Cetaphil is one of the most beloved drugstore skincare brands, and they’re known for two moisturizers in particular:
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
In my opinion, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a pass; it’s too heavy, doesn’t spread or absorb in your skin easily, and doesn’t leave your skin feeling moisturized.
On the other hand, the Cetaphil Lotion is lightweight and absorbs easily but is better suited for people with oily skin rather than dry or sensitive skin.
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about Cetaphil moisturizers and which ones are right for you.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Review
Product Benefits
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is formulated to offer intense hydration, especially beneficial for those with dry skin or a weakened skin barrier.
Its unique formula is designed to help bind water to your skin, preventing transepidermal water loss and providing long-lasting relief.
This is particularly important for managing conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis where maintaining a hydrated skin barrier is crucial for symptom relief1.
Key Ingredients
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is specially formulated with a blend of ingredients tailored for moisturizing your skin and locking in moisture:
Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that draws in moisture from the air to keep your skin hydrated
Dimethicone & Petrolatum: Form a barrier on your skin to protect it from environmental aggressors and prevent moisture loss
Ceramides: Essential building blocks of skin that studies suggest help your skin retain moisture and support skin barrier function
Sweet Almond Oil: Conditions your skin and can help support skin barrier function
Texture
With its thick, rich, and creamy consistency, some might find Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion luxurious.
However, for me, it felt a bit too heavy, especially during the warmer months.
The cream was difficult to spread and felt like it just sat on top of my body instead of absorbing and nourishing my skin.
Scent
One thing I love about Cetaphil is that they don’t formulate with fragrances or essential oils.
The Moisturizing Cream doesn’t have any scent which is ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Packaging
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream comes in a big plastic tub which is both simple and functional.
While I’d prefer a pump, the cream itself is probably too thick, so you need a jar anyways.
Final Thoughts
The Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream might be a savior for those with extremely dry skin thanks to the rich formula packed with skin-loving ingredients like ceramides and sweet almond oil.
However, its dense texture wasn’t a hit for me. I didn’t like how the cream just sat on top of my skin instead of absorbing and nourishing.
Overall, I would not purchase this again. Instead, I’d pick up the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream which is also thick and hydrating but doesn’t leave a film on your skin.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Review
Product Benefits
The Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is perfect for providing hydration and lightweight hydration without leaving any sticky residue behind.
In fact, it’s perfect for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
This versatile lotion promises hydration suitable for all skin types. Its lightweight formula ensures moisture balance without exacerbating breakouts, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredients
Glycerin: A humectant similar to hyaluronic acid that draws in moisture from the air to keep your skin hydrated
Panthenol: Another hydrating ingredient that studies show penetrates the stratum corneum well
Macadamia Nut Oil: A lovely oil rich in fatty acids that replenishes lost moisture, aids in skin repair, and absorbs quickly
Texture
Cetaphil Lotion has a light, fluid texture that is a refreshing change from the thick cream.
It absorbed quickly, leaving my skin feeling hydrated without any residual greasiness.
I liked that it was lightweight, but it was not nourishing enough for my dry skin.
Scent
Like its counterpart, Cetaphil Lotion is fragrance-free making it suitable for people with skin sensitivity.
Packaging
Unlike the Moisturizing Cream, the Moisturizing Lotion comes in a pump dispenser which I personally love.
Final Thoughts
For me, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion was a clear winner, but I don’t think you can really compare the two products.
While the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion provided the right balance of hydration without feeling heavy, it also wasn’t as nourishing or rich as the Moisturizing Cream.
Generally, I would say the Moisturizing Lotion is more suitable for people with oily skin while the Moisturizing Cream is better for people with dry skin.
Is Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion good for face?
Absolutely, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a great facial moisturizer.
Its non-greasy formula makes it ideal since it’ll provide plenty of hydration without clogging your pores.
Does Cetaphil clog pores?
Cetaphil products are generally labeled non-comedogenic, meaning they’re specially formulated not to clog your pores.
However, it’s always a good idea to patch-test any new product.
For example, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Creamwould definitely clog pores on my face, so I stick to using it on my body.
Do dermatologists recommend Cetaphil?
Yes, Cetaphil is a dermatologist-recommended brand, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea.
Which is better, CeraVe or Cetaphil?
While both Cetaphil and CeraVe offer quality products at affordable prices, I lean towards CeraVe due to:
its inclusion of ceramides and other advanced ingredients
its lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas
its unique products, like the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
I generally find CeraVe cleansers and moisturizers more beneficial than Cetaphil‘s.
The Bottom Line: Is the Cetaphil moisturizer good?
Overall, Cetaphil moisturizers cater to a wide audience from people with oily skin to those with dry and sensitive skin.
While the cream wasn’t my favorite, the lotion stood out for its lightweight hydration. That said, the best product is the one that aligns with your unique skin needs, so some people with extremely dry skin may prefer the Moisturizing Cream.
I suggest picking up some Cetaphil products at your local drugstore and trying them out for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Cetaphil moisturizer is good for your face. It keeps your skin hydrated without making it greasy, and it’s suitable for various skin types. Remember to test it on a small area first to make sure it works well for you.
Yes, Cetaphil Moisturizer is good. It’s affordable, recommended by dermatologists, and comes in options for both dry and oily skin. You might find it helpful, but make sure to choose the one that matches your skin type.
Yes, dermatologists recommend Cetaphil moisturizer. It’s known for being gentle and is often suggested for sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. If you have skin concerns, it’s worth trying, but consult with a dermatologist if you have specific issues.
Don’t use Cetaphil if you’re allergic to its ingredients or if it causes any discomfort. Everyone’s skin is different, so if it doesn’t suit you, consider trying another skincare option that works better for you.
While Cetaphil face moisturizer is generally well-tolerated, you may experience mild irritation or redness. If you notice any itching or swelling, stop using it and consult with a dermatologist. Always check the ingredients to ensure it’s suitable for your skin.
