CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

A versatile cream-to-foam hybrid cleanser that utilizes Amino Acid-based surfactants, Ceramides, and Squalane to gently remove makeup and impurities without disrupting the moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula represents a high-performance, gentle cleanser designed to maintain the skin barrier while cleaning. It utilizes a mild surfactant system featuring Coco-Betaine and Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate (amino acid-based), which effectively removes impurities without stripping natural oils. The inclusion of 3 essential Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine mimics the skin’s natural lipid barrier, promoting repair. Additionally, Squalane and Glycerin provide immediate hydration and emollience, while Sodium Hyaluronate ensures moisture retention. It is likely a hydrating oil-to-foam or gel texture suitable for dry to normal skin.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The profile is excellent for sensitive skin. It is Fragrance-Free and free from drying simple alcohols. The formulation avoids harsh sulfates (like SLS/SLES). Preservatives used (e.g., Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid) are generally well-tolerated. The only potential concern for strictly ‘clean beauty’ adherents is the presence of several ethoxylated ingredients (PEGs) and Polysorbate 20, though these are considered safe for cosmetic use on healthy skin.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is an exceptional facial cleanser formulation that perfectly balances efficacy with mildness. By combining gentle cleansing agents with a robust complex of skin-identical lipids (Ceramides, Cholesterol) and hydrators (Squalane, HA), it acts as a skincare treatment rather than just a wash. It is highly recommended for those with compromised barriers, sensitive skin, or dryness.

Verdict

This formulation represents a sophisticated evolution in daily cleansing, effectively bridging the gap between gentle milk cleansers and refreshing foaming washes. Identified as a cream-to-foam formula, it addresses the common dilemma where hydrating cleansers fail to feel ‘clean’ enough, while foaming ones leave the skin tight. The primary cleaning agents here are Amino Acid-based surfactants such as Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate and Coco-Betaine. These are exceptionally mild detergents that lift dirt, oil, and sunscreen without stripping the stratum corneum of its essential lipids, making the product highly suitable for daily use. A standout feature of this ingredient list is the inclusion of a robust barrier-support complex. It mimics the skin’s natural biology by incorporating Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine. These ingredients work synergistically to reinforce the skin barrier during the cleansing process, preventing the trans-epidermal water loss that often occurs when washing the face. The addition of Squalane and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ensures that the skin remains soft and emollient-rich immediately after rinsing. For hydration, the formula relies on Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), classic humectants that draw moisture to the surface. From a texture perspective, the inclusion of PEG-based emulsifiers helps the product break down light makeup effectively, positioning it as a viable single-step cleanse for those who wear light coverage. It avoids common irritants like fragrance and essential oils, relying instead on a skin-friendly preservative system comprising Sodium Benzoate and Phenoxyethanol alternatives. Overall, this is a meticulously balanced product that prioritizes skin health. It provides the sensory satisfaction of a lather without the aggressive degreasing associated with sulfates, making it a top-tier choice for maintaining a healthy acid mantle.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 AQUA/WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the product, dissolving other ingredients.

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

🧪 COCO-BETAINE / 椰油酰基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil.

🧪 DISODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE / 椰油酰谷氨酸二钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A very mild amino acid-based cleansing agent.

🧪 SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Mild amino acid-based surfactant, similar to the disodium version.

🧪 PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE / PEG-7 甘油椰油酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: PEG Contamination risk

Notes: Reduces the surface tension of the product; acts as a superfatting agent.

🧪 PEG-200 HYDROGENATED GLYCERYL PALMATE / PEG-200 氢化甘油棕榈酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: PEG Contamination risk

Notes: Very mild cleansing agent suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 POLYSORBATE 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier, Solubilizer

Concerns: PEG Contamination risk

Notes: Helps oil and water mix.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to help deliver ceramides into the skin.

🧪 PPG-5-CETETH-20 / PPG-5-鲸蜡醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Surfactant, Emollient

Concerns: PEG Contamination risk

Notes: Helps skin feel smooth and mixes ingredients.

🧪 PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDE / PEG-6 辛酸/癸酸甘油酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: PEG Contamination risk

Notes: A solubilizing agent that helps mix oils.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin Barrier Repair / 保湿剂与屏障修复

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 SQUALANE / 角鲨烷

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Highly stable oil that mimics human sebum; excellent for barrier repair.

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the natural lipid barrier of dry and aging skin.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with other ceramides to protect the skin barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Another essential lipid for barrier function.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds massive amounts of water.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with ceramides to maintain skin barrier health.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A lipid naturally found in the skin layer; 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; makes skin feel nice.

🧪 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Conditioner

Concerns: None

Notes: Also acts as an antimicrobial stabilizer.

📁 Thickeners & Texture Enhancers / 增稠剂与质地改良剂

🧪 PEG-120 METHYL GLUCOSE DIOLEATE / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: PEG Contamination risk

Notes: Thickens surfactant systems without irritation.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, Gel Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates the gel-like texture.

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Common table salt; thickens surfactant solutions.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural thickener produced by fermentation.

🧪 PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE / PEG-150 季戊四醇四硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: PEG Contamination risk

Notes: Used to increase viscosity.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 TRIETHYL CITRATE / 柠檬酸三乙酯

Purpose: Solvent, Deodorant agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps stabilize the formula.

🧪 SODIUM HYDROXIDE / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentration

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to neutralize carbomer and adjust pH.

🧪 SODIUM BENZOATE / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Effective against fungi and bacteria.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Exfoliant

Concerns: None

Notes: Used to adjust the acidity of the product to match skin pH.

🧪 CAPRYLOYL GLYCINE / 辛酰甘氨酸

Purpose: Preservative, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Inhibits bacteria proliferation.

🧪 HYDROXYACETOPHENONE / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Soothing agent that boosts preservative efficacy.

🧪 TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Neutralizes metal ions in water to prevent spoilage; biodegradable.

🧪 BENZOIC ACID / 苯甲酸

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Found naturally in fruits; antifungal.