This comparison covers the US CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and US Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser; Canada uses the name Hydrating Cleanser, and Hydrating Cream to Foam is a separate product. CeraVe has several hydrating cleansers, so the extra words on the bottle are doing actual work for once.13
What is actually different?
| Feature | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal to dry | Normal to dry, including sensitive skin |
| Texture | Cream | Creamy and nonfoaming |
| Shared ingredients | Glycerin and cetearyl alcohol | Glycerin and cetearyl alcohol |
| Distinctive ingredients | Ceramides NP, AP and EOP; sodium hyaluronate; cholesterol | Niacinamide, panthenol and pantolactone |
| Fragrance | No added fragrance | Fragrance free |
| Directions | Massage onto wet skin, then rinse | Rinse with water, or wipe away excess and leave a thin film |
| Sensitive skin credentials | National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance | Dermatologist tested on sensitive skin |
| Price comparison | US listed price is $15.99; compare the bottle size before buying | Compare the retailer price for your chosen size |
CeraVe's ceramides help maintain the skin barrier, the outer protection that keeps moisture in. Hyaluronic acid supports moisture balance. Cetaphil's glycerin attracts and retains water, while panthenol helps soothe and moisturize. Neither formula gives you an ingredient percentage to use as a strength comparison.12
Which should you pick?
- Pick CeraVe if ceramides are your priority and you want a cleanser that you rinse away.
- Pick Cetaphil if you want its niacinamide and panthenol formula, or need to cleanse when water is unavailable.
- For sensitive skin, both offer fragrance free options. Cetaphil specifically targets sensitive skin; CeraVe carries the National Eczema Association seal.
- If you have eczema, choose a mild liquid cleanser and discuss your skincare products with a dermatologist. Keep cleansing gentle and moisturize promptly afterward.
How do you use them?
- 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- 2Apply the cleanser and massage gently with light pressure. CeraVe tells you to work the cleanser between your palms first.
- 3Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry.
- 4Apply moisturizer after cleansing. Cetaphil advises applying it while skin is still damp.
Cetaphil directs cleansing morning and night. CeraVe lists its cleanser for use anytime, as the cleansing step before treatment products and moisturizer.16
For Cetaphil without water, gently rub a liberal amount onto skin, then remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film. Cetaphil prefers rinsing for ordinary daily use and reserves the waterless method for situations such as travel or camping. The option is useful when a sink is unavailable, not an instruction to retire the sink.2
What should you expect after cleansing?
Both are intended to remove dirt and makeup while maintaining hydration. CeraVe emphasizes cleansing without a tight, dry feeling; Cetaphil emphasizes hydration after washing. Cetaphil uses micellar technology: micelles are clusters of cleansing molecules that attract and lift dirt, oil and makeup. That explains the cleansing mechanism, rather than making its cream the same product as micellar water.127
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is not a moisturizer, even when you leave a thin film behind; the bottle has one job, despite the creamy job application. Follow either cleanser with a separate moisturizer.12
Where this answer comes from
- 1Hydrating Facial Cleanser: Skin Refreshcerave.com
- 2Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - Face & Body Cleanerprod.cetaphil.com
- 3Facial Cleansers, Micellar Water & Face Washescerave.ca
- 4Cleansers: Clean Skin with CeraVecerave.com
- 5Eczema Skin Care Routine: Best and Worst Productshealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 6Gentle Skin Cleansers for Sensitive Skincetaphil.com
- 7Micellar Water: What It Is and How To Use Ithealth.clevelandclinic.org
