Gentle Cleanser
Gentle Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, daily-use foaming gel cleanser formulated for all skin types — from sensitive and post-procedure skin to oily and acne-prone complexions. Powered by oat-derived amino acids and a rich blend of botanical antioxidants, this rinse-off cleanser removes makeup, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. A cornerstone of the ZO® Getting Skin Ready® protocol, trusted by dermatologists and aesthetic clinics worldwide.
Oat Amino Acid Surfactant System
Sodium lauroyl oat amino acids provide an exceptionally gentle cleanse that preserves the skin's natural lipid barrier — ideal for sensitive and post-treatment skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYOat Amino Acid Surfactant System
Sodium lauroyl oat amino acids provide an exceptionally gentle cleanse that preserves the skin's natural lipid barrier — ideal for sensitive and post-treatment skin.
8-Botanical Antioxidant Blend
Green tea, mugwort, barley, meadowsweet, plantain, sea fennel, barberry, and African padauk deliver a powerful shield of anti-inflammatory and free-radical-fighting protection.
Hydration-Preserving Formula
Glycerin and butylene glycol act as humectants, drawing moisture into the skin so your complexion feels refreshed — never tight, stripped, or dry — after washing.
Post-Procedure Recommended
Clinically recommended after chemical peels, IPL, microneedling, and PRP facials. Gentle enough to cleanse compromised, freshly-treated skin without causing irritation or disrupting healing.
Part of the ZO® GSR Protocol
Designed as the essential first step in ZO's Getting Skin Ready® regimen, it prepares skin to optimally absorb corrective and preventative treatments that follow.
Makeup Removal Capability
Effectively removes foundation, eye makeup including mascara, sunscreen, and daily impurities in one or two washes — no separate makeup remover required for most looks.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical UV filters are present. However, the formula contains Fragrance (Parfum) along with known EU allergens Limonene and Linalool. As a rinse-off product, exposure is minimal, but those with heightened sensitivity during pregnancy should consult their OB-GYN or dermatologist before use.
No fermented ingredients, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed Malassezia yeast. This cleanser is considered safe for those prone to fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). Verified free from fungal-acne-triggering components.
The formula contains no pore-clogging oils or heavy emollients. The primary surfactants (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine) and humectants (Glycerin) have a comedogenic rating of 0–1. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Paraben-free, silicone-free, and free of harsh drying alcohols. The oat amino acid surfactant system was specifically chosen for its skin-compatibility. Post-procedure and sensitive-skin use is supported by aesthetic clinics globally.
Contains Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, and Linalool — listed EU fragrance allergens. As a rinse-off cleanser, skin contact time is short and risk is low for most users. Those with confirmed fragrance allergies should patch test or choose a fragrance-free alternative.
As a rinse-off cleanser, it does not interfere with or deactivate leave-on actives such as retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, BHAs, or niacinamide products applied afterward. Safe to use before any advanced corrective regimen.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids ~5–8%Proven
The hero surfactant of this formula — a mild cleansing agent derived from oat protein. Unlike conventional sulfate-based surfactants, it cleanses effectively while actively supporting the skin's natural lipid barrier and amino acid profile.
- Mechanism: Anionic surfactant that lifts oil and impurities through mild micelle formation with reduced disruption to stratum corneum lipids.
- Barrier support: Oat-derived peptide fragments have demonstrated barrier-replenishing properties in ex-vivo skin studies.
- Skin feel: Produces a soft, creamy foam with noticeably less "squeaky clean" over-stripping feel compared to SLES-only formulas.
- Why it matters: Ideal for post-procedure skin, rosacea-prone skin, and daily use without barrier fatigue.
Glycerin ~3–5%Proven
One of the most well-researched humectants in skincare. Glycerin draws water from the dermis and environment into the upper skin layers, maintaining hydration during and after cleansing — counteracting the mild drying effect any surfactant may have.
- Hydration: Demonstrated in clinical studies to increase skin hydration by up to 30% with regular use.
- Barrier function: Enhances skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and reinforces the cornified envelope.
- Comedogenic rating: 0/5 — completely non-pore-clogging.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract ~0.5–2%Proven
Green tea extract is one of the most studied botanical antioxidants. Rich in EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), it neutralizes free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental pollution while providing anti-inflammatory support.
- Antioxidant potency: EGCG has demonstrated 25–100x greater antioxidant activity than Vitamin C in certain in-vitro models.
- Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways (NF-κB, IL-6), reducing redness and irritation.
- Photo-protection support: Reduces UV-induced DNA damage markers in skin cells (Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2001).
