Foaming Facial Cleanser

Name: EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Brand: EltaMD

cleansermid-range

Overall score5.8

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser scores 5.8/9.8 overall. It ranks highest in low irritation risk (9.5) and formulation safety (8.0).

✶ Hero ingredients

#3Acrylates Copolymer

Polymer thickener

#4Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids

Acid compound

#8Bromelain

Works on your skin

Score breakdown

Overall

5.8

Hydration Efficacy2.6

Irritation Risk9.5

Active Ingredient Strength2.0

Ingredient Transparency7.5

Formulation Safety8.0

Estimated — based on ingredient analysis. Scores refine as user reviews are added.

Scores last verified: April 2026

What makes EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser stand out

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a decent cleanser with an overall score of 5.8/9.8. Positioned in the mid-range bracket, it takes a straightforward approach to skincare. The formula leads with Bromelain, Dimethicone Copolyol, Isononyl Isononanoate — ingredients that actively target skin concerns.

It performs well on low irritation risk (9.5). On the flip side, hydration could be stronger and active ingredient concentration is on the lighter side.

Is this right for you?

Great for

✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
✓Safety-conscious shoppers — clean formulation with minimal flags
✓Ingredient-aware buyers — transparent, well-documented formula

May not suit

⚠Very dry skin types looking for heavy-duty moisture
⚠Those seeking potent actives — this leans more maintenance than treatment

Key ingredients

✶
Bromelain
Works on your skin — #8 in the INCI list
✶
Dimethicone Copolyol
Softens and smooths — #9 in the INCI list
✶
Isononyl Isononanoate
Softens and smooths — #11 in the INCI list
✶
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
Softens and smooths — #12 in the INCI list
✶
Capryloyl Glycine
Works on your skin — #16 in the INCI list

Full ingredient list

16 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)

#1Purified Water #2Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate #3Acrylates Copolymer #4Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids #6Magnesium Silicate #8Bromelain #9Dimethicone Copolyol #10Polyhydroxystearic Acid #11Isononyl Isononanoate #12Ethylhexyl Isononanoate #14Phenoxyethanol #15Sodium Hydroxide #16Capryloyl Glycine #17Undecylenoyl Glycine #18Sodium Bisulfite #19Fragrance

Compare with similar products

Ingredient breakdown

Other ingredient5
Formula balancers3
Softens and smooths3
Works on your skin2
Holds the formula together1
Keeps the product fresh1
Added scent1

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