Versus

SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Versus EltaMD, Inc Foaming Facial Cleanser

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

Updated on October 17, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 7 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, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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

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
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a cleansing agent. It can be naturally derived or synthetically-created.

As a surfactant, it helps clean your skin by gathering dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away more easily.

Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.

After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.

It is also used to make a product more thick.

Learn more about Acrylates Copolymer
Masking

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride
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
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

When to use

60 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
79 Routines
41% use in am
59% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel 17 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Drying (2) Light Scent (2) Expensive (1)
selsa286's avatar

selsa286

7 months ago
Review

Kept my skin really clear and helped brighten, but was a bit too drying to use consistently

#drying
#light scent
#works well
masterkate's avatar

Kate

11 days ago
Review

I went for a facial and they recommended using this product to help with my clogged pores. I started using it every day, twice a day. I thought it was working really well, but now my skin is pretty damaged.

Part of this is user error I'll admit.. but it includes a pretty strong fragrance (I like the smell but not good for sensitive skin). Do not use it everyday, and do not leave it on for more Show more

#expensive
#drying
#irritating
#sticky

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

28 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