Cleansing gels are products to clean and tone the skin, whether it is a facial cleansing gel or a full body cleanser. While different companies have different formulas for their products, generally some of the same ingredients tend to pop up in the listings. Before trying any new skin care product, to test for allergy or skin irritations always do a spot test where you try a little on a small area before applying all over.
Retinyl Palmitate
Retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, is used in many hair and skin products. It is deemed safe for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, or CIR, expert panel. According to CosmeticsInfo.org, it reduces skin flaking and helps the appearance of skin by restoring suppleness. It can be found in some vitamin supplements and in food products.
Salicylic Acid
Sometimes referred to as a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA, salicylic acid works as an anti-irritant, exfoliant and anti-acne treatment. Chemically similar to acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, it can be an anti-inflammatory as well, according to the Cosmetics Cop website. It inhibits microbial growth, making for an effective breakout solution, and is in many cleansers to keep acne flare-ups reduced.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a natural organic acid---an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA. It is deemed safe for use by both the FDA and CIR. It functions as an exfoliant and pH adjuster, according to CosmeticsInfo.org. Exfoliants work to remove dead skin cells, while pH adjusters help alter the formula so that it will not be too acidic or too alkaline.
Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate
According to the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database, disodium lauroamphodiacetate is a foam-boosting agent as well as a cleanser. This is added to many cleansing gels to increase the detergent capability as well as the lather.
Methylparaben
Methylparaben is one of the paraben preservatives that work in keeping formulas free from microbial growth such as mold, fungi, bacteria and yeast. It is a less irritating preservative than others, according to Cosmetics Cop, because it does not release formaldehyde as some preservatives can. Some people are allergic to paraben preservatives and should steer clear of products that have these preservatives in the ingredient listing.
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