Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser

Efficacy100/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Cleansing
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Laureth-2 + 2 more
Cleanses gently
What the product description says
“Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser”
Source: Cetaphil

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (laureth-2, poloxamer 124, sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, 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.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate

Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin~4.4–6.5%
Laureth-2Effect: High~1.3–2%
Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.55–1.3%
Poloxamer 124Effect: High~0.3–0.7%
Anti-blemish
Benzoyl peroxide, Zinc gluconate
Works well
What the product description says
“Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser”
Source: Cetaphil

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

Benzoyl peroxideHeroEffect: HighA potent anti-bacterial ingredient that is effective against acne. Often leads to skin dryness and can be irritating2.6%
Zinc gluconateEffect: Low, below effective doseTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin~0.1–0.45%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Benzoyl peroxide
Medium risk
We flagged 5 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Benzoyl peroxideA potent anti-bacterial ingredient that is effective against acne. Often leads to skin dryness and can be irritatingHigh2.6%
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonateHelps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skinHigh~4.4–6.5%est.
Zinc gluconateTypically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skinMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Benzoyl peroxide2.6%
Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-blemish

A potent anti-bacterial ingredient that is effective against acne. Often leads to skin dryness and can be irritating

More about Benzoyl peroxide
Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Magnesium aluminum silicate~8–12%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-aging

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and, when combined with zinc carbonate and malonic acid, reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating elastin production. Also helps stabilize the product formulation

More about Magnesium aluminum silicate
Glycerin~4.8–7.3%
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
Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate~4.4–6.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and used as a cleansing agent. Can be irritating and is better avoided for sensitive skin

More about Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate
Peg-75~2.6–3.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin.

More about Peg-75
Peg/ppg-120/10 trimethylolpropane trioleate~1.8–2.7%
Formula
Laureth-2~1.3–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Laureth-2
Phenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Xanthan gum~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Poloxamer 124~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Poloxamer 124
Zinc gluconate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-inflammatoryExfoliationAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

Typically used to stabilize the product formulations. It is a salt of a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) and in larger concentrations, can help shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might to be helpful against acne and clogged pores. Could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals, but solid research is missing. Due to the zinc content, might help calm down inflammation in skin

More about Zinc gluconate
Disodium edta~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Citric acid~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Ingredient list view

Benzoyl peroxide, Water, Magnesium aluminum silicate, Glycerin, Sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate, Peg-75, Peg/ppg-120/10 trimethylolpropane trioleate, Laureth-2, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan gum, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Poloxamer 124, Zinc gluconate, Disodium edta, Citric acid

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/7 09:25 GMT
$14.99
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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
CetaphilGentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne CleanserYOUR PRODUCTCeraVeAcne Foaming Cream CleanserPanOxylAcne Creamy Wash, 4% Benzoyl PeroxideDifferinDaily Deep Cleanser BPO 5%
Match—57%49%48%
Price$14.99$13.62−$1.37$8.31−$6.68$7.89−$7.10
Shared key ingredients—4 of 73 of 73 of 7
Key difference—NiacinamideDimethiconeCarbomer
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Dr. Bailey Skin Care Foaming Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment CleanserReplenix BP 5% Acne Wash

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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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Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser
CetaphilGentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser

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

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.