Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

A gel-based cleanser featuring gentle surfactants and fortified with Niacinamide and Panthenol to cleanse while supporting the skin barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This cleanser features an excellent surfactant system (Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate) known for being effective yet exceptionally gentle and non-stripping. The inclusion of high-quality skin-conditioning agents like Glycerin, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) boosts its performance significantly, helping to maintain the skin barrier and soothe the skin during the cleansing process. It is well-formulated to cleanse without causing tightness.

Safety Rating: 4.3

The formula avoids harsh sulfates (like SLS/SLES) and uses a mild preservative system (Sodium Benzoate). However, the presence of Masking Fragrance prevents a perfect safety score, as unspecified fragrance ingredients can potential triggers for those with hyper-sensitive skin or specific allergies, even when used in low concentrations to neutralize odors.

Final Rating: 4.4

Overall, this is a superior daily cleanser, particularly suited for normal to sensitive skin types. The combination of gentle cleansing agents with barrier-supportive ingredients like Niacinamide and Panthenol makes it a standout product. While the masking fragrance is a minor drawback for fragrance purists, the formulation is otherwise robust, hydrating, and skin-friendly.

Verdict

This facial cleanser offers a sophisticated balance between effective cleansing and skincare maintenance. The formula eschews harsh sulfates in favor of a milder surfactant system comprising Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, and Sodium Cocoamphoacetate. Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is particularly noteworthy as a large-molecule surfactant that cleanses the skin’s surface without penetrating or disrupting the lipid barrier, making it an excellent choice for preventing dehydration. This gentle base ensures that impurities and excess oil are removed without the tight, stripped feeling often associated with foaming cleansers. Beyond cleansing, the product serves as a delivery system for soothing actives. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is included to help regulate oil production, calm inflammation, and strengthen the barrier function. Paired with Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Glycerin, the formula works to hydrate and soothe the skin simultaneously, turning a basic wash step into a therapeutic experience. Pantolactone further aids in moisture retention. The formulation is stabilized with Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer to provide a pleasing texture, while Citric Acid ensures the pH remains optimal for skin health. However, the ingredient list does include Masking Fragrance. While this is distinct from heavy perfumes—intended only to cover the chemical scent of raw ingredients—it means the product is not strictly fragrance-free. While generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin, this inclusion might be a consideration for those with extreme hypersensitivity to fragrance components. Overall, this is a highly capable cleanser. It is robust enough to remove daily grime and light makeup but gentle enough for morning use. It is an ideal option for those looking to incorporate barrier-strengthening ingredients into every step of their skincare routine.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Surfactants (Cleansing Agents) / 表面活性剂(清洁成分)

🧪 Cocamidopropyl Betaine / 椰油酰胺丙基甜菜碱

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, foam booster

Concerns: Generally mild, though impurities from manufacturing can rarely cause irritation.

Notes: A very common secondary surfactant used to reduce the irritation of primary surfactants.

🧪 Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate / 月桂醇聚醚磺基琥珀酸酯二钠

Purpose: Anionic surfactant, cleansing

Concerns: None, very low irritation profile.

Notes: A mild surfactant suitable for sensitive skin; distinct from sulfates.

🧪 Sodium Cocoamphoacetate / 椰油酰两性基乙酸钠

Purpose: Amphoteric surfactant, cleansing, foam boosting

Concerns: None.

Notes: An extremely mild surfactant often found in baby products.

📁 Humectants & Actives / 保湿剂与活性成分

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant, moisturizer

Concerns: None.

Notes: Draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇

Purpose: Soothing, moisturizing, barrier support

Concerns: None.

Notes: Pro-Vitamin B5; converts to pantothenic acid in the skin.

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Brightening, anti-inflammatory, barrier repair

Concerns: Can cause flushing in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Vitamin B3; highly effective for various skin concerns.

🧪 Pantolactone / 泛解酸内酯

Purpose: Humectant, skin conditioning

Concerns: None.

Notes: Structurally related to Panthenol.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Stabilizers / 质地调节剂与稳定剂

🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Thickener, texture enhancer

Concerns: None.

Notes: Synthetic polymer that helps create a gel-like texture.

🧪 Sodium Chloride / 氯化钠

Purpose: Viscosity controller

Concerns: Can be drying in very high amounts.

Notes: Common table salt; thickens surfactant systems.

📁 Preservatives & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Sodium Benzoate / 苯甲酸钠

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be sensitizing for some people.

Notes: Effective in acidic environments to prevent bacterial/fungal growth.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH adjuster

Concerns: Potential irritation if pH is too low.

Notes: Used to optimize the pH of the product for skin compatibility.

📁 Fragrance / 香精

🧪 Masking Fragrance / 遮味香精

Purpose: Scent masking

Concerns: Potential allergen/irritant for sensitive skin.

Notes: Used to neutralize the base odor of ingredients rather than to perfume the product strongly.