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Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

*Est. $10 for 16 oz.

Reviewed

October 2011

Pros

Gentle
Water soluble
Nondrying

Cons

Doesn't remove makeup well
Not suitable for oily skin

Where to Buy

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Reviewers say Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of the best facial cleansers on the market; it is also among the most affordable. Experts rave about Cetaphil because it is extremely gentle and is suitable for mostly all skin types -- except oily. Critics say the cleanser does not lather up, but it is a nondrying lotion-type formula that is soothing to dry, irritated and sensitive skin. The most common complaint about Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, among experts and consumers alike, is that it does not remove makeup well. For better makeup removal, we found good reviews for Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser (*Est. $20 for 8 oz.).

The best reviews for Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser are in women's lifestyle magazines InStyle and Real Simple. Both sources test a number of cleansers and pick those that perform the best. For the most part, consumer reviews at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com are in agreement with expert opinion.

Where To Buy

Cetaphil 16 oz Gentle Skin Cleanser

(21 reviews)
Buy new: $19.99 $9.50 14 New from $9.50

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Our Sources

1. InStyle Details/Subscribe

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is named the best cleanser for dry skin by editors of InStyle magazine. They say the cleanser is a winner year after year because it is strong enough to remove dirt and makeup but gentle so that it doesn't dry out skin.

Review: Best Beauty Buys 2011: Skin, Editors of InStyle magazine, May 2011

2. Real Simple Details/Subscribe

Real Simple magazine readers name Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser the best budget-friendly facial cleanser for sensitive skin. Editors say the gentle formula cleans deeply while leaving skin "extremely soft."

Review: Best Budget-Friendly Facial Cleansers, Lori Bergamotto

3. AllureDetails/Subscribe

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is listed in Allure magazine's hall of fame because it has won beauty awards for nine years. Experts at Allure say the cleanser has only eight ingredients, which is why it is so gentle.

Review: Hall of Fame, Editors of Allure magazine, Oct. 2007

4. About.comDetails/Subscribe

Over 4,100 users at MakeupAlley.com review Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. The overall consensus is lackluster, with 63 percent saying they would buy it again, and the average rating is 3.5. Reviewers say it clears their skin of redness, irritation and even blemishes, though many say the cleanser does not do a good job of removing makeup.

Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com

5. MakeupAlley.com

Nearly 350 consumers posting to Drugstore.com give Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars, and 80 percent of them say they would recommend the product to a friend. A few say it doesn't clean skin well, but most say it is extremely gentle on sensitive skin and that it cleans effectively.

Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Contributors to Drugstore.com

6. Drugstore.com

About.com's beauty guide, Julyne Derrick, recommends facial cleansers for several skin types. Cetaphil cleansers are recommended for dry skin, normal/combination skin and sensitive skin. Derrick says Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is "one of the best drugstore buys out there." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Best Cleansers for Every Skin Type, Julyne Derrick

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser *Est. $20 for 8 oz.

6 picks including: About.com, Drugstore.com…

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser *Est. $10 for 16 oz.

5 picks including: About.com, Drugstore.com…

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser *Est. $12.50 for 12 oz.

4 picks by top review sites.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser *Est. $10.75 for 16 oz.

3 picks including: Drugstore.com, MakeupAlley.com…

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