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Cetaphil

Gentle Skin Cleanser.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cleansers

About this product

A classic gentle, low-lather cleanser with niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin, designed to clean dry and sensitive skin without disrupting the barrier.

Best for

Dry skinSensitive skin
Cleansers

The Guru Index verdict

80%

Approved

Approved · 80%
17Reviewers
15Approved
2Mixed
0Skip
#9 in Best Cleansers

What the gurus are saying

Gurus overwhelmingly praise this cleanser for its gentleness and effectiveness on dry and sensitive skin. The consensus highlights that it cleanses without leaving skin tight or dehydrated, contains hydrating ingredients, and notably works even without water. One reviewer appreciates its gentle formula and convenient pump but finds it leaves a subtle residue on skin that interferes with her layered routine, though she still uses it regularly in the shower.
Synthesized from 17 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

NiacinamideFragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

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

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved only Skip only Mixed only Hide sponsored
Approved
"I'm also a huge fan of Cetaphil gentle cleanser... as a gentle fragrance-free option that works well."
All 3 takes from Dr. Mamina
Budget-Friendly Feminine Hygiene Routine | How to Smell Good, Fix Body Odor | Derm Approved
"I'm also a huge fan of Cetaphil gentle cleanser... as a gentle fragrance-free option that works well."
Finding the Right pH Balance in Skin Care
"For cleansers, some options I like are Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser. These gentle cleansers will effectively clean your skin without stripping away its natural moisture."
The “Sephora Kids” Effect on Children’s Skincare
"I'm a big fan of Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser."
~Mixed
"Let's talk about the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I have emptied multiple bottles of this, but I will say it's just not my favorite. I just can't get 100% with this one. I like it. I don't love it and I find myself not using it for my face all that often. This is an interesting texture because it is like a creamy gel, but it's more on the gel side than it is like on that richer creamy moisturizing side. And this is definitely meant for very dry skin, very sensitive skin to not strip the skin barrier. I think that it's actually very good at that. When you wash your face with this, your face will not feel dry and tight. It will not feel dehydrated. It will not feel stripped and irritated. It will actually feel kind of soft and moisturized. I just find that there's something about this that kind of goes in and just almost leaves like a film on my face. Not an actual stickiness sitting on top film, but just because it does leave a layer of moisture on my skin in a way that I just don't love. I don't know what it is. I just don't really like it. Especially because I do go in for so many other skincare products after washing my face. I think it's just not the way I personally prefer to start my skincare routine."
All 2 takes from Kelly Driscoll
That Was a Mixed Bag of Skincare Empties!
"Let's talk about the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I have emptied multiple bottles of this, but I will say it's just not my favorite. I just can't get 100% with this one. I like it. I don't love it and I find myself not using it for my face all that often. This is an interesting texture because it is like a creamy gel, but it's more on the gel side than it is like on that richer creamy moisturizing side. And this is definitely meant for very dry skin, very sensitive skin to not strip the skin barrier. I think that it's actually very good at that. When you wash your face with this, your face will not feel dry and tight. It will not feel dehydrated. It will not feel stripped and irritated. It will actually feel kind of soft and moisturized. I just find that there's something about this that kind of goes in and just almost leaves like a film on my face. Not an actual stickiness sitting on top film, but just because it does leave a layer of moisture on my skin in a way that I just don't love. I don't know what it is. I just don't really like it. Especially because I do go in for so many other skincare products after washing my face. I think it's just not the way I personally prefer to start my skincare routine."
I'm Breaking Out! Routine for Breakouts and Hyperpigmentation
"I already washed my face in the shower with the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I keep this one in my shower. I love the pump because it's just nice so you don't have a slippery bottle. It's a really gentle, straightforward type of cleanser and I use this a lot in the morning but I also use it when I have to shower in the middle of the afternoon and do multiple skincare routines that day. I really like this cleanser because it's effective but it's very skin respectful."
Approved
"Your core four framework should include one cleanser, just one gentle cleanser. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is great for those with dry, sensitive skin. Use that morning and night. Your nighttime cleanse is your most important, to wash off makeup, sunscreen, debris, all of the pollutants on your skin at the end of the day. In the morning, if you feel like you need to wash your face after having your face smooshed up against a pillow, if you're feeling oily or your pores are clogged, go ahead and wash your face in the morning."
All 14 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
Best Skincare Essentials of the Year
