Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - US Versus Vanicream Z-Bar Medicated Cleansing Bar
Updated on August 06, 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 dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens 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
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 10 ingredients
Vanicream Z-Bar Medicated Cleansing Bar 17 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
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 10 ingredients
Vanicream Z-Bar Medicated Cleansing Bar 17 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Zinc Pyrithione 2%
Antiseborrhoeic
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
CleansingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Coconut Acid
Cleansing
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Isethionate
CleansingSodium Cocoyl Glycinate
CleansingSodium Chloride
Masking
Petrolatum
Emollient
Sorbitol
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Simethicone
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-30 Stearate
Emulsifying
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterCetearyl 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 AlcoholSodium cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from coconut oil. It is an ultra gentle cleanser that gives a nice foam without drying the skin or impacting the skin barrier.
The amount of foam created depends on the amount of sodium cocoyl isethionate used in the product.
This ingredient also helps improve the spreadability of a product.
Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 10 ingredients
Vanicream Z-Bar Medicated Cleansing Bar 17 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 10 ingredients
This is HORRIBLE, soooo bad. Broke me out so bad. It is mega comedogenic. The ingredients are literally known to cause acne.
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
