CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser

A fragrance-free gel cleanser that combines Salicylic Acid for gentle exfoliation with Ceramides and Niacinamide to support the skin barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.6

This formula utilizes a sophisticated and gentle surfactant system primarily composed of Amino Acid-based cleansers (Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate) and Glycolipids, which clean effective without stripping natural oils. It is heavily fortified with barrier-repairing ingredients, including the golden ratio of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine. The inclusion of Niacinamide adds soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, while Glycerin ensures the skin remains hydrated. Salicylic Acid is present, likely in a low concentration, to provide very mild exfoliation or to assist the preservation system.

Safety Rating: 4.8

The formulation is exceptionally safe for sensitive skin. It is free from Fragrance, Essential Oils, Drying Alcohols, and harsh sulfates like SLS/SLES. The preservative system (Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid) is gentle and standard. While Coconut Acid is technically comedogenic, the risk is minimal in a wash-off product containing surfactants. The overall profile is hypoallergenic and non-irritating.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier formulation, likely from a derm-cosmetic brand (resembling CeraVe), that perfectly balances efficacy and gentleness. It cleanses the skin while actively supporting the moisture barrier through bio-identical lipids. It is an ideal choice for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types looking for a functional daily cleanser that does not compromise skin health.

Verdict

This formulation represents a sophisticated balance between effective chemical exfoliation and gentle barrier support, making it a top-tier choice for daily cleansing. At the heart of the formula is Salicylic Acid (BHA), a lipophilic ingredient known for its ability to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells. Unlike harsh physical scrubs that tear at the skin surface, this cleanser relies on chemical mechanisms to smooth out rough texture and clear clogged pores, making it highly effective for managing acne, blackheads, and conditions like Keratosis Pilaris. The cleansing system itself is remarkably mild. By utilizing Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate and amino acid-based surfactants like Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, the product removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This is a crucial distinction from many acne cleansers that rely on sulfates, which often leave the skin feeling tight and dehydrated. To further mitigate potential dryness caused by the Salicylic Acid, the formula is packed with skin-identical lipids. The inclusion of Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP, alongside Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, mimics the skin’s natural barrier structure. This reinforces the stratum corneum, ensuring that hydration is locked in while impurities are washed away. This barrier-first approach allows the active ingredients to work effectively without causing the irritation typically associated with acid-based cleansers. Additionally, Niacinamide adds a layer of soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce redness and regulate oil production, while Allantoin provides immediate calming effects. This product stands out because it creates a bridge between active acne treatments and gentle daily cleansers. It is robust enough to tackle breakouts and uneven texture but restorative enough to be used frequently. However, while it contains buffering ingredients, it is still an exfoliating product; users should ensure they hydrate well afterwards to maintain optimal skin health.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 AQUA / WATER / EAU / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

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

🧪 GLYCOLIPIDS / 糖脂

Purpose: Surfactant, Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle, biodegradable cleansing agent that supports the skin barrier.

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

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A very mild amino acid-based surfactant.

🧪 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.

🧪 SODIUM COCOYL GLUTAMATE / 椰油酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Mild amino acid-based cleansing agent.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to help deliver ceramides into the skin; has mild antimicrobial properties.

🧪 COCO-BETAINE / 椰油基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: An amphoteric surfactant that boosts foam and reduces irritation from other surfactants.

📁 Active Ingredients & Skin Conditioners / 活性成分与皮肤调理剂

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 NIACINAMIDE / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Skin Conditioning, Brightening

Concerns: None

Notes: Vitamin B3; helps control oil, soothe inflammation, and strengthen the barrier.

🧪 ALLANTOIN / 尿囊素

Purpose: Soothing Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Calms irritation and promotes skin healing.

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin Replenishing

Concerns: None

Notes: One of the essential ceramides for barrier repair.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin Replenishing

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the skin’s protective barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin Replenishing

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with other ceramides to lock in moisture.

🧪 SALICYLIC ACID / 水杨酸

Purpose: Exfoliant (BHA)

Concerns: Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin if overused.

Notes: Unclogs pores and treats acne.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin Replenishing

Concerns: None

Notes: A lipid that works synergistically with ceramides to maintain the skin barrier.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Thickeners & Stabilizers / 质地改良剂、增稠剂与稳定剂

🧪 SODIUM CHLORIDE / 氯化钠

Purpose: Thickener, Binding Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Common table salt, used to adjust viscosity.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener, Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency.

🧪 COCONUT ACID / 椰油酸

Purpose: Emollient, Surfactant

Concerns: Comedogenic for some skin types (pore-clogging potential).

Notes: Derived from coconut oil, adds richness.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide used for viscosity.

📁 Preservatives & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与pH调节剂

🧪 TRIETHYL CITRATE / 柠檬酸三乙酯

Purpose: Stabilizer, Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: Can also function as a deodorant agent.

🧪 SODIUM BENZOATE / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents fungal and bacterial growth.

🧪 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, Preservative Booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Improves the efficacy of preservatives while moisturizing.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Ensures the product pH is skin-compatible.

🧪 POLYEPSILON-LYSINE / 聚ε-赖氨酸

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: A natural preservative derived from bacterial fermentation.

🧪 BENZOIC ACID / 苯甲酸

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Antifungal and antibacterial agent.