Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser Versus Chemist at Play Acne Control Serum
Updated on February 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, oils, parabens, 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
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser 18 ingredients
Chemist at Play Acne Control Serum 14 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser 18 ingredients
Chemist at Play Acne Control Serum 14 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
CleansingSodium Cocoamphoacetate
CleansingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pantolactone
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Amyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid
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 WaterNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideCitric 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser 18 ingredients
Chemist at Play Acne Control Serum 14 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser 18 ingredients
Love this cleanser.This is very gentle on the skin.Doesn’t strip that much and very refreshing.Doesn’t cause any breakouts.But the reason of giving 3 star ⭐ is the fragrance.This is not a fragrance free product.It has mild to stronge fragrance in it.But it didn’t bother me that much but personally I like fragrance free skin care products.
Purchased this when my skin was oily, did absolutely nothing in terms of cleansing. Did not clean and my skin felt as dirty as before washing with it. Does not feel stripping and does not cause fungal acne.