"I love Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It has niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin -- great ingredients to help support the skin barrier but also hydrate the skin with glycerin. Cetaphil is owned by Galderma, and Galderma has done multiple studies using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and they've found that it helps with removing debris and pollutants off of the skin very effectively, either with water or even without water. So you don't have to use water to activate this. If you're out camping and you don't have a clean source of water, you can just pump out some of this product, lather it up onto your face, and then use a clean towel to wipe it off. That's enough to remove particles and debris off of the skin without water. It won't strip your skin barrier, and I love this for my patients with sensitive skin."
You Don't Need All Those Products — A Derm's Guide to Simplifying Skincare
"Your core four framework should include one cleanser, just one gentle cleanser. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is great for those with dry, sensitive skin. Use that morning and night. Your nighttime cleanse is your most important, to wash off makeup, sunscreen, debris, all of the pollutants on your skin at the end of the day. In the morning, if you feel like you need to wash your face after having your face smooshed up against a pillow, if you're feeling oily or your pores are clogged, go ahead and wash your face in the morning."
Dermatologist’s Morning Anti-Aging Skincare Routine
"If you have dry skin, go for the gentle skin cleanser by Cetaphil. This foams up really nicely. So when you shave, it's kind of like a two in one there. It's like a shaving foam shaving gel. Plus it cleanses your face in the morning, especially in the summer time when I wake up and my face is feeling a little bit more oily. And you want to get a good cleanse in the morning. Go ahead and use this."
Shop with Me: Dermatologist Shops for Affordable Skincare at the Local Grocery Store
"I would get the gentle skin cleanser by Cetaphil. Great for all skin types, especially if you have dry, sensitive skin. This is also a great cleanser for camping because you actually don't need water for it to work. You can just lather it up onto your face and then get a clean towel and wipe it off."
Dermatologist Reviews: Drugstore Acne Roundup
"This is a nice one where it becomes a gel to foam texture when you cleanse. It has glycerin, vitamin B5 or panthenol, and niacinamide. Big thumbs up for Cetaphil. If you're feeling kind of dry in the morning because you are starting an acne regimen, you can consider Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser if you're getting dry from your acne treatments."
I Went to Costco for Skincare… Here’s What You Should and Shouldn’t Buy!
"Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of my essential cleansers at home, and also for my patients with dry, sensitive skin."
Dermatologist Reviews: Affordable Drugstore Skincare Essentials
"Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is still out there and still amazing, still works really well for my patients who are acne prone or they're acne prone oily but they're also dry because of the acne medications I'm giving them. They do very well with that gentle skin cleanser with the panthenol, niacinamide, and glycerin. That one is probably one of my favorite Cetaphil products."
Dermatologist Reviews: Affordable Drugstore Skincare Essentials
"Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is still out there and still amazing, still works really well for my patients who are acne prone or they're acne prone oily but they're also dry because of the acne medications I'm giving them. They do very well with that gentle skin cleanser with the panthenol, niacinamide, and glycerin. That one is probably one of my favorite Cetaphil products."
Morning vs Night Skincare: What Matters for Anti-Aging?
"One of my favorite cleansers out there that's so gentle you actually have it as an effective facial cleanser without even using water. So it's a really nice one to have and Costco carries the gentle skin cleanser by Cetaphil."
Top Skincare Routine Mistakes You Need To Stop Making Now!
"My favorite cleanser for dry skin would be the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. This one uses micelle technology to really trap in the oil, the dirt, the makeup and wash it away with the hydrophilic heads on the outside of the micelle, and the water will just wash away all of that debris. The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the one you want. It has no fragrance, it has the glycerin, the niacinamide, and the panthenol, all the great ingredients."
Dermatologist’s Top 5 Tips for Dry Skin | How to Fix Dry, Flaky Skin Fast
"If you are in doubt, use a gentle facial cleanser as a body wash. You can use Cetaphil's gentle skin cleanser. All great options for the body and the folds. If you don't want to irritate your skin."
Which Cetaphil Cleanser Is Best For Your Skin? Dermatologist Breaks It Down!
"I have been recommending the most to my patients. It's great for those with sensitive skin and works really well for those who are getting dry skin with acne medications I prescribed or if you're using an over-the-counter retinol and you're getting dry skin. This is perfect for those with dry sensitive skin. I would say the gentle skin cleanser is great for winter time when it's cold. This one uses micelle technology to remove the debris. We always want to be gentle with our cleansing, we want to remove the bad, like debris, trap sebum."
You’re Using Your Retinol Incorrectly: Dermatologist Explains Common Retinoid Mistakes
"Whether it's Cetaphil cavey I like the luros pl coplas bomb B5"
Dermatologist Reviews: Target Skincare Routine for Teenagers