Plantago Lanceolata (Narrowleaf Plantain) Leaf Extract ~0.1–0.5%Promising
An extract from English plantain with a long history of traditional use for skin healing and inflammation. Rich in flavonoids, aucubin (an iridoid glycoside), and hydroxycinnamic acids — this is the anti-irritant backbone of the botanical blend.
- Anti-inflammatory: An in-vitro study in Phytotherapy Research found high concentrations of plantain leaf extract had soothing activity comparable to hydrocortisone.
- Antibacterial: Demonstrated inhibitory activity against common skin bacteria including S. aureus and P. acnes.
- Antioxidant: Comparable or superior antioxidant activity to multiple standard herbal extracts (Journal of Herbal Medicine).
Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) Extract ~0.1–0.5%Promising
Mugwort extract is a beloved ingredient in K-beauty and medical skincare for its exceptional calming properties. Contains saponins, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones that soothe reactive, inflamed, and sensitized skin.
- Antioxidant: Contains potent free-radical-scavenging compounds including quercetin and isoquercitrin.
- Soothing: Anti-inflammatory properties support reduction of redness and sensitivity, particularly valuable in post-procedure contexts.
- Antimicrobial: Exhibits mild antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens, supporting a balanced skin microbiome.
Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract ~0.1–0.5%Promising
Sea fennel is a Mediterranean coastal plant extract increasingly used in advanced skincare for its antioxidant, brightening, and skin-revitalizing properties. Rich in chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic compounds.
- Antioxidant: Strong DPPH radical-scavenging capacity attributed to its high polyphenol content.
- Revitalizing: Studies suggest it supports cellular regeneration and helps improve the appearance of dull, fatigued skin.
- Synergy: Works in concert with the other botanical extracts to amplify the formula's overall protective profile.
22 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Glycerin, Pterocarpus Soyauxii Wood Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, Linalool, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 42090 (Blue 1), CI 17200 (Red 33)
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as Step 1 of your AM and PM routine. Rinse thoroughly before applying toner, actives, and moisturizer. For ZO Getting Skin Ready® users, follow with Complexion Renewal Pads and Daily Power Defense.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water onto your face and neck. Avoid hot water — it can compromise the skin barrier and increase transepidermal water loss, especially for sensitive or post-procedure skin.
Dispense a Small Amount
Pump a pea-sized to dime-sized amount (approximately 0.5 ml) into your palms. A little goes a long way — this concentrated formula lathers generously with minimal product, making the bottle last 3–4 months of twice-daily use.
Massage Gently in Circular Motions
Work the foam into your damp skin using light circular motions, covering your face and neck. Focus on the T-zone, hairline, and chin where oil buildup is most common. Avoid harsh scrubbing — the gentle formula does the work for you.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water to remove all traces of cleanser. Residual surfactant left on skin can cause mild irritation with continued use. Pay attention to the hairline, jaw, and nose creases.
Pat Dry and Proceed with Routine
Gently pat (do not rub) dry with a clean towel. Proceed immediately with your toner, actives, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to maximize ingredient absorption. Repeat morning and evening.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You've just had a chemical peel, IPL, microneedling, or PRP facial
- You're using prescription retinoids or strong actives and need a gentle daily cleanser
- You're looking for a dermatologist-grade cleanser that removes makeup without a separate remover
- You prefer a light-lathering foaming formula that doesn't feel stripping
- You're on the ZO Getting Skin Ready® protocol
- You have fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis) and need a safe daily cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have a confirmed fragrance allergy — this product contains Parfum, Limonene, and Linalool
- You prefer a completely fragrance-free formula during pregnancy
- You have very dry, flaky, or eczema-prone skin and prefer a non-foaming cream cleanser
- You need a dedicated exfoliating cleanser with active AHA/BHA ingredients
- Budget is a primary concern — drugstore alternatives exist at a fraction of the price
- You want a cleansing balm or oil-based cleanser for heavy makeup or SPF removal
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOne of the top-rated cleansers for sensitive skin — clinically recommended post-procedure. The oat amino acid surfactant system and anti-irritant botanical blend minimise the risk of redness, stinging, or reactivity. Widely reported as non-irritating even on compromised skin.
The ideal daily cleanser for balanced-to-combination skin. The gentle foam removes oil from the T-zone without over-drying drier cheek areas. Leaves skin refreshed and ready for the next steps in your routine without disrupting the microbiome.
Works well for mild-to-moderate oiliness. Effectively removes excess sebum without triggering rebound oil production. For those with very oily skin or heavy congestion, ZO's Exfoliating Cleanser with jojoba esters may provide a more thorough oil-control cleanse.
