Cetaphil PRO DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash for dry sensitive skin
Glycerin
Zinc Coceth Sulfate
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Zinc Gluconate
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Low
- CautionDry Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ConcerningSafety
A weak match for dry sensitive skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. 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
- Offers moderate cleansing for your dry and sensitive skin as zinc coceth sulfate and glycerin gently cleanse without harshness, though the formula lacks sufficient moisturizing ingredients to address your dry or flaky skin concerns.
- The presence of zinc coceth sulfate and peg-75 may strip natural oils, potentially exacerbating dryness for your dry skin type.
How to apply
- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your face fresh. Start slowly once a day if your dry skin feels sensitive at first.
- Apply your cleanser first thing in your routine before any toner or moisturizer. Follow the usual steps for your AM or PM daily routine.
- Gently massage the cleanser onto your face using soft circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to protect your dry skin.
- Apply the cleanser to slightly damp skin to help it clean gently without stripping moisture. This method is very safe for sensitive and dry skin types.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and avoid the delicate eye area. Always do a patch test before using the product for the first time.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 8.2k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, users with oily and acne-prone skin widely praise this cleanser for its ability to effectively remove excess sebum and control shine without stripping the moisture barrier, often describing it as a "holy grail" for sensitive, combination skin. While the majority report a gentle, non-irritating experience that leaves skin feeling matte and balanced, a notable minority experiences sensitivity to the fragrance or a burning sensation upon application.
Highlights
Effective oil control Often Mentioned
- “keeps my face matte for hours”
- “significantly reduced my midday shine”
- “removes grease without leaving residue”
- “best oil control wash I've tried”
Gentle and non-stripping Often Mentioned
- “cleans deep but doesn't leave skin tight”
- “gentle enough for my sensitive skin”
- “doesn't make my face feel dry or squeaky”
- “leaves skin feeling soft and balanced”
Helps clear acne Sometimes Noted
- “noticed fewer breakouts after two weeks”
- “keeps my hormonal acne at bay”
- “helped clear up my forehead bumps”
- “great maintenance wash for acne-prone skin”
Pleasant foam texture Sometimes Noted
- “love the light, airy foam”
- “one pump covers the whole face”
- “lathers well and rinses easily”
- “foam feels luxurious and soft”
Strong fragrance Sometimes Noted
- “scent is overpowering and lingers”
- “smells too like cheap perfume”
- “fragrance irritated my sensitive nose”
- “wish they made an unscented version”
Burning sensation Rarely Noted
- “burned my face immediately upon applying”
- “stung my eyes and cheeks bad”
- “caused redness and heat sensation”
- “felt like a chemical burn”
Can be drying Rarely Noted
- “left dry patches around my mouth”
- “too drying for winter use”
- “made my skin feel tight and flaky”
- “stripped my skin too much”
Pump issues Rarely Noted
- “pump gets stuck often”
- “dispenser broke halfway through bottle”
- “hard to get the last bit out”
Sources: lovi.care, iherb.com, ulta.com, walmart.com, influenster.com, well.ca, and more
Questions and answers
Why is Cetaphil PRO DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash a weak match for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is a weak match because it lacks enough moisturizing ingredients for dry or flaky skin, and some of its cleansing ingredients may strip natural oils and worsen dryness. A cleanser for this skin needs a rich blend of hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and health.
Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for dry sensitive skin?
Zinc coceth sulfate and peg-75 make this cleanser a weak match because they may strip natural oils and worsen flakiness on dry skin. Cleansers for this skin type need rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect the skin.
What does Glycerin do for dry sensitive skin?
Glycerin helps dry sensitive skin by drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there, making the skin soft and smooth. It is very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation while improving how well the skin holds onto water. This type of skin needs ingredients that boost hydration and repair the barrier without causing stinging.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008
What does Zinc Coceth Sulfate do for dry sensitive skin?
Zinc Coceth Sulfate cleanses the skin, but for dry sensitive skin it may cause dryness and irritation by disturbing the skin barrier. A product of this type needs gentle cleansers combined with soothing lipids and moisture-locking ingredients to keep dry sensitive skin soft and calm.
European Journal of Dermatology, 2015Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013
Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser goes into both your morning and evening routine, but it is a weak match because it may strip natural oils and lacks sufficient moisturizing ingredients to address your dry skin. A cleanser for dry sensitive skin needs gentle cleansing agents alongside rich moisturizing ingredients and oils to keep the skin soft and comfortable.
Can I use this cleanser with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this cleanser with retinol, but because it is a weak match for your dry and sensitive skin, it may strip natural oils and worsen flakiness. To care for this skin type properly, a cleanser used with retinol needs gentle moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hydrating oils to protect your skin barrier.
How often should I use this cleanser?
This cleanser is a weak match for your dry sensitive skin because it may strip natural oils and lacks enough moisturizing ingredients to help with dryness and flaking. A cleanser for this skin needs gentle cleansing agents alongside rich moisturizing ingredients and oils to keep skin soft and comfortable.
Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry sensitive skin, but it may worsen flaking and dry patches. A product of this type needs richer moisturizing ingredients to care for dry skin without stripping natural oils.
Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?
This cleanser may be too harsh for the very thin skin around your eyes and body because certain ingredients tend to strip natural oils and dry out sensitive skin. A cleanser for this skin needs extra moisturizing ingredients and gentle cleansers to keep the skin soft and comfortable.
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, 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, 2001Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025A dermocosmetic cream containing Punica granatum Pericarp extract, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide, Zinc gluconate, and Aqua Posae Filiformis significantly decreased inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesion counts in subjects with mild to moderate acne compared to untreated hemi-faces after 15 days.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026Daily use of a deep cleansing gel containing salicylic acid 2%, zinc gluconate 0.2% and lipohydroxy acid 0.05% significantly reduced total lesion count by 56.3% after 84 days in 35 subjects with mild to moderate truncal acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023Different strains of Propionibacterium acnes modulate cutaneous innate immunity with varying pro-inflammatory potentials, with P. acnes type III showing the highest and P. avidum the weakest, and zinc gluconate down-regulates the expression of most induced immune markers.
Experimental Dermatology, 2013
Why other cleansers fit dry sensitive skin better
Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation.
Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017A cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate improved facial sensitive skin symptoms and skin barrier function in 110 participants over 28 days.
Skin Research and Technology, 2024A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Ingredients
Water, Zinc Coceth Sulfate, Glycerin, Peg-75, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Zinc Gluconate, Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Benzoate, Masking, Disodium Edta
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.
-
Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-
Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-
Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-
Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-
Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-
Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-
Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.