If you’re in search of a cleanser that won’t dry out or irritate your sensitive skin, then Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is the hydrating, fragrance-free answer you’ve been waiting for.
When it comes to skin care, the first step is a big one: cleansing. Us women with sensitive skin have it hard trying to find the ideal product. Cleansers are often overloaded with harsh, irritating ingredients. Enter the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser to save the day. Specially designed for sensitive skin, this soap free cleanser is a mild, foaming formula that leaves skin feeling smooth, clean and fresh, without overs drying.
In this post, I will discuss about my review of the Vanicream Facial Cleanser, its ingredients, pros and cons based on my experience. If you’re searching for a pH balanced face wash, or a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, this post will help you make that choice. For more insights, check out these Tips to Choose the Best Cleanser for Daily Use.
Let’s jump in and find out in the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser review, is it right for your skin or not
Did You Know?
The Vanicream Gentle Facial cleanser is free of typical irritants such as dye, fragrance, and parabens, so it is a go-to for dermatologists for those with sensitive skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea.
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Product Name | Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser |
Best For | Sensitive skin, daily use |
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Water Purified, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate |
Fragrance-Free | Yes |
pH Level | 5.5-6.5 |
Price Range | Affordable |
A Closer Look: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is quite a common and respected item, especially those with sensitive skin. Here’s what you need to know about what makes it unique:
- It’s formulated to be gentle and never irritating, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin, dry skin and even eczema-prone skin.
- It excludes numerous potential skin irritants, including: Dyes, Perfume and fragrances to mask the unpleasant ones, Lanolin, Parabens, Formaldehyde, Sulfates, Betaine, Botanical extracts, Essential oils, Gluten, Soap, Alcohol
- It is Non-Comedogenic, developed for not block pores.
- Helps keep skin’s natural pH.
- It deep cleanses to eliminate dirt, oil and makeup without stripping skin of its natural moisture.
Want to try it for yourself? Get the Cleanser here.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
It has a very basic but effective list of ingredients that makes the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser a standout. Here are a few key ingredients:
- Glycerin: A humectant that draws in water to the skin to keep it hydrated.
- Purified Water: Formula base to provide a gentle cleanse.
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: A gentle surfactant based on coconut oil, creates a mild lather which won’t irritate the skin.
- Fragrance-Free: Free from common irritants including fragrances, dyes, and parabens, this fragrance-free face wash is a safe bet for sensitive skin types.
First Look: My Thoughts on the Packaging
The packaging of the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is simple, no-frills and aptly characterizes its gentle formula. The pump is easy to use and dispenses just the right amount and it’s not a wasteful package. The streamlined look is functional but also attractive to those who like a minimalist approach to their skincare regimen.
Who Should Try this Cleanser?
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is perfect for:
- People with sensitive skin who are also prone to irritation.
- Individuals seeking a fragrance-free and soap-free choice.
- Those seeking a pH-balanced cleanser that maintains the skin’s natural barrier.
- Consumers who prefer affordable skincare products available at local drugstores and major retailers.
How I Use It for Best Results

The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is easy to use. Here’s a simple guide:
- Splash your face with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze a small amount of this cleanser into your hands.
- Apply in a circular motion on to your face, gentle massage the cleaner onto your face.
- Wash off completely with lukewarm water and finish by patting the face dry.
Pair It With
For best results, use with a Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for restore your moisture after you cleanse, and is great for those with dry or sensitive skin and a CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid serum to add a layer of hydration and for improving the skin barrier
User Reviews: What People Are Saying
Some users said that they have quite a bit of redness and dryness, especially in the winter. They saw a significant decrease in irritation upon using this fragrance-free face wash for a few weeks.
Editor’s Note: My Skin Type & Experience
My skin was clean but not that tight, dryness you sometimes get after other cleansers. I would describe it as a good option for those in search of a mild, effective cleanser for sensitive skin, overall.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Gentle Cleansers
Compared to other fragrance-free daily cleansers for sensitive skin, Vanicream is one of the few to keep it simple, being free from irritation-causing additives. Vanicream avoids the pitfalls of other cleansers that cram in fancy extras or harsh detergents.
Feature | Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser |
---|---|---|---|
Availability | Local drugstores, Sephora, Ulta | Local drugstores, online | Local drugstores, online |
Fragrance-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Soap-Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
pH-Balanced | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best For | Sensitive skin | All skin types | Sensitive skin |
Price Range | Affordable | Affordable | Expensive |
Mini Cleanser Face-Off
If you’re looking for a fragrance-free daily cleanser with fewer frills, Vanicream is the way to go. If you desire additional moisturizer punch or mild exfoliants, there might be better fit options, but nothing can quite compete with Vanicream’s gentle simplicity.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin, and will not cause any irritation to skin
- It thoroughly removes dirt and impurities from your skin. No stripping of natural moisture here, along with no residue left behind
- It helps maintain skin’s natural barrier
- Suitable for dry and combination skin types
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- May not be the best option for breaking down heavy makeup without a pre-cleanse
- A bit thin for those who prefer a creamier wash.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?
Now that I’ve tested the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser extensively, I can say with confidence that it isn’t a great choice for your sensitive skin. It has a fragrance-free and non-soap formula that is gentle but gets the job done without irritating skin. The gentle pH balanced proportion retains the natural skin barrier, appropriate for daily use.
So, if you are shopping around for a good cleanser for sensitive skin, I’d highly recommend you consider Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. It is a product that is effective in delivering on its claims, and I think it can be a game changer in your skincare regimen.
FAQs
Is Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser good for sensitive skin?
Yes, it is specifically designed for sensitive skin. It’s also free of common irritants, such as fragrance, dyes, parabens, sulfates and formaldehyde releasers, meaning it’s a good choice for those with eczema, rosacea or reactive skin.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser does it take off makeup?
It can take off light makeup and sunscreen, though for heavy or waterproof makeup, use an oil-based remover first, and use Vanicream as your second cleanse.
Is Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser good for acne?
Yes, it’s non-comedogenic and will not clog pores. Its mild formula preserves the skin barrier without being pore-clogging, so it’s a good choice for blemish-prone skin types.