Reviewed: Cetaphil's Ultra Gentle Body Wash

We put Cetaphil's Ultra Gentle Body Wash to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.

When taking stock of your shower, you probably keep a few products in mind: shampoo, conditioner, a good face cleanser, and body wash. Today, we’re here to talk about the last item on this core list. Unlike some of the other shower must-haves, body washes can be some of the most low-key skincare products on the market. Nevertheless, skin on the body can still benefit from proper nourishment, and it helps to have a well-formulated product when it comes to rinsing from neck to toe. With this in mind, and knowing that beloved drugstore brand Cetaphil recently launched a new collection of gentle body washes, we set out to test Cetaphil’s Ultra Gentle Body Wash range. Is it time to make some room in your shower for one of these body washes? Ahead, read our unfiltered review of the products to determine for yourself.

About My Skin: Sensitive and prone to small breakouts

My facial skin is combination and sensitive, and the rest of my body also has sensitive skin, which is prone to small breakouts. If I don’t immediately—and I mean immediately—shower after sweating, I will end up with at least a couple of breakouts along my bra line, waistline, and on my chest and bum. It’s unsettling, to say the least. 

Because of this—and because my skin is reactive to overly fragranced body washes—I was intrigued when Cetaphil, known for products that are friendly to sensitive and acne-prone skin, debuted their line of body washes. As sensitive as my skin is, I often still reach for subtle scents, and I was pleased that Cetaphil has both lightly scented and fragrance-free options. 

In order to best determine my final feelings toward Cetaphil’s Ultra Gentle Body Wash, I swapped out my go-to—Dove’s Cucumber & Green Tea Cool Moisture Body Wash—and fully committed to testing whether Cetaphil's product is as gentle, refreshing, and soothing as it claims.

The Feel: Thick, like a rich and delicious pudding

From the moment I first tried Cetaphil's Ultra Gentle Body Wash, I knew that I was working with an ultra-thick, pudding-like formula. And with water and glycerin as the first two ingredients in each wash, that makes sense. While I personally love the thick, goopy nature of the wash, some Amazon reviewers complain that it’s too thick for their liking, partly due to the extra time necessary to fully rinse it off.  But given my love for long showers, the texture—extra rinse time and all—wasn't enough to deter me.

The Ingredients: Can be a mixed bag for sensitive skin

• Aloe vera: Known to be incredibly healing and hydrating, aloe vera is a welcome ingredient in this body wash. It lends to the gentle nature of the product while strengthening and reinforcing the skin’s moisture barrier with each use.
• Vitamin B5: B5 is best known for strengthening and softening the skin, two results that most people hope for with any grade-A body wash.
• Glycerin: A humectant, glycerin helps draw water to the surface of the skin, keeping it hydrated and making it look supple.
• Sodium laureth sulfate: A toned-down version of sodium lauryl sulfate, this is a popular skincare ingredient thanks to its ability to work as an emulsifier and product stabilizer. Unfortunately for those with sensitive skin, sulfates have a reputation for causing irritation. That said, research shows that so long as the manufacturer uses the proper amount, it shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. 

The Results: My body felt clean–simple as that

When it comes to a body wash, the results aren’t anything so stellar that I’d write home about it. And that goes for pretty much any body wash. After all, my main concerns when shopping for (or sampling) one is that it smells good and that it is non-irritating. I can attest that Cetaphil’s Ultra Gentle Body Wash checks the boxes I had in mind. 

While the wash takes a little longer than others to rinse off, once fully rinsed, it doesn’t leave any residue. What’s more, it didn’t cause any irritation on my body throughout my weeks of use. For that, I’m grateful and can recommend it as a lightly fragrant, non-irritating option worth considering. That said, will it replace my beloved Dove body wash? Doubtful. Though, ask me again come summer when my body breakouts are most common. 

The Value: On par with other drugstore brands

Cetaphil has a reputation as a higher-end (in terms of quality) drugstore product, but the price still reflects a budget-friendly option. Considering the body washes are dermatologist-tested and suitable for even the most finicky skin types, I’d say it stacks up nicely to the competition. 

Similar Products: You've got options

Dove Refreshing Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash: Like Cetaphil’s Ultra Gentle Body Wash, Dove's Refreshing Body Wash ($7) is rich and pudding-like, though not as thick as Cetaphil’s newcomers. Unlike Cetaphil, this option from Dove is free of sulfates, likely making it even more gentle in nature.

Frank Body Clean Body Wash: Similar to Cetaphil’s, Frank Body’s new clean offering ($13) showcases a gentle formula fitting for even the most sensitive skin. However, it’s less thick and more of a lightweight gel, which might make it a good option for those who want something that rinses quicker. The only downside is that it’s less accessible, as it’s mainly sold online and at select retailers, like Urban Outfitters.