FAQ
CETAPHIL: About Us
Cetaphil is a line of skincare products specifically designed and clinically proven to help people take care of their sensitive skin and other skin conditions associated with sensitive skin. Cetaphil believes your skin health is what leads to beautiful, glowing skin, and so we develop all of our products with your skin’s health first and foremost in mind.
The thing that sets Cetaphil apart is that we are dedicated to supporting sensitive skin health, and our products are clinically proven to tackle 5 signs of skin sensitivity. Our work is based on science and research, and to make sure that our products truly take care of your skin, we work closely with dermatologists to develop our skincare products. Cetaphil products are suited to even the most sensitive skin, which is why dermatologists have recommended Cetaphil and trusted our brand for over 75 years.
We are also committed to introducing environmentally and socially responsible practices across our business. These focus on four key areas; reducing our environmental impact, ensuring we formulate with cleaner ingredients, supporting communities, and increasing our use of sustainable packaging.
Our products are designed to be gentle and effective even when used on the most sensitive skin. Cetaphil is suitable for a wide range of skin types from very dry to combination or oily, as well as for eczema or acne-prone skin. Cetaphil is gentle and supportive of skin’s natural properties and provides the cleansing, moisturizing, and protection needed for all types of sensitive skin.
We have a wide range of beneficial skincare products to address skin troubles such as redness, excess oil, and dehydrated skin. Our dermatologist-tested and approved skincare regimes are formulated for all skin types, as well as skincare products specifically designed for babies’ skin and hair.
Cetaphil’s products are suitable for sensitive skin because they use science-backed formulas that reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. We also design our sensitive skin care products to have a pH level that respects the skin’s acid-alkaline balance. While using only the highest quality ingredients, many of our formulations are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making Cetaphil ideal for daily use, especially on sensitive skin.
Yes, the following examples are just a few of Cetaphil’s paraben-free products:
The most common “drying” alcohols typically found in skin care products are ethyl alcohol and isopropyl (or rubbing alcohol).
The alcohols contained in Cetaphil’s products, however, benefit from larger molecules. This means that the alcohol ingredients we use - products such as cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol - tend to trap water, so they are moisturizing rather than irritating or drying to the skin. Using these ingredients is one of many reasons why Cetaphil has such gentle products.
Although the ingredients in our Cetaphil skincare range are not recognized gluten sources; we do not test for trace amounts of gluten that may be present in the ingredients or as a result of the manufacturing process. Additionally, ingredient suppliers may change. If you are a celiac disease patient, you may want to consult your healthcare provider before using Cetaphil.
Cetaphil skincare products are developed with your skin’s health first and foremost in mind. As a responsible corporate citizen, animal welfare is also a key priority for the company. For this reason, Galderma does not test Cetaphil products or ingredients used in Cetaphil on animals at any stage of our product innovation, development, or manufacturing processes. Galderma has been utilizing industry-recognized, non-animal testing methodologies on its Cetaphil brand even before regulations prohibiting animal testing on cosmetics came into force in various countries.
These efforts are part of our commitment to ensuring the safety of our products, the wellbeing of our consumers, and our contribution to society at large.
Nevertheless, some health authorities may conduct animal testing for certain cosmetic products prior to approval for sale on the market, as is still the case in China.
Galderma is deeply committed to promoting alternatives to animal testing on cosmetics and has partnered with IIVS (Institute for In Vitro Sciences), a non-profit research and testing laboratory, to help drive alternatives to animal testing for cosmetic products globally.
The IIVS has an active program in China, which aims to promote the use and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing methods for assessing the safety of cosmetics. Through this collaborative approach with Chinese regulators and industry bodies, we hope to contribute to eliminating the use of animal testing in the cosmetics industry worldwide.
Skincare
- Weakened skin barrier
- Irritation
- Roughness
- Tightness
- Dryness
Find out more about the 5 Signs of Sensitive Skin.
Dry skin can appear flaky, rough, and scaly. This skin type is caused by a decrease or alteration in the production of lipids (fats and oils) in the top layer of the skin. As lipids help trap moisture within the skin, an insufficiency of them can result in skin dehydration, causing the skin to crack. Although you may be tempted to use moisturizer to address dry skin, this will only be a temporary fix for the sign of dehydration, and will not solve any underlying concerns.
If you want to find a range of products that work best for a dry skin type, use our skincare finder.
When skin is dehydrated, it can often appear dull, with dark shadows, sunken areas, or fine lines. This is due to a lack of water and internal moisture.
If you want to find out more about what products would be best to hydrate your skin, take a look at our skincare finder.
As skin ages, the renewal of cells tends to become slower, the layers become more disorganized, and fewer cells populate the deeper layers. These effects can be due to repeated exposure to sun damage, pollutants, and other day-to-day or lifestyle factors. For these reasons, aging skin can be more susceptible to dryness making it more likely to become damaged, requiring specialized care. To deliver this extra care and attention, pick products and ingredients for your face and body that benefit it.
The best lotions for aging skin that have anti-aging properties include ingredients that help boost plumpness in the skin. Below are a few examples of scientifically-backed ingredients we recommend for aging skin:
- Hyaluronic Acid - Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin, but its levels start to decrease as we age. Using it in skincare products gives skin the ability to retain water, thereby hydrating the skin. Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion and Rich Hydrating Cream contain hyaluronic acid, making them excellent choices for daily moisturizers to help defend against the effects of decreasing hyaluronic acid over time.
- Glycerin - Because it is a water-soluble humectant, Glycerin provides significant moisturizing effects, meaning it can attract water to improve the skin’s moisture retention. It also makes for a great anti-aging ingredient as it promotes healthier-looking, more hydrated skin. Cetaphil has many products that contain this effective ingredient.
