Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ingredients

What is the full ingredient list?

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.1

Does Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser contain niacinamide?

Yes. Niacinamide, also called vitamin B3, appears fifth in the US ingredient list. Cetaphil does not give its percentage.1

As general ingredient guidance, niacinamide supports the skin's protective barrier, reduces water loss and helps skin retain moisture. Glycerin attracts and retains water, including drawing water into the skin's outermost layer. These are different parts of the same hydration job: bringing water in and helping keep it there.2

Panthenol, also called provitamin B5, has soothing and moisturizing properties that help skin retain moisture.1

Does it contain fragrance or parabens?

The US Gentle Skin Cleanser is fragrance free, paraben free, oil free and soap free. Cetearyl Alcohol is listed, so it is not alcohol free.1

Do other Cetaphil cleansers have the same ingredients?

Cetaphil's cleanser names overlap, but their ingredient lists do not, because apparently buying cleanser also requires checking the cast list.13

What about sensitive or eczema prone skin?

Cetaphil includes Gentle Skin Cleanser among its National Eczema Association accepted products.6

The Seal of Acceptance involves evaluation of ingredients and required testing results, with review by independent physicians who care for people with eczema. It indicates suitability for eczema and sensitive skin, rather than an endorsement. Use that as a starting point, then judge how your skin responds when you try the cleanser. Accepted formulas must be validated each year, and changes to ingredients or concentrations require another review.7

How do you use Gentle Skin Cleanser?

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Apply cleanser and massage gently with light pressure.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
4. 4Follow with moisturizer while skin is still damp.

Cetaphil allows morning and evening use. Without water, apply gently and remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film; Cetaphil prefers rinsing for daily cleansing.1

Gentle Skin Cleanser is a cleanser, not a moisturizer, even if the creamy texture has applied for both jobs.1