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2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser
Decode Label Safety Score
Decode Label Safety Badge
Held by the top 12% of everything we score. Awarded on this product's published 8.7/10 — every scoring lane clear, no significant concern, and nothing on the label that its own ingredient list contradicts.
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Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This facial cleanser is formulated with mild surfactants and beneficial skin-conditioning agents like Niacinamide, making it generally suitable for most skin types. The primary concern for a small subgroup of users is the presence of Phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation or allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin. While several beneficial extracts and ceramides are listed, their trace amounts mean the product's primary benefits come from its main active ingredients and gentle cleansing system.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Cetostearyl Alcohol
- Glycerin
- Niacinamide
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- Ethylhexylglycerin
- +4 more →
Gentle facial cleanser with mild surfactants; contains a common preservative
This face wash uses gentle cleansing agents and includes Niacinamide, known for its skin-benefiting properties. It is designed to be rinsed off, minimizing exposure time. The main point of caution is the preservative Phenoxyethanol, which can be an irritant for people with very sensitive or reactive skin. Other beneficial ingredients are present in very small amounts.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for skincare. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
What's good
Uses mild, sulfate-free surfactants (Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine) suitable for sensitive skin.
Contains Niacinamide, a beneficial skin-conditioning agent.
Includes emollients and humectants like Cetostearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, and Cetyl Alcohol for skin hydration and conditioning.
Watch out for
Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative, can be an irritant or allergen for individuals with very sensitive skin.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is the most widely used paraben-free preservative. The EU limits it to 1% in cosmetics (SCCS has confirmed this is safe for adults), and the French regulator ANSM advised in 2012 against leave-on products containing it for the nappy area of children under three and recommended a lower concentration for them. It can irritate sensitive skin.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex V (max 1.0%); SCCS opinion SCCS/1575/16; ANSM recommendation (2012)
Phenoxyethanol: regulation, sources and other products →Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cocamidopropyl betaine is the usual "gentle" co-surfactant in shampoos, face washes and baby washes. It was named Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2004; the reactions are attributed mainly to impurities (amidoamine, DMAPA) and are uncommon, but it is a common cause of surfactant allergy in people with eczema.
Peer-reviewed research Source: American Contact Dermatitis Society - Allergen of the Year 2004; contact-dermatitis literature
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: regulation, sources and other products →Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
Niacinamide is listed in the ingredients, but the label does not state the 2% concentration, so the strength cannot be confirmed.
The claim 'Gentle Skin Cleanser' is a subjective product description that cannot be objectively verified from the provided ingredient list.
The suitability for specific skin types (dry, normal, sensitive) is a product designation that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'non-irritant' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The claim 'non-oil stripping' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the ingredient list.
The ingredient list does not contain any ingredients commonly identified as soap (e.g., sodium cocoate, sodium olivate, sodium tallowate).
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
WaterAqua
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2.
Cetostearyl Alcohol
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3.
Glycerin
-
4.
Niacinamide
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5.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
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6.
Phenoxyethanol
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7.
Ethylhexylglycerin
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8.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
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9.
Xanthan Gum
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10.
Centella Asiatica Extract
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11.
Cetyl Alcohol
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12.
Carbomer
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13.
Saccharide Isomerate
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14.
Sodium Gluconate
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15.
Ceramide Complex
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16.
Oatmeal Extract trace amount
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17.
Tocopheryl Acetate
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18.
Citric Acid
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19.
Sodium Citrate
Trace amounts: some named ingredients appear in token quantities or low in the list. At these concentrations a meaningful benefit is unlikely, and their front-of-pack prominence may not reflect their level in the formulation.
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other face wash products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
Also on this shelf
More Face Wash products we've analysed, in name order.
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CeraVe Brightening Vitamin C Cleanser
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Ever White Ever White Foaming Face Wash
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CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
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The Man Company Vitamin C Face Wash
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What are the ingredients in 2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser?
The label of 2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser lists 19 ingredients, in label order: Water, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Xanthan Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Gluconate, Ceramide Complex, Oatmeal Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate. Flagged by the analysis: Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
Is 2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser safe to use?
2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser scores 8.7/10 on Decode Label (Favorable). This face wash uses gentle cleansing agents and includes Niacinamide, known for its skin-benefiting properties. It is designed to be rinsed off, minimizing exposure time. The main point of caution is the preservative Phenoxyethanol, which can be an irritant for people with very sensitive or reactive skin. Other beneficial ingredients are present in very small amounts.
Why does 2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser score 8.7/10?
Flagged in the score: Phenoxyethanol, a common preservative, can be an irritant or allergen for individuals with very sensitive skin.
Who should avoid 2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive skin or known allergy to Phenoxyethanol.
Are the claims on the 2% Niacinamide Gentle Skin Cleanser pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 6 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "2% Niacinamide" — can't be verified from the label. "Gentle Skin Cleanser" — can't be verified from the label. "DRY, NORMAL & SENSITIVE SKIN" — can't be verified from the label.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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