CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Summary
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser scores 38/100. The foaming variant relies on Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (a surfactant with documented trace-nitrosamine potential) and PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate (residual 1,4-dioxane risk), making it the least-clean of the brand's standard cleansers despite the niacinamide + ceramide deck.
At a glance
Key ingredients 7
NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a well-tolerated, evidence-backed ingredient that calms inflammation, supports the skin barrier, and helps regulate sebum production.
See more about Niacinamide →Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP)Good
Ceramides are lipids naturally present in the skin barrier; topical application helps restore and maintain barrier function. CeraVe's three-ceramide complex is a well-formulated barrier-supporting blend.
See more about Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) →Hyaluronic Acid / Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium hyaluronate is a humectant that attracts and holds water in the skin. It is well tolerated, non-irritating, and a meaningful addition to a daily moisturizer.
See more about Hyaluronic Acid / Sodium Hyaluronate →Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateBad
Anionic surfactant that can form trace nitrosamines (NDELA) during manufacture or storage when combined with nitrosating agents — a concern flagged by the IARC as probable human carcinogens.
See more about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate →PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl TetrastearateBad
PEG-derived viscosity modifier. As with all polyethylene glycols, manufacturing can leave 1,4-dioxane (EPA probable human carcinogen) as a residual contaminant unless vacuum-stripped.
See more about PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate →Cocamidopropyl HydroxysultaineNeutral
Coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant. Gentler than its cousin cocamidopropyl betaine but synthesised from the same dimethylaminopropylamine pathway, so impurities (DMAPA, amidoamine) can drive contact dermatitis in sensitive users.
See more about Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine →PhenoxyethanolBad
Synthetic preservative restricted by the EU at higher use levels over infant neurotoxicity concerns. Generally tolerated but a known sensitiser; some peer-reviewed studies report toxicity to human gland cells at approved concentrations.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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