Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream (2 x 3 oz Tubes)
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 OilVery 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.
PanthenolVery 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.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilVery 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.
GlycerinGood
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.
NiacinamideGood
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.
Tocopheryl AcetateGood
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.
WaterNeutral
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.
Dicaprylyl EtherNeutral
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.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
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.
Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
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.
PEG-30 StearateNeutral
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.
PantolactoneNeutral
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.
DimethiconolNeutral
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.
CarbomerNeutral
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.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
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.
Citric AcidNeutral
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.
DimethiconeBad
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.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBad
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.
Propylene GlycolBad
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.
Disodium EDTABad
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.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps preserve formulations and prevent microbial growth.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps preserve formulations and prevent microbial growth.
PetrolatumVery 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.
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