Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Summary
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream scores 55/100. The current 2023 reformulation removed parabens and synthetic fragrance — a meaningful improvement from the older formula. Now contains supportive actives like niacinamide, panthenol, sweet almond oil, and sodium hyaluronate. However the heavy lipid base is petrolatum, dimethicone (silicone), and PEG-30 stearate — occlusive and effective for very dry skin but rely on petroleum derivatives and silicones that are slow to biodegrade. Phenoxyethanol preservative is present at the EU-legal cap. Owned by Galderma, a derm-focused subsidiary spun off from Nestlé. Dermatologist-recommended status is well-earned for sensitive skin.
At a glance
Key ingredients 21
WaterNeutral
Solvent base. Inert and necessary for formulation.
See more about Water →GlycerinGood
Humectant that draws water into the skin; offsets alcohol's drying effect. Safe, well-tolerated, and biodegradable.
See more about Glycerin →Petrolatum
Highly refined petroleum jelly. Inert and excellent occlusive moisturizer when properly refined to USP grade — but petroleum-derived and not biodegradable. EU requires full refining history disclosure.
See more about Petrolatum →Dicaprylyl EtherNeutral
Synthetic emollient providing light, dry-feel texture.
See more about Dicaprylyl Ether →Dimethicone
Silicone emollient providing smooth feel and surface occlusion. Inert on skin but a persistent environmental contaminant — does not biodegrade.
See more about Dimethicone →Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Emulsifier derived from glycerin and stearic acid. Generally well-tolerated.
See more about Glyceryl Stearate →Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
Fatty alcohol emollient — different from drying alcohols. Standard cosmetic thickener.
See more about Cetyl Alcohol →PEG-30 Stearate
Polyethylene glycol-derived emulsifier. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane depending on manufacturer purification. Galderma's spec is reportedly low-1,4-dioxane.
See more about PEG-30 Stearate →Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)Good
Synthetic Vitamin E ester used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioner.
See more about Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) →Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) OilGood
Natural oil rich in oleic and linoleic acids; emollient and supports skin barrier.
See more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil →Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5)Good
Converts to pantothenic acid in skin; humectant and supports barrier repair.
See more about Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) →AllantoinGood
Soothing skin-conditioner extracted from comfrey root or synthetically. Helps calm sensitive skin.
See more about Allantoin →Phenoxyethanol
Synthetic preservative considered safer than parabens but linked to skin irritation in some users at higher concentrations. EU caps at 1%.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →Sodium PCAGood
Component of skin's natural moisturizing factor.
See more about Sodium PCA →Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Very Good
Multi-benefit active: strengthens skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss, evens tone, calms inflammation. One of the most evidence-supported actives in dermatology.
See more about Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) →Sodium HyaluronateGood
Lower-molecular-weight form of hyaluronic acid; effective humectant.
See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →Citric AcidNeutral
pH adjuster.
See more about Citric Acid →Glyceryl GlucosideGood
Plant-derived humectant that supports skin's own hydration mechanisms.
See more about Glyceryl Glucoside →ArginineGood
Amino acid skin-conditioner.
See more about Arginine →MannitolGood
Plant-derived sugar alcohol; humectant and antioxidant.
See more about Mannitol →Sodium HydroxideNeutral
pH adjuster used at trace levels.
See more about Sodium Hydroxide →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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