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Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser Versus Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
French Brand France

Updated on July 16, 2024

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 brightening skin

Free From

They both do not contain any common allergens, 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

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide IconHelps fight Acne IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
Benzoyl PeroxideBenzoyl Peroxide Icon Helps fight AcneHelps fight Acne Icon 4 Concerns

Benzoyl Peroxide is famous for fighting acne. This is because it does a variety of tasks on the skin: it helps reduce excess oil, kill bacteria, and clear out dead skin cells. In other words, it is effective at unclogging pores.

Disliked Full details ->
Water 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.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Absorbent
0 / 0

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a type of silica. It comes from naturally occuring minerals such as silicate ores and clay.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Disliked Full details ->
Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Cleansing, Foaming
May cause irritation Icon
May cause irritationMay cause irritation Icon

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-75 Humectant, Solvent

We don't have a description for Peg-75.

Unknown Full details ->
Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg/Ppg-120/10 Trimethylolpropane Trioleate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->
Laureth-2 Cleansing, Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Laureth-2.

Unknown Full details ->
Phenoxyethanol Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon
3 Benefits

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.

Poloxamer 124 Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Poloxamer 124.

Unknown Full details ->
Zinc Gluconate Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Zinc Gluconate.

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Water 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.

Zinc Coceth Sulfate Cleansing, Emulsifying
Sulfate Icon
SulfateSulfate Icon

Zinc Coceth Sulfate is a type of sulfate.

Unknown Full details ->
Lauryl Betaine Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Lauryl Betaine is a surfactant. It helps cleanse your skin by gathering oil, dirt, and other pollutants to be rinsed away.

Unknown Full details ->
Decyl Glucoside Cleansing, Emulsion Stabilising

Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant. Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away.

Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol.

Unknown Full details ->
Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is created from polyethylene glycol and fatty acids from coconut oil.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Citric Acid Buffering, Masking
AHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AHAAHA Icon 4 Benefits 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->
Parfum Masking, Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
FragranceFragrance Icon 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Very Disliked Full details ->
CI 61570 Cosmetic Colorant

We don't have a description for CI 61570.

Unknown Full details ->
Isopropyl Alcohol Solvent
0 / 0 Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
AlcoholAlcohol Icon 5 Concerns

Isopropyl Alcohol is more commonly known as rubbing alcohol. It is most commonly used as a solvent, meaning it helps other ingredients dissolve.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.
Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil Emulsifying
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
OilOil Icon Not safe for Fungal AcneNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is derived from castor oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). It is used as a emollient and emulsifier.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Peg-6 Humectant, Solvent

We don't have a description for Peg-6.

Unknown Full details ->
Ppg-26-Buteth-26 Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ppg-26-Buteth-26.

Disliked Full details ->
Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract.

Unknown Full details ->
Sodium Benzoate Masking, Preservative
Preservative Icon
PreservativePreservative Icon

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Chloride Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon
3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

CI 19140 Cosmetic Colorant

CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.

Very Disliked Full details ->
Zinc Gluconate Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Zinc Gluconate.

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
Loved

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
Skin Conditioning
Loved

We don't have a description for Zinc Gluconate.

Buffering, Masking
Disliked

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.

If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Citric Acid

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser
4
7
4
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated
Cleanance Cleansing Gel
3
2
10
6
liked
mixed
disliked
not rated

When to use

27 Routines
44% use in am
56% use in pm
81% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
383 Routines
46% use in am
53% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser 15 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 1 rating
Broke Me Out (1)
mariaespino's avatar

Maria Espino

2 months ago · Sensitive Skin
Review

I have sensitive skin and dry skin and this has resulted in very nasty big pimples to appear on my cheeks. I could see it working for some as it is...

I have sensitive skin and dry skin and this has resulted in very nasty big pimples to appear on my cheeks. I could see it working for some as it is labeled for sensitive skin but has so far left my skin feeling more dry with the added pimples. There is also this weird consistency with the cleanser that almost feels like its scratching my face.

Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel 21 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 6 ratings
Great Value (3) Works Well (3) Light Scent (2)
laila.21's avatar

Laila

5 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

The best water-based cleanser i used so far!
It doesn’t dry my skin out at all and actually leaves it looking glowy and hydrated.
It has a slight...

The best water-based cleanser i used so far!
It doesn’t dry my skin out at all and actually leaves it looking glowy and hydrated.
It has a slight scent, but even i have a sensitive acne prone skin it didn’t bother at all nor cause an allergic reaction.

sarape's avatar

Sara

3 months ago · Combination Skin
Review

I really like how gentle this cleanser is. I think it was may one of my first cleansers as a teenager and I used it for a few months with great...

I really like how gentle this cleanser is. I think it was may one of my first cleansers as a teenager and I used it for a few months with great results. My very oily skin feels clean and fresh, but not dry or even irritated as it happens with other similar-targeted products.

I would say that I miss some Salicylic Acid in the formula in order to get my pores fully cleansed, but this is only relevant if you're willing to let it act as a mask in your face for a while so your skin absorbs all the ingredients. If you rinse your cleansers right away, it's just the perfect product.

And the best of all: It's really affordable. You won't usually find products this cheap (less than 15€) with such a great performance.