Cetaphil Vs The Body Shop: Which Mild Cleanser Should You Go For, My Experience | HZ Tried & Tested

As someone with combination skin that flares up at the slightest provocation, I decided to put these twohead-to-head. Over the course of a few weeks, I observed everything: texture, fragrance, post-wash feel, and how my skin behaved when I wasn’t slathering on serums or shields. Here's what happened when I gave both a fair shot,no filters, no fluff, just the honest truth!

Cetaphil Vs The Body Shop: Which Mild Cleanser Should You Go For?

BothCetaphil’s Gentle Skin Hydrating Face Wash and The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Gentle Facial Washpromise mild cleansing and hydration, but which one truly delivers a gentle-yet-effective clean? Here's what I discovered.

Cetaphil Vs The Body Shop Facial Cleansers:Packaging AndPrice Point

The Cetaphil cleanser comesin a clean, clinical white-and-blue bottle, speakingof no-nonsense skincare. At ₹769 for 250ml, it offers generous quantity and value, with an unscented formulation aimed at sensitive skin. The Body Shop cleanser, in contrast, comesin a sleek, eco-consciouswhite-and-pink bottle (121g for ₹895), leaning into the brand's luxury, vegan-friendly aesthetic.

Though more expensive for less quantity, The Body Shop does win extra points for being cruelty-free and incorporating natural ingredients. However, for budget-conscious users seeking more for their buck, Cetaphil already starts strong.

Cetaphil Vs The Body Shop Facial Cleansers:Texture AndApplication

The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Hydrating Cleanser is a lotion-like formula,creamy, fragrance-free, and easy to spread. It doesn’t foam, which may be off-putting to those who associate bubbles with cleanliness. But for sensitive skin, this is a godsend,it removes dirt and impurities without disturbing your skin’s natural barrier.

The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Facial Wash is gel-like, with a faintly fresh scent and a gentle lather when massaged into damp skin. It feels refreshing without being stripping, and a small amount goes a long way. For those who prefer a cleanser that feels like it's “doing something” on the surface, this one offers a more satisfying wash.

Cetaphil Vs The Body Shop Facial Cleansers:Ingredients Showdown

Cetaphil contains powerhouse soothing ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin B5 (panthenol) and glycerin, all excellent for hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier. It’s pH balanced, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free from parabens and sulphates, which ticks all the right boxes for sensitive skin warriors.

Meanwhile, The Body Shop’s formula blends vitamin E and raspberry seed oil, known for their antioxidant and moisturising properties. This gives the cleanser a natural edge, especially for those who prefer plant-based formulations. While it’s not entirely free of fragrance, I found it to be mild enough to not irritate.

Cetaphil Vs The Body Shop Facial Cleansers: Results On My Skin

After a week of using Cetaphil, my skin felt consistently soft, calm, and smooth,even on days I skipped moisturiser. There was no tightness or flare-ups, and I found it particularly effective after removing makeup or during seasonal transitions when my skin tends to act up.

With The Body Shop, I noticed a brighter complexion and a light, refreshed feeling post-wash. It worked beautifully in the mornings and after gym sessions when I wanted a cleaner, lighter feel. However, on drier days, it sometimes left my skin craving more moisture,nothing a follow-up with toner and moisturiser couldn’t fix.

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