To find out more about the ingredients we use in our products, including those with anti-aging benefits, take a look at our ingredients page.
Having both a face serum and a moisturizer are vital elements in a robust skin care regimen. It’s key, however, to understand that a serum is not a moisturizer. Serums are highly concentrated formulations designed to quickly penetrate into the skin and deliver ingredients to address specific needs.
The best time to apply a serum is after cleansing when your skin is free of dirt. This means that all the benefits of a serum’s ingredients can be easily absorbed. Applying a moisturizer after this helps give you the moisture you need for the rest of the day or while you sleep. For example, the Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum is formulated to target the eye area and help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffy skin. Then you can complete the regimen with Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream that profoundly replenishes skin's hydration for 48 hours and helps improve the overall quality of the skin.
Cetaphil’s moisturizers are specifically formulated to provide long-lasting hydration, packed with skin-loving ingredients and a water base. You can find out more about the ingredients we use here as well as the full range of moisturizers and serums for the face and body that we develop.
No, washing with water alone is not sufficient for removing makeup, dirt, or the sweat that gathers naturally over the course of the day. Similarly, water alone won’t be enough to remove oil or dead skin cells, leading to a buildup of excess oil or the grease that triggers breakouts. It’s crucial to choose a cleanser or face wash that best suits your own skin type. Despite it being tempting to use only water if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it is far more beneficial to find a cleanser that specifically addresses these concerns and that maintains the natural oils in your skin. Water alone can also contain harsh pH levels that are damaging to skin. Cetaphil has a full range of facial cleansers for every skin type.
Many factors can trigger sensitive skin. The best way to prevent skin irritation is to ensure that you have a routine that involves products that work well and are kind to your skin; create a system of cleansing and moisturizing that is appropriate for you, and test your skin’s reaction to products you are using such as detergents or other bath or shower products.
If you want to find out more about your skin type and the best products to treat it then take a look at our skincare finder here.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s important your cleanser has a well-balanced pH. A well-balanced pH ensures a cleanser will not damage the skin’s barrier and makes your skin feel refreshed. The best cleanser for you won't necessarily be the same for another as, with any product, compatibility will vary from person to person because of different skin types. For example, if you suffer from redness in the face, Cetaphil’s Foaming Face Wash for Redness Prone Skin may be suitable for you. The best way to pick the right cleanser is to understand the type of skin that you have.
To find out more about what products would work best for you, take a look at our skincare finder.
There is no one way to get clear skin because everybody’s skin is different. You may be experiencing blemishes, redness, acne, dark spots, dryness or other skin conditions. Picking the right products is a crucial step towards getting clear skin. Choosing a cleanser that works with your skin type, removes impurities, and keeps natural oil content at healthy levels is paramount. Cetaphil creates a range of facial cleansers that are great for various skin types. Discover our range of cleansers to find one that will help you.
It’s also important to think about other factors: drinking enough water to maintain hydration levels, getting enough sleep, and removing makeup at the end of the day; all contribute to maintaining clear skin.
GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is so gentle that if you choose, you can apply it to your skin and then simply wipe it off with a cotton pad—it’s even more gentle to your skin than water! However, many of our users prefer rinsing off Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with water like more traditional cleansers. That’s perfectly fine, too.
No, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is not a liquid soap, and it doesn’t foam like bar soaps or liquid soaps. However, even without the soap suds, Cetaphil does a great job cleansing your skin of excess oil, dirt and makeup, with a clinically-proven formula that is both gentle and effective.
Yes, you definitely can! A daily skin-care routine is important for maintaining skin health, particularly for those with sensitive skin. And our formula is gentle enough for daily cleansing, morning and night.
Yes, Cetaphil is suited to all skin types, and effectively removes excess oil, dirt and makeup. If you have especially oily skin, you can also try Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser —it does a great job of mattifying skin without irritation.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is designed to be gentle enough for daily facial cleansing, but can also be used in the shower as a gentle and effective body cleanser.
Yes, while Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has a clinically-proven gentle formula, it is effective at removing excess oil, dirt and makeup. For removal of waterproof makeup or long-wear makeup try Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Liquid or Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wips.
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. The FDA and other health authority bodies worldwide assess that at present, there is no safety reason for consumers to be concerned about the use of cosmetics containing parabens.
CETAPHIL DERMACONTROL
Apart from having a higher SPF, Cetaphil DERMACONTROL offers advanced technology specific for the needs of oily, combination and shine prone skin.
- Oleosome technology achieves a higher SPF sun protection factor with lower concentrations and/or fewer sunscreen agents, which reduces the potential for irritation.
- Allantoin, Zinc gluconate, glycyrrhetinic acid, are included in the formulation to help soothe the skin, that may occur from using an SPF product.
- Micropearl technology absorbs surface oil, helps reduce shine and gives skin a matte finish. Oil-absorbing ingredients provide the skin with a long-lasting matte appearance.
While Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 remains an ideal daily moisturizer for people with normal skin, oily skin types will receive additional benefits from the use of Cetaphil DERMACONTROL Moisturizer SPF 30.
BUYING CETAPHIL
Yes, Cetaphil RESTORADERM is clinically proven to be safe for use on infant and toddler skin (from 3 months of age).
Cetaphil RESTORADERM lotion is great for dry, itchy skin because of its scientifically-based ingredients. RESTORADERM products contain emollient-rich formulations and innovative technologies that attract water to the skin while also nourishing and protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Specially formulated with colloidal oatmeal, ceramide, and Filaggrin technology™ to support in hydrating and soothing skin.
You can purchase Cetaphil products in the skincare aisle of your favorite retailers nationwide. For a more complete list of places where you can find Cetaphil, click on our Where to Buy Page.