Is Cetaphil’s cleanser really suitable for all skin types? Here’s everything you need to know about the cult-favourite skincare product

Cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine. Compared to the rest of your routine, the cleansing step might seem pretty basic – boring even – but it’s not as simple as picking up the newest buzzy launch. Cleansers are often not a one-size-fits-all situation. However, the Cetaphil cleanser has climbed up the ranks to become one of the most popular cleansers for all skin types.

Raved by dermatologists and skin-fluencers alike, the Cetaphil cleanser has been a game-changer for many. But is it really all that great? Ahead, we’ll share the good and the bad about this bestseller, so you can better determine if it’s suitable for your skin.

What are the benefits of using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser?

A mild and gentle cleanser, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural oils. It supposedly removes dirt, excess oil, makeup and other impurities without drying the skin.

The Cetaphil cleanser also protects the skin against five signs of sensitivities: dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier. Plus, it’s soap-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, which is perfect for those with extra sensitive skin.

According to beauty blogger, Khadija Beauty, she said her skin didn’t feel oily after cleansing, and that the cleanser was able to remove impurities and excess oil from her face. She was only left with soft, clean skin that didn’t feel stripped.

A Malaysian reviewer from Says.com revealed that it “didn’t leave any residual impurities on my face and it didn’t irritate my skin. I have oily skin, so I was a fan of the cool feeling it left after the wash. Super fresh! It didn’t leave my face dry or tight and it was so refreshing (especially after a long day after work). It also didn’t have any fragrance or soapy (like foamed-up bubbles) elements in it.”

So far, it seems like the Cetaphil cleanser has garnered glowing reviews from those with normal to oily skin – but what about those who have acne-prone skin?

Is the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser good for acne-prone skin?

Acne-prone skin can be easily irritated, which is why it is important to use a mild cleanser, like the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It’s suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. In fact, it’s one of the top cleansers on the market that can help prevent acne.

Although the Cetaphil cleanser isn’t formulated to treat acne, it’s great at removing excess oil, dirt, and impurities to keep your skin clean and balanced. This can certainly prevent blemishes from popping up.

Shin, a reviewer on Beauty Memo, tried the Cetaphil cleanser to see if it could help balance out her oily skin. After a week of using it, she noticed that the blemishes and scars left behind after a breakout had slowly started to fade. She also said that the Cetaphil cleanser is suitable for anyone who has acne-prone skin that’s sensitive to harsh skincare products.

Malaysian beauty blogger, Chanwon, has sensitive, combination skin and was experiencing a terrible breakout. While her skin was healing, her dermatologist advised her to use a gentle cleanser. Of course, she decided to try the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

After a month of using the Cetaphil cleanser, she saw great results! She even noticed that the redness on her forehead had slowly started to disappear with the help of this cleanser. That’s all thanks to the soap-free and fragrance-free formula.

Why Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser could be bad for your skin

While there are many good reviews about the Cetaphil cleanser, there are also reasons why this gentle cleanser might not do your skin any favours. First, let’s look at the ingredients.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser contains only eight ingredients: water, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben. Apart from water, there are several ingredients on the list that could harm your skin’s health.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a foaming agent found in many skincare products like soaps and shampoos. It is a known skin irritant that can harm the eyes, skin, and mouth. Sulfates may clog pores as well as cause acne. Plus, it might be too stripping for some people.

Nurul Atikah, a Malaysian reviewer, said the Cetaphil cleanser made her skin more dry and sensitive. After looking at the ingredients, she was able to pinpoint the culprit – SLS. She went on to advise those with dry skin to steer clear of the product.

On the other hand, parabens are often used as preservatives to prolong the product’s shelf life. They are also known to sensitise the skin, causing allergic reactions.

What is the best way to use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser?

 

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There are two ways to use Cetaphil cleanser – without water and with water. Simply apply the cleanser on your skin, massage gently, and rinse it off or wipe it off with a soft facial tissue or a soft cloth.

Overall, the positive reviews on the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser outweighs the negative ones. Most of them said it helped to remove dirt and other impurities leaving their skin feeling fresh and clean.

However, what works for one person might not work as well for you. As some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in the product, we recommend you always do a patch test first before applying it to your skin!

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser retails for RM26.70 (125ml) and RM75.65 (500ml) at Watsons, Guardian and Hermo.