🇨🇦Canada

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for combination skin

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

High

  • HighCombination Skin Fit
  • HighEffectiveness
  • ExcellentSafety

A great choice for combination skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. 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

  • Highly suitable for your combination skin, this cleanser effectively addresses oily shine with niacinamide for oil control and glycerin for balanced hydration, ensuring both oily and dry areas are managed.
  • The formula's cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate provide excellent pore-cleansing action, further supporting your goal of managing oily shine.
  • Its safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like panthenol.

How to apply

  • Use this cleanser AM and PM as part of your daily routine. Start 3×/week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply this cleanser as the very first step in your morning routine and right after your pre-cleanser in the evening.
  • Gently massage a small amount of cleanser onto your skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  • For the best results , apply the cleanser directly onto slightly damp skin to help lift away excess oil.
  • Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.

People Say

★4.6Overall rating based on 1.4k+ reviews

Based 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 a great fit for combination skin?

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is a great fit because niacinamide controls oily shine while glycerin balances hydration to manage both oily and dry areas. Its gentle ingredients like panthenol help soothe the skin without causing irritation while effectively cleaning pores.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for combination skin?

Niacinamide and glycerin make this cleanser a good fit by helping control oily shine while keeping dry areas balanced with steady hydration. Cocamidopropyl betaine and disodium laureth sulfosuccinate provide deep pore cleansing, while panthenol soothes the skin and is unlikely to cause irritation.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

What does Glycerin do for combination skin?

Glycerin helps keep combination skin soft and smooth by pulling moisture in and keeping it there. It improves hydration and supports your skin barrier, which is unlikely to cause irritation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Niacinamide do for combination skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oily areas by reducing excess shine and pore size while keeping dry patches hydrated and smooth. It also works to calm redness and even out skin tone, making it very suitable for combination skin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This cleanser goes in your routine in both the morning and the evening, helping manage oily shine while keeping your skin balanced. It is very unlikely to cause irritation thanks to soothing panthenol.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser with retinol by using the cleanser first both morning and evening, as its gentle formula with panthenol helps prevent irritation. A barrier-friendly cleanser is unlikely to cause issues when paired with retinoids, and using soothing ingredients like panthenol may help keep your skin calm.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser is a great fit for your combination skin and is gentle enough for daily use in both your morning and evening routines. It helps manage oily shine while keeping dry areas balanced, and its soothing ingredients mean it is unlikely to cause irritation.

The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002

Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This cleanser is a great fit and is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on combination skin. It features niacinamide and glycerin to balance oily and dry areas, while panthenol helps soothe the skin without irritation.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

Yes, you can use this cleanser on your body and around the eyes because its gentle formula features panthenol and lacks harsh ingredients, making it very safe for thin skin. It cleanses deeply while keeping the skin calm and hydrated without causing irritation.

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2017

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, 2017
  • Topical 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, 2002
  • A 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, 2017
  • A 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, 2025
  • The 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, 2020
  • Ten 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, 2001
  • Niacinamide/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, 2012
  • Topical 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, 2021
  • Topical 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, 2008
  • Topical 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, 2005
  • Moisturizer 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, 2019
  • Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans.

    Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000
  • Hyaluronic 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, 2020
  • The 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.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product.

Buy online

Prices checked 10 Oct – 3 Nov 2026

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

How does it fit your skin?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.