Cetaphil is a well-known skincare brand that offers a variety of cleansers and moisturizers for all skin types. Two of their most popular facial cleansers are the Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar and the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar.
While both products are gentle, non-irritating cleansers, there are some key differences between the two that are worth understanding before deciding which one is right for your skin.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Deep Cleansing Bar | Gentle Cleansing Bar |
| Cleansing Power | Stronger, deep cleansing of pores | Ultra-gentle cleansing |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium cocoyl isethionate, stearic acid, sodium tallowate | Sodium cocoyl isethionate |
| Hydration | Less hydrating | More hydrating |
| Lather | Rich, creamy lather | Light lather |
| Use | Once daily for normal/dry skin, twice daily for oily skin | Twice daily for all skin types |
| Skin Types | Best for oily, acne-prone skin | Best for dry, sensitive skin |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
| Residue | No pore-clogging residue | No pore-clogging residue |
| pH | pH balanced | pH balanced |
| Non-comedogenic | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
Overview Of Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar
The Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar contains sodium cocoyl isethionate, stearic acid and sodium tallowate which work together to thoroughly cleanse the skin. Some key features of this cleanser include:
- Deep cleans pores: The Deep Cleansing Bar is formulated to deeply penetrate pores and effectively remove dirt, makeup, excess oil and other impurities. The cleanser helps prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.
- Soap-free pH balanced formula: Despite containing “bar” in the name, the Deep Cleansing Bar is actually a soap-free, pH balanced formula. This makes it gentle enough for daily use on all skin types without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.
- Non-comedogenic: The Deep Cleansing Bar is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. It is a good option for acne-prone skin.
- Hypoallergenic: The formula does not contain fragrances or harsh ingredients that typically irritate sensitive skin. It is dermatologist tested to be hypoallergenic.
- Rinses clean: While deep cleansing, the bar still rinses cleanly without leaving any pore-clogging residue behind.
Overview Of Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
The key features of the Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar include:
- Ultra gentle formula: This bar contains mild cleansing agents like sodium cocoyl isethionate. It is extremely gentle and ideal for sensitive skin that may be prone to irritation from other cleansers.
- Non-drying: The Gentle Cleansing Bar thoroughly cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Skin is left soft and hydrated after cleansing.
- Soap-free and fragrance-free: Like the Deep Cleansing Bar, the Gentle Cleansing Bar has a soap-free, pH balanced formula. It also does not contain any fragrances or masking fragrances.
- Rinses clean: No pore-clogging residue is left behind after rinsing the Gentle Cleansing Bar off the skin. It washes away cleanly.
- Dermatologist recommended: The Gentle Cleansing Bar is recommended by dermatologists including for those with sensitive, acne-prone and eczema-prone skin. It is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and clinically proven suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
Key Differences Between The Bars
Now that we’ve covered the main features of each bar, let’s compare the key differences:
- Cleansing Power: The Deep Cleansing Bar contains surfactants that penetrate deeper to unclog pores, remove oil and lift away impurities. The Gentle Cleansing Bar has a lighter cleansing formula that is best for sensitive skin prone to dryness or irritation.
- Sensitizing Ingredients: The Deep Cleansing Bar contains sodium tallowate which may irritate very sensitive skin. The Gentle bar does not contain this ingredient.
- Hydration: The Gentle bar is more hydrating than the Deep bar and less likely to cause any tight or dry feeling.
- Intensity: The Deep Cleansing Bar has a richer, creamier lather that provides a deeper cleanse. The Gentle bar has a lighter foam.
- Use: The Gentle bar can be used twice daily, while the Deep bar may be too drying for some skin to use more than once a day.
Choosing The Right Cetaphil Bar For You
When deciding between the Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar versus the Gentle Cleansing Bar, consider your skin type and needs:
- For oily, acne-prone skin: Use the Deep Cleansing Bar to remove excess oil, deep clean pores and prevent breakouts. The stronger formula is ideal for this skin type.
- For normal skin that needs daily cleansing: The Deep Cleansing Bar provides thorough cleansing for normal skin without over-drying. Use once or twice daily.
- For dry or sensitive skin: Choose the ultra-gentle Gentle Cleansing Bar which cleanses without stripping moisture or irritating skin. It is ideal for daily cleansing of dry, sensitive complexions.
- For skin conditions like eczema or rosacea: The hypoallergenic, fragrance-free Gentle Cleansing Bar is the best Cetaphil option for most skin conditions that require gentle cleansing.
- For anti-aging: The Gentle bar may be better for mature skin as it is more hydrating and less likely to cause dryness, irritation and inflammation that can age skin.
No matter which bar you choose, Cetaphil cleansers provide effective yet gentle cleansing without disrupting the skin barrier or leaving any pore-clogging residue behind. Follow up your cleansing routine with a good Cetaphil moisturizer suited for your skin type.
Also Read: Is Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar Better Than Antibacterial?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main Cetaphil cleansers are the Deep Cleansing Bar and Gentle Cleansing Bar. The Deep Cleansing Bar contains stronger surfactants like sodium tallowate to deeply penetrate pores, lifting away oils, dirt and other impurities. The Gentle Cleansing Bar has a milder formula with gentler cleansing agents to avoid drying out sensitive skin.
The Deep Cleansing Bar can be used daily for oily, acne-prone skin but may be too drying for dry or sensitive skin with daily use. For normal to dry skin, limit use of the Deep bar to 1-2 times per week and opt for the Gentle bar for daily cleansing.
For most skin types, the Gentle Cleansing Bar is the best Cetaphil soap because it provides thorough yet gentle cleansing for face and body without over-drying the skin. The Deep Cleansing Bar is best for oily, acne-prone skin that needs stronger cleansing power.
The new Cetaphil cleanser formulas contain less ingredients and do not include sodium lauryl sulfate which can be drying for some skin types. The new Gentle Cleansing Bar has an updated ultra-gentle formula while the new Deep Cleansing Bar has a richer lather while still being non-drying. The pH balanced, non-comedogenic properties remain effective but gentler.
Also Read: Comparison Between Image Skincare And Skinceuticals.
Conclusion
In summary, those with oily or acne-prone skin will benefit most from the deep pore cleansing abilities of the Cetaphil Deep Cleansing Bar. Sensitive, dry or mature skin will appreciate the lighter cleansing and nourishing properties of the Gentle Cleansing Bar.
Both provide non-irritating, hypoallergenic formulas that effectively cleanse while respecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Consider your unique skin needs and type when deciding which Cetaphil cleansing bar is right for you.