Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream (2 x 3 oz Tubes)

Common questions

Is Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream (2 x 3 oz Tubes) healthy?

Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream (2 x 3 oz Tubes) scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This hand cream contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, sunflower seed oil, panthenol, niacinamide, and sweet almond oil, which provide moisturizing and skin-nourishing benefits.

Which ingredients drive Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream (2 x 3 oz Tubes)'s score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Panthenol count in its favor; Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream (2 x 3 oz Tubes)

Cetaphil
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$14.02 · 3 oz · $4.67 / ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 7
Owned by Galderma
Category Face Wash
Summary

This hand cream contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, sunflower seed oil, panthenol, niacinamide, and sweet almond oil, which provide moisturizing and skin-nourishing benefits. However, the presence of petrolatum, a petroleum-derived ingredient, raises concerns due to potential contamination risks. Additionally, the product includes synthetic components like PEG compounds and acrylates, contributing to its processed nature.

Key ingredients 23

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Very Good

Sunflower Seed Oil is a natural oil rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It is known for its moisturizing and skin barrier-enhancing properties. It is considered beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with sunflower seed oil; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

It provides nourishment and helps maintain the skin's natural barrier.

See more about Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil →
Panthenol
Very Good

Panthenol is a provitamin of B5 known for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It helps improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is considered beneficial for skin health.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with panthenol; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

It enhances skin hydration and promotes healing.

See more about Panthenol →
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
Very Good

Sweet Almond Oil is a natural oil rich in vitamins and fatty acids. It is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It is considered beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with sweet almond oil; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

It provides nourishment and helps maintain skin hydration.

See more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

Glycerin helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

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Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that offers multiple skin benefits, including improving skin tone and texture. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening properties. It is considered highly beneficial for various skin concerns.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with niacinamide; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

It improves skin texture, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the skin barrier.

See more about Niacinamide →
Tocopheryl Acetate
Good

Tocopheryl Acetate is a form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant. It helps protect the skin from free radical damage. It is considered beneficial for skin health.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with tocopheryl acetate; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and supports skin health.

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Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in forming emulsions and is essential for hydration. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps in hydrating the skin and acts as a base for other ingredients.

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Dicaprylyl Ether
Neutral

Dicaprylyl Ether is an emollient that provides a smooth application and enhances skin feel. It is used to improve the texture of formulations. It is generally considered safe with no significant benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with dicaprylyl ether.

Benefits

It improves the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products.

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Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It also acts as a lubricant on the skin's surface. It is generally considered safe with no significant benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with glyceryl stearate.

Benefits

It helps stabilize emulsions and provides a smooth application.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
Cetyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickening agent. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with cetyl alcohol; it is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

It provides emollient properties and improves the texture of formulations.

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PEG-30 Stearate
Neutral

PEG-30 Stearate is an emulsifying agent that helps blend water and oil components. It is used to stabilize formulations. It is generally considered safe with no significant benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with PEG-30 stearate.

Benefits

It helps stabilize emulsions and improves product consistency.

See more about PEG-30 Stearate →
Pantolactone
Neutral

Pantolactone is used as a humectant and conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps retain moisture in the skin. It is generally considered safe with no significant benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with pantolactone.

Benefits

It helps maintain skin hydration.

Dimethiconol
Neutral

Dimethiconol is a silicone-based polymer used for its conditioning properties. It provides a smooth application and helps to lock in moisture. It is generally considered safe but may cause buildup with prolonged use.

Risks

Prolonged use may lead to product buildup on the skin.

Benefits

It forms a barrier that helps retain moisture and provides a silky feel.

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Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to create gel-like textures in cosmetics. It helps stabilize emulsions and improve product consistency. It is generally considered safe with no significant benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with carbomer.

Benefits

It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture.

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Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps maintain product stability and effectiveness. It is generally considered safe in low concentrations.

Risks

High concentrations can be irritating, but it is used in safe amounts in cosmetics.

Benefits

It helps maintain the desired pH level in formulations.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH and as a preservative in cosmetics. It helps maintain product stability and effectiveness. It is generally considered safe with no significant benefits or risks.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with citric acid.

Benefits

It helps maintain the desired pH level and preserve formulations.

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Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

Prolonged use may lead to product buildup on the skin.

Benefits

It forms a barrier that helps retain moisture and provides a silky feel.

See more about Dimethicone →
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps stabilize formulations and improve product consistency.

See more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer →
Propylene Glycol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps maintain skin hydration and improves product texture.

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Disodium EDTA
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with disodium EDTA.

Benefits

It helps stabilize formulations and extend shelf life.

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Benzyl Alcohol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps preserve formulations and prevent microbial growth.

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Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps preserve formulations and prevent microbial growth.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →
Petrolatum
Very Bad

Petrolatum is a petroleum-derived occlusive agent that forms a barrier on the skin. It is effective in preventing moisture loss but can be comedogenic and may contain impurities. Its use is controversial due to potential contamination with harmful substances.

Risks

Petrolatum may clog pores and can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Benefits

It provides a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss from the skin.

See more about Petrolatum →

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