Does Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser remove sunscreen?

How should you wash sunscreen off?

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Apply a generous amount of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser to your hands, then gently massage it over your face in circular motions using light pressure.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use your fingertips rather than scrubbing your skin.
4. 4Gently pat your face with a clean towel, then apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

For daily sunscreen removal, use the rinse off method. Cetaphil also allows use without water: apply the cleanser, gently remove the excess with a soft cloth, and leave a thin film. That option is intended for situations where water is unavailable; Cetaphil recommends washing with water for a thorough daily cleanse. The cleanser provides hydration, but it is not a replacement for moisturizer.2

When does a first cleanse help?

An oil based first cleanser is helpful for removing water resistant sunscreen and waterproof makeup. Double cleansing means using two different cleanser types in sequence, not simply repeating the same wash.1

1. 1Gently massage an oil based cleanser over your skin to break down sunscreen and makeup residue.
2. 2Rinse with lukewarm water and leave your face damp.
3. 3Follow with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, gently massage, then rinse and pat dry.

Micellar water is another first cleansing option, especially when you also wear makeup. Micelles are tiny clusters of cleansing molecules that attract and lift dirt, oil and makeup. When removing sunscreen or cosmetics with micellar water, follow with a gentle cleanser. Heavy or waterproof makeup can require an additional cleanser, so micellar water alone is not the default finishing step for that routine.4

What if your skin is dry or sensitive?

Gentle Skin Cleanser is a creamy, non foaming cleanser designed for normal to dry, sensitive skin. Most people do not need double cleansing: one thorough wash with a gentle cleanser is usually enough. Adding more washes can cause dryness, irritation and damage to the skin barrier, the protective outer layer that helps retain moisture. An oil based cleanser can also cause breakouts in acne prone skin, particularly when used alone.12

Do not try to compensate for stubborn sunscreen by scrubbing harder. Scrubbing does not make your face cleaner and can irritate your skin. If cleansing is leaving your skin dry or irritated, avoid adding further washes. A dermatologist can help with ongoing skin concerns.35

Is Daily Facial Cleanser the same product?

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance Free are different products, despite names that appear to have been filed in the same drawer. The latter is a gel to foam formula for combination to oily, sensitive skin. Its dirt, excess oil and makeup removal claims do not tell you how Gentle Skin Cleanser will remove your sunscreen.6

Cetaphil advises cleansing morning and evening; sunscreen removal belongs in the evening wash. General face washing guidance also includes washing after sweating. That means separate cleansing occasions, not a requirement to double cleanse at each one.37