CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Which face wash is better for oily skin?

Washing your face twice or thrice may feel like too much of a task to do, but it is a weapon to maintain the skin health. It can treat several skin conditions like acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation and blemishes. By removing impurities and controlling sebum production, it can purify your skin and keep it healthy. When it comes to choosing the best face wash for oily and acne-prone skin, two of the most popular options in the skincare world are CeraVe Foaming Cleanser and Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser. Both brands are dermatologist-developed and highly recommended by skincare experts. They promise deep cleansing, oil control, and maintaining the skin’s protective barrier without causing excessive dryness or irritation. However, despite their similarities, these cleansers differ in formulation, texture, benefits, and overall effectiveness. Read this CeraVe vs Cetaphil comparison to make your decision.

CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Product overview

Before choosing between CeraVe vs Cetaphil, it is important to have a better understanding of both products:

1. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is suitable for normal and oily skin. Packed with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula can gently cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. The gel-based texture transforms into a foamy lather, effectively removing dirt, excess oil, and makeup while maintaining the skin’s barrier.

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Specifications:

Skin type: Normal to oily skin
Texture: Gel
Special feature: Fragrance & Paraben-Free

Why choose CeraVe Foaming Cleanser?

• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
• Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid for hydration and skin barrier protection.
• Helps soothe the skin and reduce redness with niacinamide.
• Gentle enough for daily use without over-drying the skin.

Why avoid CeraVe Foaming Cleanser?

• May not be strong enough for people with severe acne issues.
• Some users experience mild purging when first using it.
• Slightly more expensive compared to Cetaphil.

2. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser is formulated specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps to reduce excess oil production and deeply cleanse pores without irritating them. This gentle foaming cleanser contains ingredients that may help to retain moisture while removing impurities, dirt, and makeup. Additionally, it also contains Glycerin and Dexpanthenol, which provide mild hydration and soothe irritated skin.

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Specifications:

Skin Type: Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Texture: Lightweight foaming gel

Why choose Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser?

• Great for oily, acne-prone skin due to deep pore cleansing properties.
• Controls excess oil production better than CeraVe.
• Lightweight formula that rinses off easily without leaving residue.
• Affordable and widely available in drugstores.

Why avoid Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser?

• Contains fragrance and sulfates, which may irritate sensitive skin.
• Some users report that it doesn’t help with acne breakouts.
• Might not provide enough hydration for combination skin.

Also Read: Best face wash for women in 2025: Top 10 choices for clear skin

CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Understand the ingredients

Before picking the best cleanser for oily skin, get a better understanding of its ingredients:

1. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

1. Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) – It may help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier and lock in moisture.
2. Hyaluronic acid – It can hydrate the skin by retaining moisture. A study published in Dermatologic Therapy states that it can reduce the signs of premature skin ageing and boost hydration.
3. Niacinamide – The best face wash containing niacinamide can soothe inflammation, reduce redness, and improve skin texture.
4. Non-comedogenic & fragrance-free – It may prevent pore clogging and irritation, which makes it safe for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Also Read: How to choose skin care products for oily skin to prevent acne and unblock pores

2. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

1. Glycerin – This skincare ingredient attracts and retains moisture to prevent excessive dryness.
2. Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5) – A face wash with this ingredient can soothe and repair damaged skin.
3. Butylene glycol – It may help to improve skin texture and act as a humectant.
4. Sodium laureth sulfate – By providing deep cleansing action, it can remove excess oil.

CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Effectiveness & performance

To make the most out of the best face wash for oily skin, it is a good option to be aware of its performance beforehand.

1. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

• The best face cleanser for oily skin can provide a deep yet gentle cleansing experience.
• It can effectively remove excess oil and dirt without stripping moisture.
• This face wash for oily skin from CeraVe is suitable for sensitive skin because of its fragrance-free and non-irritating formula.
• Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it may help in hydrating and repairing the skin barrier.
• It may work well for mild acne-prone skin, but may not be strong enough for severe acne cases.

2. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

• This face wash may effectively control oil production, which makes it great for very oily skin.
• It promises to deeply cleanse the pores but may not be hydrating enough for some users.
• Some users experience mild irritation due to the presence of fragrance and sulfates.
• It works well for daily use but may not be highly effective for severe acne.

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CeraVe vs Cetaphil: How to use the best face wash?

To get maximum benefits, it is important to use face washes correctly:

1. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

• Wet your face with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of cleanser and gently massage in a circular motion.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
• Follow up with a moisturiser and sunscreen (if used in the morning).

2. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

• Wet your face with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of cleanser and lather gently.
• Rinse off and pat dry.
• Use a moisturiser afterward for hydration.

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CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Price comparison

CeraVe’s Foaming Cleanser (236ml) costs Rs 1,096, offering more product per rupee. In contrast, Cetaphil’s Oily Skin Cleanser (125ml) and Moisturising Cream (80g) together cost Rs 1,010, but the cleanser alone is smaller in quantity. If you are solely looking for a face wash, CeraVe provides better value for volume. However, Cetaphil’s combo includes hydration, making it a budget-friendly choice for a complete skincare routine.

Also Read: How to pick the best face wash for your skin type: A buying guide for healthy skin

CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Customer reaction

1. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Most users find this face wash effective for daily cleansing without drying out their skin. While many appreciate the hydrating and soothing properties of this face wash, some users experience breakouts or irritation during the first few days of use.

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2. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser

Customers love the deep cleansing ability and oil-control properties of this facial cleanser for oily skin. Some users say it makes their skin feel fresh and clean after each wash. However, a few customers reported irritation due to fragrance and felt it didn’t help with acne.

CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Which one is better?

Both CeraVe Foaming Cleanser and Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser are great options for oily skin, but the right choice depends on your specific needs. If you have oily but sensitive skin and prefer a hydrating, non-irritating formula, go for CeraVe. On the other hand, if you have extremely oily skin and need a deep pore cleanser, Cetaphil is a better choice. Ultimately, CeraVe is better for maintaining long-term skin health, while Cetaphil is ideal for controlling excess oil on very oily skin.

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(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)