Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

A scientifically balanced, fragrance-free moisturizer featuring Niacinamide, Panthenol, and Sweet Almond Oil to deeply hydrate and restore the skin’s protective barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.7

This formula is an excellent blend of the three key components of a good moisturizer: Humectants (Glycerin, Panthenol), Occlusives (Petrolatum, Dimethicone), and Emollients (Sunflower Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil). The inclusion of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a significant advantage, as it helps repair the skin barrier and improve texture. Panthenol (Vitamin B5) provides additional soothing properties, making this highly effective for dry or compromised skin.

Safety Rating: 4.5

This product appears to be Fragrance-Free, which significantly reduces the risk of irritation and allergic reactions, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It uses standard, well-tolerated preservatives like Phenoxyethanol and Benzyl Alcohol. While Petrolatum is a petroleum derivative, cosmetic-grade petrolatum is non-comedogenic and considered the gold standard for safety and efficacy in skin protection.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier body moisturizer that prioritizes function over form. By combining proven hydrators like Glycerin and Petrolatum with barrier-repairing agents like Niacinamide, it offers professional-grade skincare. It is ideally suited for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin types owing to the lack of fragrance.

Verdict

This formulation represents a robust and dermatologically sound approach to body moisturization, focusing heavily on barrier repair and long-term hydration retention. At its core, the product relies on the synergistic action of Glycerin, a premier humectant, and Petrolatum, the gold standard of occlusives. This combination ensures that moisture is not only drawn into the skin but is also effectively locked in, preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) which is crucial for healing dry, cracked skin. The inclusion of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) elevates this cream above basic moisturizers. Niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient known to strengthen the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and improve skin texture. It works in tandem with Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), another soothing agent that aids in skin recovery and reduces irritation. This makes the profile particularly attractive for those dealing with environmental stress or compromised skin barriers. To balance the texture and prevent the heaviness associated with petrolatum, the formula incorporates Dicaprylyl Ether and Dimethicone. These ingredients provide a “slip” to the product, allowing it to spread easily and leaving a silky, non-sticky finish. The lipid profile is further enriched by Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, which provide essential fatty acids to soften and nourish the stratum corneum. From a safety perspective, the absence of added fragrance is a significant positive for reactive skin types, minimizing the risk of contact dermatitis. The preservation system uses Benzyl Alcohol and Phenoxyethanol, which are standard and generally well-tolerated. However, users should note the presence of nut oil, which serves as a contraindication for specific allergies. Overall, this is an excellent, high-performance moisturizer suitable for daily maintenance of healthy skin as well as the intensive repair of dry conditions.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 Water / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formula, provides hydration.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与柔润剂

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 Petrolatum / 矿脂 (凡士林)

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy feel for some

Notes: Very effective at sealing in moisture and protecting the skin barrier.

🧪 Dicaprylyl Ether / 二辛基醚

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Provides a dry, non-greasy skin feel.

🧪 Dimethicone / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient/Occlusive

Concerns: Silicone based

Notes: Provides a silky slip and forms a breathable barrier.

🧪 Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil / 向日葵籽油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Rich in fatty acids, helps repair skin barrier.

🧪 Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil / 甜扁桃油

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Nut allergy risk

Notes: Nourishing plant oil.

🧪 Dimethiconol / 聚二甲基硅氧烷醇

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Silicone based

Notes: Works with Dimethicone to improve texture and feel.

📁 Active Ingredients / 活性成分

🧪 Panthenol / 泛醇 (维生素B5)

Purpose: Soothing/Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Excellent for soothing irritated skin.

🧪 Niacinamide / 烟酰胺 (维生素B3)

Purpose: Restoring/Brightening

Concerns: Can cause flushing in high concentrations

Notes: Helps strengthen the skin barrier and even skin tone.

🧪 Tocopheryl Acetate / 生育酚乙酸酯 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Protects skin from free radical damage.

🧪 Pantolactone / 泛解内酯

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Derivative related to Panthenol.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Emulsifiers / 质地调节剂与乳化剂

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient/Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that is good for dry skin, non-drying.

🧪 Peg-30 Stearate / PEG-30 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: PEG contamination (rare in modern cosmetics)

Notes: Stabilizes the emulsion.

🧪 Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer / 丙烯酸(酯)类/C10-30 烷醇丙烯酸酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizer and thickener.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency.

🧪 Propylene Glycol / 丙二醇

Purpose: Humectant/Solvent

Concerns: Potential skin irritant for sensitive skin

Notes: Enhances absorption.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 Disodium Edta / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents metals in water from degrading the formula.

🧪 Benzyl Alcohol / 苯甲醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Fragrance allergen

Notes: Can be a potential irritant for very sensitive skin.

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: None

Notes: Standard gentle preservative.

🧪 Sodium Hydroxide / 氢氧化钠

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Irritant in pure form

Notes: Used in tiny amounts to balance pH.

🧪 Citric Acid / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: None

Notes: Balances the acidity of the product.