Brand

Cetaphil

Known for the original gentle, fragrance-free Cleansing Lotion and a long-standing reputation as a sensitive-skin staple recommended by dermatologists.

Cetaphil traces back to 1947, when a pharmacist in Texas created the original Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion. It grew into a gentle, dermatologist-recommended staple for sensitive skin and is now owned by Swiss dermatology company Galderma, which sells it in drugstores worldwide.

Founded

1947 (original Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion)

Founder

Formulated by a pharmacist in Texas (Texas Pharmacal Company, later Galderma)

Headquarters

Galderma, Zug, Switzerland; US operations in Fort Worth, Texas

Ownership

Owned by Galderma

Ownership and scale

Galderma began as a Nestle and L'Oreal joint venture (founded 1981). Nestle took full control in 2014, then sold Galderma to a consortium led by EQT and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority in 2019 for about $10.2 billion. Galderma listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in March 2024. A standalone Cetaphil brand valuation is not publicly disclosed.

Brand timeline

1947
The original Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion is formulated by a Texas pharmacist
1981
Galderma is founded as a Nestle and L'Oreal joint venture
2014
Nestle takes full control of Galderma (Nestle Skin Health)
2019
Galderma is sold to an EQT and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority-led consortium for about $10.2B
2024
Galderma lists on the SIX Swiss Exchange

Where to buy

Brand siteAmazonTargetWalmartCVSWalgreens

Where to get the best offers

A drugstore brand, so the best value comes from big-box and pharmacy sales at Target, Walmart, and CVS, plus multipacks on Amazon and store loyalty rewards rather than brand codes.

Cetaphil products we have reviewed

budget

Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil

Key Ingredient

Glycerin

Very gentle, low-irritation daily cleanseNon-foaming and fragrance-freeA long-standing sensitive-skin staple

$13.99/ 20 fl oz (591ml)($0.02/ml)

Review Product

budget

Moisturizing Cream

Cetaphil

Key Ingredient

Glycerin

Rich barrier cream for very dry skinFragrance-free and gentle on reactive skinLarge tub, easy to use generously

$16.49/ 16 oz (453g)($0.04/ml)

Review Product

budget

Daily Hydrating Lotion

Cetaphil

Key Ingredient

Hyaluronic Acid

Light, oil-free daytime hydrationHyaluronic acid without a heavy finishLayers cleanly under makeup and SPF

$13.49/ 3 fl oz (88ml)($0.15/ml)

Review Product

Brand background is compiled from public sources. Ownership and valuation figures are reported acquisitions or valuations where disclosed; private brands are marked as not publicly disclosed. Prices and retailers change, so confirm on the brand's official page.