Which facial cleanser is the best: CeraVe, Vanicream or Cetaphil?
For most people, washing their face is a standard part of their morning routine. The best facial cleansers will leave you feeling refreshed, helping you start your day on the right foot. However, there are many facial cleansers on the market that cost an arm and a leg and may not be the best for your skin. If you are looking for a quality, budget-friendly cleanser, CeraVe, Vanicream and Cetaphil are some of the most popular choices.
Each brand produces an excellent daily facial cleanser that comes highly recommended by dermatologists, so it can be hard to choose. Depending on the ingredients, cleanser texture and your skin type, you may find one cleanser better suited to your needs.
Face cleanser basics
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a mild facial cleanser to wash your face at minimum two times a day and after you have a serious sweat session. To wash your face properly, it suggests wetting your face with lukewarm water and applying the facial cleanser with your fingertips. This is important because other cleaning implements, like washcloths, can cause irritation. Be sure to scrub your skin gently because aggressive scrubbing can cause irritation. End by rinsing your face with more lukewarm water and gently patting your skin dry with a towel.
By making cleansing a regular part of your skincare routine, you can ensure that your skin does not carry excess oils, dirt or leftover makeup. It also helps prevent your pores from getting clogged, which can cause the skin to appear dull. Additionally, consistent cleansing can help treat skin issues like acne.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser was created to provide gentle daily cleansing without removing all of the skin’s natural moisture. To do this, CeraVe uses a mix of ceramides, identical to those found in the skin, and hyaluronic acid. Ceramides are lipids that hold skin cells together, making up over 50% of the skin’s surface, and they are essential to maintaining a strong skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the environment into the skin, making it smoother and firmer. Both of these ingredients work together to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and retain hydration.
This cleanser also includes CeraVe’s Multivesicular Emulsion technology, which allows the product to continue to work after it is applied by releasing its moisturizing ingredients over a 24-hour period.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is usually priced between $11-$17. It is available for purchase at Ulta, Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Pros
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, a combination of ingredients unique on this list. This provides the skin excellent hydration above and beyond other facial cleansers. It is recommended by dermatologists, especially for skin types that are easily irritated.
Cons
The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is recommended for normal to dry skin only. Some consumers may not like its lotion-like texture and have reported that it might take more than one pass to remove all makeup.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser was created for daily use. The company claims its gentle formula removes makeup and excess oils without causing the skin to dry out. It is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores, and it is also free of dye, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, soap, botanical extracts, sulfates and gluten. Because this product is free from these irritants, Vanicream works for people with sensitive skin or who are prone to breakouts.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser costs between $9-$10 and can be purchased at Amazon.
Pros
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is for all skin types, including both dry and sensitive. Recommended and tested by dermatologists, it is free of most irritating ingredients and won’t clog your pores.
Cons
Some customers have reported a strong industrial or medicinal smell while using the product, and there have also been rare reports of irritation after using the product.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
The Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser rids the skin of oils, makeup and dirt without leaving it stripped and unbalanced. It has a satisfying gel-to-foam texture, making it ideal for someone who loves a soapy feel but is irritated by harsh soaps. This cleanser is hypoallergenic and will not clog your pores, and it has been clinically proven to be gentle when used on sensitive skin. Additionally, it defends the skin against Cetaphil’s identified five signs of skin sensitivity: weakened skin barrier, irritation, roughness, tightness and dryness.
The Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is typically priced between $6-$9 and can be purchased at Amazon or Ulta.
Pros
The Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is dermatologist recommended and defends against sensitivity. It is hypoallergenic and won’t clog your pores.
Cons
This cleanser is recommended for combination and oily skin only. There have been complaints of the product having a strong scent. In some rare instances, users have reported dryness after use.
Should you choose CeraVe, Vanicream or Cetaphil?
Each of these cleansers is dermatologist recommended, attempts to cleanse the skin without stripping away the skin’s moisture and has a loyal fan base. For most skin types, the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is the best choice because of its additional ingredients that work to maintain the skin’s natural barrier and hydration. However, if you have oily skin, your best option is most likely Vanicream or Cetaphil, because CeraVe might provide you with a little too much moisture. For those who prefer a cleanser with a soapy feel, Cetaphil is the best choice.
Morgan Tyler Freeman is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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