Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for oily skin

Glycerin
Niacinamide
Panthenol Vitamin B5
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
Superior
- SuperiorOily Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best cleansers for oily skin.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your oily skin as niacinamide and glycerin work synergistically to regulate oil production and provide essential hydration, effectively addressing concerns about oily shine.
- Cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate offer superior pore-cleansing capabilities, further enhancing the product's effectiveness for your skin type.
- The formulation is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and including soothing components like panthenol and niacinamide.
How to apply
- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 1.4k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users consistently praise this cleanser as a gentle, non-stripping option ideal for sensitive, combination, and oily skin types, noting that it effectively removes dirt and oil without disrupting the moisture barrier. While the majority report softer, balanced skin, a subset of long-time users expressed dissatisfaction with the recent formula change, citing issues with the new scent and occasional irritation.
Highlights
Gentle and non-stripping Mostly Mentioned
- “cleans without stripping”
- “doesn't leave skin tight”
- “gentle enough for daily use”
- “skin feels soft”
- “no over-scrubbed sensation”
Safe for sensitive skin Often Mentioned
- “no redness or irritation”
- “great for sensitive skin”
- “doesn't cause breakouts”
- “hypoallergenic formula”
Dermatologist recommended Sometimes Noted
- “recommended by my derm”
- “staple brand”
- “trusted for years”
- “doctor suggested”
- “classic skincare staple”
Effective daily cleansing Sometimes Noted
- “removes excess oil”
- “reliable everyday face wash”
- “skin feels fresh”
- “good morning cleanser”
- “minimizes pores”
Poor makeup removal Sometimes Noted
- “doesn't remove mascara”
- “struggles with heavy makeup”
- “need a second cleanse”
- “leaves residue behind”
- “not for waterproof makeup”
Scent complaints Sometimes Noted
- “smells like masking fragrance”
- “scent is too strong”
- “smells like chemical/glue”
- “preferred the old smell”
- “weird perfume odor”
Hydrating ingredients Rarely Noted
- “contains niacinamide”
- “hydrating glycerin”
- “leaves skin moisturized”
- “vitamin B5 included”
- “helps moisture barrier”
Drying for some Rarely Noted
- “dried out my cheeks”
- “skin felt tight”
- “caused flaky patches”
- “not hydrating enough”
- “stripped my natural oils”
Formula change irritation Rarely Noted
- “new formula burns”
- “caused stinging”
- “face turned red”
- “broke me out”
- “irritated my eyes”
Texture issues Rarely Noted
- “feels slimy”
- “leaves a film”
- “hard to rinse off”
- “too runny”
- “lotion-like consistency”
Sources: lovi.care, ulta.com, influenster.com, walmart.com, cetaphil.com, byrdie.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser one of the best fits for oily skin?
This cleanser is a great fit because niacinamide and glycerin help regulate oil while keeping skin hydrated, which controls oily shine. Its deep-cleaning ingredients clean out pores effectively, and soothing panthenol keeps the formula gentle on your skin.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily skin?
Niacinamide and glycerin make this cleanser a great fit because they help control excess oil while keeping your skin hydrated. Cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate also provide deep pore-cleansing power, while panthenol soothes your skin without harsh ingredients.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
What does Glycerin do for oily skin?
Glycerin helps keep oily skin hydrated without feeling heavy and supports the skin barrier. Because this product is a weak fit for your skin, an ideal product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that balance oil while protecting the skin.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008International Journal of Toxicology, 2019
What does Niacinamide do for oily skin?
Niacinamide helps balance oily skin by significantly reducing excess oil production and shine. It is well tolerated and may improve skin texture without clogging pores.
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006Antioxidants, 2021
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily skin?
This cleanser goes in your routine every morning and evening to help wash away dirt and excess oil. It features gentle pore-cleansing ingredients that are well-suited to keep oily skin feeling fresh without irritation.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser with retinol by washing your face with it first before applying your retinol treatment. This helps clear away excess oil and impurities safely while soothing components like panthenol and niacinamide reduce the likelihood of irritation.
How often should I use this cleanser?
You can use this cleanser twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine, because it cleans pores effectively while helping to balance oil and keep skin calm. Using a gentle cleanser daily is unlikely to irritate your skin and helps improve overall comfort.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on oily skin, as it contains gentle ingredients that clear out pores while keeping your skin calm and balanced. Niacinamide and glycerin help regulate oil and provide light hydration without heaviness, making it a great fit for your skin type.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
Yes, you can use this cleanser around your eyes and on your body because its gentle formulation is safe and free of harsh ingredients, featuring soothing components like panthenol and niacinamide that help calm the skin.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025
Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Topical dexpanthenol acts as a moisturizer, improves stratum corneum hydration, accelerates wound healing and epidermal regeneration, reduces erythema, and improves symptoms of skin irritation compared to vehicle or no pretreatment.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002A panthenol-enriched mask significantly decreased erythema and hyperpigmentation, increased sebum and stratum corneum moisture, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to a saline dressing in 60 subjects undergoing facial laser treatment.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025A new topical panthenol-containing emollient significantly improved transepidermal water loss reduction, stratum corneum hydration, and intercellular lipid lamellae length compared with control in healthy subjects without negatively impacting bacterial viability.
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging.
Dermatologic Surgery, 2005Moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese decreased adverse reactions and downtime after ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing with comparable efficacy to 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide cream in 20 subjects.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.
Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000Hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol, and isotonic saline nasal sprays all significantly improved dry nose symptoms over four weeks in 240 patients, with hyaluronic acid plus dexpanthenol providing superior nasal moisturisation compared to the other two.
Auris, Nasus, Larynx, 2020The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration.
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Benzoate, Masking, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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