Hello, lovelies! Emma here, ready for a skincare showdown. Today, we're putting three popular products against each other: the classic Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (£8.00), the hydrating CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (£9.10), and the brightening Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum (£9.32). I've been testing these for weeks to give you the lowdown on which one actually delivers. Let's get started!
Individual Mini-Reviews
* Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: This is a total no-frills, fragrance-free cleanser that’s been a staple in loads of skincare routines for years. It's incredibly gentle and perfect for those with sensitive skin. You can find it at Boots and Superdrug [affiliate]. Honestly, it's a classic for a reason.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cleanser is all about hydration and maintaining your skin barrier. It's a great option if you struggle with dryness, which, let's face it, during those cold UK months is a constant battle. Available at Lookfantastic and Amazon UK [affiliate]. I've found this really* helps when my skin is feeling tight.
* Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum: This serum aims to brighten and improve skin texture. I've been using it after cleansing. It contains vitamin C, niacinamide, and salicylic acid. You can buy it at Tesco and Sainsbury's [affiliate]. I tried this when my skin was looking particularly dull, and I've got to say, I was impressed.
Direct Comparison
Texture & Application: The Cetaphil cleanser has a slightly lotion-like texture that feels so* mild on the skin. CeraVe's cleanser is similar but slightly thicker, with a creamier consistency. Both are easy to apply and rinse off. The Garnier serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin. No sticky residue, which I hate!
* Results & Effectiveness: Cetaphil is excellent for a basic, gentle cleanse, but it may not remove heavy makeup effectively. I've found that if I've been wearing a lot of makeup, I need to double cleanse. CeraVe provides a more hydrating cleanse, leaving the skin feeling soft and moisturised. The Garnier serum is great at brightening. However, it may cause irritation for sensitive skin. This surprised me, as it's usually fine, but when my skin was already a bit irritated, it stung!
* Value for Money: All three products are reasonably priced, making them accessible to pretty much everyone. Given their effectiveness and availability in UK stores, they offer good value for money. You really can't go wrong.
* Who Each Is Best For: Cetaphil is best for those with sensitive skin who need a gentle, no-fuss cleanser. CeraVe is ideal for normal to dry skin that needs extra hydration. The Garnier serum is best for those with dull skin and dark spots, but caution is advised for sensitive skin. Seriously, patch test first!
Verdict
Look, here's the thing... it really depends on your skin's needs! If you have very sensitive skin and want a basic cleanse, go with Cetaphil. If hydration is your priority, CeraVe is the winner. And if you're looking to brighten your complexion and don't have sensitive skin, Garnier is a great choice. I wasted money on so many things before finding these gems.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------- | -------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Price | £8.00 | £9.10 | £9.32 |
| Best For | Sensitive skin | Normal to dry skin | Dull skin, dark spots |
| Key Ingredients/Features | Water, Glycerin | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid |
| Pros | Gentle, Fragrance-free | Hydrating, Fragrance-free | Brightening, Improves Skin Texture |
| Cons | May not remove heavy makeup | May be too thick | May cause irritation for sensitive skin|
| Rating (out of 5) | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4 |
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This comparison is based on thorough research and testing. Product links may be affiliate links.