Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Review

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Review

If you have sensitive skin or currently experiencing skin sensitivities – you probably have considered this particular cleanser (or the CeraVe or Vanicream equivalent). Today I’ll be reviewing the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser in-depth. No spoilers here, let’s get into it!

Quick facts:

Formulation: Paraben-free, fragrance free, oil-free, soap free, non-irritating, hypoallergenic

Texture: A light creamy cleanser, does not foam or suds up

Scent: Scent-free

Where to buy: Cetaphil, Amazon or anywhere 

Price: $3.39 for travel size – $15.29 for the large size

 

Main pros: This is a very gentle and mild face wash that is suitable for all skin types and especially sensitive skin. It is recommended by dermatologists because it doesn’t have any irritants and is a soap free formula. 

I have a bit of rosacea on my cheeks and washing my face daily with most cleansers can feel too stripping or harsh, so this is perfect for a gentle cleanse. I have a friend who has eczema and she can only use gentle cleansers like this (she uses it as a gentle hand/body wash as well).

Cons: Because it’s so mild, I usually HAVE to use some sort of other cleanser mid week or if I had worn makeup that day and am double cleansing (with a makeup remover balm first). 

Overtime, if I am just using this cleanser for my face, I’ll notice that I’ll get little skin bumps? Or little texture bumps. Also, because this kind of just slides around and I can’t really tell it’s doing much, I’ll tend to use 2-3 pumps per wash, which makes me use up the bottle quite quickly.

 

My verdict: 7/10. It hasn’t made it on my all time favourites list simply because it is just so simple.

 If you really needed to use something gentle like this because you have sensitive skin, it’ll get the job done, but I’m not sure that it really “cleanses” that well. It just sorta kinda gently cleanses.

About the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

This creamy formula is said to be “clinically proven to provide continuous hydration to protect against dryness”.

Designed with a dermatologist-backed blend of niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5) and hydrating glycerin to improve the resilience of sensitive skin

Clinically proven continuous hydration to protect against dryness while leaving the skin hydrated after cleansing

95% of users felt the product gently cleansed their skin

Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin note here: I do notice that after using this cleanser, my skin doesn’t feel dry but rather there is a layer of something still left on it. Perhaps that is the glycerin or residual of the hydrating ingredients they have added in?

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.

How to use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Directions for use without water: Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film on the skin.

Directions for use with water: Apply cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Rinse.

 

Is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser good for acne?

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is not formulated for acne-prone skin and I would highly NOT recommend trying this for acne-prone skin or oily skin. I have combo dry skin and over time this can cause little bumps on my face (maybe due to the hydrating ingredients they add in or because it’s a very very mild cleanser).

It is supposed to be a non-irritating, non-comedogenic cleanser that is gentle for sensitive skin and in addition, it helps alleviate dry skin. If you have acne, it’s important to use products that are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin.

Can I use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser every day?

Yes, you can use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser every day as part of your skincare routine – in the morning and evening. The gentle formula of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser helps to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils or causing irritation.

 I typically prefer just rinsing my face with warm water in the AM, but at night I will use this just to gently cleanse away any dirt or oils and feels it does a decent job. Once or twice a week I will still use a stronger face cleanser though or an exfoliating cleanser like the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser.

My Final Thoughts: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Review 

All in all, if you have very sensitive combo/dry skin, you might enjoy this super gentle cleanser for most nights. However, I do think that because this is so so gentle, you will need something stronger if you’ve worn makeup that day,

 

 or once or twice a week to do a deeper cleanse (since this will not help with any exfoliation, I get skin bumps if I am just using this for too long). On the hands and skin, this does a perfect job though for just light cleansing needs.