Versus

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser Versus Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion

Face Cleanser
Face Cleanser
American Brand United States
French Brand France

Overview

What they are

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

Free From

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

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

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
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Cetearyl 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 Alcohol
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
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.

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 Hydroxide

When to use

167 Routines
48% use in am
52% use in pm
96% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
167 Routines
40% use in am
60% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 10 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) No Scent (1)
MichelleR's avatar

MichelleR

1 year ago
Review

Unlike the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, this cleanser does not contain alcohol. That makes it the perfect gentle cleanser.

I knew I liked it, but didn't place the official stamp of approval on it until it passed a very significant test. I got my first Vampire Facial (with an added Clear + Brilliant laser) and at the end of the day I needed to wash off the PRP and sunscreen. This cleanser did NOT Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#no scent
#works well

Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion 14 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 7 ratings
Hydrating (2) Doesn't Work (2) Broke Me Out (2)
blima1998's avatar

blima1998

1 year ago
Review

Amazing cleanser for sensitive skin! Skin doesn't feel dry after and almost feels moisturized with this cleanser. Not very tough on removing makeup so I do recommend using micellar water / makeup remover before since this product is so gentle. But I am soo happy with this product it's I think the first cleanser that does 0 irritation for me

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#works well
elspinartifact's avatar

el spin artifact

9 months ago
Review

It’s very gentle but it always makes many small pimples on my face

#broke me out
#light scent