Neutrogena
Neutrogena Makeup Remover
A gentle, oil-based cleansing formula that dissolves and removes makeup including waterproof formulas. Leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned without harsh residue.
Ingredient Snapshot
14 beneficial ingredients detected with no known safety concerns.
1 ingredient to watch — Fragrance (Parfum) may cause sensitivity in some skin types.
Ingredients (15)
Water
Benefits
- ✓Primary solvent that dissolves and delivers active ingredients
Sources
Aqua (Water) — CIR Expert Panel Safety Assessment: The CIR Expert Panel concludes that water (aqua) is safe as used in cosmetic formulations.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Aqua (Water): Water is the most commonly used cosmetic ingredient and is listed as safe by the CTPA with no restrictions on use.
Decyl Isostearate
Benefits
- ✓Lightweight emollient ester that conditions and softens skin
- ✓Helps dissolve oil-soluble makeup and impurities during cleansing
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Isostearic Acid and Its Esters as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that isostearic acid esters including decyl isostearate are safe for use in cosmetics as emollients and skin-conditioning agents at the concentrations used in current practice.
Isopropyl Isostearate
Benefits
- ✓Emollient that improves spreadability and leaves skin feeling smooth
- ✓Effective solvent for oil-based makeup removal
Potential concerns
- !May be comedogenic for acne-prone skin at high concentrations
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Isopropyl Isostearate as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that isopropyl isostearate is safe for use in cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It has low irritation and sensitisation potential at typical use concentrations.
Dimethicone(Silicone Emollient)
Benefits
- ✓Creates a smooth protective barrier locking in moisture
- ✓Provides silky skin feel
- ✓Protects against environmental irritants
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Cyclomethicone and Dimethicone as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel concluded dimethicone is safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a skin protectant and emollient, forming a breathable barrier on skin that reduces transepidermal water loss.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Dimethicone: CTPA lists dimethicone as a safe skin-conditioning agent and emollient widely used in cosmetics to improve skin feel and texture. It is considered safe for all skin types and is non-sensitising.
Isohexadecane
Benefits
- ✓Lightweight hydrocarbon emollient that enhances makeup-dissolving performance
- ✓Contributes to a non-greasy skin feel
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Hydrocarbon Solvents as Used in Cosmetics (2011): The CIR Expert Panel concluded that isohexadecane is safe for use in cosmetics as a solvent and emollient at the concentrations used in current practice.
Hexylene Glycol
Benefits
- ✓Solvent that aids ingredient blending
- ✓Mild humectant
Potential concerns
- !May cause mild irritation at high concentrations
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Hexylene Glycol: The CIR Expert Panel concludes that hexylene glycol is safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 1.6%; higher concentrations may cause irritation.
CTPA Cosmetic Ingredients — Hexylene Glycol: Hexylene glycol is listed as a potential skin sensitiser under EU Cosmetics Regulation when used at elevated concentrations. It is restricted to use as a solvent and preservative booster at low levels in finished products.
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
Benefits
- ✓Mild non-ionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases
- ✓Supports gentle cleansing of oil-soluble makeup without stripping the skin barrier
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of PEG-Modified Glycerides as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that PEG-modified glycerides including PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides are safe for use in cosmetics as emulsifiers and solubilisers at the concentrations used in current practice.
Trisiloxane
Benefits
- ✓Ultra-lightweight silicone that provides a dry, silky skin feel
- ✓Enhances spreadability and improves sensory texture
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Silicones as Used in Cosmetics (2019 Amended): The CIR Expert Panel concluded that silicone ingredients including linear and cyclic siloxanes are safe for use in cosmetics. Trisiloxane is a low molecular weight silicone used as a spreading agent and texture modifier.
Phenoxyethanol
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative preventing microbial contamination
Potential concerns
- !Potential skin sensitizer in some individuals
Sources
FDA — Phenoxyethanol in Cosmetics: FDA has reviewed phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative and considers it safe at concentrations up to 1.0% in cosmetic products. FDA advises caution in products used around the mouth of infants.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Phenoxyethanol: CTPA confirms phenoxyethanol is a permitted cosmetic preservative under EU Cosmetics Regulation at a maximum concentration of 1.0%, and is considered safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Sucrose Cocoate
Benefits
- ✓Sugar-derived emulsifier and mild surfactant that aids in cleansing
- ✓Contributes to a soft, non-stripping cleansing experience
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel concluded that sucrose esters of fatty acids including sucrose cocoate are safe for use in cosmetics as emulsifiers and surfactants at the concentrations used in current practice.
Chlorphenesin
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative against bacteria and fungi
Potential concerns
- !May cause sensitization in some individuals
Sources
CTPA Ingredient Library — Chlorphenesin: Chlorphenesin is a permitted cosmetic preservative under EU Cosmetics Regulation (max 0.3% in rinse-off, max 0.2% in leave-on products). CTPA considers it safe when used within these limits.
Polysorbate 20
Benefits
- ✓Mild surfactant that blends oil and water
- ✓Solubilizes actives in water-based formulas
Potential concerns
- !May contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Polysorbates as Used in Cosmetics (2016): The CIR Expert Panel concluded that polysorbate 20 is safe for use in cosmetic products as an emulsifier and solubiliser at the concentrations used in current practice.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer(Carbomer-type Polymer)
Benefits
- ✓Polymeric thickener and stabiliser that gives the product its gel or lotion texture
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Acrylates Copolymers as Used in Cosmetics (2019): The CIR Expert Panel concluded that acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer is safe for use in cosmetics as a rheology modifier and thickening agent. The polymer is not meaningfully absorbed through intact skin.
Fragrance(Fragrance (Parfum))
Benefits
- ✓Provides scent to the product
Potential concerns
- !One of the most common causes of skin irritation and allergic reactions
- !Particularly concerning for babies and sensitive skin
- !Specific compounds not disclosed
Sources
FDA — Fragrances in Cosmetics: The FDA notes that fragrance is one of the most common causes of adverse reactions to cosmetics. Fragrance ingredients can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. The FDA requires fragrance to appear on the ingredient label but does not require individual fragrance components to be disclosed.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Fragrance (Parfum): CTPA notes that fragrance (parfum) is a recognised skin sensitiser for some individuals. EU Cosmetics Regulation requires 26 specific fragrance allergens to be individually listed on product labels when present above threshold concentrations.
Sodium Hydroxide(Lye (pH Adjuster))
Benefits
- ✓Adjusts pH for skin compatibility and ingredient stability
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Sodium Hydroxide as a pH Adjuster: The CIR Expert Panel concludes that sodium hydroxide is safe in cosmetic formulations when used as a pH adjuster at concentrations that achieve the intended pH without elevating finished product pH above 11.
CTPA Cosmetic Ingredients — Sodium Hydroxide: Sodium hydroxide is listed in Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a permitted pH adjuster. It is approved for use at levels necessary to adjust pH, ensuring the final product is not harmful at the concentrations present.
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