Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (20 oz. 2 pk.)

Common questions

Is Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (20 oz. 2 pk.) healthy?

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (20 oz. 2 pk.) scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide, which are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties.

Which ingredients drive Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (20 oz. 2 pk.)'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Panthenol, Niacinamide count in its favor; Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Masking Fragrance are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (20 oz. 2 pk.)

Cetaphil
75 Good

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

$13.44 · 20 oz · $0.67 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Galderma
Category Face Wash
Summary

This facial cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, panthenol, and niacinamide, which are known for their moisturizing and soothing properties. However, the presence of masking fragrance, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, detracts from its overall safety profile. Additionally, the inclusion of acrylates, which are synthetic polymers, indicates a moderate level of processing.

Key ingredients 13

Panthenol
Very Good

Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a moisturizing agent that helps improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for sensitive skin. It supports skin barrier function and promotes healing.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration, soothes irritation, and supports skin healing.

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Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and is a common ingredient in skincare products. Its moisturizing properties make it beneficial for maintaining skin hydration.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Glycerin helps to maintain skin hydration by attracting moisture.

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Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that offers multiple skin benefits, including improving skin tone and texture. It helps reduce inflammation, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and enhances the skin barrier function.

Risks

Very low risk of irritation; generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

Improves skin tone, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks associated with its use in skincare.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in dissolving other ingredients and provides a base for the formulation.

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Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, used to create foam and cleanse the skin. It is generally considered safe and effective for use in personal care products. However, it can cause irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin.

Risks

May cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and foaming properties.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Neutral

Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate is a mild surfactant used for its cleansing properties. It is less irritating than traditional sulfates and is often used in formulations for sensitive skin. While generally safe, it can still cause irritation in some individuals.

Risks

Potential for mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Provides effective cleansing with reduced irritation compared to harsher sulfates.

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Neutral

Sodium Cocoamphoacetate is a mild surfactant used for its foaming and cleansing properties. It is derived from coconut oil and is considered gentle on the skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin types due to its mild nature.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation, generally considered safe.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing and foaming action.

Pantolactone
Neutral

Pantolactone is used as a humectant and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps retain moisture in the skin, contributing to a hydrated appearance. It is generally considered safe for use in skincare products.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

Helps retain moisture and conditions the skin.

Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride, or table salt, is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations. It helps improve the viscosity of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation; generally safe.

Benefits

Improves product viscosity and texture.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations and acts as a mild exfoliant. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. While generally safe, it can cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation, especially in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Adjusts pH and provides mild exfoliation.

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Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
Masking Fragrance
Bad

Fragrance is often added to cosmetics to enhance the sensory experience, but it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It is a common cause of contact dermatitis and is considered a potential skin sensitizer. Fragrance can also mask the presence of other potentially harmful chemicals.

Risks

High risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Enhances the sensory experience of the product.

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