Cetaphil

Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

Name: Cetaphil - Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
Brand: Cetaphil

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

See all ingredients

Works for

Cleansing

Cocamidopropyl betaine, Coco-glucoside + 2 more

Cleanses gently

What the product description says

“Gently cleanses and exfoliates to promote surface skin cell renewal for smooth, even and radiant-looking skin after just 1 use.”

Source: Cetaphil

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (cocamidopropyl betaine, coco-glucoside, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, sodium cocoamphoacetate) 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: cocamidopropyl betaine, coco-glucoside

Cocamidopropyl betaineEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen~4.9–7.3%

Coco-glucosideEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating~3.6–5.4%

Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleateEffect: High~1.4–2.1%

Sodium cocoamphoacetateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam~1.4–2.1%

Exfoliation

Gluconolactone, Salicylic acid + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Gently cleanses and exfoliates to promote surface skin cell renewal for smooth, even and radiant-looking skin after just 1 use.”

Source: Cetaphil

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: gluconolactone, mandelic acid, salicylic acid.

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2–3%

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.5–1.2%

Mandelic acidKey activeEffect: HighHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid~0.3–0.75%

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Salicylic acid, Gluconolactone + 2 more

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: salicylic acid. 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: gluconolactone, mandelic acid

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~0.5–1.2%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~2–3%

Mandelic acidKey activeEffect: MediumHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid~0.3–0.75%

NiacinamideUnder-dosedIs 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~0.4–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

10 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 10 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Cocamidopropyl betaineHelps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergenHigh~4.9–7.3%est.

Coco-glucosideUsed as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritatingHigh~3.6–5.4%est.

Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~0.5–1.2%est.

Mandelic acidHelps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acidHigh~0.3–0.75%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~2–3%est.

Sodium cocoamphoacetateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foamMedium~1.4–2.1%est.

Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.2–0.7%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.3%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.25%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Face facts Ceramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser

Cheaper78% match

$7.82

Mixa Anti-Imperfection Comfort Cleanser

Cheaper74% match

$7.21

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~3.9–5.9%

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

Cocamidopropyl betaine~4.9–7.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Used as a cleansing ingredient. Could be an allergen

More about Cocamidopropyl betaine

Coco-glucoside~3.6–5.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent (surfactant) in cleansers. Helps water and oil mix together in lotions. Can be irritating

More about Coco-glucoside

Gluconolactone~2–3%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Betaine~1.6–2.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate~1.4–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate

Sodium cocoamphoacetate~1.4–2.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent. Creates foam

More about Sodium cocoamphoacetate

Glycereth-26~1–1.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps create a thicker product consistency

More about Glycereth-26

Salicylic acid~0.5–1.2%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishExfoliationAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid

Sodium chloride~0.55–1.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

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

More about Sodium chloride

Panthenol~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Niacinamide~0.4–0.9%

Under-dosed

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

Mandelic acid~0.3–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Evens skin toneExfoliationAnti-blemishAntibacterial

Helps shed the upper layer of dead cells from the surface of the skin revealing smoother, brighter skin. It can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. It has anti-bacterial properties, and might help to reduce blemishes, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. It is considered to be gentler than glycolic acid

More about Mandelic acid

Sodium citrate~0.2–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate

Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Tocopherol~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Phenoxyethanol~0.1–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Citric acid~0.05–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

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

More about Citric acid

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.25%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Disodium edta~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Pantolactone~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Coco-glucoside, Gluconolactone, Betaine, Peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Glycereth-26, Salicylic acid, Sodium chloride, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Mandelic acid, Sodium citrate, Sodium hydroxide, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Citric acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium edta, Pantolactone

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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 Exfoliating SA CleanserYOUR PRODUCT	CeraVeRenewing SA Face Cleanser for Normal Cleanser	Face factsCeramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser	Bubble SkincareAll Clear
Match	—	81%	78%	78%
Price	$9.97	$9.89	$7.82−$2.15	$14.97+$5.00
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 13	5 of 13	4 of 13
Key difference	—	Ceramide Ap	Ceramide As	Anhydroxylitol
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop