My dermatologist recommend that I use the Foaming Cleanser. The hydrating cleanser doesn't wash dirt and makeup off as well as the foaming cleanser. I have heard from people that they prefer the foaming cleanser as well. You could look at the reviews here and check if they have been reviewed by a lot of people so you can get a general idea of which is better. Also there is a website I recommend for reviews called makeupalley.com its not just makeup reviews it is skin care and medication topical and stuff like that. Give that site a shot.

My opinion on the which is better part of your question.. I personally hated Cetaphil face wash and Cetaphil moisturizer. Their face wash doesn't foam as well and it made my face feel tight. The moisturizer is oily and doesn't sink into the skin. All and all I think that Cerave just plainly has better products. You also pay for the difference. I can tell ya though I pay like 13.00 a bottle for the foaming cleanser and I only need to purchase a new bottle every 3- 4 months and that is a pump in the morning and 2 pumps in the evening to wash off my makeup. So it lasts a long time. Also the Cerave moisturizer in the tub was about 11.00 and I have been using that since April 2012. Daily use. The stuff lasts forever and is the best moisturizer I have ever used. No smell, no shine, sinks in quickly. They also sell a moisturizer A.M with 30 SPF in it. Which is nice and doesn't break me out. SPF usually breaks me out, so that is a god send in the summer time. I swear I should be a Cerave Rep lol

Is the foaming cleanser for those with normal to oily skin but hydrating cleanser for those with sensitive skin?

Which of these is better for acne prone sensitive skin?

I use the foaming one and I used that while I was doing a 7 month accutane course as well. So I was breaking out over and over and over again and that cleanser was very calming and didn't make my acne peel and didn't make my face red and burn. I find that laying off of the products with BP and SA can actually help your acne calm down.

The hydrating cleanser is just that it is more hydrating. Maybe your face won't dry out as much and it is somewhat treated like a moisturizer is already in the cleanser..

If you are looking for something that will help clear your acne though and you plan on using Cerave, you are going to need a topical or something like that. Or if you are taking any antibiotics. Cerave doesn't have any ingredients in it to actually fight off acne..

I have roseacea/acne prone skin and i was recommend the hydrating but it actually aggravated my roseacea for some reason. I switched to the foaming cleaner and have used it up till i started accutane. I find it works best if lathered really well in hands and applied on face in a two finger circular motion. Good Luck!

On 5/18/2013 at 2:06 PM, Like Moonlight said:

I use the foaming one and I used that while I was doing a 7 month accutane course as well. So I was breaking out over and over and over again and that cleanser was very calming and didn't make my acne peel and didn't make my face red and burn. I find that laying off of the products with BP and SA can actually help your acne calm down.

 

The hydrating cleanser is just that it is more hydrating. Maybe your face won't dry out as much and it is somewhat treated like a moisturizer is already in the cleanser..

 

If you are looking for something that will help clear your acne though and you plan on using Cerave, you are going to need a topical or something like that. Or if you are taking any antibiotics. Cerave doesn't have any ingredients in it to actually fight off acne..

Are you still alive here? I just finished my accutane course and am using the hydrating cleanser and it makes my face feel a bit oily, should I switch and what do you use?