365 by Whole Foods Market Gentle Skin Cleanser, All Skin Types

A gentle, non-foaming cream cleanser formulated with moisturizing fatty alcohols and soothing Allantoin to cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.1

This formula relies on Coco-glucoside and Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, which are extremely mild surfactants capable of cleansing without disrupting the skin barrier. The presence of Cetearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Oleate suggests a hydrating, non-stripping finish that likely feels creamy or milky. Allantoin is added as an effective soothing agent. While excellent for daily gentle cleansing, it may lack the power to remove heavy waterproof makeup on its own.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The ingredient list is notably fragrance-free and free from harsh sulfates like SLS or SLES, making it highly suitable for sensitive skin. The preservatives (Phenoxyethanol and Benzyl Alcohol) are standard and safe for the vast majority of users, although Benzyl Alcohol can occasionally be a mild allergen for hyper-sensitive skin types.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a high-quality, minimalistic cleanser designed to respect skin physiology. It balances gentle cleansing agents with emollients and soothing ingredients, making it an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers.

Verdict

This cleanser features a minimalist and highly effective formula designed specifically for delicate, dry, or compromised complexions. At the heart of the ingredient list is Cetearyl Alcohol, a fatty alcohol that functions very differently from drying alcohols like ethanol. Instead of stripping moisture, it acts as an emollient and thickener, giving the product a luxurious, creamy texture that softens the skin while you cleanse. This suggests the product will feel more like a lotion than a traditional soap, providing a comforting slip during application. The cleansing action is provided by Coco-glucoside and Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate. These are exceptionally mild surfactants that lift dirt and impurities without disrupting the stratum corneum. Unlike traditional foaming cleansers that rely on sulfates or strong detergents, these agents maintain the skin’s pH balance and hydration levels. This makes the product an ideal choice for a morning cleanse or as the second step in a double-cleansing routine, though it may struggle to remove heavy waterproof makeup on its own. The inclusion of Allantoin is a standout feature in this formula. Known for its keratolytic and soothing properties, Allantoin helps to reduce irritation and promotes skin healing, making this cleanser particularly beneficial for those dealing with redness or sensitivity. Furthermore, Propanediol serves as a humectant, pulling moisture into the skin to prevent that uncomfortable “tight” feeling often associated with washing your face. While the preservation system involves Benzyl Alcohol and Phenoxyethanol, which are standard and generally safe, those with extreme hypersensitivity to specific preservatives should always patch test. However, the complete absence of fragrance and harsh essential oils significantly lowers the overall risk of reaction. In conclusion, this is a utilitarian, barrier-focused product. It prioritizes skin health over the sensory experience of big foam or strong scents. If you have dry skin or a damaged moisture barrier, this formulation provides a safe haven, cleaning effectively while replenishing lipids via Glyceryl Oleate.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The primary liquid base for the formulation.

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

🧪 Coco-glucoside / 椰油基葡糖苷

Purpose: Mild surfactant, foaming agent

Concerns: Very low risk of irritation

Notes: A gentle non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and fruit sugar, suitable for sensitive skin.

🧪 Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate / 硬脂酰谷氨酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, mild cleansing agent

Concerns: None generally

Notes: An amino acid-based ingredient that helps mix oil and water while providing gentle cleansing.

📁 Humectants & Moisturizers / 保湿剂与润肤剂

🧪 Propanediol / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant, solvent, emollient

Concerns: None generally; considered less irritating than propylene glycol

Notes: Helps the skin retain moisture and improves the texture of the product.

🧪 Caprylyl Glycol / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, skin conditioning agent, preservative booster

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Provides hydration and antimicrobial properties, often used to reduce the amount of traditional preservatives needed.

📁 Emollients, Thickeners & Texture Enhancers / 柔润剂、增稠剂与质地调节剂

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, texture enhancer, emulsifier stabilizer

Concerns: Low risk; despite being an ‘alcohol’, it is a fatty alcohol and does not dry out the skin

Notes: Gives the product a creamy texture and helps stabilize the emulsion.

🧪 Glyceryl Oleate / 油酸甘油酯

Purpose: Emollient, emulsifier

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Mimics the skin’s natural lipids, helping to soften and smooth the skin after washing.

🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture enhancer, thickener, stabilizer

Concerns: None generally

Notes: A synthetic polymer used to thicken the formula and create a pleasant gel-like texture.

📁 Soothing Agents / 舒缓成分

🧪 Allantoin / 尿囊素

Purpose: Skin soothing, skin protectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Known for its ability to soothe irritation and promote skin healing.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be irritating to sensitive skin in high concentrations, but safe in regulated amounts

Notes: One of the most common preservatives used in cosmetics.

🧪 Sorbitan Caprylate / 山梨坦辛酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier, preservative booster

Concerns: None generally

Notes: Helps boost the efficacy of other preservatives like phenoxyethanol.

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative, solvent, fragrance component

Concerns: Potential allergen (one of the EU 26 fragrance allergens)

Notes: An aromatic alcohol that prevents bacterial growth.

📁 pH Adjusters / pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Caustic in pure form, but safe in final formulation when neutralized

Notes: Used to ensure the product’s pH is skin-compatible.