin →
Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

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

Benefits

Improves product stability and prevents metal ion interference.

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Potassium Sorbate
Bad

Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.

Risks

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

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Potassium Sorbate →
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 but still has potential risks.

Risks

Can cause irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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