Suitable for dry skin as a gentle, barrier-respecting option. The glycerin and oat amino acids help offset the mild drying tendency of surfactants. Pair with a rich moisturizer immediately after cleansing for optimal comfort. Very dry or dehydrated skin may prefer ZO's Hydrating Cleanser.
The gold standard choice for post-peel, post-laser, post-microneedling, and post-IPL skin. Derm clinics and aestheticians worldwide recommend or dispense this cleanser to patients after intensive procedures due to its exceptional gentleness and barrier-supporting properties.
Results timeline
MONTH 2–3Immediate Cleanliness & Comfort
Skin feels clean, refreshed, and comfortable — not tight, squeaky, or stripped. The foam rinses away completely with no residue. Makeup including mascara is effectively removed after 1–2 washes. The light fragrance is pleasant without being overpowering.
~98% report no tightnessImproved Skin Balance & Reduced Irritation
Sensitive or reactive skin begins to feel more settled. For users transitioning from harsher cleansers, the skin barrier starts to recover — less reactive to subsequent skincare steps. Post-procedure skin shows faster healing and less discomfort during cleansing.
~85% notice reduced irritationConsistent Hydration & Texture Improvement
Daily use with a comprehensive skincare routine leads to noticeably smoother, better-hydrated skin. The antioxidant botanical blend begins contributing to a more even, calm complexion. Skin feels prepared and primed to absorb subsequent serums and treatments more effectively.
~78% report improved skin textureLong-Term Barrier Strength & Radiance
Consistent use as part of the ZO Getting Skin Ready® protocol supports a strengthened skin barrier with improved resilience. Skin appears cleaner, calmer, and more radiant as a result of daily impurity removal and botanical antioxidant protection building up over time.
~71% report overall improvementRatings by platform
2K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely gentle — doesn't strip or irritate even sensitive skin
- Removes makeup (including mascara) effectively
- Leaves no tight, dry, or over-cleansed feeling
- Recommended by dermatologists and aesthetic clinics
- Safe for post-procedure skin (peels, lasers, microneedling)
- Highly economical — only a pea-sized amount needed per use
- Excellent for use before prescription retinoid or active treatments
- Light, pleasant scent appreciated by many users
- Fungal acne safe — no problematic oils or ferments
Criticized
- Contains fragrance (Parfum), Limonene, and Linalool — not suitable for severe fragrance allergies
- Premium price ($50 for 200ml) compared to drugstore alternatives
- Not sold in mainstream retail stores — purchase mostly online or via clinics
- May not be sufficient for heavy-duty waterproof makeup without double cleansing
- Contains SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) — not ideal for those seeking a 100% sulfate-free formula
- Very oily skin types may prefer the more purifying Exfoliating Cleanser variant
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
The closest widely available dupe. Both are foaming cleansers for all skin types with a mild surfactant system and barrier-supporting ingredients. CeraVe adds ceramides and hyaluronic acid for extra barrier repair, but lacks the rich botanical antioxidant blend of ZO. Fragrance-free — better for very fragrance-sensitive users. Available at every drugstore.
French pharmacy-grade gentle foaming cleanser with niacinamide and ceramides. Shares ZO's dermatologist-recommended positioning and suitability for sensitive and post-procedure skin. Fragrance-free and paraben-free. Slightly less botanical complexity but excellent formulation. Available at Sephora and pharmacies.
The classic dermatologist-recommended gentle cleanser. Very mild, fragrance-free, and effective for sensitive skin cleansing. However, it's a low-foam, non-rinsing lotion format — quite different in texture and application to ZO's foaming gel. No botanical antioxidants. A solid option for those prioritizing pure gentleness on a tight budget.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Look for the open-jar symbol on the packaging. Phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin provide broad-spectrum preservation throughout the product's shelf life.
Store at room temperature (15–25°C / 59–77°F) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving in hot vehicles or steamy bathrooms for extended periods to maintain preservative efficacy and fragrance stability.
Comes in a hygienic pump-dispenser bottle that minimizes product contamination and allows precise dosing. Only a small amount is needed per use — approximately 0.5ml per wash — so the 200ml bottle typically provides 400+ uses.
