Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum Review

Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
6.8Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Acetyl Glycyl Beta-Alanine, Ascorbic Acid, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Phenoxyethanol, Undecane, Xanthan Gum, Tridecane, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Review

Does Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.
✅ Significant anti-wrinkle efficacy. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 6.8 out of 10, Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum is effective in minimizing wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (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.

🟣🟣 Significant Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum has a high anti-wrinkle rating of 6.8 out of 10.

It contains 2 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

1️⃣ Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%),
 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).
 
2️⃣ Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈1.5%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

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 model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Cetaphil Vitamin C 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
Delivers signficant anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Niacinamide and Ascorbic Acid
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum
 is specifically effective in treating wrinkles, containing ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy.
 

When used alone, it 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.

With its high antioxidant content, Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
📌 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
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Glycyl Beta-Alanine
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Xylitylglucoside
Function:
Origin:
Anhydroxylitol
Function:
Origin:
Xylitol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Undecane
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Tridecane
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Tin Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
11.9
6
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.6
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 11.9 10
10.0
6
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
3.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 11.9 10
10
All humectants
11.9
6
4
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
All occlusives
3.6
3.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4 6
2.5 /10 5 1.5 0.8
Total
6.8
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Ascorbic Acid
0.8
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
6.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
1.5
1
0.3
All antioxidants 6.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.8
Niacinamide
4
Ascorbic Acid
1.5
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
1
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
All soothing 4 5 No
All soothing
4
4
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.

Niacinamide
Est. %4
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.

Dimethicone
Est. %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.
Acetyl Glycyl Beta-Alanine
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Acetyl Glycyl Beta-Alanine
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Pancratium Maritimum Extract
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %1
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.
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.

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.
Anhydroxylitol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AnhydroxylitolA derivative of xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. It has humectant moisturizing properties.
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.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
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.
Undecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Undecane
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Tridecane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tridecane
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium Aluminum BorosilicateA naturally-derived ingredient common in color cosmetics such as powder eyshadows and blush. It provides a light shine and can have colors coated onto it.
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.

Tin Oxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tin OxideA multi-functional mineral that increases the physical space a product takes up, increases the viscosity of liquid products, and, when used as an opacifying agent, makes a transparent or translucent product become opaque or solid in color.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
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.