Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent versus Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free .
Published on March 09, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe body washes. They have a total of 20 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances and sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Price
Ingredient Info
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent 21 ingredients
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free 20 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent 21 ingredients
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free 20 ingredients
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent 21 ingredients
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free 20 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Sodium Laureth Sulfate • Cocamidopropyl Betaine • Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate • Betaine • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder • Panthenol • Parfum • Glycol Distearate • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Lauryl Lactate • Citric Acid • Sodium Benzoate • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Citrate • Laureth-4 • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein • Heliotropine • Polyquaternium-10 • Sodium Hydroxide
Water • Glycerin • Sodium Laureth Sulfate • Cocamidopropyl Betaine • Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate • Betaine • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder • Panthenol • Glycol Distearate • Lauryl Lactate • Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer • Citric Acid • Sodium Benzoate • Phenoxyethanol • Sodium Citrate • Laureth-4 • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein • Heliotropine • Polyquaternium-10 • Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 1.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 2.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 2.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying ingredient. It is created from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. SLES is not the same as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is much milder and less likely to irritate.
SLES helps create foam in personal products. It also prevents ingredients from separating, helping to elongate the shelf life.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a type of sulfate. It can be drying. We recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient if you have concerns.
Learn more about Sodium Laureth SulfateCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 3.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 3.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. Dimethylaminopropylamine is a diamine, an amine with two amino groups.
Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant and cleanser. It helps gather the dirt, pollutants, and other impurities in your skin to be washed away. It also helps thicken a product and make the texture more creamy.
Being created from coconut oil means Cocamidopropyl Betaine is hydrating for the skin.
While Cocamidopropyl Betaine was believed to be an allergen, a study from 2012 disproved this. It found two compounds in unpure Cocamidopropyl Betaine to be the irritants: aminoamide and 3-dimethylaminopropylamine. High-grade and pure Cocamidopropyl Betaine did not induce allergic reactions during this study.
Learn more about Cocamidopropyl BetaineCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 4.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 4.
We don't have a description for Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 5.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 5.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
Betaine is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies show betaine may help with uneven skin tones.
Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The form found within cosmetic products can be either plant-dervied or synthetic.
Learn more about BetaineCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 6.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 6.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder comes from the aloe plant.
You may know Aloe to be a good sunburn reliever and inflammation reducer. This is because it contains many components that are known to help reduce irritation and itchiness.
Aloe leaves are also great moisturizers. They are naturally rich in polysaccharides, a carbohydrate made of sugars. Polysaccharides are able to mimic the carbs found in the top layer of your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
Aloe contains the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins neutralize free radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe does not protect against UV rays, despite it soothing sunburns.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 7.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 7.
Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
lt is a humectant, meaning that it helps the skin attract and retain moisture.
Another benefit is the anti-inflammatory abilities. This means that it's great for sensitive, irritation-prone skin.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
Learn more about PanthenolCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 8.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 8.
Glycol Distearate serves as a pearlizing or opacifying agent in cosmetic products.
It's often included in cleansers and haircare products to give them a lustrous or shimmering appearance.
It is derived from stearic acid, a natural fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils and animal fats.
Glycol Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Glycol DistearateCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 10.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 9.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is also an emulsifier. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 11.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 11.
We don't have a description for Lauryl Lactate.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 12.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 10.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
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.
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 look more even.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 13.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 12.
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.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 14.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 13.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 15.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 14.
Sodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Sodium Citrate helps maintain the pH of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Sodium Citrate is a chelating agent. It neutralizes metal ions from water and prevents them from binding to other ingredients. This ensures the other ingredients will not be altered.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 16.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 15.
Laureth-4 is created by reacting ethylene oxide with Lauryl Alcohol. It is a surfactant and emulsifier.
Surfactants reduce the surface tension of ingredients so they can mix better. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients such as oil and water from separating.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 17.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 16.
We don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 18.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 17.
Heliotropine is a fragrance.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 19.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 18.
Polyquaternium-10 is an ammonium salt of hydroxyethylcellulose. It is a white and granular powder used as a film-former and anti-static agent.
This ingredient is commonly found in hair conditioning products. According to a manufacturer, its positive charge makes it great for absorbing hair proteins. The manufacturer also states this ingredient helps with curl retention.
For haircare friends: this ingredient is not a silicone.
Learn more about Polyquaternium-10Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 20.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 19.
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.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideCetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent contains this as ingredient number 21.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free contains this as ingredient number 20.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent 21 ingredients
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free 20 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Refreshing Body Wash Refreshing Scent 21 ingredients
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash Fragrance Free 20 ingredients
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