CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Stearic acid + 9 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar is an effective cleanser for normal to oily skin on the face and body that thoroughly removes dirt and excess oil.”
Source: CeraVe

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (behentrimonium methosulfate, carbomer, ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, cholesterol, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, stearic acid, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Sodium cocoyl isethionateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~26–38%
Stearic acidEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~7.4–11%
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together~2.1–3.2%
CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.85–1.3%
Cetearyl alcoholEffect: HighA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~0.85–1.25%
Ceteareth-20Effect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties~0.5–1.15%
Sodium lauroyl lactylateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~0.4–0.9%
Behentrimonium methosulfateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.4–0.95%
CholesterolEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.4–0.95%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.1–0.35%
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~0.05–0.3%
Anti-blemish
Side benefit · Niacinamide, Zinc pca + 2 more
Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: zinc pca

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~0.6–1.35%
Zinc pcaKey activeEffect: MediumA compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing~0.6–1.35%
KaolinEffect: LowA type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color~2.3–3.5%
PhytosphingosineEffect: LowA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.15–0.65%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
11 flagged ingredients
Low risk
We flag 11 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
MethyldihydrojasmonateUsed as a fragrance. Smells similar to jasmineHigh~0.4–0.95%est.
Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~26–38%est.
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~2.1–3.2%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient propertiesMedium~0.5–1.15%est.
Behentrimonium methosulfateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Sodium lauroyl lactylateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.6%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.05–0.3%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix together3/5~0.05–0.3%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~0.85–1.25%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties2/5~0.5–1.15%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Sodium cocoyl isethionate~26–38%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoyl isethionate
Stearic acid~7.4–11%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Water~5.1–7.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Sodium isethionate~4–6%
Formula
Ci 77891~3–4.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77891
Kaolin~2.3–3.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MattifyingAnti-blemish

A type of clay that consists mainly of aluminum silicate. Helps absorb oil and creates a thicker product consistency. Can be used to add a white color

More about Kaolin
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~2.1–3.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
Potassium phosphate~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate
Ceramide np~1.5–2.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np
Ceramide ap~1.2–1.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide ap
Ceramide eop~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide eop
Carbomer~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Glycerin~0.85–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Niacinamide~0.6–1.35%
Hero · Anti-blemish
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-blemishMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide
Zinc pca~0.6–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A compound that combines zinc with a hydrating ingredient PCA. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Can help calm down inflammation in skin. Could be helpful in reducing the formation of free radicals in skin. Might help to reduce fine lines in wrinkles, but solid evidence is missing

More about Zinc pca
Cetearyl alcohol~0.85–1.25%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Dimethicone~0.6–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Ceteareth-20~0.5–1.15%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties

More about Ceteareth-20
Behentrimonium methosulfate~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Behentrimonium methosulfate
Methyldihydrojasmonate~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Smells similar to jasmine

More about Methyldihydrojasmonate
Sodium chloride~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Sodium lauroyl lactylate~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sodium lauroyl lactylate
Sodium hyaluronate~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Cholesterol~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol
Phenoxyethanol~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Disodium edta~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Dipotassium phosphate~0.15–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the pH of the product

More about Dipotassium phosphate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Phytosphingosine~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine
Xanthan gum~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~0.05–0.3%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredient list view

Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Stearic acid, Water, Sodium isethionate, Ci 77891, Kaolin, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Potassium phosphate, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Carbomer, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Zinc pca, Cetearyl alcohol, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-20, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Sodium chloride, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Sodium hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium edta, Dipotassium phosphate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Caprylyl glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan gum, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin

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$6.84
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
CeraVeFoaming Cleanser BarYOUR PRODUCTe.l.f. CosmeticsPure Skin CleanserNaturiumThe Purifier Niacinamide Serum Body WashGaldermaCetaphil Cleansing Lotion
Match—77%74%72%
Price$6.84—$15.56+$8.72$12.61+$5.77
Shared key ingredients—12 of 224 of 225 of 22
Key difference—AllantoinSodium Cocoyl TauratePanthenol
Irritancy Low Low Low Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser - Dry to Normal, Sensitive SkinREVOLUTION SKINCARE Purifying Facial Gel Cleanser with Niacinamide

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

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CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar
CeraVeFoaming Cleanser Bar

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.