Cetaphil® products are recommended by dermatologists, pediatricians, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals for common skin conditions, such as sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.

In addition, Cetaphil® is often the recommended cleanser for individuals undergoing cosmetic therapies and new dermatology procedures whose skin may be exceptionally sensitive.

Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion was originally invented by a pharmacist in 1947, as a compounding vehicle for dermatological remedies. In the early years, Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion was only available from select pharmacists. Due to consumer demand, more drug stores began selling the increasingly popular cleanser by the 1960s. In fact, it was so effective, the original formulation has not changed at all over the years. By the 1980s, it became available at all major retail stores across North America.

In the 1990s, the product line expanded in North America with the introductions of Cetaphil® Moisturizing Lotion, a non-greasy moisturizer for long-lasting relief of dry, sensitive skin; and Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream, an emollient cream for dry areas requiring extra attention and overnight moisturization. The Cetaphil® Gentle Cleansing Bar, a non-soap bar designed to cleanse dry, sensitive skin, was then launched into the US in 1998.

In South Africa, Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion was initially marketed by Alcon Laboratories. Galderma Laboratories (Pty) Ltd entered South Africa in 1996, and then took over the sole rights to market and distribute Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion. Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion is the ideal choice as part of a skincare regimen to address the dryness caused by topical medications used in the treatment of acne, fine lines and wrinkles. Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion will not strip the skin of natural protective oils or emollients, or disturb the skin’s natural pH balance. It is fragrancefree, and non-comedogenic, making it the ideal choice for daily facial cleansing, and make-up removal. Recommended for over 20 years in South Africa, this facial cleanser is ideal for people with special skin conditions like acne, rosacea or eczema, because of the gentleness of the formulation. Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion is gentle enough for all members of the family.

The Cetaphil® Cleansing Bar followed soon afterwards, and was launched in 1998. Cetaphil® Cleansing Bar is a gentle, non-alkaline, non-soap bar designed for dry, sensitive skin, which moisturizes as it cleans. Free of harsh detergents that might dry or irritate your skin, this bar is ideal for all-over body cleansing in the bath or shower.

New product development continued in 2007, with the launch of Cetaphil® Oily Skin Cleanser, a gentle, non-drying foaming cleanser for oily, combination or acne-prone skin. The non-irritating formula of Cetaphil® Oily Skin Cleanser is designed to remove surface oils, dirt and make-up without leaving the skin feeling tight or overly dry. This foaming cleanser leaves skin feeling fresh, does not leave behind irritating residue, and is non-comedogenic. 

Cetaphil® UVA/UVB Defense was launched in 2007 into global markets, and the line extension was launched into South Africa in 2009. Developed for highly sensitive skins, and for patients with specific conditions that react to UV radiation, the formulation of Cetaphil® UVA/ UVB Defense offers best-in-class protection against the harsh rays of the sun.6 In June 2009 the beauty experts at Allure Magazine recommended Cetaphil® UVA/UVB Defense as their product of choice for skin protection.

In 2008, Cetaphil® Cleansing Lotion was only 1 of just 25 brands inducted into the Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Hall of Fame, after winning the “Best of Beauty Award” for seven consecutive years (1999 – 2008). This esteemed honor is given to a select number of products (out of 10 000+) that have won the Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Award for five years or more. Rather than selecting from a suggested list, editors and readers named products they truly preferred. Formulated with only 8 ingredients, of which 3 of the ingredients: water, cetyl alcohol and propylene glycol enhance the hydration of the skin.

Cetaphil® is now the #1 Recommended OTC Brand by Dermatologists and Pediatricians in the US10 and is the #1 cleanser and emollient brand sold by Pharmacies in South Africa.11 All Cetaphil® products are specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin types designed to preserve the skin’s natural protective barrier and retain the essential moisture it needs daily.

Galderma, the manufacturer of Cetaphil®, is a global leading pharmaceutical company specializing in the research, development and marketing of therapeutic, corrective and aesthetic solutions in dermatology. Its expertise covers a broad spectrum of skin, hair and nail diseases. The parent company is based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Corporate Services are located in Paris-La Défense, France. Galderma has subsidiaries in Europe, the Middle-East, Africa, North America, Latin America, Australasia and Japan.