Cetaphil

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Hydrating Water Gel

Name: Cetaphil - Deep Hydration Hydrating Water Gel
Brand: Cetaphil

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow

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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Moisturizing

18 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

What the product description says

“This weightless, oil free gel moisturizer is clinically proven to instantly boost the skin's water content and maintain hydration for 72 hours.”

Source: Cetaphil

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: anhydroxylitol, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: dimethicone, caprylyl glycol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol, urea

SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.5%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.3%

TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.75%

UreaHero· HumectantEffect: HighNaturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations~0.15–0.7%

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.5%

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~2.1–3.1%

PantolactoneKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%

Polyglutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.~0.15–0.55%

XylitylglucosideKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function~1–1.5%

AnhydroxylitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function~0.8–1.25%

DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~3.7–5.6%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.1–6.1%

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin~0.15–0.6%

AlginEffect: LowUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.45%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.15–0.65%

Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.35–0.8%

Octyldodecanol· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation~1.4–2.1%

AllantoinUnder-dosedEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.4–0.9%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: serine.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~1.7–2.5%

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.5%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.4–0.9%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claim

Strong support

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

8 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 8 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.1–0.35%est.

Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.9%est.

HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.35–0.85%est.

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.35–0.8%est.

1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.8%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.15–0.65%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

AlginUsed to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.1–0.45%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.1–6.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Dimethicone~3.7–5.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone

Propanediol~2.7–4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Panthenol~2.1–3.1%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Niacinamide~1.7–2.5%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Octyldodecanol~1.4–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation

More about Octyldodecanol

Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1.2–1.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Xylitylglucoside~1–1.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitylglucoside

Anhydroxylitol~0.8–1.25%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function

More about Anhydroxylitol

Allantoin~0.4–0.9%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces rednessReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Distarch phosphate~0.4–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Distarch phosphate

Hydroxyacetophenone~0.35–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone

Xanthan gum~0.35–0.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer

Caprylyl glycol~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol

Trehalose~0.2–0.75%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose

Urea~0.15–0.7%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingExfoliation

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

More about Urea

Xylitol~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function

More about Xylitol

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.6%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Polyglutamic acid~0.15–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.

More about Polyglutamic acid

Pentylene glycol~0.15–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Serine~0.1–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine

Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Pantolactone~0.1–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Pantolactone

Algin~0.1–0.45%

Comedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Algin

Disodium phosphate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation

More about Disodium phosphate

Glyceryl polyacrylate~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin

More about Glyceryl polyacrylate

Pullulan~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan

Sodium hyaluronate~0.05–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Globularia alypum leaf extract~0.05–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Globularia alypum leaf extract

Citric acid~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Potassium phosphate~0.05–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Helps regulate the pH of the formulation

More about Potassium phosphate

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Octyldodecanol, Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Allantoin, Distarch phosphate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan gum, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Trehalose, Urea, Xylitol, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Polyglutamic acid, Pentylene glycol, Serine, Sodium hydroxide, Pantolactone, Algin, Disodium phosphate, Glyceryl polyacrylate, Pullulan, Sodium hyaluronate, Globularia alypum leaf extract, Citric acid, Potassium phosphate

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	CetaphilDeep Hydration Hydrating Water GelYOUR PRODUCT	Dr Sam'sFlawless Moisturiser	BootsNo7 HydraLuminous+ Night Gel	Dr.Reju-AllAdvanced PDRN Rejuvenating Cream Max
Match	—	81%	80%	76%
Price	—	$33.05	—	$65.18
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 15	7 of 15	6 of 15
Key difference	—	Cyclopentasiloxane	Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride	Adenosine
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
3
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
4
Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
5
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
6
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
8
Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
9
The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
10
Topical urea in skincare: A reviewpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
11
Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
12
Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
13
γ‐Polyglutamic Acid Produced by Bacillus Subtilis (Natto): Structural Characteristics, Chemical Properties and Biological Functionalitiesonlinelibrary.wiley.com
14
Natural and edible biopolymer poly‐γ‐glutamic acid: synthesis, production, and applicationsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
15
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
16
Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
17
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
18
Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net

CetaphilDeep Hydration Hydrating Water Gel

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