As a skincare editor who regularly tests face washes, Dove and Cetaphil are two dermatologist-recommended drugstore brands that often come up as I make recommendations. While both make quality cleansers […]
As a skincare editor who regularly tests face washes, Dove and Cetaphil are two dermatologist-recommended drugstore brands that often come up as I make recommendations. While both make quality cleansers for sensitive skin, there are some differences in textures and formulas.
One similarity is that both Dove and Cetaphil formulate their cleansers to be gentle, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. However, Dove cleansers tend to contain more moisturizing ingredients like oils and shea butter, while Cetaphil focuses more on hydrating humectants.
For example, Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar deeply moisturizes as it cleans thanks to its high glycerin content and mild cleansers that won’t strip skin. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is also gentle with glycerin but has a lighter, less creamy texture.
Dove Deep Moisture Face Wash contains oils and shea butter to lightly hydrate sensitive skin as it cleanses away dirt. Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser creates a rich lather to remove oil but contains fewer moisturizing ingredients so is better for oily skin needing deep cleansing.
For dry skin, Dove Cream Beauty Bar leaves a moisturizing film on skin after cleansing to prevent tightness. Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cleanser has an ultra-creamy texture but needs to be followed by a moisturizer to combat dryness for some.
In terms of ingredients, Dove relies more on glycerin, oils and butters for moisture while Cetaphil uses chemical humectants like propylene glycol. However, both brands avoid parabens, soap and fragrances making them ideal for sensitive skin.
Based on user reviews, Dove is preferred by people with dry skin who want a cleanser that moisturizes as it cleans. Cetaphil fans like the affordability and gentle cleansing that leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed, not tight. Both get excellent feedback.
Pricewise, Cetaphil cleansers retail for a few dollars less on average than Dove for the same bottle sizes. However, the Dove formulas contain more moisturizing oils and butters to hydrate skin. So Dove provides better value for dry or sensitive skin needing both cleansing and moisture.
Overall, those with dry, sensitive skin will benefit most from Dove’s rich, moisturizing cleansers. For combination or oily skin, Cetaphil effectively cleanses away oil and dirt without over-drying. Both make excellent fragrance-free cleansers suitable for most skin types.