Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum Review

Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Sorbitol (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Cetaphil Deep Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitol
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecanol
Function:
Origin:
Hexyldecanol
Function:
Origin:
Hexyldecyl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Distarch Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Anhydroxylitol
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Globularia Alypum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Pantolactone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Xylitylglucoside
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.1
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.1 10
10.0
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.4 20
1.2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.1 10
10
All humectants
12.1
6
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 2.4 20
1.2
All occlusives
2.4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Sorbitol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
SorbitolA sweet-tasting alcohol derived from glucose. Aside from its sweet taste (for which it is used as a very common sweetener), Sorbitol is also very good at retaining water and is used in skincare as a humectant.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Octyldodecanol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
OctyldodecanolAn emollient fatty alcohol that spreads easily without leaving a greasy residue on the skin. It is also used as a solvent and dispersing agent for other ingredients.
Hexyldecanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
HexyldecanolAn oil-like ingredient (ester) that is more stable and easy to incorporate than some other oil-based emollients. It is used in water-free and stick products.
Hexyldecyl Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyldecyl Laurate
Distarch Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Distarch Phosphate

Description is coming soon

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
Anhydroxylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AnhydroxylitolA derivative of xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. It has humectant moisturizing properties.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) OilButyrospermum parkii oil is a liquid fraction from the more commonly used shea butter. It consists mainly of oleic acid and is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient. Read more on shea butter here: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium Cocoyl GlutamateA naturally-derived surfactant with gentle cleansing and some foaming ability.
Globularia Alypum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Globularia Alypum Leaf Extract
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidA smaller-molecule version of the regular hyaluronic acid. It is a powerful humectant that absorbs into the skin and offers moisturizing, smoothing, and anti-wrinkle effects. It is also slightly anti-inflammatory and displays subtle antioxidant properties.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Pantolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PantolactoneA vitamin B5 derivative. Similar to panthenol, it has several benefits as an antioxidant and humectant. However, it is less reactive and therefore products can stay stable longer.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Sodium Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PolyacrylateThis white powder is primarily used as a viscosity controlling agent. It is added to the water phase, which then thickens to form a clear gel. Sodium polyacrylate can also serve as an emollient, absorbent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Xylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitolAn organic compound that is most well-known for its use as a sweetener that also protects your teeth from cavities. Xylitol is used in skincare as a moisturizing humectant and has been shown to improve the protective barrier function of the skin.
Xylitylglucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
XylitylglucosideAn emollient extract from rice bran, the brown outer part of the rice kernel. It includes palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, and antioxidants such as tocopherols and γ-oryzanol.