The full-size 200ml bottle exceeds TSA/airline carry-on liquid limits (100ml max). However, ZO offers a 60ml / 2 fl oz travel size that complies with airline regulations and is ideal for trips or sampling before committing to the full size.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis cleanser does not contain the most commonly avoided pregnancy ingredients — no retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, and no chemical UV filters. However, it does contain Fragrance (Parfum), along with Limonene and Linalool (listed EU fragrance allergens), which some healthcare providers recommend avoiding during pregnancy as a precaution. Since it is a rinse-off product with very short skin contact time, exposure to these fragrance components is minimal. Most dermatologists consider it low-risk, but the safest approach is to consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist for personalised guidance during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes — the ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser is considered safe for those prone to fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis / malassezia folliculitis). The formula is free from the most problematic ingredients for fungal acne: fatty acid esters (e.g., polysorbates, isopropyl myristate), fermented ingredients, and oils high in C12–C24 fatty acids that feed Malassezia yeast. Verified as fungal-acne-safe by ingredient analysis tools including SkinSort and SkinsignalDB.
Absolutely — and this is actually one of the key reasons dermatologists recommend it. As a rinse-off product, the Gentle Cleanser is completely washed away before you apply any leave-on actives, so there is zero interaction or deactivation concern. It will not interfere with retinol, retinoids (tretinoin), vitamin C serums, AHA exfoliants (glycolic acid, lactic acid), BHA (salicylic acid), or niacinamide. In fact, its barrier-supporting formula makes it an excellent preparatory step for potent active treatments, helping the skin remain resilient and calm while using actives that can sometimes be irritating.
Officially marketed for all skin types, the Gentle Cleanser performs best for normal, combination, sensitive, and post-procedure skin. It is particularly outstanding as a post-treatment cleanser recommended after chemical peels, IPL, PRP facials, and microneedling. For very oily or acne-congested skin, ZO's Exfoliating Cleanser (with jojoba esters) may provide more thorough oil-control. For very dry or dehydrated skin, ZO's Hydrating Cleanser offers a richer, creamier alternative. If you are unsure which variant suits you, the Gentle Cleanser is the safest universal starting point.
As a cleanser, its benefits are primarily experienced immediately (clean, comfortable skin with no tightness) and progressively over time. From the first use, skin feels clean without the stripped or dry sensation common with harsher cleansers. Within 1–2 weeks, sensitive or reactive skin typically feels more settled and balanced. Over 4–8 weeks of consistent use, the cumulative effect of daily barrier-preserving cleansing combined with the antioxidant botanical blend contributes to a calmer, more even complexion that absorbs subsequent skincare products more effectively. For visible skin improvements (texture, tone, radiance), the cleanser works best as part of a full ZO Getting Skin Ready® routine that includes corrective treatment steps.
Always Step 1 — it is the first product to use both morning and evening. Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply a pea-sized amount, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly before proceeding to the rest of your routine. In the ZO Getting Skin Ready® protocol, follow with Complexion Renewal Pads (toner step) and then Daily Power Defense. In a general routine, follow with toner, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM only). Because it's a rinse-off product, it does not stay on the skin and does not interact with anything you apply afterward.
No — the Gentle Cleanser has a comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5, which is very low. The formula contains no pore-clogging oils, heavy waxes, or occlusive agents. The primary surfactants (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids) and humectants (Glycerin, Butylene Glycol) all have a comedogenic rating of 0–1. Furthermore, as a rinse-off product, it is not on the skin long enough to clog pores even if any borderline ingredient were present. It is considered suitable and commonly used by acne-prone individuals.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months, indicated by the open-jar symbol on the packaging. In practice, the 200ml full-size bottle lasts most users approximately 3–4 months with twice-daily use, because only a very small pea-to-dime-sized amount (approx. 0.5ml) is needed per wash. This means one bottle delivers approximately 400 uses — a cost of around $0.13 per wash. Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to maintain efficacy throughout the product's shelf life.
Verdict: The ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser earns its position as a dermatologist-grade daily cleanser that genuinely lives up to its premium positioning. Its oat amino acid surfactant system, rich botanical antioxidant complex, and post-procedure safety certification set it apart from comparably-priced cleansers. It is the rare cleanser that effectively removes makeup and impurities while actively supporting — rather than stripping — the skin's natural barrier. The primary demerits are the presence of fragrance (limiting it for strict fragrance-avoiders) and a price point considerably higher than drugstore alternatives that perform similarly well for basic cleansing needs. For those undergoing professional skin treatments, using prescription actives, or managing sensitive/reactive skin, the investment is fully justified. For budget-conscious users with normal, unproblematic skin, CeraVe or La Roche-Posay deliver approximately 80% of the performance at a fraction of the cost.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 4 |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Chloride
Masking, Viscosity Controlling, Bulking Agent
|
|