If you are looking for the perfect facial cleanser, then you have likely come across the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Vs Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser battle.
If you’re anything like me, you understand that the foundation of a great skincare routine is your facial cleanser. It’s the all-important first step you either nail for the day ahead, all dewy-eyed and ready for action, or stumble and fumble over, and never quite feel like you got right. I’ve tested my fair share of cleansers over the years and to choose the best cleanser for daily use, but I’m always in search of one that remains gentle without being a slouch at the cleansing part.
Selecting a face wash can feel quite overwhelming at times with abundance of choices we are presented. When you have sensitive skin, or combination skin, it can be difficult to find a product that effectively cleans and purifies your skin without drawing from the natural hide hydration. This is where the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser come in. They are both beloved by skincare junkies and dermatologists, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Were you aware that both cleansers are pH balanced? That’s because they help preserve the natural acidity of your skin, which is important in keeping your skin barrier intact and healthy. Today, we’ll take a closer look at each cleanser to see the features, benefits, and user experiences – and help you decide which one is the best fit for your skin type!
Did You Know?
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser are great dermatologist-recommended cleansers formulated for sensitive skin types. They’re also free of sulfates and other compromising additives – and they’re gentle enough to use every day. What’s more, both cleansers are pH-balanced, so it keeps your skin’s natural acidity, guarding its barrier.
Quick Comparison Table: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser
| Feature | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Type Suitability | Normal to oily, combination, sensitive | All skin types; particularly sensitive, dry, reactive |
| Texture & Feel | Light foaming gel | Creamy, non-foaming gel |
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | Glycerin, mild surfactants, fragrance-free |
| Key Benefits | Cleans deeply, restores skin barrier, soothes skin | Gentle cleansing without over-drying or irritation |
| Foaming Action | Yes, light foam | No, non-foaming |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
| Price Range | Moderate | Moderate |
| Availability | Drugstores, online, big-box retailers | Easily accessible — drugstores, online, superstores |
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
A Overview:
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser has a unique formula with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that cleanses and removes oil without disrupting the protective skin barrier. It is a foaming gel that washes your skin clean without stripping it of moisture.
Want to incorporate this into your skincare regimen? Get it here.
Key benefits:
- Deep Clean: It Deep cleans to remove dirt and oil.
- Non-irritating: mild formula for sensitive skin.
- pH-Balanced: Helps retain the natural acid mantel of the skin.
- Dermatologist tested: Developed from medical grade ingredients.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
It feels refreshing on the skin and spritzes light, airy foam all over your face. It has a good lather and rinses away easily, and the skin doesn’t feel that ‘stripped clean’ sensation. Great for normal to oily types in need of a powerful clean that won’t strip skin.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strikes a balance between cleaning power and skin barrier support
- Mild foam texture which is light and refreshing.
- Wonderful for combination, oily and sensitive skin.
- Big bottles for a lot of use.
- Unscented, for decreased irritation potential.
Cons
- May be drying for very dry or sensitive skin types.
- Not as effective if you wear waterproof or heavy makeup.
2. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
A Overview:
On the flip, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser claims to be the sensitive skin underdog. In a creamy, non-foaming texture that’s ultramild, it’s made to cleanse without irritating sensitive or dry skin.
Looking to buy it? Neutrogena Ultra Gentle is available here.
Key Benefits:
- Hydrating and not-drying: Creamy type will keep natural oil.
- No fragrance and No dye: less risk of allergic reactions without the use of fragrance or dye, no fragrance is added.
- Hypoallergenic & dermatologist tested: Perfect for sensitive skin.
- Non-comedogenic Cleanser: So, it won’t clog pores.
Texture, Feel & Suitability
The Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser has a creamy, lotion-like consistency that applies easily to your face to cleanse your pores without lathering. It’s really nice and hydrating, so it’s a good option if you have dry skin or are sensitive or reactive to a lot of products. It doesn’t foam, so it’s supergentle and makes your skin feel soft and soothed.
