Can I use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser without water?

How do I use it without water?

1. 1Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to your skin.
2. 2Gently massage it over your face using light pressure.
3. 3Remove the excess with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Do not scrub.
4. 4Leave a thin film on your skin rather than wiping every trace away.

The thin film is part of Cetaphil's directions, not unfinished paperwork from your cleansing routine. Follow with a dedicated moisturizer; Gentle Skin Cleanser provides hydration but is not formulated to replace one.1

Should I rinse when water is available?

For your usual daily wash, Cetaphil recommends the water method. Wet your face with lukewarm water, gently massage the cleanser onto your skin, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply moisturizer promptly while your skin is still damp.12

Using cleanser without water is different from washing with water alone. Plain water is not enough to remove accumulated oil, makeup and other impurities. Gentle Skin Cleanser is a creamy, nonfoaming wash that uses micellar technology to remove makeup, dirt and impurities, so a cloud of bubbles is not the admission ticket to clean skin.3

What about heavy makeup and sunscreen?

Gentle Skin Cleanser is designed to remove makeup, but whether the waterless method fully removes heavy or waterproof makeup and sunscreen is not settled. Use Cetaphil's recommended rinse method for your regular cleanse rather than assuming a quick wipe removes everything.1

General advice for micellar water illustrates the distinction: it removes dirt, oil and most makeup, but heavy or waterproof makeup can need an additional cleanser. Sunscreen and cosmetic products also call for a follow up gentle cleanser. Those are directions for micellar water, not an extra set of instructions for Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.4

How often should I cleanse?

Cetaphil recommends cleansing in the morning and evening. The morning wash removes overnight excess oil; the evening wash removes the day's impurities, sweat and makeup. Frequency can also depend on skin type. For tweens with dry or sensitive skin, washing once daily in the evening can be sufficient.356

What if my skin is dry or sensitive?

The US Gentle Skin Cleanser is designed for normal to dry sensitive skin and is fragrance free. Gentle cleansing matters whether you rinse or wipe: harsh cleansing and scrubbing can irritate skin. Introduce one new product at a time, and try a small amount first if your skin is sensitive.16

For dry skin, use warm rather than hot water and pat with a towel instead of rubbing. Apply a fragrance free moisturizer after cleansing. A cream or ointment adds more moisture than a lotion, and moisturizer can be reapplied whenever your skin feels dry. Skipping the rinse does not mean skipping the rest of dry skin care.2

Avoid replacing a gentle facial cleanser with your usual body bar soap. Bar soap generally has a higher pH, meaning it is more alkaline, and can disrupt the skin's natural oils and protective balance. A gentle facial cleanser helps maintain a healthy skin pH.7

If a product causes burning, stinging or irritation, tell your dermatologist. Dryness that continues despite gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing also deserves a dermatologist's assessment, because persistent dry skin can have an underlying medical cause.2