Versus

EltaMD, Inc Foaming Facial Cleanser Versus Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 12, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both face cleansers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils or sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

When to use

79 Routines
41% use in am
59% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
20 Routines
55% use in am
45% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

EltaMD, Inc Foaming Facial Cleanser 25 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 3 ratings
Expensive (2) Broke Me Out (1) Hydrating (1)
shelbid's avatar

Shelbi D

29 days ago
Review

Felt difficult to wash off/stuck on my skin and cause me to break out like crazy.

#expensive
#broke me out
#no scent
AmandaInSF's avatar

Amanda P

5 months ago
Review

I love this cleanser, wish it was cheaper. It’s moisturizing and leaves my skin feeling fresh. Also the foaming effect is kinda fun!

#expensive
#hydrating
#works well

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser For Sensitive Skin 25 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Formal_Property's avatar

Formal_Property

4 years ago
Review

Basic cleanser
I use this cleanser in my morning routine. It does the job without leaving my skin feeling tight. It’s a good basic cleanser but I don’t notice any specific benefit. Would repurchase if nothing else catches my eye.

bsabrina's avatar

bsabrina

2 years ago
Review

just okay
the pump foams the cleanser as it comes out, so i feel like I have to use a lot of product. it kinda dissolves on the face. does remove makeup well and is non-irritating. very inexpensive product. better for those with no skin concerns