The Beat Asia Tries: Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Line
Here’s the thing about skincare routines: exfoliation should always (or almost always) make the list. But the tricky part? Not every skin type vibes or is “hiyang” with the same ingredients. And to make things more complicated, not every exfoliant is gentle for everyday use. That’s why many of us are hesitant when it comes to adding exfoliation into our routines.
So, how can we ease that hesitation?
Enter Cetaphil, the world’s trusted name in science-based skincare. With their new Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Line, they’re inviting us to rethink what exfoliation can look like — tailor-made for different skin types. Designed as a transformative yet soft solution for textured skin, this product line is sort of like a soft reset: clearing and refining the skin, without all that heavy lifting and overstripping.
After a full month of testing, The Beat Asia saw how Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Line works on oily, acne-prone skin. Here’s a closer look at the results. For full disclosure, we were incredibly hesitant to use Cetaphil products at first. Our last run with another Cetaphil range left our skin breaking out and peeling, which was far from gentle.
But this launch promised something different: gentle exfoliation that cares for any skin type.
Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Line: 2 Products for Soft, Smooth Skin
This skincare line is small but purposeful, with two products that can slip into any routine. Both are designed to support delicate skin barriers while addressing common concerns from any skin type.
The Skin Prep
The first step is a gentle cleanse, which can be done with the Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Cleanser. The lightweight cleanser lathers gently on the skin, and lifts away excess oil and impurities while subtly improving tone and texture — without tightness or stripping.
The Treatment
After cleansing and toning comes the Cetaphil Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Lotion. This offers hydration with added benefits: 48-hour moisture, plus relief from dryness, roughness, irritation, and weakened skin barrier.
The Ingredients that Make it All Up
Among Cetaphil’s many and already trusted launches, what sets this line apart from the rest is its Unique Triple-Acid Blend — a balanced mix of AHA, BHA, and PHA — paired with their signature hydrating trio: Niacinamide, Glycerin, and Panthenol.
The result? Gentle repairing that keeps the skin soothed and supple, and with a strengthened skin barrier.
So, what do all these ingredients do for the skin? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA): exfoliates surface buildup, brightens tone, hydrates, and tackles signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation.
- Beta hydroxy acid (BHA): works deeper into the pores to clear acne, refine skin texture, and calm inflammation.
- Polyhydroxy acid (PHA): a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells without irritation.
- Niacinamide: boosts barrier strength, controls oil, reduces redness, and shrinks pores.
- Glycerin: a powerful hydrator that keeps the skin plump, soothed, and balanced.
- Panthenol: a calming hydrator that repairs and improves the skin’s barrier.
And of course, the most important ingredient of them all: Salicylic Acid. This offers numerous benefits for the skin’s overall health, especially for exfoliation, acne treatment, pore minimization, oil control, and blemish reduction.
The Test: One Whole Month to See Real Results
Over a span of one month, we put Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Line to the test — switching our trusted cleanser and moisturizer to see how these products work. With our oily skin type with slight texture and redness around the cheek area, we were most certainly keen to observe how well this line could manage all our problem areas over time.
In the beginning, there was still a bit of redness around my cheeks and a few prominent pores. Compared to our last skincare review, the sitch had already improved a little, but to be honest, we were still hesitant. Another Cetaphil range once left our skin broken out, peeling, and stinging, so we weren’t sure what to expect this time around.
But here’s what happened:
Our first impressions on the line? The cleanser is quite lightweight. It did sting a little on first use, but our skin felt clean after rinsing. The lotion absorbed quickly, too, leaving a soft, hydrated finish with a faint scent that we didn’t mind at all. Overall, it looked like a promising start.
By Day 14, our skin looked brighter, healthier, and more even-toned. The redness around our cheeks eased a bit, and the texture around my forehead became noticeably smooth. A subtle glow also showed up, but it was more of a healthier radiance rather than oil.
Come Day 21, our skin felt much calmer than it did. A few hormonal breakouts popped out here and there, but they cleared out eventually. The redness on our face also softened into something like a natural blush, and our face was more luminous, too.
By the end of the month, the changes on our skin weren’t too obvious, but they were there: smoother texture, calmer redness, and balanced oiliness (let’s be real — skin type doesn’t miraculously disappear). What stood out the most was how our skin looked skin-like: whether in the mirror or on camera, it looked the same — clearer, softer, and definitely healthier.
Final Thoughts and Verdict
Our initial fears and hesitancy in using Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Line were totally eased after using the range for one month! They really delivered on what they promised: a gentle product line that’s safe to use for everyday, with consistent and visible results without any irritation.
Both products paired well with the other products we were already using daily and looked great with and under makeup! Of course, results for other skin types may vary.
Our suggestion? Check out the ingredient lists on the other products you’re using to see if they can pair well with the ones listed above! If they do, then you’re guaranteed not to have any stinging and harsh breakouts.
Would we keep using this range? The short answer is: Yes! Both products felt incredibly soft and soothing on the skin, and with continued use, we’re sure to see our skin look healthier and more even-toned. Subtle results are already a good sign, and we’re taking it!
But for those on a budget, it may not be the best one to fit the bill; the Cleanser (236 mL) and Lotion (236 mL) are priced at P1,050 and P1,394, respectively. If you’re willing to splurge on your skin’s health, then go for it!
For those dealing with rough, textured, and sensitive skin, Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Line offers a gentle solution for every skin type that’s meant to care for it daily, gently, and effectively without compromise.
No one should have to choose between results and comfort, you know.
Follow Cetaphil Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Cetaphil products are available at Watsons, SM Beauty, and Watsons online.
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