BASED Daily Facial Cleanser
Summary
BASED Daily Facial Cleanser scores 99/100 -- a premium, non-toxic, non-stripping cleanser. Zero parabens, zero endocrine disruptors, zero sulfates (no SLS/SLES), no synthetic fragrance, no phenoxyethanol, no PEGs, no silicones. Independently lab tested. The cleansing agent is decyl glucoside, a sugar-derived surfactant that's the gentlest in its class -- replacing the sodium lauryl sulfate / sodium laureth sulfate that strips the skin barrier in 90% of drugstore cleansers. Active payload is real: willow bark extract (natural salicin, the precursor to salicylic acid) for gentle BHA exfoliation, bamboo charcoal for sebum absorption, green tea extract for EGCG-driven antioxidant support, and eucalyptus extract for clarifying aroma. Glycerin and a clean preservative pair (potassium sorbate + sodium benzoate, both food-grade) round it out. One of the cleanest face washes on the market.
At a glance
Key ingredients 11
Decyl GlucosideVery Good
Sugar/coconut-derived non-ionic surfactant; the gentlest broadly-effective cleansing agent in commercial use. EWG 1, no penetration enhancement, no barrier stripping. Replaces SLS/SLES.
See more about Decyl Glucoside →GlycerinVery Good
Gold-standard humectant; draws moisture into the stratum corneum and offsets any drying from cleansing or styling. Plant-derived, EWG 1.
See more about Glycerin →Willow Bark ExtractVery Good
Natural source of salicin (precursor to salicylic acid). Provides gentle BHA-style exfoliation and anti-inflammatory support without the sensitization profile of synthetic salicylic acid at 2%.
See more about Willow Bark Extract →Bamboo CharcoalVery Good
Activated bamboo charcoal effectively adsorbs sebum and surface debris from pores. Inert, non-comedogenic, and physically inert.
See more about Bamboo Charcoal →Green Tea ExtractVery Good
Concentrated catechins (EGCG, ECG) with documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (Hsu 2005; Pazyar 2012). Calms reactive skin during cleansing.
See more about Green Tea Extract →Glycol DistearateGood
Clean pearlizing/emulsifying agent; EWG 1 with no penetration-enhancement or contamination concerns. Provides smooth opaque texture without silicones.
See more about Glycol Distearate →Eucalyptus Leaf ExtractGood
Aromatic botanical contributing eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) and traces of alpha-pinene with mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. At trace concentrations in leave-on skincare it adds a gentle calming benefit without sensitization risk.
See more about Eucalyptus Leaf Extract →Xanthan GumGood
Microbial-fermentation polysaccharide thickener; replaces synthetic carbomers and PEG-based thickeners. Inert and non-irritating.
See more about Xanthan Gum →Citric AcidGood
pH adjuster at trace levels; mild AHA precursor that helps maintain a slightly acidic pH compatible with the skin's acid mantle.
See more about Citric Acid →Potassium Sorbate + Sodium BenzoateGood
Food-grade preservative pair; EWG 1-3, the cleanest broadly-effective system available. Replaces phenoxyethanol.
See more about Potassium Sorbate + Sodium Benzoate →Water (Aqua)Neutral
Standard solvent base.
See more about Water (Aqua) →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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