Exfoliating Cleanser
Exfoliant
Updated 10 Dec 2025

Exfoliating Cleanser

ZO Skin Health Obagi
29Ingredients
0EU Banned
5Caution
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy SafeNo flagged ingredients
Low Allergens2 fragrance allergens
45% Natural48% synthetic

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Sodium HydroxideMax 5.0%
Max concentration:5.0%
Product types:(a) Nail cuticle solvent(b) Hair straightener(c) pH adjuster for depilatories(d) Other uses as pH adjusterCallosity softener/remover (entry 15d)
Conditions:(b)1. General use2. Professional use(c) up to pH 12.7(d) up to pH 1115 d Contains alcakali, Avoid contact with eyesKeep out of reach of chindren ans Read directions for use carefully
Label warnings: (a) Contains alkali Avoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness Keep out of reach of children(b) 1. Contains alkaliAvoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness Keep out of reach of children2. For professional use only Avoid contact with eyes Can cause blindness(c) Keep out of reach of children Avoid contact with eyes
Salicylic AcidMax 3.0%
Max concentration:3.0%
Product types:(a) Rinse-off hair products(b) Other products except body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant(c) Body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, roll-on deodorant
Conditions:(a) (b) (c)Not to be used in preparations for children under 3 years of age. Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation. Not to be used in oral products. For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product.These levels are inclusive of any use of salicylic acid.
Label warnings: (a) (b) (c)Not to be used for children under 3 years of age** Solely for products which might be used for children under 3 years of age.
Limonene
Product types:All cosmetic products
Conditions:The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products. The peroxide value for each substance shall be less than 20 mmoles/L (This limit applies to the substance and not to the finished cosmetic product).
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 3.7 — Suboptimal
3.7
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 3.7
Active ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide
Salicylic Acid at pH 3.7: optimal range (3–4)
Niacinamide at pH 3.7: very acidic — may increase irritation risk
Niacinamide at pH 3.7 is below the ideal range (5–7).
Detected actives & ideal pH
Salicylic AcidpH 3–4
NiacinamidepH 5–7

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeContains fragrance
Contains fragrance/parfum
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

45% natural48% synthetic
13 natural 2 unknown 14 synthetic

Based on 29 ingredients analyzed. 45% natural, 7% unknown and 48% synthetic.

Preservatives1 preservative
FragranceContains added fragrance

Functions Overview (15)

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Grainy scrub or thin chemical liquid — physical exfoliants feel gritty, chemical ones feel like water
SpreadabilityEasy
AbsorptionFast
Tackiness / ResidueLight
Finish:Smooth, refined — skin feels polished after rinsing

Gritty (physical) or tingling (chemical) — exfoliation sensation on skin. Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish.