# Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [Cetaphil](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/brands/cetaphil)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for acne-prone skin; other cleansers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts as niacinamide helps reduce inflammation and improve skin texture, while panthenol aids in skin repair and hydration.
- It is moderately suitable for combination skin, providing humectant action with glycerin and panthenol, but lacks stronger ingredients for effective oil control on oily areas.
- The product has a good safety profile with no risks of irritation for your acne-prone skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing agents like Niacinamide and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Ethylhexylglycerin

## What the research says

- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27425824/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/))
- 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945430/))
- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))
- 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](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32067777/))
- Topical 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, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29649056/))
- Topical 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, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20569031/))
- Formulations 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, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17026654/))

## Why other cleansers fit acne-prone skin better

- Topical 5% tea tree oil gel significantly improved total acne lesions and acne severity index compared to placebo in 60 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris, showing 3.55 times and 5.75 times greater efficacy respectively. ([Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314442/))
- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cleanser is highly recommended for dry and sensitive skin types, effectively cleansing without stripping moisture. Users frequently praise its gentle, hydrating, and soothing properties, along with its unique cream-to-foam texture. A moderate number of users note that it may not remove heavy or waterproof makeup effectively on its own.

- Liked: Gentle & non-stripping (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Cream-to-foam texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Hydrating after-feel (often mentioned)
- Liked: Soothing ingredients (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Weak makeup removal (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Pump efficiency (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Texture issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM and PM routine. Start using it 3 times a week and build up to daily use if your skin tolerates it.
- This cleanser is the first step in your morning routine and the second step after your pre-cleanser in the evening. Always follow up with a toner and moisturizer .
- Gently massage a small amount of the cleanser onto your face in circular motions. Avoid harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
- Apply the cleanser on slightly damp skin to help it work effectively against breakouts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water .
- Avoid the immediate eye area and do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser work for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser works moderately well for acne-prone skin, helping reduce breakouts and calm irritation with niacinamide and panthenol while keeping skin safe and comfortable. Because it lacks stronger ingredients for effective oil control on oily areas, a product of this type needs balancing ingredients like salicylic acid and oil-absorbing minerals to better manage excess oil and breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide, panthenol, and aloe leaf juice make this cleanser a fit for acne-prone skin by helping calm irritation, support skin repair, and keep skin calm. To work best for this skin type, a cleanser of this type needs stronger ingredients for oil control alongside gentle soothing and hydrating agents.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40613435/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### What does Glycerin do for acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep acne-prone skin hydrated and calm without clogging pores or feeling heavy. It supports the skin barrier so it stays soft and smooth while handling everyday treatments.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [International Journal of Toxicology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31840548/)

### What does Niacinamide do for acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps acne-prone skin by reducing both inflamed and uninflamed breakouts and calming redness. It is also very helpful for keeping oily skin balanced by cutting down on excess oil production, and it is well tolerated by most people.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/), [Cureus, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38725769/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser goes as the first step in your morning routine and the second step in your evening routine, following a makeup remover. It is a gentle option that is unlikely to irritate your skin, though acne-prone skin typically needs a cleanser with stronger ingredients for effective oil control.

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

You can use this cleanser in your routine before applying your retinol treatment, as it cleans gently without adding irritation to sensitive or breakout-prone skin. To help this type of skin handle retinol better, a cleanser for acne-prone skin also needs stronger ingredients for oil control.

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in your morning and evening routines as it is gentle on acne-prone skin. Because this type of skin needs more effective oil control, this product also works best when paired with ingredients like salicylic acid or clay.

### Can this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for acne-prone skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing agents like niacinamide and aloe. However, because it lacks stronger ingredients for effective oil control on oily areas, acne-prone skin needs products with targeted oil-balancing ingredients and blemish-fighting actives.
Sources: [Clinical Pharmacology, 2018](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/)

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

This cleanser is suitable for use on the body and around the eyes as it has a very safe profile with soothing ingredients like niacinamide and aloe vera that do not irritate. For the thin skin around the eyes and various body areas, it gently cleanses while helping maintain moisture.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12113650/)

### Is this cleanser fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €60.72 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €11.35 at Amazon
- [Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/grown-alchemist/hydra-restore-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €25.33 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.90 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Centella Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skin1004/centella-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €19.20 at Amazon
- SPF: [d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/d-alba/piedmont-waterfull-mild-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.75 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.nl: €15.78 (https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0CDXW9CSR?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Pantolactone, Citric Acid
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin