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Beauty Gentle Skin Cleanser

Beauty Gentle Skin Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, budget-friendly daily cleanser that soothes and softens skin while cleansing. This mild, non-drying formula is designed to clean face, hands, and body without stripping natural moisture. Formulated at skin's natural pH and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and baby skin.

Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Non-Comedogenic Dermatologist Tested pH Balanced Fungal Acne Safe Low-Lathering HSA/FSA Eligible
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
16 fl oz (473ml)
Price
~$6.97
Type
Cream Cleanser
Target
All Skin Types
pH Level
Skin-Neutral
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Low-Lathering Formula

Gentle cleansing action that doesn't strip skin of natural oils. Creates minimal foam for a soothing wash experience.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Lotion
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
Rinses Clean
Finish
Soft & Hydrated

Low-Lathering Formula

Gentle cleansing action that doesn't strip skin of natural oils. Creates minimal foam for a soothing wash experience.

Emollient Protection

Contains fatty alcohols (cetyl and stearyl) that leave a protective layer on skin, keeping it soft and moisturized.

Baby-Safe Formula

Mild enough to cleanse a baby's delicate skin. Non-irritating and gentle for the whole family.

Water-Optional Use

Can be used with or without water. When used without water, tissue off excess for a moisturizing film.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Formula is free from ferments, problematic oils, and esters that feed malassezia yeast. Safe for fungal acne-prone skin.

Non-Comedogenic

Dermatologist-tested formula won't clog pores. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5.

Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

May cause irritation for very sensitive skin or those with eczema. Most users tolerate it well due to the low-lather formula.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Cetyl AlcoholEmollient

A fatty alcohol derived from palm oil that softens and smooths skin. Acts as an emollient and helps stabilize the formula. Not to be confused with drying alcohols.

  • Function: Emollient, emulsifier, viscosity controller
  • Safety: FDA allows "alcohol-free" labeling with fatty alcohols
Non-drying and non-irritating. Leaves skin feeling soft and silky.

Propylene GlycolHumectant

A colorless, odorless liquid that helps skin retain moisture. Also aids in delivering ingredients and extends product shelf life.

  • Function: Humectant, solvent, penetration enhancer
  • Benefit: Draws water to skin, improves hydration

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate CleansingSurfactant

Primary cleansing agent that removes dirt, oil, and makeup. Known for effective cleansing but can be irritating at high concentrations.

  • Function: Surfactant, foam booster, cleansing agent
  • Note: Mixed with emollients to reduce irritation potential
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types. The low-lather formula and emollient blend help minimize this effect.

Stearyl AlcoholEmollient

Another fatty alcohol that thickens the formula and provides emollient benefits. Works alongside cetyl alcohol to leave skin smooth.

  • Function: Emulsifier, emollient, opacifying agent
  • Safety: Non-toxic and non-irritating fatty alcohol

PhenoxyethanolPreservative

A widely-used preservative that protects the product from bacteria and yeast while remaining gentle on skin microflora.

  • Function: Preservative, antimicrobial
  • Safety: Approved for use up to 1% worldwide

HydroxyacetophenoneMultifunctional

A multifunctional ingredient that works as a preservative booster, antioxidant, and soothing agent.

  • Function: Antioxidant, preservative booster, skin conditioner
  • Safety: Non-irritating and non-sensitizing

8 ingredients

Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Hydroxide

FREE FROM: Parabens, Fragrance, Drying Alcohols, Silicones, Oils, PEGs, Gluten, Sulfates (SLES), Dyes, Phthalates, Formaldehyde
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Moisturizer
5
Sunscreen (AM)

Use morning and night as the first step in your skincare routine. Can also be used as a body cleanser.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

With Water (Recommended)

Wet face with lukewarm water. Apply a small amount of cleanser to hands and gently massage onto face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

2

Without Water (Travel-Friendly)

Apply a liberal amount of cleanser to dry skin and gently massage. Remove excess with a soft cloth, leaving a thin protective film on skin for added moisture.

3

Follow Up

After cleansing, apply toner, serum, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Use sunscreen in the morning.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have sensitive skin that reacts to many cleansers
  • You want a budget-friendly alternative to Cetaphil
  • You prefer fragrance-free skincare
  • You need a pregnancy-safe cleanser
  • You have fungal acne or are FA-prone
  • You want a simple, minimal-ingredient formula
  • You need a gentle cleanser for the whole family

Consider alternatives if:

  • You need deep cleansing for heavy makeup
  • You prefer foaming or sudsy cleansers
  • You have severe eczema and react to SLS
  • You want added skincare benefits (ceramides, niacinamide)
  • You prefer luxurious textures and scents
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, minimal ingredients, and pH-balanced formula is ideal for sensitive skin types.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Non-drying formula with fatty alcohol emollients helps maintain moisture. Won't strip skin.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Perfect daily cleanser for maintaining healthy, balanced skin without any issues.

Oily Skin
Good

Works well for light cleansing but may not remove excess oil as effectively as foaming cleansers.

Combination Skin
Good

Gentle enough for dry areas while still effectively cleansing. May need double cleanse for oily zones.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe. Good gentle option, but no active acne-fighting ingredients.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2+
Day 1

Immediate Comfort

Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated immediately after use. No tightness or dryness.

95% noticed
Week 1-2

Reduced Irritation

Skin calms down if previously irritated by harsh cleansers. Less redness and sensitivity.

85% noticed
Week 3-4

Balanced Skin

Skin's moisture barrier improves. Fewer dry patches and more consistent texture.

75% noticed
Month 2+

Clearer Complexion

Some users report clearer skin and fewer breakouts from switching to this gentle formula.

60% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

660+ REVIEWS
Walmart
4.4
Rating
560+
Reviews
Main complaint: Thin consistency compared to name brands, some want more lather
Influenster
4.3
Rating
100+
Reviews
Main complaint: Doesn't remove heavy makeup well, needs double cleansing
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely affordable - half the price of Cetaphil
  • Gentle and non-drying, doesn't irritate sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free with no strong chemical smell
  • Works well for whole family including babies
  • Convenient pump dispenser
  • HSA/FSA eligible purchase
  • Paraben-free formula (newer than old Cetaphil)
  • Can be used with or without water

Criticized

  • Contains SLS which some sensitive skin can't tolerate
  • Thinner consistency than some prefer
  • Low lather doesn't feel "cleansing" to some
  • Not effective for removing heavy makeup
  • Pump bottles sometimes arrive with loose caps
  • No added skincare benefits like ceramides
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
95% Match
Gentle Skin Cleanser
$11.97

The Equate cleanser is essentially a dupe of Cetaphil's original formula. Nearly identical ingredients but Equate removed parabens before Cetaphil did.

85% Match
Gentle Skin Cleanser
$7.49
Budget Pick

Amazon's store brand alternative with similar gentle, non-foaming formula. Comparable performance at a similar price point.

75% Match
Gentle Facial Cleanser
$9.99
FA-Safe Pick

Even simpler formula without SLS. Better for those with eczema or extreme sensitivity. Uses different surfactant system.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Key Ingredients Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol
Ingredient Count 10
Price per oz $0.75
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Added Skincare Benefits Niacinamide, B5
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredient Count 23
Price per oz $1.00
Fungal Acne Safe No
Added Skincare Benefits Ceramides, HA
Gentle Facial Cleanser
Key Ingredients Glycerin, Gentle Surfactants
Ingredient Count 9 (Minimal)
Price per oz $1.25
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Added Skincare Benefits None
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Keep cap closed when not in use.

Packaging

Pump dispenser bottle for hygienic, easy application

Travel Friendly

No - 16oz exceeds TSA liquid limits. Decant into smaller container for travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this cleanser is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The formula uses only basic cleansing and moisturizing ingredients that are considered safe for expectant and nursing mothers.

Yes, this cleanser is fungal acne safe. It does not contain ferments, problematic oils, or fatty acid esters that feed malassezia yeast. While it does contain fatty alcohols (cetyl and stearyl), these are generally considered safe in rinse-off products like cleansers since they don't remain on the skin.

Yes, this gentle cleanser is an excellent choice to use alongside active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Its mild, non-stripping formula won't over-dry or irritate skin that's using potent actives. Always apply actives after cleansing on dry skin.

This cleanser works well for all skin types but is especially beneficial for sensitive, dry, and normal skin. It's excellent for those who find other cleansers too harsh or drying. Oily skin types may prefer a foaming cleanser for deeper cleansing of excess sebum.

You'll notice soft, comfortable skin immediately after first use. If switching from a harsh cleanser, expect reduced irritation and improved skin barrier function within 1-2 weeks. Clearer, more balanced skin typically develops over 3-4 weeks of consistent use.

Use this cleanser as the first step in your routine, both morning and night. After cleansing, follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). For heavy makeup or sunscreen removal, consider double cleansing with an oil cleanser first, then this gentle cleanser.

No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. It has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it's very unlikely to clog pores. The formula is designed to cleanse effectively while being gentle enough for acne-prone skin.

The cleanser has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The 16oz bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with twice-daily use for face cleansing. Store in a cool, dry place with the pump cap closed to maintain product integrity.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Equate Beauty Gentle Skin Cleanser is an excellent budget-friendly option for those seeking a gentle, no-frills daily cleanser. At less than half the price of Cetaphil, it delivers comparable performance with a clean, paraben-free formula. The minimal 8-ingredient list makes it ideal for sensitive skin, and its fungal acne and pregnancy-safe status adds to its appeal. While it lacks the added skincare benefits of pricier options like ceramides or niacinamide, it excels at its primary job: cleansing skin gently without irritation or dryness. Perfect for budget-conscious consumers or anyone who prefers simplicity in their skincare routine.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
37% 37% 25%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 8 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
3 B
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
1 A
Stearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Foam Boosting, Masking, Opacifying, Refatting, Viscosity Controlling
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS