Compare · Cleansers
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser vs Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: which is better?
The choice comes down to exfoliating support for clogged texture versus a sensitive-skin staple for simpler cleansing.
Reddit’s pick
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Rated higher: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser — 81 vs 59 nextscore
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has a much more positive than negative reception, with praise for sensitive-skin and tretinoin routines despite some clogged-pore complaints; its fragrance-free, non-foaming profile is the draw.
Choose CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser if
- you want help with clogged pores, rough texture, or blackheads
- you deal with body keratosis pilaris or ingrown hairs
Choose Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser if
- you have sensitive skin or use tretinoin
- you prefer a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser with a short ingredient list


At a glance
| CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser |
|---|---|
| $0.05/ml | $0.02/ml |
| 59 · 208 verdicts | 81 · 182 verdicts |
| Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide both, Ceramides | Niacinamide both |
What Reddit says
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
What Reddit likes
- Salicylic acid targets clogged pores and rough texture
- Ceramides and niacinamide round out the exfoliating formula
- Redditors report strong results on body KP and ingrown hairs
Watch out for
- Daily use can leave skin tight, dry, or peeling
- Stacking it with other actives can trigger irritation and barrier damage
- Rosacea-prone skin reports burning, flares, and breakouts
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
What Reddit likes
- Non-foaming, lotion-like texture
- Reddit staple for tretinoin routines
- Fragrance-free, short ingredient list
Watch out for
- Breakouts and clogged pores are common complaints
- Can leave skin tight, dry, or oily-feeling
- Niacinamide triggers itching, redness, or burning for some
Compare full ingredient lists · 5 in common
In both · 5
- Aqua/Water/Eau
- Glycerin
- Niacinamide
- Sodium Benzoate
- Xanthan Gum
Only in CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser · 22
- Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
- Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
- Gluconolactone
- PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
- Zea Mays Oil/Corn Oil
- Ceramide NP
- Ceramide AP
- Ceramide EOP
- Carbomer
- Calcium Gluconate
- Sodium Chloride
- Salicylic Acid
- Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
- Cholecalciferol
- Cholesterol
- Phenoxyethanol
- Disodium EDTA
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
- Phytosphingosine
- Ethylhexylglycerin
Only in Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser · 5
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Panthenol
- Pantolactone
- Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- Citric Acid