Aveeno
Calm + Restore® Nourishing PHA Facial Exfoliator
Calm + Restore® Nourishing PHA Facial Exfoliator
Aveeno
calm-restore-r-nourishing-pha-facial-exfoliator
Exfoliation
9818296156453
Morning or Evening?
How often will you use this product?
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Highlights
WHAT IS IT?
Non-abrasive PHA facial exfoliator
FEATURES
Non-abrasive formula, Contains PHA and oat oil, Respects skin's natural moisture barrier, Leaves skin feeling hydrated
BEST FOR
sensitive
CHECKS
Alcohol-free, fragrance-free, essential oil-free
Who Is It For?
Adults With Sensitive SkinWhat Does It Help With?
Gentle Exfoliation Hydration Smooth SkinBudget
Affordable (under $30)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
What Aveeno Says
Product Description:
Exfoliate & cleanse skin while leaving it feeling smooth & moisturized. This non-abrasive formula with PHA and oat oil respects skin's natural moisture barrier & leaves skin feeling hydrated.
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
Water, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, P-Anisic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Allantoin
Key Ingredients
Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Allantoin
Ingredients Details
Gluconolactone
Common Name(s): D-gluconolactone,delta-gluconolactone
CAS Number: 90-80-2
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides the gentlest chemical exfoliation with simultaneous antioxidant, moisture retention, and barrier support.
Why It's Used: Preferred exfoliant for rosacea, eczema, sensitive skin, and post-procedure recovery where standard ahas cause unacceptable irritation.
How It Works: Hydrolyzes slowly on skin surface to gluconic acid providing gentle exfoliation. multiple hydroxyl groups enable water binding (humectant) and metal chelation (antioxidant).
Typically Found In: Sensitive skin exfoliants,rosacea treatments,eczema care,post-procedure recovery
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – polyhydroxy acid (pha)
Secondary Functions: Gentle exfoliation,antioxidant,humectant
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 5%–15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – fermentation or synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Fermentation-derived from glucose or synthetic. among the safest chemical exfoliants available.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: No photosensitization; no stinging; suitable for very sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – ideal for sensitive, reactive, rosacea, and eczema-prone skin; no photosensitization
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. no photosensitization. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,niacinamide,hyaluronic acid,soothing actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Phas have molecular weights 2–3× larger than ahas, limiting penetration to superficial layers. combined humectant and antioxidant properties make them uniquely well-tolerated while providing meaningful exfoliation.
Last Verified: Cosing database,green & yu (2003) pha review,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Water
Common Name(s): Water,purified water,deionised water,inci water
CAS Number: 7732-18-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides the universal solvent and vehicle for water-soluble actives and the continuous phase of all o/w emulsions.
Why It's Used: The most essential cosmetic ingredient — aqua (water) is listed first on virtually all water-containing cosmetic inci labels as the highest-concentration ingredient, serving as the foundation of the global cosmetics industry.
How It Works: Acts as solvent for all water-soluble ingredients (glycols, amino acids, water-soluble actives). forms the continuous external phase of o/w emulsions (lotions, creams, serums). provides aqueous environment for enzymatic and chemical reactions between actives. ph adjustment medium.
Typically Found In: Virtually all cosmetic products — the most universal cosmetic ingredient globally
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – water
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Varies widely — up to 95% in some toners and serums
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes – water (deionised/purified)
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Cosmetic-grade water is purified (deionised, distilled, or ro filtered) to prevent mineral content interference with formulation stability. european pharmacopoeial water (aqua purificata ph. eur.) is the quality standard for pharmaceutical and high-end cosmetic formulations.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – non-irritant
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Water's position as the first inci ingredient on most cosmetic labels reflects the regulatory requirement to list ingredients in descending concentration order — meaning water is the most abundant ingredient in the majority of cosmetic products. the fundamental role of water as the universal cosmetic solvent and vehicle makes it simultaneously the most important cosmetic ingredient and the one that requires the most sophisticated formulation chemistry to control — every emulsifier, thickener, preservative, and ph adjuster exists primarily to manage water's interaction with other ingredients in formulation.
Last Verified: Cosing database,eu cosmetics regulation 1223/2009 inci requirements,ph. eur. aqua purificata monograph
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12