Which cleanser should you choose?

These options differ in their intended use and feel, even though they meet the same fragrance and essential oil requirements.5

CleanserWho it suitsFormula and texture
Vanicream Gentle Facial CleanserDry, sensitive or delicate skin; the clearest choice if you also want no botanical extracts.A soap free, lathering cleanser with glycerin. The brand explicitly states no botanical extracts and no essential oils.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance Free, US formulaCombination to oily, sensitive skin.A gel that turns into foam, with glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Africa formulaNormal to dry skin, especially if you prefer a lotion rather than foam.A soap free, non foaming cleansing lotion with three ceramides and sodium hyaluronate.
Mustela Stelatopia Cleansing OilExtremely dry or eczema prone skin; designed for babies and children, with adult face washing and makeup removal also listed.Turns milky with water. Contains sunflower seed oil unsaponifiables and avocado fruit extract, so it is not botanical free.
1234

Check the exact bottle before buying

For Cetaphil, choose the product specifically named Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance Free. For CeraVe, Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser are separate formulas, not interchangeable names. The US Hydrating Facial Cleanser ingredient list also contains no fragrance or essential oils. Check the package ingredient list before buying, especially when shopping across countries: CeraVe updates its lists regularly. If you already know an ingredient triggers a reaction, check for that ingredient too.45

How to use your cleanser

  1. 1Introduce only one new product at a time. If your skin is sensitive, try a small amount on a limited area before applying it to your whole face.
  2. 2Follow the cleanser's directions. Vanicream says to apply a generous amount to wet skin and lather. Cetaphil says to use a small amount on wet skin and rub gently. CeraVe says to apply to wet hands and massage into skin. Mustela can be applied to wet skin.
  3. 3Rinse off. Vanicream also directs you to pat dry with a towel. Avoid harsh rubbing or scrubbing.
  4. 4Follow cleansing with moisturizer. Cetaphil directs you to moisturize while skin is still damp.
12346

Vanicream allows morning and evening use, and CeraVe gives the same schedule. General guidance for dry or sensitive skin allows washing just once daily in the evening. You do not have to choose a foaming texture: gentle lotion cleansers are another option for dry skin. A gentle cleanse is the goal, not a foam audition.1356

What if your skin still reacts?

Removing added fragrance avoids one potential source of irritation or allergy, but other ingredients can still trigger a reaction. A National Eczema Association seal does not replace checking your own known triggers. Seek a dermatologist's help if products are causing reactions or a rash is difficult to clear. For a rash around the mouth, a mild fragrance free cleanser can be part of care, but changing face wash is not the whole treatment plan. Check with the prescribing doctor before stopping any prescription medicine.467

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Vanicream™ Gentle Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skinvanicream.com
  2. 2Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance Freecetaphil.com
  3. 3CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | Cleansersafrica.cerave.com
  4. 4Mustela® Stelatopia® Cleansing Oilnationaleczema.org
  5. 5Facial Cleansers & Face Wash for Dry Skincerave.com
  6. 6A dermatologist’s guide to skincare from growing up to glowing upaad.org
  7. 7Red rash around your mouth could be perioral dermatitisaad.org