Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Review

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 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.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

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

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 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 1.3 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), Panthenol (est. ≈2.5%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%), 
 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 anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

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 Moisturizing Lotion

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

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

Ingredients

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Ceteareth-20
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pantolactone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.8
9
2.5
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
2.6
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.8 10
10.0
9
2.5
2
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
1.3
1.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
2.5
2
0.3
All humectants 13.8 10
10
All humectants
13.8
9
2.5
2
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1.3
1
0.3
All occlusives 2.6 20
1.3
All occlusives
2.6
1.3
1.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 2 3
Total
3
Niacinamide
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
2
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1.5
1
All antioxidants 4.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.5
Niacinamide
2
Tocopheryl Acetate
1.5
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
1
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2.5
2
All soothing 4.5 5 No
All soothing
4.5
2.5
2
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.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Isopropyl Palmitate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Isopropyl PalmitateAn emollient ester of palmitic acid and isopropanol that gives the skin a smooth, soft, dry, non-oily after-feel. Isopropyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %4
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.
Ceteareth-20
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Ceteareth-20A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
Panthenol
Est. %2.5
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.
Niacinamide
Est. %2
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.

Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1.5
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
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.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
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.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

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.