Walgreens Gentle Cleanser Review

Walgreens Gentle Cleanser
Ingredients

Walgreens Gentle Cleanser Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate, Decyl Glucoside, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-4, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Gluconolactone, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Green 5 (CI 61570), Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Review

Does Walgreens Gentle Cleanser Work?

 
Walgreens Gentle 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 Ingredient Breakdown section below.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Decyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Benzophenone-4
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Bicarbonate
Function:
Origin:
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Green 5 (CI 61570)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe 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.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Cocamidopropyl BetaineA mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateAn anionic surfactant alternative to sulfates with an excellent foaming profile.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Sodium Chloride
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateAn amino acid-derived surfactant with mild cleansing and strong foaming capabilities.
Fragrance
Est. %1
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder 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.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Decyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Decyl GlucosideA surfactant that can function as both a cleansing agent and emulsifier. As a cleansing agent, it is very mild on the skin. As an emulsifier, decyl glucoside will produce oil-in-water emulsions. It is naturally derived from vegetable oils and starch.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA 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.
Benzophenone-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzophenone-4Also known as sulisobenzone, it is a chemical sunscreen that protects against UVB and most UVA radiation. It is weaker than typical sunscreens and is usually accompanied by other UV absorbers to be most effective.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium Glutamate DiacetateA biodegradable chelating agent that chemically captures the heavy metal ions naturally present in water and disarms their harmful effects.
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Spinacia Oleracea (Spinach) Leaf Extract
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Sodium Bicarbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BicarbonateA sodium salt that increases pH and removes dead skin cells.
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) ExtractA fragrant extract with a hay-like scent derived from the alfalfa plant. It contains various antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and saponins.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Green 5 (CI 61570)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Green 5 (CI 61570)
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.