Neutrogena Purified Skin Gel Cleanser is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.
However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.
Est. %
The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more | Ingredient | Origin | Functions | |
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85 | Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients. Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients. | Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. | Formula helper
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6 | Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate An anionic surfactant alternative to sulfates with an excellent foaming profile. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate An anionic surfactant alternative to sulfates with an excellent foaming profile. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper
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4 | Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine A mild surfactant with excellent foaming properties and thickening capabilities. Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine A mild surfactant with excellent foaming properties and thickening capabilities. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper
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3 | Sorbitol A sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant. Sorbitol A sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Flavor Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Flavor Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. | |
0.3 | Sodium Benzoate A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective. Sodium Benzoate A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper
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0.3 | Glycolic Acid The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums. Glycolic Acid The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne, Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Formula helper
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0.3 | | Formula helper
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0.3 | Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer A synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer A synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Formula helper
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0.3 | Citric Acid A gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent. Citric Acid A gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Formula helper
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0.3 | Fragrance Under trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic. Fragrance Under trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) | Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. | |
0.3 | Sodium Hydroxide An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin. Sodium Hydroxide An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Formula helper
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0.3 | Menthol A volatile compound isolated from peppermint oil. It causes a cooling sensation on the skin that can be very soothing. Menthol can also act as a topical painkiller. In more sensitive individuals, however, it may cause skin irritation or an allergy. Menthol A volatile compound isolated from peppermint oil. It causes a cooling sensation on the skin that can be very soothing. Menthol can also act as a topical painkiller. In more sensitive individuals, however, it may cause skin irritation or an allergy. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Flavor, Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Flavor, Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Refreshing, Refreshing ingredients leave the skin feeling refreshed and 'awake'. Refreshing, Refreshing ingredients leave the skin feeling refreshed and 'awake'. Formula helper
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0.3 | Disodium EDTA A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions. Disodium EDTA A synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Formula helper
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0.3 | | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. | |
0.3 | | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. | |
85 Water Function: Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Naturally occurring Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. |
6 Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Function: Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
4 Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Function: Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
3 Sorbitol Function: Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Flavor Flavor Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Flavor Flavor Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Sodium Benzoate Function: Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Glycolic Acid Function: Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Wrinkle Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Wrinkle Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Anti-Acne, Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Anti-Acne, Anti-Acne Anti-acne agents treat acne blemishes, blackheads, and whiteheads. Exfoliant, Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Potassium Acrylates Copolymer Function: Formula helper Formula helper
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0.3 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer Function: Formula helper Formula helper
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Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Citric Acid Function: Exfoliant, Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Fragrance Function: Fragrance Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) |
0.3 Sodium Hydroxide Function: Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Menthol Function: Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Flavor, Flavor Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Flavor, Flavor Flavor ingredients bring sweetness to a product or are used to recreate various tastes. Refreshing, Refreshing Refreshing ingredients leave the skin feeling refreshed and 'awake'. Refreshing, Refreshing Refreshing ingredients leave the skin feeling refreshed and 'awake'. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Disodium EDTA Function: Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Green 3 (CI 42053) Function: Colorant Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
0.3 Ext. Violet 2 (CI 60730) Function: Colorant Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Colorant Colorant Colorants give color to skincare products. Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |