Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, Fragrance Free

A fragrance-free, gentle gel cleanser formulated with Centella Asiatica and mild surfactants to soothe the skin while preserving the moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formulation features a sophisticated surfactant blend (including Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) that offers effective cleansing without stripping the skin barrier. The inclusion of Glycerin as the second ingredient ensures the skin remains hydrated during the wash. Furthermore, the addition of Centella Asiatica Extract adds significant value by providing soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making this cleanser effective for calming reactive skin while removing impurities.

Safety Rating: 4.7

The ingredient list is exceptionally safe and suitable for sensitive skin. It is free from harsh sulfates (SLS/SLES), fragrance, essential oils, and drying alcohols, which are common triggers for irritation. The preservation system uses Potassium Sorbate and Ethylhexylglycerin, avoiding parabens or formaldehyde releasers. The only ingredient occasionally flagged in strict ‘clean beauty’ standards is PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, but it is widely considered safe for rinse-off products.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is an excellent, well-rounded cleanser. It strikes a perfect balance between cleaning power and gentleness, utilizing mild cleaning agents alongside soothing botanicals like Centella Asiatica. Its exclusion of fragrance and harsh detergents makes it a versatile choice for almost all skin types, particularly those with a compromised moisture barrier or sensitivity.

Verdict

This cleanser is an excellent example of a modern, barrier-focused formulation. It utilizes a blend of mild surfactants—specifically Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate—which are effective at cleaning the skin without the harsh stripping effects associated with traditional sulfates like SLS. This combination ensures that the skin retains its necessary lipids during the cleansing process, preventing that uncomfortable tight or squeaky feeling post-wash.

The inclusion of Centella Asiatica Extract is a significant highlight. Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, this ingredient helps to calm irritation and redness, making the product particularly suitable for reactive or acne-prone skin types. The formula is further supported by Glycerin, a humectant that sits high on the ingredient list to ensure the skin remains hydrated and soft.

From a safety standpoint, the ingredient list is impressively clean. It excludes potential irritants such as fragrance, essential oils, and drying alcohols. The preservative system is also gentle, utilizing Caprylyl Glycol and Potassium Sorbate. While the texture is likely thickened effectively by PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, creating a pleasant usage experience, the mild nature of the cleansing agents means this may not be heavy-duty enough to remove waterproof mascara or thick foundation on its own. It is ideally positioned as a morning cleanser or the second step in a double-cleansing routine.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents & Humectants / 溶剂与保湿剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A common moisturizing agent that draws water into the skin.

🧪 Butylene Glycol / 丁二醇

Purpose: Solvent, Humectant

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation

Notes: Helps dissolve other ingredients and improve texture.

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Often functions as a preservative booster.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Deodorant

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Boosts the efficacy of preservatives.

📁 Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) / 表面活性剂(清洁剂)

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: Potential allergen if impurities remain

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant derived from coconut oil.

🧪 Lauryl Glucoside / 月桂基葡糖苷

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Very mild, non-ionic surfactant suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate / 月桂两性基二乙酸二钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Foam Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: An extremely mild amphoteric surfactant that reduces irritation from other ingredients.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: Nitrosamine contamination concerns (low risk in regulated products)

Notes: Mild amino-acid based surfactant that creates creamy foam.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Centella Asiatica Extract / 积雪草提取物

Purpose: Soothing, Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Known as Cica; helps calm inflammation and supports skin barrier repair.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Thickeners / 质地调节与增稠剂

🧪 Potassium Acrylates Copolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类共聚物钾

Purpose: Binder, Viscosity Controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps maintain the consistency of the product.

🧪 PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate / PEG-120 甲基葡糖二油酸酯

Purpose: Thickener, Emulsifier

Concerns: PEG compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane

Notes: Effective thickener for surfactant systems; reduces irritation.

📁 Preservatives / 防腐剂

🧪 Potassium Sorbate / 山梨酸钾

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Low risk of irritation

Notes: Inhibits mold and yeast growth.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in high concentrations

Notes: Used in small amounts to neutralize acidity and stabilize pH.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster, Chelating Agent

Concerns: May cause irritation on broken skin

Notes: Used to lower the pH of the formula to be skin-friendly.