• Brand name: Cetaphil

• Industry: Skincare / Dermatology

• Founded: 1947

• Founder: Developed by a pioneering pharmacist in Texas, USA

• Current owner: Galderma

• Headquarters (brand owner): Zug, Switzerland

• Product categories:

• Facial cleansers

• Moisturizers

• Sunscreens

• Baby skincare

• Acne treatments

• Products for eczema-prone skin

• Products for rosacea-prone skin

• Availability: More than 70 countries worldwide. [2]

Cetaphil was introduced in 1947 when a pharmacist in Texas created Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion, a cleanser designed specifically for patients with sensitive skin. The product later became known as the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, which remains one of the brand’s flagship products. The cleanser became popular among dermatologists because it effectively cleaned the skin without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Over the following decades, the brand expanded its product line to include moisturizers, lotions, sunscreens, baby care, and treatments for various sensitive skin concerns. [3]

Cetaphil is owned by Galderma, a dermatology-focused company established in 1981. Galderma was originally a joint venture between Nestlé and L’Oréal before becoming an independent dermatology company. Today, Galderma focuses on:

• Therapeutic dermatology

• Injectable aesthetics

• Consumer skincare (including Cetaphil)

Cetaphil is one of Galderma’s flagship consumer skincare brands. [4]

Cetaphil’s skincare philosophy centers on:

• Gentle cleansing

• Protecting the skin barrier

• Hydration

• Fragrance-free formulations (for many products)

• Suitable for sensitive skin

• Dermatologist-tested products

The brand emphasizes formulations that help maintain healthy skin while minimizing irritation. [5]

1. Cleansers

Cetaphil is most recognized for its cleansers, including:

• Gentle Skin Cleanser

• Daily Facial Cleanser

• Oily Skin Cleanser

• Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

These are designed to remove dirt, oil, and impurities while preserving the skin’s moisture barrier.

2. Moisturizers

Popular products include:

• Moisturizing Lotion

• Moisturizing Cream

• Daily Hydrating Lotion

• Rich Hydrating Cream

Many contain ingredients such as:

• Glycerin

• Niacinamide

• Panthenol

• Ceramides

• Hyaluronic acid

These ingredients help hydrate and support the skin barrier. [6]

3. Sunscreens

Cetaphil offers facial and body sunscreens with broad-spectrum UV protection, formulated for daily use and sensitive skin.

4. Baby Care

The baby care range includes:

• Baby Wash & Shampoo

• Baby Lotion

• Baby Cream

These products are formulated for infants’ delicate skin.

5. Acne Care

Products include cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments designed for acne-prone skin while aiming to minimize irritation.

6. Eczema Care

Cetaphil offers creams and lotions intended to help soothe dry, eczema-prone skin and support the skin’s protective barrier.

Many Cetaphil products feature ingredients commonly used in skincare science, including:

Not every product contains all of these ingredients; formulations vary by product. [7]

Cetaphil develops products for a range of skin types, including:

• Sensitive skin

• Dry skin

• Oily skin

• Combination skin

• Acne-prone skin

• Eczema-prone skin

• Rosacea-prone skin

According to the company, Cetaphil collaborates with dermatologists and healthcare professionals in product development and clinical testing. The brand reports having conducted hundreds of clinical studies involving tens of thousands of participants to evaluate product safety and efficacy for sensitive skin. [8]

Today, Cetaphil products are available across:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia

• Australia

• South America

• Middle East

• Africa

The brand is sold through:

• Pharmacies

• Drugstores

• Supermarkets

• Online retailers

• Dermatology clinics

[9]

Cetaphil is widely recognized for:

• Gentle formulations

• Products suitable for sensitive skin

• Long history in dermatologist-recommended skincare

• Simple, fragrance-free options

• Focus on maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier

Its Gentle Skin Cleanser remains one of the brand’s most recognizable products and has been a staple in many skincare routines for decades. [10]

[11]

Cetaphil’s mission is to provide effective yet gentle skincare solutions that help cleanse, moisturize, and protect sensitive skin while supporting the skin’s natural barrier. Through ongoing dermatological research and product innovation, the brand aims to meet the needs of people with a variety of skin types and conditions. [12]

1. Cetaphil | Galderma

2. AT A GLANCE | Galderma

3. Learn How Cetaphil Started | Cetaphil

4. Skin care company Galderma seeks $2.3 bln in Swiss IPO

5. Reasons to Trust Cetaphil Products | Cetaphil

6. Cetaphil celebrates 70 years of healthy skin | Galderma

7. Cetaphil® Celebrates 75 Years of Sensitive Skincare Leadership | Galderma

8. Cetaphil Brand Unveils First Fully Integrated Campaign: “Gentle Power” | Galderma US

9. #1 Recommended Brand by Doctors for Sensitive Skin | Cetaphil

10. Cetaphil Skincare FAQ | Cetaphil

11. Cetaphil | Galderma

12. Everything to Know About Cetaphil Products | Cetaphil US