Trash Can (Skincare)
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August 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Rich Cream – $45
Lisa Rating: 
(1 / 5)
Living Clean Rating: 
(2 / 5)
Size: 1.7 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.8 Stars (201 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Salicylic acid (3), PEG-100 stearate (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Fragrance (8), Farnesol (4), Linalol (3), Citronellol (4), Citral (5), Limonene (5), Benzyl benzoate (5), Geraniol (5)
All Ingredients: Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Heptyl Undecylenate, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Propanediol, Stearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Palm Oil, Algae Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Caffeine, Sea Salt, Lauroyl Lysine, Salicylic Acid, Hydrolyzed Algin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Pca, Peg-100 Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Farnesol, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol.
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Skin Toning Agent – $25
Lisa Rating: (2 / 5)
Living Clean Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Size: 5 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.7 Stars (51 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Rose flower oil (3), Salicylic acid (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Natural fragrance (8), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5)
All Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Sodium Coco Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Coneflower Extract, Rose Flower Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Citronellol, Geraniol
Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Night Treatment – $42
Lisa Rating: (2 / 5)
Living Clean Rating: (2 / 5)
Size: 1.7 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.7 Stars (202 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Fragrance (8), Limonene (5), Geraniol (5), Citral (5), Benzyl alcohol (5), Sodium metabisulfite (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Dimethicone (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Linalool (3), Sodium benzoate (3)
All Ingredients: Water (Aqua/Eau) , Butylene Glycol , Dipropylene Glycol , Glycerin , Methyl Trimethicone , Dimethicone , Niacinamide , Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone , Caprylyl Methicone , Lauroyl Lysine , Trehalose , Gluconolactone , Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter , Eschscholzia Californica Leaf Cell Extract , Hypericum Erectum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract , Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter , Chondrus Crispus Extract , Peucedanum Japonicum Leaf/Stem Extract , Zingiber Aromaticus Extract , Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil , Sodium Hyaluronate , Phospholipids , Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate , Squalane , Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid , Sodium Pca , Lauryl Betaine , Isostearic Acid , Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer , Sodium Citrate , Xanthan Gum , Polymethylsilsesquioxane , Citric Acid , Sodium Metaphosphate , Tocopherol , Tocopheryl Acetate , Sodium Chloride , Alcohol , Fragrance (Parfum) , Limonene , Linalool , Geraniol , Citral , Sodium Benzoate , Benzyl Alcohol , Sodium Metabisulfite , Phenoxyethanol
Beautycounter Instant Eye Makeup Remover – $25
Overall Rating: (2 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
The description of this product reads, “Easy on the eyes. Just a quick shake activates this innovative dual-phase formula to completely erase long-wear and waterproof makeup. Made without mineral oil or silicones, it uses the power of coconut and macadamia oils to break down pigments and cornflower extract to soothe delicate skin. Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.”
I actually felt like this product was pretty irritating to my eyes and would not use it for that reason.
It contains several problematic ingredients but oddly has received EWG Verified status anyway.
I’d rather not wear eye makeup at all than use this product to remove it.
I’d like to hear from other people who have tried this product to see what their experiences with it have been.
Size: 4.23 oz.
Beautycounter Rating: 4.7 Stars (1598 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Sephora Clean: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: EWG Verified
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Salicylic acid (3), Potassium hydroxide (5), Sodium benzoate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Undecane, Methylpropanediol, Tridecane, Sodium Chloride, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Salicylic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Potassium Hydroxide, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sunflower Seed Oil
Chanel No 1 de Chanel Revitalizing Serum – $120
Overall Rating: (2 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (2 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Very Mild
This product was introduced by Chanel in early 2022, with the statement that it includes 97% natural ingredients.
I obtained a small sample of the product from Chanel and so gave it a try.
I found the product to be mildly irritating to my skin.
The product also includes a fairly strong scent, with the notation of simply “Parfum” on the label.
Chanel later revealed to me that both synthetic and natural fragrances were used in this product.
While I did not feel that the scent was objectionable to me as many products containing synthetic fragrance, it seemed to give me a very mild headache and also irritated my skin on the two occasions that I tried the product.
