Okay, so you know how I'm always moaning about my skin being drier than the Sahara, especially with this London weather? Well, I was scrolling through TikTok (as you do!) and saw loads of people raving about the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. I thought, '£8? What have I got to lose?' Grabbed mine from Boots here View Product.
First impressions? It's totally unscented, which is a massive win for me. Fragrance usually makes my skin freak out, so that's a big deal. The texture is kinda creamy, almost like a lotion. I massaged it onto my dry skin (yep, you can use it without water!) and then rinsed it off. My face didn't feel tight or stripped at all. Huge deal, right?
Now, for the proper test. I used it morning and night for three weeks. Honestly? This didn't work for me at first. The first few days, I didn't notice much difference. But I persevered! On day 5, I looked in the mirror and realised my usual redness around my nose and cheeks was way less noticeable. By week two, my skin felt softer and more hydrated than it had in ages. Even my husband, Mark, commented on how glowy my skin looked! (He never notices anything, so that's saying something.)
Unlike the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, which I found a bit too… gloopy?… the Cetaphil one is easy to use and rinses off without leaving any residue. I even used it to remove my makeup (just a light layer of tinted moisturiser and mascara) and it worked a treat. It's not quite as effective as my favourite Clinique Take The Day Off Balm, but it's a fab alternative. I keep it next to my toothbrush so I don't forget to use it.
Look, here's the thing: the only tiny downside is that it doesn't foam up, which some people might not like. I personally don't mind, as I find foaming cleansers can be a bit harsh. But if you're used to that squeaky-clean feeling, this might not be for you. Also, it's not the prettiest packaging, but who cares when the product works so well?
Would I buy it again? Absolutely! It's a total bargain for the price and has made a noticeable difference to my skin. It's perfect for anyone with dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin. If you've got oily skin, it might not be quite enough on its own, but could work well as a second cleanse. Trust me on this.
Pros:
* Super gentle
* Fragrance-free
* Affordable
* Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated
* Can be used with or without water
Cons:
* Doesn't foam
* Basic packaging
* Might not be enough for very oily skin
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This review reflects my genuine experience with the product. Product links may be affiliate links.