Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover for acne-prone skin
Aloe Barbadensis
Panax Ginseng
Camellia Sinensis
Cucumis Sativus Extract
GlycerinAverage
- HighCombination Skin Fit
- AverageEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
Works for acne-prone skin; other pre-cleansers fit it better.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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 excellent makeup removal for your combination skin, as Poloxamer 184 and Benzalkonium Chloride effectively dissolve impurities, while glycerin and aloe barbadensis leaf juice provide hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Ingredients like Panax Ginseng Root Extract and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract offer general cleansing support, though they are not specifically targeted for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.
- The product is safe for your acne-prone skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components.
How to apply
- Use this makeup remover PM as the first step of your evening routine to clear away dirt and oil. Start 3x/week and work up to daily use if your combination skin tolerates it well.
- Apply this makeup remover before cleansing and using the rest of your skin products. This ensures all makeup and impurities are fully washed away.
- Gently press a small amount of the makeup remover onto your face using a soft cotton pad. Avoid rubbing the skin too harshly to prevent irritation.
- Apply the makeup remover on dry skin to easily dissolve makeup and clear out blemishes. There is no need to dampen your face beforehand.
- Do a patch test before first use to ensure your skin reacts well. Avoid the delicate eye area while applying.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 4.5k+ reviewsA significant number of users report that it leaves an oily film requiring a second cleanse and find the bottle design dispenses too much product at once.
Highlights
Removes waterproof makeup Mostly Mentioned
- “dissolves waterproof mascara”
- “takes off long-wear eyeliner”
- “removes heavy foundation”
Gentle on eyes Often Mentioned
- “no stinging”
- “doesn't burn eyes”
- “great for contact lens wearers”
Leaves oily residue Often Mentioned
- “greasy film”
- “oily after-feel”
- “blurry vision”
Fragrance-free Sometimes Noted
- “no scent”
- “neutral smell”
- “good for allergies”
Non-drying formula Sometimes Noted
- “leaves skin soft”
- “conditioning feel”
- “not stripping”
Poor bottle design Sometimes Noted
- “spills easily”
- “opening too wide”
- “wastes product”
Requires rinsing Sometimes Noted
- “must wash off”
- “residue lingers”
- “needs second cleanse”
Price per ounce Rarely Noted
- “small bottle”
- “expensive for size”
- “runs out fast”
Sources: lovi.care, cetaphil.com, amazon.com, walmart.com, target.com, ulta.com, and more
Questions and answers
How well does Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover work for acne-prone skin?
This makeup remover works safely on acne-prone skin without causing irritation, though it is not specifically targeted for breakouts. A product of this type needs nourishing oils and extracts that provide soothing properties and relevant benefits for acne and blemishes, while cleansing extremely well.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
Which ingredients make this makeup remover a good fit for acne-prone skin?
This makeup remover is a decent fit for acne-prone skin thanks to ingredients like aloe barbadensis and camellia sinensis extract, which help soothe the skin and calm breakouts. A makeup remover for this skin type needs nourishing oils and plant extracts that provide soothing properties and relevant skincare benefits for blemishes, alongside gentle cleansing agents that do not cause irritation.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Clinical Pharmacology, 2018
What does Aloe Vera do for acne-prone skin?
Aloe vera helps calm acne-prone skin by reducing redness, swelling, and the number of blemishes. It works well to soothe irritated areas while keeping the skin smooth and comfortable.
What does Panax Ginseng do for acne-prone skin?
Panax ginseng helps acne-prone skin by calming redness and reducing oxidized oil. Depending on the specific extract and formulation, it may help improve breakout symptoms or soothe irritation, though certain forms like red ginseng oil might increase sebum and aggravate acne.
Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This makeup remover goes in the evening routine before your cleanser, as a first step to take off makeup. Acne-prone skin works best with products that also target breakouts and blemishes using specialized active ingredients.
Can I use this makeup remover with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this makeup remover in the evening before your cleanser and retinol treatment. It is unlikely to irritate your skin, but acne-prone skin needs breakout-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to see the best results.
How often should I use it?
You can use this makeup remover in the evening whenever you wear makeup, as it is safe for your acne-prone skin and unlikely to cause irritation. To better care for breakouts and blemishes, acne-prone skin needs targeted ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Can this makeup remover clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This makeup remover is safe for your acne-prone skin and is unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts, as it lacks harsh ingredients and includes soothing components. However, acne-prone skin needs products with targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and a non-greasy formula to truly thrive.
Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol).
What the research says
A cream combining propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera reduced erythema scars, acne severity index, and total lesion count better than erythromycin cream in sixty patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris compared to placebo.
Clinical Pharmacology, 2018A 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, 2017Epigallocatechin-3-gallate significantly improved acne in patients compared to the control side during an 8-week clinical trial.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2013An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Topical aloe vera gel significantly accelerated split-thickness skin graft donor-site healing compared to placebo in 12 patients, but showed no significant difference in pain relief.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2018Topical application of Aloe vera cream reduced postoperative pain at rest and during defecation, accelerated wound healing at two weeks, and decreased analgesic requirements in patients after open hemorrhoidectomy compared to placebo.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010Formulations containing 0.10%, 0.25%, and 0.50% freeze-dried Aloe vera extract increased stratum corneum water content compared with the vehicle in 20 female subjects, while transepidermal water loss was not modified.
Skin Research and Technology, 2006Enzyme-modified ginseng extract cream significantly reduced the global photo-damage score and various roughness measures including total roughness, smoothness depth, and arithmetic roughness average compared to placebo in 23 human subjects.
Rejuvenation Research, 2015A red ginseng hydrogel formulation with 1,2-hexanediol promoted selective growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and decreased Cutibacterium acnes in 20 female subjects.
Journal of Ginseng Research, 2022A 1% fermented black ginseng cream significantly reduced eye wrinkles and brightened skin color in twenty-three human subjects compared to control cream and baseline.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. Part A, 2020Topical green tea extract significantly improved clinical symptoms, tear breakup times, and meibomian gland health compared to standard treatment in patients with dry eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2017Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009Topical application of green tea extract encapsulated chitosan microparticles improved skin elasticity, melanin index, and facial wrinkles compared to a placebo in female volunteers without causing skin irritation.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022Transgenic cucumber expressing poly-γ-glutamic acid synthesis genes increased water content by 6-14%, reduced water loss by 11-12%, decreased facial wrinkles and roughness by 19.58% and 24.97%, decreased skin melanin by 5.27%, and improved facial elasticity in human skin and zebrafish compared to controls.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024Copper Oxide nanoparticles synthesized using cucumber extract exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, UV protection, and reactive-oxygen species inhibition properties with low cellular toxicity and skin-rejuvenating effects when incorporated into skin cream.
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets, 2021Topical treatment with Holothuria parva extract gel showed significant wound contraction compared to the negative control in full-thickness wounded rats.
The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 2024The 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, 2012
Ingredients
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Poloxamer 184, Benzalkonium Chloride, Tetrasodium Edta, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Allantoin
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
How does it fit your skin?
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