While I am glad that Chanel has started to focus on making cleaner and more natural products, I don’t think that they are there yet and so cannot recommend this one to others.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.1 Stars (32 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Fragrance (8), Chlorphenesin (3), Lactic acid (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Coffee seed oil, Parfum
All Ingredients: Camellia Japonica Flower Water, Propanediol, Glycerin, Water, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Yeast Extract, Coffee Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Citric Acid, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Adenosine, Lactic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream – $36
Lisa Rating: (2 / 5)
Living Clean Rating: (3 / 5)
Size: 0.5 oz.
Ulta Rating: 3.1 Stars (39 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Dimethicone (3), Licorice root extract (4), Glyceryl polyacrylate (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Titanium dioxide (3)
All Ingredients: Aqua (water, eau), dimethicone, glycerin, maris aqua (sea water, eau de mer), butylene glycol, niacinamide, polysilicone-11, caprylic/capric triglyceride, mica, pan-thenol, gigartina stellata/kappaphycus alvarezii extract, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed extract, corallina officinalis extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, tocopherol, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, sodium acrylates copolymer, hydroxyacetophenone, glyceryl polyacrylate, squalane, hydrogenated polycyclopentadiene, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, lecithin, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, caprylyl glycol, linoleic acid, phytosteryl canola glycerides, silica, hexylene glycol, palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, sorbitan isostearate, polysorbate 60, triolein, t-butyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, citric acid, ci 77891 (titanium dioxide), ci 77491 (iron oxides)
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream – $45
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (3 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
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Size: 1.6 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (1675 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: C15-19 alkane (3), Steareth-2 (3), Rose damascena extract (3), Rose damascena flower extract (3), Rose damascena flower oil (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Dimethicone (3), Steareth-21 (3), Polysorbate-60 (3), Acacia senegal gum (3), Sodium hydroxide (4), Chlorphenesin (3), Sodium benzoate (3), Citronellol (4), Geraniol (5)
Fragrance Ingredients: Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Isostearyl Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2 Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Steareth-2, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Rosa Damascena Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Angelica Keiskei Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Steareth-21, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Dimethiconol, Polysorbate 60, Algin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Serine, Caramel, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citronellol, Geraniol.
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Moisturizer – $52
Overall Rating: (2 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Lemon peel oil, Limonene, Citral
The description of this product on the Fresh website reads, “A lightweight antioxidant moisturizer that fights first signs of aging while smoothing the look of fine lines for a more youthful look. Fresh’s best-selling moisturizer now features Super Lotus, a potent ingredient that prevents and addresses first signs of aging by boosting radiance, strengthening the skin’s barrier, and protecting from free radicals. Plus, star fruit leaf extract was added to help smooth the look of fine lines. Smoothes the look of fine lines. Boosts radiance for a youthful look. Provides antioxidant protection.”
This is the only daytime moisturizer offered by Fresh that is suggested for sensitive skin, and so I gave it a try.
Unlike most products offered by Fresh, this one at least does not have synthetic fragrance in it.
It does contain lemon peel oil, limonene and citral, as well as several other chemicals that EWG states can be problematic.
The product has a mild, pleasant scent that seems mostly due to the inclusion of cucumber fruit extract, but with a slight citrus edge to it.
Unfortunately, this product irritated my face to the point that it took some time to recover after just an hour of wear.
Especially considering how pricey it is, I therefore do not feel that I can recommend that other people consider buying it.
Size: 1.6 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.4 Stars (1027 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Steareth-21 (3), Lemon peel oil (6), Dimethicone (3), Sodium metabisulfite (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Limonene (5), Citral (5). (Also contains Sorbitol.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Lemon peel oil, Cucumber fruit extract, Averrhoa carambola leaf extract, Limonene, Citral
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Betaine, Steareth-21, Nelumbo Nucifera Extract, Lemon Peel Oil, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Averrhoa Carambola Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Silica, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Sodium PCA, Carbomer, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Tromethamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Lauroyl Lysine, Adenosine, Glucose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Citral.
Mad Hippie Face Cream – $26
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: 
(5 / 5)
I found this product to be slightly irritating to my face on a number of occasions.
This was a bit of a surprise to me since I really liked the Mad Hippie Triple C Night Cream and have been fine with some other Mad Hippie products as well, and since EWG does not list any non-natural ingredients as problematic.
