I have moderate acne that is recently getting under control. One thing that I believe has helped is the realization that I must use a non-comedogenic shaving medium along with 2% salicylic acid twice daily. If it does not say "non-comedogenic," I do not want to use it. My doctor recommended washing my face with Cetaphil; has anyone tried shaving with it? I was thinking about washing my face, applying Cetaphil with a badger brush and leaving it on my face for 3-5 minutes, rinsing off, and then applying Cetaphil as the shaving cream and shaving. It is non-comedogenic, but it is also a fairly thin liquid/gel. Anyone have any ideas, comments, or suggestions?
Cetaphil Used As a Shaving Cream/Gel?
- Thread starter BestFaceForward
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I won't know until you try and report, but I don't think it would create enough protective lather.
My dermatologist suggested I use Aveeno. Apparently it's good for the skin.
I use it a couple of times a week. Not bad for canned goo.
My dermatologist suggested I use Aveeno. Apparently it's good for the skin.
I use it a couple of times a week. Not bad for canned goo.
I'd say no, it's too thin.
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- #5
I've heard great things about Aveeno, but it's been recalled. Neutrogena has an oil free shaving cream that is non-comedogenic and has 1% salicylic acid. I used it and was VERY surprised at the results. I hate the fact that it doesn't lather, and that fact greatly detracts from the wet shaving experience. But one of the reasons I switched to wet shaving was for better skin, so if I have to sacrifice not making my lather but end up with an irritation-free shave, I will. Cetaphil's website says it can be used for a smooth, comfortable shave, so I was/am hoping someone else has tried this.
My wife's doctor recommended Cetaphil for her legs about 8 or 9 years ago when she was getting irritation. It has worked really well for her and she won't use anything else. I've considered it on my face before but never too the extra step to actually try it out. I do know that it does work for (my wife's) legs though!
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- #7
Thank you Briznian! If I try it, I will definitely update this thread! Knowing that a doctor recommended it and that she had/has great results makes me feel a lot better about taking that next step and actually trying it.
I've used lotions as shave creams for years---worked very well with disposable razors. I've used Eucerin lotion as a pre-shave---kind of oily but lubricates very well and leaves my skin smooth.
I used Noxema for years---with an old Old Spice brush---and thought it was great for my skin. Got decent shaves, too.
You've got me thinking that I should try Noxema again with my DE razor---it might be better than you'd think.
I used Noxema for years---with an old Old Spice brush---and thought it was great for my skin. Got decent shaves, too.
You've got me thinking that I should try Noxema again with my DE razor---it might be better than you'd think.
Cetaphil makes a bar that might be better for shaving with.
Used Cetaphil as a latherless shave "cream" for cartridge shaving for years and years and years. It worked very well. YMMV.
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- #11
Thank you for all of your feedback so far. Knowing that you guys have shaved with similar skin cleansers with great results gives me more confidence when I do shave with Cetaphil. Today I have a first date and decided to go with the Neutrogena Skin Clearing Shave Cream, but I will be trying the Cetaphil soon 
Keep the updates, tips, and stories coming!
Keep the updates, tips, and stories coming!
I'm not saying it won't work, and it might end up being perfect for you, but.......
There are literally tens of thousands of posts and reviews by hundreds if not thousands of guys discussing the merits of various shave creams and potions on this and other discussion boards. Every 'standard' soap and cream gets multiple, constant, repeated praises from all sorts of guys with different faces and routines. Yet I've never once seen any one recommend Cetaphil.
Take that as you will....
There are literally tens of thousands of posts and reviews by hundreds if not thousands of guys discussing the merits of various shave creams and potions on this and other discussion boards. Every 'standard' soap and cream gets multiple, constant, repeated praises from all sorts of guys with different faces and routines. Yet I've never once seen any one recommend Cetaphil.
Take that as you will....
I have had acne prone skin since college. Sometimes very severe (have taken accutane x 2). My shaving routine has saved my face for the past 10 years. Always shave after a hot shower. I use cetaphil gentle bar (no triclosan), for the past decade with great success. Use a super badger shaving brush to create lather holding the bar on your hand after dipping the brush in hot water. Apply it carefully gently like you would painting a wall but softly. The important thing her is to create the foam on your bar, not your face, then apply to your face gently. An brush your face for a while, this will exfoliate (most important step). But cannot stress the gentle part, otherwise you will get inflamed. Then shave with the direction of the grain (make sure you map your face and know how your beard grows, mine is all over the place). Do this every other day. I don't even use acne medications anymore!!!!
Not sure if you can use this as a shaving cream but if you use a cream or soap you should look for ones that don't contain unsaturated fatty acids as those have been linked to comedogenesis. You could use Dove or Ivory as well but a simple soap like Williams is probably ok for your skin condition but you could consult with your dermotologist for recommendations.
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I used the cetaphil cleanser for shaving for years growing up; it works great. Just apply it with hands and use a decent amount. It won't lather; you just want to coat your skin. Wet your face and then apply it; don't bother mixing it with water or anything. Also look into the korres wild rose scrub; way better than any clearsil or clean&clear stuff out there.
FWIW the cetaphil works great but it very boring as a shaving cream; no scent, no lather, etc... it works though
FWIW the cetaphil works great but it very boring as a shaving cream; no scent, no lather, etc... it works though
When I used to get acne, I'd shave with the Neutrogena bars of soap, using a DE and a badger brush. Worked great, though it dried my skin out quite a bit, which probably only exacerbated the problem.
I have tried shaving with Cetaphil moisturizer, and it works great except it clogs the razor and water won't really unclog it.
Its lather-less and therefore probably not enough cushion for using a DE. However, it should work OK using a cart.
There are people who use sorbelene based moisturises as a shave gel/cream, which is recommended by their dermatologists. These are high in glycerine, therefore slick, moisturising and non-drying. However, I would think that most dermatologists probably don't have much knowledge about many of the wonderful natural shaving creams that are also available. There's plenty of shaving creams around that are natural and also high in glycerine.
There are people who use sorbelene based moisturises as a shave gel/cream, which is recommended by their dermatologists. These are high in glycerine, therefore slick, moisturising and non-drying. However, I would think that most dermatologists probably don't have much knowledge about many of the wonderful natural shaving creams that are also available. There's plenty of shaving creams around that are natural and also high in glycerine.
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