As a skincare editor who tests countless face washes, Phisoderm and Cetaphil are two drugstore brands that come up often when I make recommendations for sensitive skin. While both offer […]
As a skincare editor who tests countless face washes, Phisoderm and Cetaphil are two drugstore brands that come up often when I make recommendations for sensitive skin. While both offer gentle cleansing, there are notable differences in their formulas.
One similarity is that both Phisoderm and Cetaphil formulate their cleansers without fragrances, soaps, and other common irritants. However, Phisoderm also contains the key ingredient phenoxyethanol, a preservative with soothing properties. Cetaphil cleansers rely on chemical emulsifiers and humectants for gentleness.
For example, Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Gel Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid to clear acne plus phenoxyethanol to soothe inflammation. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is very gentle with no medicated acne-fighting ingredients.
Phisoderm Cleansing Cream Bar gently removes dirt and makeup without stripping moisture thanks to moisturizing phenoxyethanol. Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser has a rich lather but contains fewer soothing ingredients.
In addition to phenoxyethanol, some Phisoderm cleansers also contain bentonite clay to absorb excess oil. Cetaphil products do not contain clay and are better for dry or sensitive skin needing moisture.
Based on user reviews, fans of Phisoderm love that it fights acne and absorbs oil without over-drying skin thanks to moisturizing phenoxyethanol. Cetaphil users praise its gentle cleansing of sensitive skin but some need additional acne-fighting ingredients.
Pricewise, Cetaphil cleansers retail for $1-2 less on average than Phisoderm for the same bottle sizes. However, the Phisoderm formulas include beneficial ingredients like phenoxyethanol, clay and salicylic acid to treat oily, acne-prone skin. So for some, the extra cost is justified.
In summary, those with acne-prone, oily skin will benefit most from Phisoderm's formulas containing medicated acne fighters like salicylic acid and oil absorbers like bentonite clay in addition to soothing phenoxyethanol. People with sensitive, dry skin may prefer Cetaphil's ultra-gentle cleansers with no added medicinal ingredients. Both offer quality cleansing for a range of needs.