What is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser?
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a mild, soap-free face and body cleanser that is said to hydrate and soothe the skin as it cleans. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but is claimed to be ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is fragrance free and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores).
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is most drugstores and often medusa, laser clinics and physicians offices use this product due to the sae formulations.Â
Who is this product for?
This cleanser is ideally suited to people with sensitive skin types or skin that is reactive. The product is often used after treatment such as injectables or laser procedures.
What are the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ingredients?
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser formula is rather simple, containing only eight ingredients.
After water, the highest concentration ingredient is cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener), followed by propylene glycol (humectant). Another type of fatty alcohol in this cleanser is stearyl alcohol, which can moisturize the skin and make it feel softer.
Unlike others alcohol, these fatty alcohols will not dry or irritate skin.Â
The key cleansing agent in the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is strange since SLS is one of the most sensitizing cleansing agents used in skin care products. In fact, SLS is used in scientific studies when the researchers want to establish whether or not an ingredient is problematic for skin.
So we have to wonder: why would this ingredient be included in a cleanser that is meant for sensitive skin?
Despite its potential to cause skin irritation and sensitivity, sodium lauryl sulfate functions to clean the skin because it is a surfactant. A surfactant molecule contains one end that is hydrophilic (attracted to water) and one end that is lipophilic (attracted to oil). This allows surfactants to attract and suspends oils, dirt, and other impurities that have accumulated on the skin and wash them away.
Another problem with the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser formula is that it contains three types of parabens: methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. This is the biggest issue with the formula and the reason we would avoid this product, since there are paraben free alternatives.Â
Parabens are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of a product by preventing microbial contamination. Over the past 10 years, parabens have become criticized for use in cosmetics due to research that has revealed their potential relation to health concerns.
However, the research on parabens is conflicting and polarizing.Â
For instance, some research indicates that parabens are safe as used in cosmetics and preferred since they are gentle, non-sensitizing, and highly effective. Furthermore, these studies have demonstrated that parabens did not have any effect when compared to natural hormones in the body.
Other research has concluded that parabens are problematic.
The concern started when a 2004 study linked parabens in deodorant to breast cancer. This link seemed plausible since parabens can mimic human estrogen and it is known that high estrogen levels stimulate the growth of cancer cells.
However, the study has since been discredited and the American Cancer Society has concluded that there is insufficient scientific evidence of parabens increasing breast cancer risk.
This product will not disrupt skin barrier function or strip skin of essential nutrients.
How to use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
You can use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with or without water. The brand recommends following these steps to use the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser:
- Directions for use without water: Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin film on the skin.Â
- Directions for use with water: Apply cleanser to the skin and rub gently. Rinse.
Where is Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser sold?
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is not sold on the brand’s website, but you can check their website for online sellers and physical locations that sell Cetaphil products. For example, you can buy this Cetaphil cleanser online from Amazon or at stores like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Costco, and many more.Â
Is Cetaphil cruelty free?
Cetaphil is not cruelty free because Cetaphil products are sold in China where animal testing is mandatory for all imported cosmetics.
Our Verdict
This is a good formulation that will not provoke sensitive skin. Â
Pros
- A cleanser that will get the job done without irritating skin or stripping it of vital nutrients
- Readily available in most drugstores
- Good value for money
Cons
- These formulations are not clean
- No plant based ingredients
