• 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
• Moisturisers
• Sunscreens
• Baby skincare
• Acne treatments
• Products for eczema-prone skin
• Products for rosacea-prone skin
• Availability: More than 70 countries worldwide

Cetaphil was introduced in 1947 when a pharmacist in Texas created Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion, a cleanser developed specifically for patients with sensitive skin. This product was later renamed Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and remains one of the brand’s flagship offerings.

The cleanser gained popularity among dermatologists for effectively cleaning the skin without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Over subsequent decades, the brand expanded its portfolio to include moisturisers, lotions, sunscreens, baby care products and treatments for various sensitive skin concerns.2

Cetaphil is owned by Galderma, a company focused on dermatology that was 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 serves as one of Galderma’s flagship consumer skincare brands.3

Cetaphil’s skincare philosophy centres on:

• Gentle cleansing
• Protecting the skin barrier
• Hydration
• Fragrance-free formulations (for many products)
• Suitability for sensitive skin
• Dermatologist-tested products

The brand emphasises formulations that help maintain healthy skin while minimising irritation.4

Cleansers

Cetaphil is most recognised for its cleansers, including:

• Gentle Skin Cleanser
• Daily Facial Cleanser
• Oily Skin Cleanser
• Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser

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

Moisturisers

Popular moisturising products include:

• Moisturising Lotion
• Moisturising Cream
• Daily Hydrating Lotion
• Rich Hydrating Cream

Many of these contain ingredients such as:

• Glycerin
• Niacinamide
• Panthenol
• Ceramides
• Hyaluronic acid

These ingredients help to hydrate and support the skin barrier.5

Sunscreens

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

Baby Care

The baby care range includes:

• Baby Wash & Shampoo
• Baby Lotion
• Baby Cream

These products are formulated specifically for infants’ delicate skin.

Acne Care

Products in this category include cleansers, moisturisers and treatments designed for acne-prone skin whilst aiming to minimise irritation.

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.6

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.

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

7

Cetaphil is widely recognised 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 recognisable products and has been a staple in many skincare routines for decades.

8

Cetaphil’s mission is to provide effective yet gentle skincare solutions that help cleanse, moisturise 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.9

1. Cetaphil | Galderma
2. Learn How Cetaphil Started | Cetaphil
3. Skin care company Galderma seeks $2.3 bln in Swiss IPO
4. Reasons to Trust Cetaphil Products | Cetaphil
5. Cetaphil celebrates 70 years of healthy skin | Galderma
6. Cetaphil® Celebrates 75 Years of Sensitive Skincare Leadership | Galderma
7. Cetaphil Brand Unveils First Fully Integrated Campaign: “Gentle Power” | Galderma US
8. #1 Recommended Brand by Doctors for Sensitive Skin | Cetaphil
9. Cetaphil Skincare FAQ | Cetaphil