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Versus

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - US Versus Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 12, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both face cleansers. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores and scar healing

Free From

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

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

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

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
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
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.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum
Buffering, Masking

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

When to use

2,005 Routines
50% use in am
50% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
20 Routines
55% use in am
45% use in pm
100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 10 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 27 ratings
Great Value (7) No Scent (6) Light (4)
starstellastar_407's avatar

starstellastar_407

1 year ago
Review

This is HORRIBLE, soooo bad. Broke me out so bad. It is mega comedogenic. The ingredients are literally known to cause acne.

#drying
#broke me out
#doesn't work
wednesdayophelia's avatar

Mica

6 hours ago
Review

My holy grail drug store face wash. The formulation is perfect for my needs, whether I’m doing a final cleanse removing high glam makeup or nursing a severe dermatitis flare up, I have something I can always rely on. This next part is just a hot take, but I don’t understand the ugly clinical graphic design, as though having skin issues means you only want to have skincare that is packaged like Show more

#great value
#no scent
#works well

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser For Sensitive Skin 25 ingredients

3.5 /5
from 2 ratings
Formal_Property's avatar

Formal_Property

4 years ago
Review

Basic cleanser
I use this cleanser in my morning routine. It does the job without leaving my skin feeling tight. It’s a good basic cleanser but I don’t notice any specific benefit. Would repurchase if nothing else catches my eye.

bsabrina's avatar

bsabrina

2 years ago
Review

just okay
the pump foams the cleanser as it comes out, so i feel like I have to use a lot of product. it kinda dissolves on the face. does remove makeup well and is non-irritating. very inexpensive product. better for those with no skin concerns