A gentle exfoliating cleanser formulated with Salicylic Acid, Ceramides, and Niacinamide to smooth rough texture while maintaining the skin’s protective barrier.
This formula features an excellent balance of exfoliation and barrier support. The inclusion of Salicylic Acid allows for the chemical exfoliation of rough texture and unclogging of pores, while Gluconolactone provides mild surface exfoliation and hydration. Crucially, these actives are buffered by a rich blend of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine, which mimic the skin’s natural lipid barrier. The addition of Niacinamide helps soothe inflammation and regulate oil, while Hyaluronic Acid ensures moisture retention. The surfactant system (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) is gentle and non-stripping.
The product is formulated without fragrance, essential oils, or harsh sulfates (like SLS/SLES), making it highly suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types. It relies on standard, safe preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Benzoate. While it contains PEGs (PEG-150, PEG-6), which some consumers minimize due to sourcing concerns, they are safe for cosmetic use. The concentration of Salicylic Acid is effective yet generally mild enough for daily use on most skin types.
This appears to be the formula for the widely acclaimed CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. It is a gold-standard drugstore option that effectively targets rough, bumpy skin (Keratosis Pilaris) and mild acne without compromising the skin barrier. It offers high efficacy at an accessible price point with a scientifically sound ingredient list.
This formulation represents a sophisticated balance between chemical exfoliation and barrier support, making it a standout choice for those dealing with texture issues or mild congestion. At its core, the surfactant system moves away from harsh sulfates like SLS, utilizing Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate instead. These cleansing agents are renowned for their ability to remove impurities and excess oil without disrupting the skin’s delicate acid mantle or stripping away essential moisture, which is a common pitfall of many acne-focused washes. The star active ingredient is Salicylic Acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve sebum and debris, effectively addressing blackheads and comedones. Uniquely, the formula pairs this BHA with Gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides milder surface exfoliation while simultaneously acting as a humectant to draw water into the skin. To ensure the product remains non-irritating, it is fortified with a signature blend of Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP, along with Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine. This combination mimics the skin’s natural lipid layers, ensuring that the barrier is reinforced during the cleansing process. The addition of Niacinamide is excellent for calming inflammation and reducing redness, providing a soothing counterpoint to the exfoliating acids. Furthermore, Sodium Hyaluronate is included to prevent post-wash tightness. The absence of fragrance and drying alcohols makes this product exceptionally well-suited for sensitive skin types that usually cannot tolerate exfoliation. While the inclusion of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D) is an interesting antioxidant touch, the heavy lifting is done by the harmonious blend of actives and emollients. It is a functional, dermatologist-favored option that effectively treats rough and bumpy skin (Keratosis Pilaris) without compromising hydration.
🧪 Water / 水
Purpose: Solvent base for the formula.
Concerns: None.
Notes: The most common ingredient in skincare.
🧪 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱
Purpose: Mild amphoteric surfactant used for cleansing and foam boosting.
Concerns: Generally considered safe and mild.
Notes: Helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin excessively.
🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠
Purpose: Amino acid-based anionic surfactant.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Enhances foaming and cleaning ability; mild on skin.
🧪 Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠
Purpose: Mild surfactant.
Concerns: None.
Notes: A coconut-derived surfactant known for being gentle.
🧪 PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides / PEG-6 辛酸/癸酸甘油酯类
Purpose: Surfactant and emulsifier.
Concerns: PEG compounds can sometimes be contaminated with impurities if not purified, but cosmetic grade is usually safe.
Notes: Helps mix oil and water; provides a smooth skin feel.
🧪 Glycerin / 甘油
Purpose: Humectant.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.
🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺
Purpose: Skin conditioning, soothing, brightening.
Concerns: Can cause flushing in high concentrations for some sensitive individuals.
Notes: Also known as Vitamin B3; improves skin barrier function.
🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP
Purpose: Skin restoring (lipid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Essential for a healthy skin barrier.
🧪 Ceramide AP / 神经酰胺 AP
Purpose: Skin restoring (lipid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides.
🧪 Ceramide EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP
Purpose: Skin restoring (lipid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Long-chain ceramide that helps bind skin layers.
🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠
Purpose: Humectant.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds vast amounts of water.
🧪 Cholesterol / 胆甾醇
Purpose: Skin restoring (lipid).
Concerns: None.
Notes: Makes up a significant part of the skin’s barrier lipids.
🧪 Phytosphingosine / 植物鞘氨醇
Purpose: Skin conditioning.
Concerns: None.
Notes: A precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial properties.
🧪 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯
Purpose: Emollient.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; smoothens skin.
🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯
Purpose: Antioxidant.
Concerns: None.
Notes: A form of Vitamin E.
🧪 Cholecalciferol / 胆钙化醇
Purpose: Skin conditioning.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Vitamin D3.
🧪 Calcium Gluconate / 葡萄糖酸钙
Purpose: Humectant and skin conditioning.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often used in conjunction with gluconolactone.
🧪 Salicylic Acid / 水杨酸
Purpose: Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) exfoliant.
Concerns: Can be drying or irritating if overused.
Notes: Oil-soluble; excellent for unclogging pores and acne-prone skin.
🧪 Gluconolactone / 葡糖内酯
Purpose: Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) exfoliant.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Milder than AHAs; also acts as a humectant and antioxidant.
🧪 PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate / PEG-150 季戊四醇四硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Thickener and emulsifier.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often used in cleansing products to increase viscosity.
🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆
Purpose: Thickener and stabilizer.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency.
🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠
Purpose: Thickener and binding agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Common table salt.
🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶
Purpose: Thickener.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.
🧪 PEG-150 Distearate / PEG-150 二硬脂酸酯
Purpose: Thickener and emulsifier.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Helps stabilize the formulation.
🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠
Purpose: Emulsifier and thickener.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often used to help mix ceramides into the formula.
🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.
🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇
Purpose: Preservative.
Concerns: Safe in concentrations used in cosmetics (under 1%).
Notes: Common broad-spectrum preservative.
🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠
Purpose: Chelating agent.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Binds metal ions to prevent spoilage and maintain stability.
🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油
Purpose: Preservative booster and skin conditioning.
Concerns: None.
Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol.
🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸
Purpose: pH adjuster.
Concerns: Can be an exfoliant in high concentrations, but used here likely for pH balance.
Notes: Ensures the product is pH-friendly to the skin.