Cetaphil Is Here! We Review Their Buzziest Products for Hydrated Skin on a Budget


Cetaphil collection hero Cetaphil collection hero

Even the best-behaved skin can act out from time to time.

Whether provoked by a new product, change in climate, vacation, or a simple cosmetic procedure, there come moments when our skin, once soft and smooth, suddenly tightens, itches and burns; as if it suddenly woke up one day and chose violence.

I don’t know about you guys, but this kind of betrayal never fails to trigger an emotional rollercoaster that chips away at my self-esteem, making me want to hide indoors or under layers until my skin improves.

And while skin sensitivity is nothing to be ashamed of (in fact, it’s increasingly common), embracing your skin when it’s had a flare-up is helluva lot easier said than done.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m quick to support my besties while being overly critical of my skin – don’t worry, my therapist and I are working on it.

Finding the root cause behind these skin struggles is an exhausting process. Endless dermatologist appointments, a myriad of products promising miracles – it doesn’t just drain our patience but our wallets, too.

Yet, amidst the menty-B, a quiet achiever emerges: Cetaphil.

Despite being a trusted name in skincare for over 70 years, Cetaphil and its gentle, science-backed formulas often go unnoticed, overshadowed by newer, “cooler” options.

But no longer! Because guess what? They’ve just landed at Adore Beauty and I’m about to spill the tea on why this underdog deserves a spot in your skincare routine.


1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

 Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Jas split  Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Jas split

What: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 500mL

Fast facts:

  • Helps to improve the resilience of sensitive skin.

  • Infused with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol for optimal hydration.

  • Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin.

  • Effectively removes dirt and makeup while preserving the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Our Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser reviews:

Fun fact: this is the first product Cetaphil ever made all the way back in 1947 (known then as Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion).

It landed on my desk at the perfect time – my skin was irritable after a road-test gone wrong.

First impressions: its texture, though creamy, surprised me with its slight runniness. I was a little unsure of how it would go in the shower but was pleased to find it super soothing on my sore skin.

Its ingredients list is refreshingly succinct. Naturally, its results are fairly simple, too.

Unlike products that strip the skin, this lotion leaves it soft and comfortable.

It won’t give your skin that squeaky-clean feeling you often get with a foaming body wash, so if you’re a particularly sweaty person (like yours truly), you might want to pair it with something grittier for your pits.

As it turns out, Cetaphil’s number-one fan works at Adore, so I asked her what she thinks about the Gentle Cleanser.

Tori said:

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser Tori selfie in-article Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser Tori selfie in-article

“Cetaphil is my most trusted brand. I’ve tried a bunch of other products but find they still dry out my skin or affect my eczema.

The Gentle Skin Cleanser is the best thing I’ve ever used. It’s really soft, and for a sensitive girlie like me who breaks out over everything, it’s the only thing that’s worked. Truly the GOAT.” - Tori.


2. Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion.

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion split texture Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion split texture

What: Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion 237mL

Fast facts:

  • Can be used on both the body and face.

  • Enriched with a blend of glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol.

  • Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin.

  • Promises to repair the skin’s moisture barrier in 24 hours and restore it in one week.

My Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion review:

Out of the two lotions featured here, this one stands out as the lighter option.

Its hypoallergenic formula features the same hydration heroes in Cetaphil’s Gentle Cleanser plus avocado oil for long-lasting hydration that improves the resilience of sensitive skin over time.

It does a solid job of moisturising my skin without feeling greasy. I’ve also noticed my body has felt more hydrated in between applications – catch ya, scaly legs.

The lotion’s lightweight formula, while suitable all year round, has been particularly beneficial on warmer days when thicker options feel too heavy on the skin.

All in all, a no-brainer for an affordable body lotion.


3. Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion.

 Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion texture in-article  Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion texture in-article

What: Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Replenishing Body Lotion 236ml

Fast facts:

  • Promises to replenish skin hydration for 48 hours.

  • Helps to recover and improve the quality of sensitive skin.

  • Deepens hydration and soothes sensitivity with HydroSensitiv™ Complex.

  • Weightless texture that absorbs quickly without feeling or looking greasy.

  • Shields against dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.

My Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Body Lotion review:

You know a body lotion is good when you can literally feel it washing off your skin hours later in the shower.

And when your skin still feels soft and hydrated afterwards.

As I mentioned and you’d probably expect with its name, this lotion is the thicker of the two - ideal for dehydrated and super dry skin types.

It falls under Cetaphil’s Optimal Hydration range which has been formulated with the brand’s HydroSensitiv™ Complex to deepen dynamic hydration and soothe skin sensitivity.

So if you’re after an affordable all-over body lotion that provides deeper, long-lasting hydration, add this one to cart.


4. Cetaphil Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum split selfie in-article Cetaphil Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum split selfie in-article

What: Cetaphil Optimal Hydration 48 Hour Activation Serum 30ml

Fast facts:

  • Lightweight, quick-absorbing texture.

  • Promises to nourish and replenish skin hydration for 48 hours.

  • Features the same HydroSensitiv™ Complex as the body lotion (above) and water gel (below) with soothing blue daisy to deepen hydration.

  • Hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil, pro-vitamin B5 and antioxidant-rich vitamin E rehydrate and restore the skin's appearance.

Here’s what one Cetaphil customer said about the serum:

“I’ve been using this product for about two weeks now. No breakouts so far.

Skin is hydrated. I like the serum overall.

I have dry skin and have used many serums, but this one is the only truly hydrating one I've used.

My face still feels hydrated and smooth even the next day after using it. It's thicker than other serums, but for my dry skin it's perfect.

It absorbs quickly, not greasy. Also, I love the clean scent.

This literally feels like I'm giving my face a big glass of water that feels very moisturizing.

The formula is very rich and the serum is in a cream form so spreads easily and leaves my skin feeling like velvet. I love it and use it twice daily now.”


5. Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel.

Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel in-article texture Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel in-article texture

What: Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Replenishing Water Gel 48g

Fast facts:

  • Oil-free, weightless, and cooling formula.

  • Makes the skin look super dewy and hydrated.

  • Soothes and replenishes dehydrated, irritated skin.

  • Boosts skin’s water content with Cetaphil’s HydroSensitiv™ Complex.

  • Enriched with humectants hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid for 72-hour hydration.

  • Clinically proven to strengthen skin's moisture barrier and improve the quality of skin over time.

Here’s a customer review from a promotion on Cetaphil’s website:

“I been wanting to try this face water gel since it came out, since having so many promises!

I have sensitive skin, prone to allergies, pimple redness, combination skin and more when I apply the wrong product containing Ingredients that my body doesn't like.

I was excited but somewhat scared to see what the results would be with this one.

And let me tell you I wasn't let down at all, my face felt alive, rejuvenated, hydrated, soft, and not one bad reaction.

I have changed my other face creams for this one. It’s my go-to every morning and every night.

I'm so happy I had the chance to try this!”

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