Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – Review

This post will be reviewing the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

I finally decided to test the most popular drugstore cleanser of all time.

Before now, it’s already been established as a basic cleanser for all skin types.

I just wanted to know how it compared to other cleaners I’ve used before, notably the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, which is the most similar product.

There have been numerous arguments about which brand is generally better.

The recent global virality of Cerave in the past years shows that people were looking for something new, and Cerave delivered.

It shows that the Cetaphil brand is still lacking in several areas.

Anyways, if people still search for it to this minute, it simply tells me that there’s a target audience for the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, and honestly, that is not a bad thing at all.

So, if you want to join this subset of people who use this cleanser, this review is for you.

First Impressions of the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

According to Cetaphil;

Recommended as a gentle, non-irritating daily cleanser for sensitive and dry skin.

The soap-free formula removes dirt, make-up and other impurities without drying the skin.
Helps skin-related needed moisture. Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy. Soothes and softens as it cleans. pH balanced for effective and gentle cleansing.
Gentle yet effective skin cleansing even for baby skin. Recommended for gentle daily cleansing of damaged skin associated with common skin conditions and following dermatological treatments.

Ingredient List & Fragrance.

As expected, this cleanser has a basic ingredient list comprising humectants, emollients for moisturization, and surfactants for cleansing.

It has nine ingredients, which are as basic as they come.

Obviously, certain people with very sensitive skin will appreciate this ingredient list, but personally, I prefer my cleansers to be hydrating with a dash of Niacinamide.

This is why I was shocked to see the newly formulated Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with Glycerin, Panthenol and Niacinamide.

Now, while I applaud the improvement, I feel it alienates certain people sensitive to Niacinamide.

Yes, Niacinamide is fantastic for all skin types, but when it is found in many skin care products on the market now, it becomes too much.

So, I hope that Cetaphil retains the original formula.

If it is your holy grail cleanser, this is an excellent time to stock up while it is still on the market.

As always, it is also essential oil and fragrance-free.

Packaging, Texture & Consistency

This cleanser is packaged in a pump bottle for easy usage. It also comes in five sizes, so you can choose the most convenient.

It has a lightweight gel texture with a creamy consistency, which is quite deceiving because you’d think it is very hydrating, but it isn’t.

Typically, one to two pumps are enough for your entire face.

Also, don’t expect it to lather because it won’t. If you want one, you’re better off getting a foaming cleanser.

This gentle cleanser is perfect for refreshing your skin in the mornings.

Price & Availability

Being a drugstore superstar, this is possibly the cheapest cleanser on the market, hence its immense popularity.

You’ll most likely find it everywhere skincare is sold online and offline, including grocery stores.

Review of the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

I used this cleanser in the mornings with zero expectations; of course, there was nothing.

Yes, it will cleanse your skin, but that’s about it.

Don’t expect anything else.

But I think I’ve gone too far in my skincare journey to strip my routine down to the basics.

I simply cannot do it.

Not with my dry, dehydrated skin. At the minimum, there has to be some glycerin for hydration.

Performance

I found this cleanser drying, and we’re in the Summer months. I’m trying to imagine how my skin would feel if I used it in the Winter.

\Anyway, if I get my hands on the newly formulated version, I don’t mind trying it to compare, but for this original formula, it is honestly a no for me.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser vs Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

This comparison doesn’t even make sense, as the only thing these two products have in common is probably their texture.

Although, I believe Cetaphil is more watery. Cerave has Glycerin, Cholesterol, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and three essential Ceramides, while Cetaphil doesn’t even have Glycerin.

Again, I’m not trying to underplay the role of Cetaphil, especially for people with sensitive, reactive skin; I just feel like it doesn’t bring anything else to the table except to clean your face.

Finally,

I’m glad I can try out the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser before it is discontinued. It’s an iconic drugstore product, and I hope the people who have this cleanser as a staple will be able to find a great replacement.