Cetaphil

What Cetaphil does

Cetaphil is a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand founded in 1947 in Texas and currently operated by Galderma Laboratories, L.P., a private dermatology subsidiary owned by an EQT-led consortium (acquired from Nestlé Skin Health in 2019). The brand sells a full sensitive-skin regimen including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, eye creams, sunscreens, and baby skincare, with specialized lines for eczema, oily skin, hydration, anti-aging, and brightening. Its technology backbone combines proprietary formulation science — including patent-pending Gallic AOX Power Technology, HydroSensitiv Complex (with blue daisy), MicroPearl mattifying technology, and Oleosome SPF delivery — with a clinical evidence base of over 550 studies on 32,000+ patients (and a separate figure of 1,100+ studies on 49,000+ patients).

The business is a consumer packaged goods model built on unit pricing of approximately $10–$30 per product, distributed at mass scale through Walmart, Target, Costco, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Ulta Beauty, major grocery chains (Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Publix, HEB, Wegmans), and e-commerce channels (Amazon, cetaphil.com) across 70+ countries. Marketing combines dermatologist endorsement, AI-powered skin analysis via a Perfect Corp. partnership, email programs (Cetaphil Club), TikTok presence, and educational content. End-customer concentration is the long-tail consumer; channel concentration is moderate given dependence on a handful of U.S. mass and pharmacy retailers.

Revenue is not publicly disclosed at the brand level, and financial signals must be inferred from scale commentary and parent Galderma context. Recent product cadence (three launches in 2025 plus a flagship antioxidant serum launch in 2026-03) and continued geographic and category extension point to an active growth investment posture, though quantifiable revenue trajectory cannot be confirmed from the available data.

Name

Cetaphil

Legal name

Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

Website

https://cetaphil.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Cetaphil is a 75+-year-old dermatologist-recommended sensitive skincare brand owned by Galderma, selling cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and baby care products across mass, pharmacy, grocery, beauty, and e-commerce channels in 70+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sensitive Skin Care Products

NAICS

Health and Personal Care Retailers (4561), Cosmetics, Beauty Supplies, and Perfume Retailers (456120)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844), Soap, Detergents, Cleang Preparations, Perfumes, Cosmetics (2840)

akta.pro primary industry

Sensitive Skin & Barrier Repair (CRABAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Dermocosmetics & Medical-Grade Skincare (CRABAAAF), Treatment Skincare (Serums, Actives, Acne & Anti-aging) (CRABAAAB), Baby Skincare (Lotions, Creams, Oils) (CRABAJAB), Eye & Lip Skincare (CRABAAAC), Dermatology OTC & Skin Health (Acne Treatments, Eczema/Psoriasis OTC, Antifungals, Wart Removal) (CRADAMAF)

Keywords

• Sensitive skin cleansers
• Dermatologist skincare products
• Moisturizing facial creams
• Baby skincare products
• Mineral sunscreen protection

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Worth

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Consumer Skincare Products: Cetaphil generates revenue through the sale of consumer skincare products including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and baby care products. Products are sold through retail partners (mass market, pharmacy, grocery) and direct-to-consumer e-commerce. Revenue is primarily one-time purchase driven with repeat purchase patterns based on product consumption.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Cetaphil manufactures and sells dermatologist-recommended skincare products formulated specifically for sensitive skin, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, eye creams, and baby care products. The portfolio spans targeted product lines such as Restoraderm Eczema, DermaControl for oily skin, Deep Hydration, Healthy Renew, and Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, with proprietary technologies like Gallic-AOX Power, HydroSensitiv Complex, and MicroPearl. Products are distributed globally through mass-market retailers, pharmacy chains, grocery stores, beauty specialty retailers, and direct e-commerce.

