Cetaphil vs. CeraVe: Which facial cleanser is better?

If you are a skincare lover, I am sure that you have heard about these two cleansers at least once. Cetaphil and CeraVe are two extremely popular brands, and their cleansing products have appeared everywhere, and become familiar to almost everyone.

It seems like there are so many fierce debates about which one is better. Therefore, I write this to share my own experiences with both cleansers.

Let’s keep reading!

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

a. Ingredient List:

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben.

Such a simple list! Not many brands keep their formulation that brief and minimal.

• It does contain alcohol, but Cetyl & Stearyl Alcohol are fatty alcohol, which is good ones. If you are still confused, just click here to know the reasons.

• Propylene Glycol is a popular humectant, which absorbs moisture from the environment into our skin, and leaves an immediate softer sensation.

• Although it is labeled “Dermatologists Recommended”, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and 3 types of Paraben are controversial substances, and whether it is actually safe for sensitive and acne skin or not.

b. Texture:

It is opaque white and gel-like liquid, fragrance-free, and does not foam when adding water.

c. Cleansing ability:

On my first time using it, I barely feel the difference between before and after washing my face. It is too mild and gentle. It does not cause dryness, in fact, I feel like there is a thin moisture layer left on my face after cleansing.

With pH-balanced at 5.5, it does not harm our natural skin barriers. However, since it is too mild, its ability to deeply cleanse full-face makeup is practically impossible. I prefer using it in my daytime routine.

d. Which skin type is suitable?

• It is written on packaging “For all skin types”, but I personally recommend it for dry/sensitive/super sensitive skin type or anyone who is acne-prone or currently suffering from a breakout.

• For other skin types, Cetaphil is a good choice for a gentle daytime cleanser.

2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

a. Ingredient List:

Purified Water, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phytosphingosine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum.

That’s such a long ingredient list comparing to Cetaphil. Overall, there are 3 outstanding components:

• Ceramides: Restores skin protective natural barriers.

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Prevents moisture loss, stimulates producing more natural Ceramides, and brightens skin tone.

• Hyaluronic acid: a famous humectant, keeping skin hydrated.

Besides the cleansing effect, CeraVe adds more essentials for the skin and does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which I consider a huge plus point.

b. Texture:

It has a gel-like texture, a slight and pleasant scent, and looks completely like water but a little thicker. It is transparent and has the ability to make foam when adding water.

c. Cleansing ability:

Since it can make foam, its cleansing ability is definitely better than Cetaphil. I praise CeraVe a little more than Cetaphil in this perspective. My skin feels soft, smooth, quite clean but not dry at all.

CeraVe cleanser also has pH-balanced just like Cetaphil one, but it does a better job at cleansing.

And let me told you, do not expect too much on other outcomes like tone up or something of the kind. A cleanser just does exactly its job, that’s all.

d. Which skin type is suitable?

• CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser best suits sensitive, acne-prone, normal, and oily skin types.

• For dry skin type, you would probably prefer CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

3. My personal choice

It’s kind of hard, but I would go for CeraVe. It gives me a super smooth but also clean and fresh feeling after using it, and I think this one is suitable for both my daytime and nighttime routine.

What is your favorite one? Let’s share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comment section below!