Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream Review

Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.8 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Behenyl Alcohol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Squalene, Ceteth-10, Steareth-20, Tocopherol, Dimethicone, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Review

Does Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.
✅ Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream:
 

🔵🔵 Suitable Moisturizer for Normal Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.8 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.8 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Mineral Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with normal skin who want essential hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a moderate amount of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

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

🟣 Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream contains a rather average amount of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Suitable for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream
, as a moisturizer, is suitable for normal skin, combining a moderate concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.
 
Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may provide a modest anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though not very significant, impact on wrinkles.
 
That said, there are some things about Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
📌 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. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Squalene
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-10
Function:
Origin:
Steareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.8
3
1.5
1.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
11.6
6.0
4.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.8 10
5.8
3
1.5
1.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 11.6 20
5.8
6.0
4.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.5
1.3
All humectants 5.8 10
5.8
All humectants
5.8
3
1.5
1.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
1
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 11.6 20
5.8
All occlusives
11.6
6.0
4.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
Total
2.2
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1
0.3
All antioxidants 2.8 3 No
All antioxidants
2.8
Niacinamide
1.5
Squalene
1
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
1.3
All soothing 2.8 5 No
All soothing
2.8
1.5
1.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
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.
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from the seeds of meadowfoam. It is used in skincare as an occlusive moisturizer and emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and silky after application.
Mineral Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Mineral OilAlso known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Panthenol
Est. %1.3
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.
Squalene
Est. %1
Function
Origin
SqualeneOne of the main ingredients in the skin’s sebum. It helps to rebuild the natural oily film on the skin’s surface and to prevent transdermal water loss. Squalene is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Ceteth-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-10
Steareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Steareth-20A white to light brown reaction product of a clear gas and stearyl alcohol. Like the other steareth ingredients, steareth-20 is a waxy emulsifier that can help to form a stable emulsion, even in extreme conditions.
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
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.

Polyaminopropyl Biguanide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyaminopropyl BiguanideAn antimicrobial agent.