Product overview

Cetaphil is a skincare brand under Galderma Laboratories, offering a comprehensive portfolio of sensitive skin care products spanning cleansers, moisturizers, serums, eye creams, sunscreens, and baby skincare. The core products include the original Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (launched 1947), Daily Facial Cleanser, and Moisturizing Cream, which form the foundation of the sensitive skin regimen. The product range includes specialized lines for specific concerns: DermaControl for oily/shine-prone skin, Restoraderm Eczema for eczema-prone skin, Deep Hydration for dehydrated skin, Healthy Renew for anti-aging, and Gentle Clear for acne-prone skin. Recent additions include the AM/PM Antioxidant Serums with proprietary Gallic-AOX Power Technology and the Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming Line. All products are formulated for sensitive skin with dermatologist testing and clinical validation across more than 1,100 studies on over 49,000 patients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser The original Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (originally Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion), launched in 1947 with eight ingredients. Fragrance-free, soap-free gentle cleanser suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin; can be removed with a cotton pad or rinsed with water.
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser Daily facial cleanser designed for gentle removal of dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining skin's natural moisture barrier. Formulated for daily use on sensitive skin.
• Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser Foaming cream cleanser that provides gentle yet effective cleansing while maintaining skin hydration for sensitive skin consumers.
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Rich moisturizing cream for dry and sensitive skin that provides long-lasting hydration and helps strengthen the skin barrier.
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Lightweight body moisturizer for daily hydration of normal-to-dry sensitive skin.
• Cetaphil Advanced Radiance Lotion Moisturizing lotion designed to enhance skin radiance and provide hydration for sensitive skin.
• DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 Oil-free facial moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection for oily and combination skin. Features MicroPearl technology to absorb surface oil and reduce shine, and Oleosome technology that achieves higher SPF with lower sunscreen filter concentration to reduce irritation. Provides 24-hour hydration.
• Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream Lightweight, non-greasy face cream that deeply replenishes skin's hydration for 48 hours. Features exclusive HydroSensitiv Complex with blue daisy, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E to improve overall quality of sensitive skin.
• Cetaphil Deep Hydration Refreshing Eye Serum Targeted eye treatment with hyaluronic acid that reduces appearance of dark circles and puffy skin. Features HydroSensitiv Complex with blue daisy and a soft silicone applicator tip. Provides 48-hour hydration for sensitive, dry, or dehydrated skin; ophthalmologist tested.
• Cetaphil AM/PM Antioxidant Serums Daily defense and repair skincare system specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Features patent-pending Gallic-AOX Power Technology combining Gallic Acid and Vitamin E, demonstrating more than twice the antioxidant efficacy of Vitamin C. Visible results in seven days.
• Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming Line Product line including cream and lotion for hydration and firming of sensitive skin.
• Gentle Exfoliating SA Line Product line for gentle exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin using salicylic acid.
• DermaControl Line Product line specifically designed for oily, combination, and shine-prone skin with oil-control technology.
• Restoraderm Eczema Line Product line for eczema-prone skin using Filaggrin technology, ceramides, and colloidal oatmeal. Clinically proven safe for infant and toddler skin from 3 months of age.
• Healthy Renew Line Anti-aging product line for healthy skin renewal targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and skin aging concerns.
• Deep Hydration Line Hydration-focused product line featuring HydroSensitiv Complex with blue daisy for dehydrated skin.
• Healthy Radiance Line Product line designed to improve skin radiance and address uneven skin tone.
• Advanced Radiance Line Advanced skincare line for radiance improvement and skin brightening.
• Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Line Mineral-based sunscreen products providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection; includes Skin Cancer Foundation approved products.
• Baby Skincare Line Gentle skincare products specifically formulated for babies' skin and hair.
• Cracked Skin Repair Line Products designed to repair and restore cracked, dry, and damaged skin.
• Gentle Clear Line Acne-clearing product line with gentle formulations suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin.
• National Eczema Association Approved Products Products that have received approval from the National Eczema Association for eczema-prone skin.
• Skin Cancer Foundation Approved Products Sunscreen products approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation for effective sun protection.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than twice the antioxidant efficacy of Vitamin C demonstrated in global laboratory testing with Gallic AOX Power Technology
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGalderma has partnered with IIVS, a non-profit research and testing laboratory, to help drive alternatives to animal testing for cosmetic products globally. IIVS has an active program in China promoting the use and regulatory acceptance of non-animal testing methods for assessing cosmetic safety.
• DermatologistscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCetaphil works closely with dermatologists and healthcare professionals to develop skincare products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Products are dermatologist-tested and recommended. The brand has conducted over 550 clinical studies on 32,000+ patients.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• SkinCeuticals: SkinCeuticals (L'Oréal) is a clinical skincare brand with overlapping actives-focused serums and antioxidant products (CE Ferulic, etc.) targeting Cetaphil's newer AM/PM Antioxidant Serum range. It operates at a more premium price point and in specialty channels, representing the upmarket competition Cetaphil's newer serum launches will increasingly face.
• Neutrogena: Neutrogena (Kenvue/Johnson & Johnson) is a broad mass-market dermatologist-endorsed skincare brand with overlapping cleansers, moisturizers, and sensitive skin SKUs. While its portfolio extends well beyond sensitive skin, it occupies similar shelf space and pricing tier as Cetaphil in Walmart, Target, and drugstores.
• Dove (Sensitive Skin): Dove (Unilever) Sensitive Skin body wash and bar lines compete with Cetaphil's body cleansers in mass and grocery channels at lower price points, leveraging similar hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested claims. A broader incumbent in personal care with overlapping but mass-positioned offerings.

Direct peers

• Vanicream: Vanicream (Pharmaceutical Specialties) is a U.S. sensitive skin brand built around fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations positioned for eczema and allergy-prone consumers. It directly competes with Cetaphil's Restoraderm eczema line and Gentle Skin Cleanser in pharmacy and mass channels at similar price points.
• Eucerin: Eucerin (Beiersdorf) is a dermatological skincare brand with overlapping sensitive skin, eczema, and repair product lines. It competes directly with Cetaphil in mass, drug, and grocery channels in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, supported by similar dermatologist endorsement strategies.
• Aveeno: Aveeno (Kenvue/Johnson & Johnson) is a mass-market sensitive skin and eczema brand leveraging oat-based formulations. It competes with Cetaphil directly across cleansers, moisturizers, baby care, and eczema lines in U.S. mass and drug channels.
• La Roche-Posay: La Roche-Posay (L'Oréal) is a dermatologist-recommended sensitive skin dermo-cosmetic brand with overlapping product categories (cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreens, baby care, eczema ranges). It competes directly with Cetaphil across mass and pharmacy channels globally, often positioned slightly more premium.
• CeraVe: CeraVe (L'Oréal) is the most direct competitor to Cetaphil in mass-market sensitive skin skincare, sharing a dermatologist-recommended positioning, ceramides/barrier-repair technology, and identical retail distribution across Walmart, Target, CVS, and Amazon. Both brands compete head-to-head for the same sensitive-skin consumer at similar $10-$30 price points.
• Bioderma: Bioderma (NAOS) is a French dermo-cosmetic brand with a sensitive skin flagship line (Sensibio) competing directly with Cetaphil across European pharmacy channels and increasingly in Asia and Latin America. Comparable positioning around dermatologist recommendation and gentle formulations.
• Mustela: Mustela (Laboratoires Expanscience) is a baby and sensitive skin skincare brand with comparable baby skincare, eczema, and mother-and-baby product ranges. It competes directly with Cetaphil's baby line in mass, drug, and specialty channels globally.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• TikToktiktok.com/@cetaphil

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cetaphil