CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

A fragrance-free and sulfate-free exfoliating body wash formulated with Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, and essential Ceramides to smooth rough skin while protecting the moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula features an exceptional blend of gentle surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) that cleanse without stripping. It is packed with high-performance actives, including Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Gluconolactone (PHA) for exfoliation to smooth rough texture. Furthermore, the inclusion of Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, and a complex of three essential Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) alongside Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine ensures the skin barrier is strengthened and hydrated during the wash.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The profile is excellent for sensitive skin as it is fragrance-free and avoids harsh sulfates like SLS/SLES. The preservation system (Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin) is standard and safe. While it contains Salicylic Acid, which can be drying for some, it is balanced by soothing ingredients. The inclusion of PEG-150 is the only minor point of note for strict clean beauty standards, but it is generally considered safe for cosmetic use.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier body wash formulation, likely targeted at rough and bumpy skin. It successfully bridges the gap between a treatment product (exfoliation) and a gentle cleanser (barrier repair). The combination of chemical exfoliants with skin-identical lipids makes it highly effective for improving skin texture while maintaining hydration, earning it a near-perfect score.

Verdict

This formulation stands out as an exceptional choice for those struggling with skin texture issues, such as Keratosis Pilaris (chicken skin) or mild body acne. The star ingredient here is Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that functions as a chemical exfoliant. Unlike physical scrubs that can tear at the skin, Salicylic Acid works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells and penetrating deep into pores to clear out congestion. This makes it highly effective for smoothing out bumps and rough patches without the need for abrasive friction.

To counterbalance the potential drying effects of exfoliation, the formula includes a robust profile of barrier-repairing ingredients. The presence of three essential Ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), along with Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, mimics the skin’s natural lipid barrier. This ensures that while the dead skin is being sloughed away, the fresh skin underneath remains hydrated and protected. Furthermore, the addition of Niacinamide is a thoughtful touch; this Vitamin B3 derivative helps to soothe inflammation and calm redness, which is often associated with rough or bumpy skin conditions.

From a cleansing perspective, the product utilizes gentle surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate. These cleansing agents are mild and generally well-tolerated, avoiding the stripping sensation often caused by harsh sulfates like SLS. The inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin further aids in moisture retention, preventing the tight feeling that often follows the use of acne-focused body washes.

Overall, this is a scientifically balanced product that prioritizes efficacy and skin health. It avoids common irritants like fragrance and harsh soaps, making it suitable even for sensitive skin types that need exfoliation. While it may not provide the sensory experience of a highly perfumed spa product, its medical-grade approach to smoothing skin texture makes it a top-tier recommendation for maintaining soft, clear skin.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua / Water / Eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The liquid base for the formulation.

📁 Surfactants & Cleansing Agents / 表面活性剂与清洁剂

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Generally safe, rare sensitization

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: None when formulated correctly

Notes: A mild amino-acid based cleanser, often used as an alternative to sulfates.

🧪 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild surfactant that creates a creamy foam.

📁 Active Ingredients & Exfoliants / 活性成分与去角质

🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸

Purpose: BHA Exfoliant, Anti-acne

Concerns: Can cause drying or irritation; increases sun sensitivity

Notes: Oil-soluble exfoliant that penetrates pores to clear congestion.

🧪 Gluconolactone / 葡萄糖酸内酯

Purpose: PHA Exfoliant, Humectant

Concerns: Generally mild

Notes: A Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) that exfoliates gently and hydrates skin.

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Concerns: High concentrations can cause flushing in sensitive skin

Notes: Vitamin B3; helps strengthen the skin barrier and soothe inflammation.

📁 Moisturizers, Emollients & Skin Barrier Repair / 保湿剂、润肤剂与屏障修复

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 Ceramide Np / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: One of the essential lipids naturally found in skin; helps retain moisture.

🧪 Ceramide Ap / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with other ceramides to repair the barrier.

🧪 Ceramide Eop / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin Restoring

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with other ceramides to repair the barrier.

🧪 Zea Mays Oil / Corn Oil / 玉米油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Low comédogenic potential

Notes: Plant oil that softens skin.

🧪 Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid / 水解透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration.

🧪 Phytosphingosine / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A lipid that supports the skin barrier and has antimicrobial properties.

🧪 Cholesterol / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin Identical Ingredient, Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Vital for maintaining a healthy skin barrier function.

🧪 Cholecalciferol / 胆钙化醇 (维生素D3)

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None in cosmetic use

Notes: Vitamin D3; acts as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Thickeners & Stabilizers / 质地调节剂、增稠剂与稳定剂

🧪 Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate / PEG-150 季戊四醇四硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickener, Emulsifier

Concerns: PEG compounds can contain impurities if not purified

Notes: Used to give the product body and stability.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener, Binder

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt; used to thicken the surfactant system.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used in ceramide blends to help them penetrate.

🧪 Disodium Edta / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds metal ions to keep the formula stable.

🧪 Tetrasodium Edta / 乙二胺四乙酸四钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds metal ions to keep the formula stable.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Generally safe

Notes: Effective against fungi and bacteria.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be irritating to very sensitive skin

Notes: Common broad-spectrum preservative.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Calcium Gluconate / 葡萄糖酸钙

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative synergist

Concerns: None

Notes: Often found in combination with Gluconolactone as a preservative system.