Our Top Products Picks
| Product | Action |
|---|---|
 CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin, Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides + Niacinamide, Fragrance Free & Paraben Free, Non-Drying Oil Control Face Wash, 16 Fluid Ounces[ FOAMING FACE WASH ] Dispenses as a clear gel cleanser and transforms into a foam as you lather. Cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight, dry, or stripped [NON- DRYING FACE CLEANSER] Fragrance-free, paraben free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, and non-irritating. Gently refreshes and effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup [ MULTI-USE SKIN CARE ] Skin Cleanser for face and/or body and can be used as a hand wash. Suitable for daily cleansing morning (AM) and night (PM) for normal to oily skin [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products, formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II)to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS & #1 DERMATOLOGIST RECOMMENDED SKINCARE BRAND ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has products suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more. | |
 La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser, Oil Free Face Wash for Women & Men with Niacinamide + Ceramides, Pore Cleanser Safe For Sensitive Skin, Won’t Dry Out Skin, Soap Free | |
 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin, With Zinc Pidolate To Remove Excess Oil, Alcohol Free & Oil Free, Face Wash For Oily Skin, Dermatologist & Sensitive Skin Tested | |
 CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin, Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides + Niacinamide, Fragrance Free & Paraben Free, Non-Drying Oil Control Face Wash, 8 Fluid Ounces | |
 ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, Facial Cleanser, for Double Cleansing, BHA, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Face Wash, Blackhead Remover, Korean Skincare (150ml/5.07 fl.oz.)Creates a delicate light foam infused with Heartleaf Extract, making it gentle yet effective, especially suitable for deeply cleansing oily and combination skin. GENTLE EXFOLIATION : Contains 3,000ppm Heartleaf powder which helps to gently clear deep within the pores, exfoliate dead skin cells and effectively clear any impurities. SOOTHES & CALMS SKIN : Quercetinol extracted from Heartleaf, known to effectively cure inflammation, quickly calms the skin and keeps the skin soothed even after cleansing. 0.5% BHA : BHA effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and help control sebum production. Chemical exfoliants are a much more gentler alternative to physical exfoliants like scrubs, to achieve smooth the skin texture and enhance radiance. Refreshing & Hydrating Finish : Inflused with triple Hyaluronic Acid, this cleanser doesn't strip the skin after cleansing, instead leaves the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. | |
 CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Daily Face Wash for Oily Skin, Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides + Niacinamide, Fragrance Free & Paraben Free, Non-Drying Oil Control Face Wash, 19 Fluid Ounce |
Finding the perfect facial cleanser for oily skin can feel like an impossible task. You need something that effectively removes excess sebum, dirt, and makeup without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier and causing irritation. The drugstore aisle is packed with options, but two brands consistently dominate the conversation: CeraVe and Cetaphil. Choosing the right cleanser is a crucial first step, as outlined in our guide on How to Build an Effective Skincare Routine on a Budget. In this post, we'll put CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser and Cetaphil's Daily Facial Cleanser head-to-head to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your routine.
At a Glance: CeraVe vs. Cetaphil for Oily Skin
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick comparison of the two leading drugstore cleansers for oily skin.
| Feature | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol |
| Texture | Clear gel that lathers into a robust foam | Clear gel with a gentle, low-lather foam |
| Best For | Normal to very oily, acne-prone skin | Oily, combination, and sensitive skin |
| Key Benefit | Cleanses and helps restore the skin barrier | Gently cleanses without stripping skin |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
| Value | Excellent; widely available in large sizes | Excellent; widely available in large sizes |
Head-to-Head Breakdown
While both cleansers are dermatologist-recommended and highly effective, their formulations offer slightly different benefits catering to different needs within the 'oily skin' category.
Ingredients & Formulation: Barrier Support vs. Gentle Efficacy
The primary difference lies in their core ingredients.
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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is formulated with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. This powerhouse combination not only controls oil and calms the skin (thanks to niacinamide) but actively works to maintain and restore the skin's protective barrier with ceramides and hydrate with hyaluronic acid. This makes it a fantastic multi-tasking cleanser.
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Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (often labeled for Normal to Oily skin) focuses on gentle yet effective cleansing. It also contains niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help with oil regulation, but its hero ingredients are glycerin for hydration and panthenol (Vitamin B5) to soothe the skin. Its formulation is minimalist, designed to cleanse thoroughly with a very low risk of irritation.
Cleansing Performance & Skin Feel
How a cleanser feels during and after use is a major deciding factor.
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CeraVe creates a satisfying, rich foam that efficiently cuts through oil, sunscreen, and light makeup. After rinsing, skin feels exceptionally clean and refreshed. For those with very oily skin, this deep-clean feeling is often exactly what they're looking for. However, if your skin is on the combination side, it might feel slightly tight.
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Cetaphil has a much gentler, lower-foaming lather. It cleanses effectively without giving that 'squeaky clean' feeling that can sometimes signal stripping. The skin is left feeling soft, comfortable, and balanced. This makes it an ideal choice for those who have oily but also sensitive or reactive skin.
Price & Value
Both CeraVe and Cetaphil are champions of budget-friendly skincare. They are priced very similarly, typically falling in the $10-$18 range for large pump bottles that last for months. You can't go wrong with either in terms of value for money. Both are staples in any affordable skincare routine.
So, which cleanser should you choose? The verdict comes down to your specific skin needs.
Choose CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser if:
- You have very oily or acne-prone skin.
- You appreciate a rich, foaming lather and a deep-clean feeling.
- You want the added skincare benefits of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support your skin barrier.
Choose Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser if:
- You have oily, combination, or sensitive skin.
- You are prone to irritation and prefer a minimalist, gentle formula.
- You want an effective cleanse that leaves your skin feeling soft and balanced, not tight.
Ultimately, both are top-tier, affordable options that deliver on their promises. Selecting the right one is a key step in creating a routine that works for you. Ready to build out the rest of your regimen? Explore our complete guide on How to Build an Effective Skincare Routine on a Budget for more expert tips.
