# Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for oily skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily skin, with sodium cocoyl isethionate and cocamidopropyl betaine effectively removing impurities and glycerin providing hydration. Niacinamide and aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder further support sebum regulation and soothing effects, though stronger oil-control ingredients would enhance its benefits for oily shine.
- The formula is safe for your oily skin, as it avoids harsh ingredients and includes niacinamide and aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder to minimize irritation.
- While providing general hydration and cleansing, the product's formulation lacks sufficient specialized ingredients for optimal oil control, making it a suboptimal choice for directly addressing oily shine.

## Fit by skin type

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

- Sodium cocoyl isethionate micelles are too large to penetrate stratum corneum aqueous pores, resulting in significant steric hindrance that prevents skin barrier perturbation and explains its skin mildness. ([Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 oily skin better

- 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/))
- Combined ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate treatment significantly reduced facial sebum secretions in healthy female volunteers compared to a placebo control over 90 days. ([Drug Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27756097/))

## 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

- 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.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser a weak match for oily skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for oily skin because it lacks sufficient specialized ingredients for optimal oil control and shiny skin. Oily skin of this type needs stronger oil-control ingredients and targeted sebum-regulating components to properly manage excess shine.

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for oily skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for oily skin because it lacks stronger oil-control ingredients to properly manage oily shine. Cleansers of this type need targeted oil-control ingredients and sebum-regulating components to effectively handle excess oil.

### 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.
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 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.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Antioxidants, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34439563/)

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

This cleanser goes in the morning and evening routine, though it lacks strong oil-control ingredients and leaves oily skin needing stronger oil-control ingredients to properly handle oily shine.

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol, applying it before your retinol treatment to gently wash your face without harshness. While it is safe and non-irritating for your skin, oily skin types tackling shine also need cleansers with stronger oil-controlling ingredients.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily in the morning and evening as part of your routine. While it safely washes away impurities and hydrates your skin, oily skin requires stronger oil-control ingredients to properly manage shine.

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

This cleanser is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it avoids harsh ingredients and includes niacinamide and aloe to help soothe the skin. To properly manage oily shine, a cleanser of this type needs stronger oil-control ingredients.
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 may be used on the body and around the eyes, though the thin skin in the eye area needs gentle care. A cleanser of this type for oily skin needs stronger oil-control ingredients, alongside soothing agents and hydration.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17598025/)

### 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 oily skin

- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 241.37 at Amazon
- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 191.00 at Amazon
- [Missha Super Aqua Ultra Hyalron Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/missha/super-aqua-ultra-hyalron-cleansing-foam/for/oily-skin) — High fit — SAR 61.37 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 53.04 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 46.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 245.95 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Caudalie Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/caudalie/vinopure-purifying-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 187.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 39.70 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 245.95 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 36.33 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 157.51 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Clarify + Clear Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/goldfaden-md/facial-detox-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 328.29 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 53.04 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — SAR 222.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.sa: SAR 174.75 (https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B09Y4H2KSS?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 5 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/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin (this page)
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cetaphil/hydrating-foaming-cream-cleanser/for/oily-skin