Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Bottom line

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream tops our list of moisturizers for sensitive skin because it is a very emollient formula with no irritants. The cream is suitable for use on the face and body, but it doesn't contain sunscreen. A separate SPF formula is recommended for daytime use.  If you have oily skin, you may prefer a lightweight moisturizer like Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (*Est. $25 for 4.2 oz.), which is loaded with antioxidants and is also fragrance-free.

Performance

Basic "bare bones" formula. Sensitive skin types require the gentlest ingredients as well as those that help to hydrate and soothe red, irritated skin. Experts point to Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream as an excellent option for those with dry or sensitive skin. It is fragrance-free and contains gentle but moisturizing ingredients like petrolatum, glycerin, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate and cetyl alcohol. It also contains antioxidants in the form of vitamin E, but skin care expert Paula Begoun says there isn't enough of it to make a real difference. Still, she says that Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a very gentle, albeit basic, option.

In a study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Treatment, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream was effective at reducing dryness and sensitivity in individuals undergoing rosacea treatment. The cream also improved the skin texture of participants.

Users at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com are also pleased with the formula. More than 1200 reviewers give the cream a combined overall score of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Many say that the moisturizer is soothing to eczematous skin as well as skin that's dry and irritated from various medications. One says, "In less than a week it has cleared my dry patches up."

Feel & Smell

Thick and heavy but very moisturizing. Users say Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is very thick and heavy -- ideal for those with dry and sensitive skin, but it may not perform well on oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It's super emollient, and some say that it takes a while to absorb into skin. One user at MakeupAlley.com explains: "…it might feel a bit heavy at first, but usually in about 15 minutes it's soaked in and any greasy feeling is gone."

The formula is fragrance-free, which is ideal for sensitive skin, but some users don't like the smell of the ingredients.