Nothing about Kate Beckinsale screams affordable. Not her London-born accent, the lavish outfits on her Instagram feed, her never-a-hair-out-of-place curls and especially not her radiant complexion. Which is why you might be just as surprised as we were to discover her cleanser of choice is no more than a $7 old and faithful from Woolies.
During an appearance on The Today Show, Kate impressed fans by revealing, “I use [a] Cetaphil soap, no kidding,” referring to the (ironically) soap-free Gentle Cleansing Bar ($7.20, Woolworths). Cetaphil’s non-comedogenic bar softens upon contact with water, removing dirt from deep within the pores and maintaining the skin’s cleanliness without stripping essential oils.
As it turns out, Kate isn’t the only one who loves a Cetaphil cleanser. Our beautyheaven members are equally as impressed with the skin-clearing properties of this budget bar.
With an impressive 4.5-star rating, here’s what our members had to say…
“Works well for face cleansing. Nice and compact too! I used the bar once a day and found it lasted a while, around 1 month. Cost friendly and effective.” – Saltine
In fact, bh member Saltine left an extra handy hint to prolong the life of your cleansing bar: “Store it in a soap container to prevent it from getting wet constantly in the shower or sink, it will also save product.” Genius.
“I have used this product on my face and hands and find that this is a great product. It cleans the skin without causing any drying to the skin or leaving a greasy residue and does not irritate my skin either. One great plus is that it does what it says about leaving the skin softer after washing.” – Elunia
“Great for sensitive skin and is has no fragrance ! Since using this daily my dry skin doesn’t flair up anymore !” – Lea22noa
If you can’t get your hands on this exact Cetaphil product, here are some equally as effective and sensitive-friendly cleansing bars that come highly recommended by us…
DermaVeen Daily Nourish Soap Free Cleansing Bar
Another soap-free formula, DermaVeen’s hypo-allergenic cleanser has been enriched with colloidal oatmeal to soothe dry skin, leaving it hydrated, dewy and irritation free.
“I was previously using Dove, which although i love, left my skin feeling a bit dry. i then found this in Priceline and have not looked back! What I love is that the oatmeal pieces give a lovely light exfoliation and at the same time gently clean the skin. the oatmeal is soothing and i don’t feel at all dry afterwards!! i love it!!!!” – Sambam
Want to know more? Read DermaVeen Daily Nourish Soap Free Cleansing Bar reviews here…
$8.49 at Chemist Warehouse
sebamed Cleansing Bar
Enriched with moisturising amino acids, the sebamed Cleansing Bar is best suited to sensitive complexions with normal to oily skin. The ultra-mild formula penetrates deep into your pores to remove dirt and oil buildup without leaving you feeling dry like a regular bar of soap would.
“My skin never feels tight or dry after using it – in actual fact, it feels nourished, smooth and clean (just not squeaky clean!). The scent is also light enough to irritate – but still smells “nice”. I now only buy this and it works for my whole entire family. It’s also affordable – esp if you wait for it to go on sale! Recommend to all!” – Sunniandme
Want to know more? Read sebamed Cleansing Bar reviews here…
$8.95 at Chemist Direct
Have you ever used a cleansing bar? If not, would you like to try one?
Oh nice! I’ve got a cleansing bar in the cupboard.
Never tried a cleansing bar but would be open to.
I used to use Neutrogena cleansing bars years ago, not sure if you can still buy them.
Me too! I am pretty sure they are still on the market.
I love cleansing bars.
I use them in the warmer months of the year when my skin is less dry, I have used quite a few different brands but not the ones mentioned in this article.
As a teen I used to use the Neutrogena bars. It was because they were cheap and in my budget back then!
I have used Cetaphil cleaners but not their cleansing bar
I have never used a cleansing bar. I think a cream is so much easier.
Exactly how I feel Normap.
I would like to try one though same as a shampoo bar too -no recycling problems either
Never used one before, but I’m open to try it. Maybe when I finish the cleansing gel I use now.
No, love my oil cleanser.
I used to use a Clinique one many years ago, not sure if they make it anymore. It came in a plastic container to help preserve it. I loved it.
And it would be more hygenic that way too.
Yes the old fashioned soap holder makes sense to save wastage
Nice to see not all celebs use $400 cream made of unicorn tears or similar.
Lately, I’ve started going back to using cakes of soap in the shower – a blast from the past!
I have never used a cleansing bar but would love to try one. Good article
I didn’t realise Cetaphil made a cleansing bar, my husband prefers using a bar to wash with, I shall be buying him one
I’ve tried the dove, but would love to give the Cetaphil one a try
The sebamed cleansing bar is very good imo.
Soap isn’t the devil it is claimed to be
I am interested in trying Cetaphil products. I hear nothing but good about them especially if you have sensitive skin like I do.
I just can’t. There are better options on the market.
I use the Centaphil cleanser! It is amazing! Highly recommend! X
These cleansing bars don’t interest me. I love fragranced soaps or the Dove Body Bar (especially the exfoliating one)
I remember using the Cetaphil bar cleanser years ago. I don’t think I’d use it again. I dont think Cetaphil suits my skin type.
Cetaphil is great for really sensitive skin. I need something a bit more moisturising these days.
My first ever cleanser. Very handy and I still use it from time to time.
If it’s not fragranced I might consider trying it
A lovely brand
I will definitely try this one. Thanks
I can’t remember having used a cleansing bar. I usually stick with oils or balms.
I would love to try these cleansing bar. Great option to switch as everything getting expensive.
I love using these bars because they last so long. Cetaphil is a great brand!!!!
That Instagram photo doesn’t look like her at all.
Kate Beckinsale looks absolutely beautiful so glad that she is using Cetaphil Face Cleanser will have to try a Cleansing Bar have always used the Face and Body Wash.
I love Cetaphil such a good brand
I’ve not used a cleansing bar but I would try it.
I’m not a big fan of cleansing bars. I far prefer a liquid cleanser of some kind.
I’ve never tried one Dance, i’d be keen to check them out one day
Lots of great options to try out
I wouldn’t use one on my sensitive facial skin
I’ve actually never tried a cleansing bar, but really curious in trying one.
I have tried Dove and the Clinique facial soap in the past. Nowadays I use a cream cleanser (mostly), or a foaming cleanser.