We compared two popular gentle, non-foaming cleansers in the same 236ml size: the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
What we looked at
Skin type, key ingredients, fragrance, what each listing says about cleansing and hydration, and price per 100ml. The CeraVe listing bullets are placeholder text, so its copy uses its title.
The verdict
If you want a non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser for normal to dry skin with hyaluronic acid and 3 essential ceramides, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is the ceramide pick, at £9.37, about £3.97 per 100ml. If you would rather pay slightly less for a soap-free face and body wash with niacinamide, pro-vitamin B5 and glycerin that is described as suitable for all ages, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the value option, at £8.50, about £3.60 per 100ml.
A non-foaming, fragrance-free cleanser with 3 ceramides and hyaluronic acid for £9.37.
A soap-free, fragrance-free face and body cleanser with niacinamide and glycerin for £8.50.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin with Hyaluronic Acid, 236ml — Ceramide Pick
Intended for: Marketed as a gentle, non-foaming face wash for normal to dry skin, enriched with hyaluronic acid and 3 essential ceramides, in a fragrance-free formula suitable for sensitive skin.
What we liked
- Enriched with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, per the title
- Gentle non-foaming face wash for normal to dry skin
- Fragrance-free formula, described as suitable for sensitive skin
- 236ml bottle
Worth knowing
- Costs 87p more than the Cetaphil on these listings, about £3.97 per 100ml against about £3.60
- The listing bullets are placeholder text with no further formula detail
Best for
- Normal to dry skin
- Anyone who wants a ceramide and hyaluronic acid cleanser
- Sensitive skin that wants a fragrance-free wash
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants the lowest price
- Buyers who want a listing with detailed claims
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Face and Body Wash 236ml, with Niacinamide, Pro Vitamin B5 and Glycerin — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a soap-free face and body wash for normal to dry sensitive skin with niacinamide, pro-vitamin B5 and glycerin, using micellar technology and suitable for all ages.
What we liked
- 87p cheaper than the CeraVe on these listings, about £3.60 per 100ml
- Formula with niacinamide, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) and glycerin
- Listing says it is clinically proven to remove dirt, make-up and impurities while preserving the skin's moisture barrier
- Micellar technology, stated to hydrate as it cleanses
- Fragrance free, non-comedogenic, vegan friendly, and can be used with or without water
Worth knowing
- Does not list ceramides or hyaluronic acid
- The listing describes a face and body wash rather than a face-only product
Best for
- Sensitive skin and all ages, per the listing
- Buyers who want the lower price
- Anyone who wants a face and body wash
Not ideal for
- Anyone who specifically wants ceramides
- Buyers who want a face-only cleanser