"If you have dry sensitive skin check out the gentle skin cleanser. This is one of the most popular cleansers in my practice because it works well for my patients on prescription topical medicines if they have acne. These cleansers are just 12 to 13 dollars each. They have niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol."
Approved
"Cleanse with a mild cream cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser."
All 7 takes from Dr Dray
Dermatologist Q&A: Everyday Skin Problems Explained
"Cleanse with a mild cream cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser."
Drugstore Skincare Favorites And New Finds!
"The reason I like this is that it is really fast absorbing. It doesn't leave a sticky residue. It's really nice for desk work when you're typing and stuff, you don't want greasy residue. Or if you have to wash your hands frequently at work and you're like, I can't handle something oily on my hands all the time, it's a great option. This is a great basic cleanser. If you've got oily skin, it's kind of helping to gently degrease without drying your skin out."
*NEW* Costco Skincare & Beauty Deals NOT TO MISS (Summer 2025)
"The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a mild creamy cleanser. If you have dry sensitive skin, this is a great option. If you unfortunately sustained a sunburn on your face or got too much sun and the skin's really sensitive trying to heal, I would suggest a mild creamy cleanser like this."
What Happens When You Stop Washing Your Face
"Cetaphil has a gentle cleanser that is creamy and very very mild, doing kind of the bare minimum in terms of helping to remove stuff but not dinging around at your barrier much."
Affordable Dry Skin Routine | Dermatologist Recommended
"Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a great mild creamy very very gentle facial cleanser that is widely recommended amongst dermatologists for people with dry skin or eczema on the face. It's super mild, it leaves your skin clean but it doesn't strip away at the moisture barrier and it doesn't give that squeaky clean feel which is basically dry skin. They reformulated it a couple of years ago. The newer formulation has niacinamide, which is actually really good for dry skin. Niacinamide is a B vitamin, it can actually help improve your skin's production of lipids such as ceramide, and it's anti-inflammatory and it also is an antioxidant so it may help cut down on oxidative stress that would otherwise damage lipids in your skin. The newer reformulation also has panthenol, another B vitamin that's really good for moisturizing, and it has glycerin, a humectant, so these are things that can actually be left behind on the skin to help. It's affordably priced at $14 for 20 oz."
Cult Classics: Skincare Products That Have Stood the Test of Time
"Cetaphil has a ton of amazing skin care products that are aimed at people who have various skin conditions for playing a supporting role in their skin needs. If you've never used this particular cleanser though, you might be a little frustrated with it. It's very creamy. It's almost like rubbing lotion on your face. Doesn't sud or lather, but it is a very mild and effective option. And I actually personally like using it as the second step in a double cleanse."
I Tried Double Cleansing With The Same Cleanser Twice
"It's a creamy cleanser. I used that a lot in my pre-double cleansing days back when I wore makeup. I remember not really being able to remove eye makeup with that alone."
Approved
"I always just go grab this. It's always in the supermarket, you can always get it from retailers. It's fragrance-free, it's non-foaming, and designed for sensitive skin. Sometimes sensitive skin cleansers are too rich for oily skin girls, but this one strikes the right balance. It doesn't clog pores, it doesn't cause breakouts. When I say I used this between 2018 and 2019, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser was my cleanser. If you've been hesitant to try this because it doesn't say 'for oily skin' on the packaging, don't worry, it works."
Approved
"This is a really good one. It also has seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. So, it's really good for the most sensitive eczema skin. The key ingredients are cocomidopropylane, a mild surfactant that gently cleanses without irritation. Also contains glycerin and purified water. This one can be used AM and PM. It's a creamy soap-free cleanser designed to clean without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier. It rinses off easy and it doesn't leave any residue behind, making it ideal for both face and body. It doesn't sting eyes or cause any burning on inflamed skin. It is super ultra gentle, non-irritating cleanser, suitable for sensitive skin and eczema prone skin. The key ingredients are water, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. I love it for my kids because they have either acne or eczema. Making sure they have something that's hydrating but will also cleanse is the key. Having the one cleanser that I know will clean their skin and not irritate them is the key."
All 3 takes from Dr. Aleksandra Brown
How a Dermatologist Manages Her Rosacea | Dr. Aleksandra Brown's Skincare & Treatment Plan
"Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is an ultra-gentle, non-irritating cleanser suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It maintains the skin's natural moisture barrier. The key ingredients include water, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. I know these sound like big words and they might be irritating, but it is super gentle and will not irritate your skin at all. It is also completely fragrance-free and does a good job at removing all the skin impurities and leaving your skin hydrated and your skin barrier protected."