However, in looking at the Ulta website, I see at least a dozen reviews where people stated that they had experienced a negative reaction to using this cream.
The moisturizer also has a surprisingly strong smell that I believe to be natural but that is unfamiliar to me. I wonder if it is from the acai extract.
I think that I could have grown to like the scent if the cream had not been irritating to my skin.
I would not buy this product again myself but am not saying that other people will not do well with it if they do not have the same reactivities that I do.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.3 Stars (181 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Lime Extract (4), Aloe (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Acai extract, pomegranate seed, steam distilled lime extract
All Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Matrixyl Synthe ‘6 (Peptide: Glycerin – Aqua – Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin – Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38), Safflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Syntacks (Peptide: Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl – Hydroxythreonine – Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 Diaminohydroxybutyrate), Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Sorbic Acid, C10-18 Triglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Argan Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Resveratrol, Coconut Oil, Citric acid, Green Tea Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Acai Extract, Tocopherol, White Tea Extract, Pomegranate Seed, Vitamin E, Steam Distilled Lime Extract
Vanicream Daily Face Moisturizer – $14
Overall Rating: (3 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
The description of this product on the Vanicream website reads, “A rich, but lightweight lotion that provides effective moisturization for day or night. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and 5 key ceramides which help to hydrate and retain the skin’s moisture. It leaves the skin feeling soft and deeply moisturized while still being lightweight and suitable to wear under makeup.”
This affordable product is a favorite of many dermatologists and is rated highly by EWG.
However, I found the product to be markedly irritating to my face, causing burning just after application and then itching for a few hours more until I washed it off.
I bought the product through the Vanicream storefront on the Amazon site, which to my understanding means that this is an authentic product.
I am surprised that a supposedly clean skincare product would cause me to react in this way and am not sure what the problem is.
I don’t feel that I can suggest that other people consider buying a product that has had this kind of effect on my own skin, though.
Size: 3 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars (9008 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Purified water, squalane (vegan), glycerin, pentylene glycol, polyglyceryl-2 stearate, glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, hyaluronic acid, ceramide EOP, ceramide NG, ceramide NP, ceramide AS, ceramide AP, carnosine, hydrogenated lecithin, phytosterols, caprylyl glycol, polyacrylate crosspolymer-11, 1,2-hexanediol
Youth to the People Superfood Air-Whip Moisture Cream – $48
Overall Rating: (2 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Mild
Processed Fragrance: Natural fragrance, Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
Although this product is rated as Clean at Sephora, it contains a number of ingredients (including some other than just those related to fragrance) that EWG states are problematic.
I found it to irritate my skin substantially.
Size: 2 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.1 Stars (1569 reviews)
Credo Clean: Unclear
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 7 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Aloe vera (3), Propylene glycol (3), Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (5), Sodium benzoate (3), Benzyl benzoate (5), Natural fragrance (8), Citronellol (4), Hexyl Cinnamal (3), Limonene (5), Linalool (3). (Also contains Isopropyl Alcohol.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria flower extract, Natural fragrance, Citronellol, Hexyl cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool
All Ingredients: Water, Sunflower Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Kale Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Alfalfa Leaf Extract, Spinach Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium Acetate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Cellulose, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate, Natural Fragrance, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Chlorophyll, CI 75810
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser – $36
Overall Rating: (2 / 5)
Performance Rating: (2 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: Moderate
I tried this product because it is listed as Clean at Sephora, but it has a number of problematic ingredients and irritated my face substantially.
Size: 8 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.2 Stars (5335 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Unclear
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 8 (red)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Polysorbate-20 (3), Aloe vera (3), Tocopheryl acetate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium benzoate (3), Fragrance (8), Sodium hydroxide (4), Sodium glycolate (3), Hexyl cinnamal (3), Linalool (3), Limonene (5), Chlorophyllin-copper complex (4)
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria Flower Extract, Jasmine Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene
All Ingredients: Water, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Aloe Vera, Kale Leaf Extract, Spinach Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Alfalfa Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Laurate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Gluconolactone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Jasmine Fruit Extract, Fragrance, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Formate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex.
