Which Cetaphil cleanser is nonfoaming?

Who does Gentle Skin Cleanser suit?

The UK Gentle Skin Cleanser has a creamy, fragrance free formula that removes dirt, makeup and impurities while helping protect against dryness. It contains glycerin, niacinamide, which is vitamin B3, and panthenol, which is provitamin B5. Choose it if normal to dry skin and a creamy texture are your priorities.1

For oily or combination skin, Cetaphil's UK Oily Skin Cleanser is the more specifically targeted option. It has a gel to foam texture and is designed to remove excess oil without stripping away natural moisture. For blemish prone skin, a cleanser labelled noncomedogenic means it is formulated not to clog pores; that label is a selection aid, not a promise of no breakouts.1

Can a cleanser work without lots of foam?

Cleansers use surfactants, ingredients that loosen oil and dirt so they can be removed. One part of a surfactant attaches to oil and dirt, while another allows them to wash away with water. Surfactants also influence lather and rinsing, so a sink full of bubbles is not the job description. Gentle Skin Cleanser uses micellar technology to remove dirt, makeup and impurities.13

How do you use it?

Gentle Skin Cleanser supports use with or without water. For the rinse off route, use the following general face washing method. For use without water, follow the removal directions on your bottle.1

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Apply cleanser gently with your fingertips. Do not scrub or use a washcloth or mesh sponge.
3. 3Rinse with lukewarm water.
4. 4Pat dry with a soft towel.
5. 5Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy.

Wash once in the morning and once at night, and after heavy sweating. More frequent washing can cause dryness and irritation. Cleansing is the first step in your routine, before moisturizer and other skincare products.145

What should your skin feel like afterwards?

The useful result is clean skin without a tight, dried out feeling. Cetaphil's facial cleansers are designed to remove dirt, makeup and excess oil while supporting the skin's moisture barrier, the outer layer that helps retain moisture. Judge cleansing by what happens during and after washing rather than treating it as a treatment that needs weeks to start removing dirt.36

How does Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cleanser compare?

The full product name is Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser. It starts creamy and becomes foam, so "cream" on the front does not mean it is the same product as Gentle Skin Cleanser. The comparison below covers the UK formulas.1

Pick Gentle Skin Cleanser for the creamy texture or the option to cleanse without water. Pick Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser if you want a foaming wash formulated for normal to dry, sensitive skin. Foam alone does not make that formula an oily skin cleanser.17

For the US Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser, Cetaphil directs you to apply a small amount to wet skin, rub gently and rinse. Avoid the eye area. Use it morning and evening, then follow promptly with moisturizer while skin is still damp. These are directions for the foaming product, not the waterless method for Gentle Skin Cleanser.7

What if cleansing causes irritation?

Stinging, redness, itching and swelling can occur with cleansers, including reactions to individual ingredients. Stop using a cleanser that triggers those symptoms rather than scrubbing harder or washing more often. Arrange a dermatologist appointment if you have ongoing concerns about your skin or cleansing routine.345

If you already use an acne treatment that stays on the skin, be careful about adding an acne treatment cleanser. Combining them can cause excessive dryness and irritation. A basic cleansing step and an acne treatment are different jobs; choose the cleanser around your existing routine rather than adding another treatment automatically.3