Sensitive Skin Skincare Routine with the Best Drugstore Products | Derm Approved
"This is a really good one. It also has seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. So, it's really good for the most sensitive eczema skin. The key ingredients are cocomidopropylane, a mild surfactant that gently cleanses without irritation. Also contains glycerin and purified water. This one can be used AM and PM. It's a creamy soap-free cleanser designed to clean without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier. It rinses off easy and it doesn't leave any residue behind, making it ideal for both face and body. It doesn't sting eyes or cause any burning on inflamed skin. It is super ultra gentle, non-irritating cleanser, suitable for sensitive skin and eczema prone skin. The key ingredients are water, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. I love it for my kids because they have either acne or eczema. Making sure they have something that's hydrating but will also cleanse is the key. Having the one cleanser that I know will clean their skin and not irritate them is the key."
Periorificial Dermatitis: Causes, Treatments & How to Get Rid of It Fast | Dermatologist Explains
"You want to use a really gentle fragrance-free cleanser. I typically recommend things like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser."
~Mixed
"You can also use it without water, so basically you would apply a liberal amount of cleanser to the face and gently massage into the skin, remove the excess with a soft cloth leaving a thin transparent film on the skin, so if your skin is like really going through it you can also do that as well. The ingredients are not the same but I have to say if not going by the fact that maybe you might be allergic to an ingredient in one over the other, I would go for the dupe. It feels exactly the same to me."
Approved
"Don't waste your money on face wash, it literally washes off of your face. Just make sure your face is clean, you got everything off. Don't spend a lot of money. I like Cetaphil."
All 2 takes from Darnell Cox | 50+ Healthy Aging Expert
Do you want to incorporate self-care into YOUR daily routine but don’t have the⌚️time or💰money? 😇Wh
"Don't waste your money on face wash, it literally washes off of your face. Just make sure your face is clean, you got everything off. Don't spend a lot of money. I like Cetaphil."
Why is Skincare so Important for Healthy Aging?🤔 Find out on today’s IG LIVE SHOW! 🤩 Let’s start w
"I like simple things like Cetaphil, you know, unscented something that doesn't strip the skin but leaves that skin barrier there and just washes off clean. That's not the main part where you're going to get the treatment where you're actually going to make a difference in the function of the skin. We want to get it clean first, that's easy."
Approved
"For cleansing, definitely don't overthink it. You just want a gentle cleanser in this step. Your results with hyperpigmentation and dark spots is going to occur with the heavy-hitting actives, the treatment steps of your skincare routine. So for this gentle cleanser, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, we'll put some here. Otherwise, don't overthink this step."
All 2 takes from Doctorly
The ULTIMATE Routine for Dark Spots | Doctorly Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Guide
"For cleansing, definitely don't overthink it. You just want a gentle cleanser in this step. Your results with hyperpigmentation and dark spots is going to occur with the heavy-hitting actives, the treatment steps of your skincare routine. So for this gentle cleanser, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, we'll put some here. Otherwise, don't overthink this step."
The ULTIMATE Routine for Sensitive Skin | Doctorly Routines
"Cetaphil has one [gentle hydrating cleanser]. Cleansers are always going to be the most irritating part of your skincare routine because they are removing dirt and debris from your skin at the same time they can be disrupting to your skin barriers, so you want to look for gentle cleansers."
Approved
"I used to use Cetaphil years ago on the recommendation of my dermatologist but it always felt like it stripped my skin. They have done some reformulations and I love their gentle cleanser. It's great for a second cleanse in the evening or a gentle morning cleanse."
Approved
"A drugstore cleanser that I love so much is this one from Cetaphil their Gentle Skin Cleanser. I've been loving and using this ever since they upgraded like two years ago their most favored beloved dependable formula and just made it better. This is exactly the kind of second cleanser that I love which is super gentle, calming, soothing, hydrating. The difference between this and the old formula is that they removed the fragrance but they also added niacinamide, glycerin, vitamin B5, so it's very hydrating as well. But this retained the Mell cleansing technology as well as the texture that so many have grown so fond of and attached to. It's got that comfort and creamy gel texture that feels super hydrating and it doesn't strip and also rinses off without residue. This is also oil free, so really this is great for all skin types, especially if your skin is very sensitive. This won't sting the eyes."
Approved
"I like to use either the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, Episoft cleanser, Ceruleans cleanser for sensitive skin, squalene cleanser by the ordinary, all these are very gentle on the skin and effectively cleanse your skin without drying it out, which is what we want."
Approved
"I love the fact that because it foams you can actually use this as a face wash and what I actually have been doing at home is also using it as a hand wash. I find that it should be much more gentle especially during the winter time when I'm washing my hands like 10 times throughout the day it won't make your hand get really dry and cracked."
