Sensitive Facial Cleanser
Sensitive Facial Cleanser
Product Description
Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser is a fragrance-free, soap-free cream cleanser made with 98.9% natural-origin ingredients. It uses cotton extract to soften skin, plus rice extract and aloe to moisturize and soothe, gently washing away dirt, oil, and light makeup without causing redness, tightness, or irritation. Clinically shown to moisturize while cleansing, dermatologist-tested, and awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, it's a calm, no-frills daily wash built for reactive and easily irritated skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Cotton Extract Softening
Cotton flower extract helps reinforce the skin's outer barrier and soften skin while gently cleansing.
Plant Saponin Cleansing
Quillaja bark and yucca extracts clean naturally without harsh synthetic surfactants or sulfates.
Barrier-Supporting Base
Sunflower seed oil and glycerin replenish lipids and lock in moisture as you wash.
Soothing Botanicals
Aloe and rice extract calm and condition skin prone to redness and reactivity.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and nursing.
Formulated without added fragrance or essential oils and screened against common allergy-causing botanicals.
Contains sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, esters, and coco-glucoside that may feed malassezia in fungal-acne-prone skin.
Both appear low on the INCI list, but very reactive, rosacea, or eczema-prone skin should patch test first.
Gentle enough to pair with retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
Made with beeswax, so it is not vegan. Per the brand, the finished product is not certified cruelty-free.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π» Sunflower Seed Oil #2 INCI Proven
The primary emollient base of the cleanser, sunflower seed oil is rich in linoleic acid and helps replenish lipids and support the skin barrier during cleansing rather than stripping it.
- Composition: Roughly 65-70% of its fatty acid profile is barrier-supporting linoleic acid, which is often deficient in eczema-prone skin.
- Research: A study in Pediatric Dermatology found topical sunflower seed oil improved barrier function in highly barrier-compromised infants.
π§ Glycerin #3 INCI Proven
A classic humectant listed third in the formula, glycerin pulls moisture into skin and helps prevent the tight, stripped feeling that triggers reactivity, delivering measurable post-wash hydration even in a rinse-off product.
- Mechanism: Glycerin deposited during cleansing persists on the skin surface after rinsing, supporting stratum corneum hydration.
- Synergy: Works alongside the sunflower oil base to reduce the transient barrier disruption that even gentle cleansing can cause.
πΈ Cotton Flower Extract Hero Promising
The marketing hero ingredient, cotton (Gossypium herbaceum) flower extract is a gentle, low-sensitization botanical chosen to help soften skin and reinforce the outer protective layer while minimizing the impact of irritants during cleansing.
- Role: Works as part of a multi-botanical calming system alongside rice extract and aloe.
- Evidence: The specific clinical evidence base for cotton extract is limited, but its low irritation potential makes it well-suited to sensitive formulas.
𫧠Quillaja Bark & Yucca Extracts Saponins Promising
Instead of synthetic detergents, this cleanser relies on natural saponins from quillaja bark and yucca to do the cleaning, producing a mild lather that dissolves surface oils without the barrier-disrupting action of sulfates.
- Chemistry: Saponins are triterpenoid glycosides that reduce surface tension and emulsify oils, acting as nature's own surfactants.
- Research: Work reported in the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents found saponins are significantly less irritating than sodium lauryl sulfate while still cleansing adequately.
πΏ Aloe & Rice Extract Soothing Proven
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice adds well-established anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, while rice (Oryza sativa) extract provides gentle softening and moisture support, together replacing the calming role essential oils play in other Burt's Bees products.
- Aloe: Helps calm reactive skin during cleansing with documented soothing benefits.
- Rice: Complements cotton extract's barrier support with mild conditioning and brightening properties.
34 ingredients
Water, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Sucrose Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum Flower Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Yucca Schidigera Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Artemisia Umbelliformis Extract, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Silica, Sucrose, Fructose, Glucose, Coco-Glucoside, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Trehalose, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77947, Alcohol Denat., Phenoxyethanol
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use morning and night as your main cleanse. On makeup days, do an oil cleanse or micellar water first, then follow with this as a gentle second step.
π How to Use
Dampen Skin
Wet your face with lukewarm water β avoid hot water, which can aggravate sensitive skin.
Massage Gently
Apply a nickel-sized amount with fingertips or a wet washcloth and massage in circles for 30-60 seconds, avoiding the eyes.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water. The rich cream may need a second rinse to feel fully removed.
Pat & Follow Up
Pat dry gently, then apply toner and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated skin
- You want a fragrance-free, essential-oil-free natural cleanser
- Your skin is dry or normal and craves a non-stripping wash
- You're prone to redness, rosacea, or eczema and tolerate witch hazel
- You want a gentle daily cleanser that won't disrupt your barrier
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin that needs strong oil control
- You deal with fungal acne (malassezia)
- You need a one-step heavy or waterproof makeup remover
- You prefer a foaming, squeaky-clean lather
- You react to any form of denatured alcohol or witch hazel
π― Skin Type Compatibility
The whole point of the formula β fragrance-free, soap-free, and clinically shown to cleanse without redness or irritation.
