Amazon Basics Foaming Facial Cleanser with Ceramides & Hyaluronic Acid

A gel-to-foam cleanser formulated with essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to effectively remove excess oil and makeup without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula represents a gold standard for gentle yet effective cleansing. It utilizes a blend of mild surfactants (Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate) that clean without stripping natural oils. The inclusion of Niacinamide helps soothe inflammation and regulate oil, while the addition of 3 essential Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol mimics the skin’s natural lipid barrier to prevent dryness. Sodium Hyaluronate provides hydration. It is an excellent choice for maintaining skin health while cleansing.

Safety Rating: 4.5

The safety profile is excellent, particularly for sensitive skin. It is Fragrance-Free and Sulfate-Free (no SLS/SLES). The preservatives used (Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin) are well-tolerated. The only minor note is the presence of PEGs (PEG-150, PEG-6), which some ‘clean beauty’ advocates avoid due to manufacturing concerns, but they are generally considered safe in cosmetic formulations.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier daily cleanser. It strikes a near-perfect balance between cleansing power and gentle care. By combining amino acid-based surfactants with a robust barrier-repair complex, it is suitable for a wide range of skin types, including normal, oily, and sensitive skin. It effectively removes impurities without compromising the skin barrier.

Verdict

This facial cleanser represents an expertly calibrated balance between effective purification and skin barrier preservation, making it a top-tier choice for daily hygiene. At its core, the surfactant system relies on Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine and Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate. These are mild, amphoteric, and anionic cleaning agents that generate a satisfying foam to dissolve surface oils, grime, and makeup. Crucially, they replace traditional, harsher sulfates like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, ensuring that the cleansing process does not strip the skin’s natural lipid layer or disturb its delicate pH balance, which is maintained here by Citric Acid. The formula distinguishes itself with a robust complex of skin-identical lipids. It features a trio of essential Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), alongside Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine. These ingredients mimic the lipid structure of healthy skin, working synergistically to repair micro-tears in the moisture barrier. This is vital for preventing transepidermal water loss, keeping the skin hydrated long after the rinse. Phytosphingosine, in particular, offers antimicrobial properties that can help support the skin’s microbiome. Another star ingredient is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). High on the ingredient list, it serves a dual purpose: soothing active inflammation and regulating sebum production. This makes the cleanser exceptionally well-suited for those battling an oily T-zone or mild acne, as it addresses the root causes of congestion without the aggression of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Hydration is further supported by Sodium Hyaluronate, a humectant that draws moisture to the skin surface to prevent that uncomfortable tight sensation often associated with foaming washes. The texture is designed as a clear gel that transforms into a light foam, facilitated by thickeners like PEG-150 Distearate, providing a luxurious sensory experience. Being fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it minimizes the risk of contact dermatitis and clogged pores. While it is gentle, the foaming nature is geared towards removing excess oil; therefore, those with desert-dry or compromised skin might prefer a non-foaming cream cleanser. However, for normal to oily skin types, this product is a highly effective, scientifically sound staple that cleanses deeply while actively contributing to long-term skin health.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base for most skincare products.

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

🧪 COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE / 椰油酰胺丙基羟基磺基甜菜碱

Purpose: Surfactant, foam booster, antistatic agent

Concerns: Generally safe, mild risk of impurities

Notes: A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps create foam and conditions the skin.

🧪 SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE / 甲基椰油酰基牛磺酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant

Concerns: None

Notes: A mild, amino-acid based surfactant that cleanses without stripping natural oils.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE / 月桂酰肌氨酸钠

Purpose: Surfactant, emulsifier

Concerns: Safe when formulated properly; penetration enhancer

Notes: A mild cleansing agent often used as an alternative to sulfates.

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

Purpose: Emulsifier, surfactant, skin-conditioning agent

Concerns: PEG compounds can contain impurities if not purified

Notes: Helps mix oil and water; provides a smooth feel.

📁 Moisturizers, Skin Barrier Repair & Actives / 保湿剂、皮肤屏障修复与活性成分

🧪 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 or sensitive skin

Notes: Vitamin B3; helps control oil, soothe redness, and restore the skin barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient, antimicrobial

Concerns: None

Notes: A lipid that is part of the skin’s natural defense system; precursor to ceramides.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient, emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier function.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Thickeners / 质地以此剂与增稠剂

🧪 PEG-150 DISTEARATE / PEG-150 二硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Thickener, emulsifier

Concerns: PEG compounds risk (impurities)

Notes: Adds viscosity to the formula.

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

Purpose: Thickener, viscosity controlling

Concerns: PEG compounds risk (impurities)

Notes: Often used to thicken surfactant systems.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier, thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used in ceramide blends to help them penetrate the skin.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Viscosity controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Viscosity controlling

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural thickener.

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

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None for skin use

Notes: Binds to metal ions to keep the formula stable.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: May cause irritation in high concentrations (unlikely here)

Notes: Used to ensure the cleanser is pH balanced.

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Safe in concentrations under 1%

Notes: Common broad-spectrum preservative.

🧪 SODIUM BENZOATE / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Fungal preservative.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative booster, skin conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Boosts the efficacy of other preservatives like phenoxyethanol.