Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a type of skincare product designed to be rinsed off, peeled off, or otherwise removed from the skin. Research confirming the moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and soothing effects of such products is very limited. Therefore, we do not provide efficacy ratings for these types of skincare products.
However, you can explore the roles of specific ingredients in the Ingredients Explained section below.
Est. %
 The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more The Estimated % is our algorithm-based assumption about an ingredient's concentration in a formula. Learn more | Ingredient | Origin | Functions |
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| 80 | Water  The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients. Water The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients. | Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. | Formula helper
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| 6 | Cocamidopropyl Betaine  A mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils. Cocamidopropyl Betaine A mildly cleansing ingredient derived from coconut. It also produces the foam that tells us our soap is actually working to remove dirt and oils. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper
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| 4 | Coco-Glucoside  A mild cleansing and foaming agent. It can be used on its own as a gentle cleanser in a skin cleansing product or can be combined with more powerful cleansing agents, called anionic surfactants, to make them milder on the skin. Coco-Glucoside A mild cleansing and foaming agent. It can be used on its own as a gentle cleanser in a skin cleansing product or can be combined with more powerful cleansing agents, called anionic surfactants, to make them milder on the skin. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper
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| 3 | Betaine  An ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin. Betaine An ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Formula helper
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| 2 | Glycerin  The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective. Glycerin The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) | Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper
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| 1.5 | Panthenol  A popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn. Panthenol A popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Barrier Repair, Barrier repair ingredients help to restore the healthy function of the skin’s lipid barrier. Barrier Repair, Barrier repair ingredients help to restore the healthy function of the skin’s lipid barrier. Formula helper
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| 1.3 | Tocopheryl Acetate  An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol. Tocopheryl Acetate An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. |
| 0.3 | Sodium Benzoate  A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective. Sodium Benzoate A preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper
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| 0.3 | Polysorbate 20  A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions. Polysorbate 20 A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper
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| 0.3 | Polyquaternium-10  A cellulose-based film former. Polyquaternium-10 A cellulose-based film former. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Formula helper
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| 0.3 | Phenoxyethanol  The most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless. Phenoxyethanol The most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless. | Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. |
| 0.3 | Citric Acid  A gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent. Citric Acid A gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent. | Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. | Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Formula helper
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| 80 Water Function: Formula helper Formula helper
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Origin: Naturally occurring Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. Naturally occurring Naturally occurring These are ingredients initially present in nature, such as elements (Zinc, Gold, or Silver), minerals, or water. |
| 6 Cocamidopropyl Betaine Function: Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 4 Coco-Glucoside Function: Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Cleansing, Cleansing Cleansing ingredients, also known as surfactants, clear dirt and buildup from the skin. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 3 Betaine Function: Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 2 Glycerin Function: Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Emollient, Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Emollient, Emollient Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic, Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic, Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Animal Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) Animal Animal Ingredients derived from animals (including birds, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and insects) or produced by animals (e.g. dairy- and egg-derived ingredients, bee products, silk, pearls, etc.) |
| 1.5 Panthenol Function: Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Moisturizing (Humectant), Moisturizing (Humectant) Humectants are moisturizing ingredients that draw moisture to the skin, either from deeper layers or from the environment (when it's humid). Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Soothing, Soothing Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics. Barrier Repair, Barrier Repair Barrier repair ingredients help to restore the healthy function of the skin’s lipid barrier. Barrier Repair, Barrier Repair Barrier repair ingredients help to restore the healthy function of the skin’s lipid barrier. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 1.3 Tocopheryl Acetate Function: Antioxidant Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Antioxidant Antioxidant Antioxidants reduce the oxidative stress caused by free radicals and prevent accelerated skin aging. Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 0.3 Sodium Benzoate Function: Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative, Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 0.3 Polysorbate 20 Function: Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Fragrance, Fragrance Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients. Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 0.3 Polyquaternium-10 Function: Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 0.3 Phenoxyethanol Function: Antimicrobial, Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Antimicrobial, Antimicrobial Antimicrobials prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms on the skin. Preservative Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Preservative Preservative Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in a product. Origin: Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
| 0.3 Citric Acid Function: Exfoliant, Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Exfoliant, Exfoliant Exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin via acid-based chemical reactions (e.g., AHA or BHA). Formula helper Formula helper
Formula helper Formula helper
Origin: Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Botanical, Botanical Ingredients derived from plants, mosses, and lichens: extracts, oils, powders, juices and other types of processed plant materials. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. Synthetic Synthetic All kinds of ingredients formulated or produced by a chemical process, or those that have a chemical modification in their structure. |
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