The sunflower oil and glycerin base leaves skin moisturized, never tight or stripped after washing.
A comfortable, gentle daily wash, though it offers no targeted actives beyond cleansing.
Works well overall, but the T-zone may feel under-cleansed if you run oily during the day.
Too mild for heavy sebum and may leave a residue; coconut oil and esters are not ideal for breakout- or fungal-acne-prone skin.
π Results Timeline
Calm, Comfortable Skin
Feels like washing with a light lotion β zero tingling, zero tightness, and no squeaky-tight after-feel.
~90% notice immediatelyLess Redness & Reactivity
Switching from a harsher cleanser, most people see fewer reactive episodes and calmer-looking skin.
~70% report improvementStronger Barrier
Consistent use supports barrier recovery, with skin feeling more resilient and better hydrated over time.
~60% notice barrier benefitsβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Truly gentle β no stinging, burning, or tightness
- Fragrance-free, a big plus for reactive skin
- Leaves skin soft and moisturized after washing
- Natural saponin cleansing instead of harsh sulfates
- Excellent value at around $10 for a 6 oz tube
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
β Criticized
- Limited makeup-removal ability
- Cream texture can feel hard to rinse fully clean
- Contains alcohol denat despite sensitive positioning
- Witch hazel may bother some rosacea-prone skin
- Minimal cleansing power for oily skin
- Not vegan and not certified cruelty-free
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Ultra-minimal, fragrance-free, and free of common irritants like dyes and parabens. Lacks the botanical extracts and oil base but is even simpler and avoids witch hazel and alcohol denat.
The classic non-foaming gentle cleanser for sensitive skin. More synthetic and less "natural," but reliably non-irritating, widely available, and a touch better at light makeup.
A drugstore dupe of Cetaphil's gentle cleanser at the lowest price here. No botanicals or natural-origin claim, but gentle, fragrance-free, and effective for daily cleansing.
π Comparison with Competitors
Burt's Bees Sensitive Facial Cleanser (Featured)
~$9.99CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
~$15.00Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
~$9.99La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser
~$16.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening. A 6 oz tube typically lasts 3-4 months with twice-daily use.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Standard squeeze tube for hygienic, mess-free dispensing.
Yes β a 1 oz travel size is available and is under the 100ml carry-on limit.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters, which are the ingredients usually flagged during pregnancy and nursing. It's a fragrance-free, gentle cream cleanser, making it a comfortable choice for expecting and breastfeeding skin. As always, check with your doctor if you have specific concerns.
No. It contains sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, sucrose stearate, and coco-glucoside β fatty acids, esters, and a sugar surfactant that can feed malassezia. If you're prone to fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis), this cleanser is best avoided in favor of a fungal-acne-safe option.
Yes. Its gentle, fragrance-free, moisturizing base makes it an excellent companion for retinol, vitamin C, and AHA/BHA treatments. Because it doesn't strip or sensitize the skin, it helps reduce the overall irritation load, supporting the barrier that strong actives can compromise.
It's best for sensitive, dry, and normal skin, and works for combination skin too. Reactive and rosacea-prone users (after a patch test) tend to love it. Oily and acne-prone skin may find it too mild and a little residue-heavy for managing excess sebum.
Skin usually feels calmer and more comfortable from the very first wash β no tightness or stinging. Within 1-2 weeks of switching from a harsher cleanser, redness and reactive flare-ups tend to decrease, and barrier-related benefits continue to build over about 4-6 weeks of consistent use.
It's your cleansing step, used both morning and night. On makeup days, do a first cleanse with an oil cleanser or micellar water, then use this as a gentle second cleanse. Follow with toner, treatments, moisturizer, and (in the morning) sunscreen.
For most people, no β it carries a low comedogenic rating of about 2/5 and is a rinse-off product, so contact time is short. It does contain coconut oil, which can be pore-clogging for those who are very breakout-prone, so acne-prone users should monitor how their skin responds.
Its Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. With twice-daily use, a 6 oz tube generally lasts around 3-4 months, so you'll typically finish it well within its shelf life. Store it in a cool, dry place to keep the formula stable.
Verdict: A genuinely gentle, fragrance-free cream cleanser that delivers exactly what sensitive skin needs β cleansing without redness, tightness, or stripping, all at a hard-to-beat drugstore price. The sunflower oil base, plant-saponin cleansing, and cotton extract reflect real formulation thought, earning it the National Eczema Association Seal and an Allure Best of Beauty award. The only quibbles are a couple of surprising inclusions (alcohol denat and witch hazel) for reactive skin, limited makeup removal, and minimal power for oily or fungal-acne-prone skin. For dry, normal, and sensitive skin, it's an easy daily staple to recommend.
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 skinβs 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 Β«promisesΒ» 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 2 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 0 |
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
|