Versus

Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion Versus Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser - US

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
French Brand France
American Brand United States

Updated on April 09, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens or silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside (and what isn't)

What's inside (and what isn't)

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine

When to use

171 Routines
41% use in am
59% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
301 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion 14 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 7 ratings
Hydrating (2) Doesn't Work (2) Broke Me Out (2)
blima1998's avatar

blima1998

1 year ago
Review

Amazing cleanser for sensitive skin! Skin doesn't feel dry after and almost feels moisturized with this cleanser. Not very tough on removing makeup so I do recommend using micellar water / makeup remover before since this product is so gentle. But I am soo happy with this product it's I think the first cleanser that does 0 irritation for me

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#works well
elspinartifact's avatar

el spin artifact

10 months ago
Review

It’s very gentle but it always makes many small pimples on my face

#broke me out
#light scent

Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser 20 ingredients

4.3 /5
from 4 ratings
Great Value (2) Light (2) Hydrating (1)
jello's avatar

Jello

9 months ago
Review

it helped my skin out after going through the worst its been with neutrogena saliyic acid wash

#great value
#light