Battle Outcome: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Soft, creamy texture is comfortable and soothing to the skin
- Ultra gentle formula for sensitive or dry skin
- Skin is left feeling hydrated, not tight
- Ideal for sensitive or redness-prone skin
- Widely Available and inexpensive
Cons
- Doesn’t lather —some people presumes this means it is not “fresh” enough.
- Less effective on oily or acne-prone skin needing deeper cleansing.
Ingredient Spotlight: How They Stack Up
| Ingredient | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramides | Yes | No | Restore and maintain skin barrier |
| Niacinamide | Yes | No | Soothes and calms skin |
| Glycerin | Yes | Yes | Hydrates and retains moisture |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | No | Deep hydration |
| Aloe Vera | No | Yes | Soothes and smooths skin |
| Panthenol (Vitamin B5) | No | Yes | Moisturizes and calms skin |
Real Results: How They Perform Side by Side
Performance-wise, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser works wonders for a deep clean on normal to oil skin without leaving skin completely parched. Its lathering action dives deep into pores to get rid of oil and dirt while being perfect for those who are prone to shine or spots. The extra ceramides and niacinamide also support healthy skin while minimizing any personal inflammation for a wrinkle-free, settled appearance.
Meanwhile, the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser gives you a feel-good cleanse without the lather. It’s gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The mild, soap free, gently foaming formulation will hydrate and visibly calm sensitivities, making it ideal for those prone to sensitive skin. It doesn’t take off stubborn fallout like a foaming cleanser would do, but it’s perfect for everyday cleansing.
My Pro Tip: If your skin is a bit oilier or you wear makeup regularly, consider that notorious K-beauty innovation double cleansing: a gentle oil-based cleanser or simple makeup remover to start, followed by the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser to remove any remaining impurities without stripping your skin. On days when skin is feeling dry or sensitive, use the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser to help preserve skin’s natural moisture and peace of mind.
What Users Are Saying: Real Experiences
With my combination sensitive skin, I personally noticed that the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser recharged my skin on days when I felt like my face was an oil-slick or a traffic jam. A soothing lather revitalized my complexion and left it clean but not stripped. But for chilly seasons, or when my skin felt parched, I alternated with the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, which was calming to my skin and offered moisturizing without sting.
“I have very sensitive, oily skin, and CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is my ride or die. It gets rid of excess oil without drying me out, and my skin feels in balance. I love that it’s fragrance-free and by a dermatologist.” — Anna
“I’ve been using the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser for my sensitive dry skin and it’s very calming. It doesn’t foam much but it leaves my skin soft and moisturized. Very mild everyday cleanser that doesn’t annoy the skin.” — James
Wrapping Up: Choosing Between CeraVe and Neutrogena Cleanser
So which one is really best for your skin? The truth is its depends on your skin type and what your skin craves most in a cleanser. If you want a foaming wash that not only deep cleans but also aids in replenishing your skin’s natural barrier, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a great pick, particularly for normal to oily or combination skin.
If you like anthurium wild waves, but need something super gentle and creamy to soothe (and hydrate) and don’t love foam, look for Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser for incredibly comfort and softness and ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.
Both are fragrance-free, dermatologist tested, and formulated to get along with your skin’s health. Whichever you choose, you can’t go too far wrong, but listening to your skin, and trying out both at different times, could just help unlock your best complexion yet!
FAQs
What’s better for oily, acne-prone skin—CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser?
A lot of people with oily and acne-prone skin like ceraVe foaming cleanser because it has niacinamide and ceramides, both of which help control oil and keep the skin barrier intact. Consider Neutrogena Ultra Gentle, a slightly gentler formula for sensitive and reactive skin types.
Which is better for sensitive skin CeraVe Foaming Cleanser or Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser?
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser is designed for sensitive skin and it is truly fragrance free so makes a good one for the easily irritated skin. CeraVe is also gentle, but might be too active for the very delicate-skinned.
Can you use CeraVe and Neutrogena together in your skin care routine?
Yes! With this, you can wash your face with Neutrogena Ultra Gentle in the morning for a gentle cleanse and CeraVe Foaming Cleanser at night to clear excess oil and buildup, especially if you have combination or oily skin.
