Cetaphil Restoring Water Gel
Works for
1 of 1 advertised claim delivered
MoisturizingUrea, Niacinamide + 16 moreStrong evidence
“DELIVERS IMMEDIATE HYDRATION Hydro Sensitiv Complex TM soothes skin and deepens dynamic hydration by increasing skin’s overall water content and sealing in moisture”
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
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, SerineStrong evidence
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.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideStrong evidence
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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, AllantoinStrong evidence
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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy8 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4.1–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinDimethicone~3.7–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 DimethiconePropanediol~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolPanthenol~2.1–3.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolNiacinamide~1.7–2.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideOctyldodecanol~1.4–2.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolSodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1.2–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium polyacryloyldimethyl taurateXylitylglucoside~1–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitylglucosideAnhydroxylitol~0.8–1.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function
More about AnhydroxylitolAllantoin~0.4–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinDistarch phosphate~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.35–0.85%
Xanthan gum~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.35–0.8%
- 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 crosspolymerCaprylyl glycol~0.35–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycol1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.8%
Trehalose~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin
More about TrehaloseUrea~0.15–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 UreaXylitol~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrier function
More about XylitolHydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.15–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 acidPolyglutamic acid~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin.
More about Polyglutamic acidPentylene glycol~0.15–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolSerine~0.1–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 SerineSodium hydroxide~0.1–0.5%
Pantolactone~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about PantolactoneAlgin~0.1–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Used to thicken product formulation. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about AlginDisodium phosphate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphateGlyceryl polyacrylate~0.1–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to create a nice product texture and spread the product more easily on the skin
More about Glyceryl polyacrylatePullulan~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanSodium hyaluronate~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateGlobularia alypum leaf extract~0.05–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.05–0.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidPotassium phosphate~0.05–0.15%
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.
| CetaphilRestoring Water GelYOUR PRODUCT | Dr Sam'sFlawless Moisturiser | SimpleX Kindness Hydrating Light Facial Moisturiser | BootsNo7 HydraLuminous+ Night Gel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 76% | 75% | 75% |
| Price | $18.82 | $73.57+$54.75 | $2.66−$16.16 | — |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 15 | 7 of 15 | 7 of 15 |
| Key difference | — | Cyclopentasiloxane | Mineral Oil | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "Cetaphil - Restoring Water Gel" works well for improving skin hydration As we expect from a proper moisturizer, the formula includes a combo of effective humectants and emollients. These are the two different types of ingredients that are essential for improving the skin hydration and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Humectants in this product (panthenol, urea, anhydroxylitol, glycerin and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Dimethicone, caprylyl glycol, octyldodecanol and pentylene glycol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
Ingredient callouts
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 1.70% - 2.50%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
- Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) at about 2.10% - 3.10% concentration. In this concentration, Panthenol works effectively to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Irritation risk
This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 4Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulationspdfs.semanticscholar.org
- 5
- 6
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