Okay, skincare lovers, let's get straight to it! I've been playing around with three popular products: the Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser [affiliate], the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser [affiliate], and the Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum [affiliate]. I've been slapping these on my face for weeks, all to see which one actually does what it says on the tin, especially with our crazy UK weather messing with our skin.
First up, the Aveeno Calm+Restore Cleanser. This one's all about being nice to sensitive skin with its oat-based goodness. No fragrance either, which is a win. It claims to calm redness, something I desperately need during those freezing winter months.
Next, we've got the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, a classic for a reason. It's a no-frills, soap-free cleanser that's supposed to be gentle on everyone. It's a staple for loads of people, so I had to see if it lived up to the hype.
Lastly, the Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum. This serum wants to give you that glow and kick dark spots to the curb. It's got Vitamin C, niacinamide, and salicylic acid – a proper cocktail for brighter, more even skin.
Texture & Application
The Aveeno cleanser? Think creamy, almost like a lotion. It doesn't bubble up much, which might put some people off, but I actually quite like it. It feels super gentle when you rub it in. The Cetaphil cleanser is similar, maybe a bit more slippery. Again, not much lather. Both wash off cleanly without that tight feeling, thank goodness. The Garnier serum is light and soaks in fast, in about 30 seconds. It leaves a slightly sticky feeling at first, but that disappears quickly.
Results & Effectiveness
After using the Aveeno cleanser for two weeks (morning and night), I noticed less redness, especially on my cheeks. It's brilliant when my skin's having a proper tantrum. The Cetaphil cleanser is a reliable workhorse – it gets rid of makeup and dirt without stripping my skin bare. However, I didn't see any major changes in my skin. The Garnier serum? This surprised me. It gave my skin a noticeable glow after just a week. My face looked brighter and more even. However, I did get a few tiny spots at first, probably from the salicylic acid.
Value for Money
At around £5.65, the Aveeno cleanser is a bargain. You get a good amount for the price, and it lasts ages. The Cetaphil cleanser, around £8, is also super affordable and you can find it everywhere, like Boots and Superdrug. The Garnier serum, at £9.32, is a decent price for a Vitamin C serum, especially with the niacinamide and salicylic acid thrown in.
Who Each Is Best For
The Aveeno cleanser is spot on for those with sensitive, dry, or irritated skin. If you get redness or most cleansers leave your skin feeling tight, give this a go. The Cetaphil cleanser is a solid choice for anyone who wants a gentle cleanser that won't break the bank. It's good for all skin types, but especially those with sensitive skin. The Garnier serum is best if you've got dull skin, uneven skin tone, or mild dark spots. But, if you have really sensitive skin, be careful because it could irritate it.
Verdict
Look, here's the thing: it really depends on what you need. For pure gentleness and calming redness, the Aveeno Calm+Restore Cleanser wins. If you want a reliable, easy cleanser that's good for everyone, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a fab choice. If you want to brighten your skin and get rid of dark spots, the Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum is worth a try, but watch out for irritation!
| Feature | Aveeno Calm+Restore Cleanser | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | Garnier Vitamin C Serum |
|----------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Price | £5.65 | £8.00 | £9.32 |
| Best For | Sensitive, Dry, Redness | All Skin Types, Sensitive | Dull Skin, Dark Spots |
| Key Ingredients | Prebiotic Oat, Feverfew | Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, SA |
| Pros | Gentle, Soothing, Fragrance-Free | Gentle, Affordable, Effective | Brightens, Affordable, Lightweight |
| Cons | Limited Lather | Contains Parabens | Potential Irritation, Scent |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
---
This comparison is based on thorough research and testing. Product links may be affiliate links.