Approved
"The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser isn't like a rich lathery super luxurious cleansing experience but it gets the job done and is not likely to cause problems. You probably hear dermatologists recommend it all the time."
Approved
"I just need something that can get the job done. I don't have a lot of dirt, debris, or anything built up on my face because I just woke up."
Approved
"No substantive review of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser found in this transcript window. The reviewer discusses other budget cleansers (B Vanac, a glycolic acid option, and CRV hydrating foaming oil cleanser) but does not mention or review Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser."
Sponsored
All 3 takes from The Budget Dermatologist
Save Money On A Skincare Routine | 5 Tips From The Budget Derm
"No substantive review of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser found in this transcript window. The reviewer discusses other budget cleansers (B Vanac, a glycolic acid option, and CRV hydrating foaming oil cleanser) but does not mention or review Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser."
Dollar Tree Anti-aging Skincare | Shop with Me for a $10 Routine!
"This is the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser that I have. It cleaned my skin just fine. The ingredients in this one are just not as good as some others, but out of all of them I tried, this is the one that looked the best, and I would probably still go with this one."
How To Cleanse Your Face WITHOUT Water! + 8 Dry Skin Tips From a Derm!
"This is an acceptable cleanser to use for a water-free cleanse. This is going to very gently remove those impurities from your skin with their micellar technology. So basically, micelles attract, they capture and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing or drying. And it's budget and derm approved. You can get this for less than $10."
Approved
"If your skin is dry, you want to put a cream-based cleanser on, and the gold standard is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Cetaphil is in the name: cetyl alcohol, which is wonderful for the skin barrier, highly moisturizing, and it's also got some nice ceramides. This is a cream-based cleanser I tend to use when I go to sunny countries, maybe my skin's a little dry and hot and bothered, and maybe my skin barrier is impaired if I haven't been very good with my SPF. It's fragrance-free, it doesn't clog pores, and it can be more moisturizing for the skin. In this product we've got glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide. Niacinamide is fantastic for the skin barrier, just to help boost it, and it's part of nearly every single skincare ingredient nowadays. The one caveat is you may not be able to clean all your makeup off with something like this, so you really need to think about double cleansing."
Sponsored
All 5 takes from Dr. Somji Skin
The Doctor's Guide: Perfect Cleansers for Your Skin Type
"If your skin is dry, you want to put a cream-based cleanser on, and the gold standard is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Cetaphil is in the name: cetyl alcohol, which is wonderful for the skin barrier, highly moisturizing, and it's also got some nice ceramides. This is a cream-based cleanser I tend to use when I go to sunny countries, maybe my skin's a little dry and hot and bothered, and maybe my skin barrier is impaired if I haven't been very good with my SPF. It's fragrance-free, it doesn't clog pores, and it can be more moisturizing for the skin. In this product we've got glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide. Niacinamide is fantastic for the skin barrier, just to help boost it, and it's part of nearly every single skincare ingredient nowadays. The one caveat is you may not be able to clean all your makeup off with something like this, so you really need to think about double cleansing."
Is It Better Than High Street Skincare? Doctor Recommends
"Things like Cetaphil, you know, that's not going to damage your skin. You can get it on the High Street, it's tested by dermatologists. If you've got sensitive skin, this is not going to do any harm."
Skin Flooding Explained: Is This Trend Worth Your Time?
"Cetaphil is a good one because it's got cleansers that basically also include things like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, things that can also hydrate the skin."
Doctor's Advice: Selecting the Best Cleanser for Your Skin Type!
"Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is proven over time to repair damaged skin barriers. This is great because it's a very simple formulation that cleanses the skin nice. It's got nice ceramide panthenol in there as well as satio alcohol which are all great for that skin barrier so you're not going to be doing any damage to the skin if you're going to be using nice creamy based cleansers such as this."
Ultimate Guide to Cetaphil Product Range | Skincare Essentials for Every Skin Type
"This is a very simple formulation that's non-drying, won't irritate, does exactly what it says on the tin. It's dermatologist recommended, it's perfect for sensitive skin, and it won the 2021 Allure Best of Beauty award, so this is one of the superstar products and it should be in your regime. If you're starting a retinol and you've got a little bit more sensitive skin, cleanse your skin with this for a few days just to help repair your barrier. Say if you've been out in the sun too long and you've had some sunburn, maybe you'd want to use this to cleanse your skin rather than some of the other stripping acids that you might have."
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