Cetaphil · Moisturizer
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream 16 oz
Lower PFAS concern for typical moisturizer; no red flags in formulation type.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a conventional emollient moisturizer with no known PFAS-laden ingredients (no waterproofing, water-repellent coating treatment, or nonstick coatings).
Shop Cetaphil on Amazon →Material
Water, glycerin, petrolatum, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone (moisturizing cream base)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is an oil-in-water emulsion built on water, glycerin (humectant), petrolatum (occlusive), cetyl alcohol (emulsifier, not the toxic ethanol type), and dimethicone (silicone moisturizer). This is a conservative, clinically proven formula with minimal irritants or reactive chemicals. The ingredients are stable at room temperature and do not require heat processing that could degrade or release volatile compounds during normal storage and use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cetaphil (owned by Galderma) publishes ingredient lists transparently and has no documented product safety recalls tied to heavy metals, formaldehyde releasers, or undisclosed allergens in the moisturizer line. The brand markets itself as dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin and has not faced significant regulatory action on this product. However, the brand does not proactively disclose PFAS testing or removal commitments, which is typical silence in the moisturizer category rather than a red flag.
How it compares in its category
Cetaphil cream sits in the middle of the mass-market sensitive moisturizer tier. Its ingredient list is simpler and less fragrance-heavy than many competing brands, reducing fragrance allergen load. Like most petrolatum-based creams, it carries no special certification (organic, EWG Verified, etc.), but the absence of essential oils, dyes, and preservative-heavy systems makes it one of the safer conventional options for barrier-repair use.
If you buy it
Store at room temperature away from direct heat; the product is stable and does not require special handling. Use as directed on the label; a small amount covers a large area. Discontinue if unexpected irritation occurs (rare but possible with individual sensitivities to dimethicone or cetyl alcohol). Replace when the jar is empty or the product separates or develops odor; typical shelf life is 2-3 years unopened.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Fragrance allergens
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is unscented or lightly scented; no essential oils or fragrance allergens are listed in the standard formulation, making it suitable for fragrance-sensitive individuals.
Heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium, antimony)
The cream contains no mineral pigments, dyes, or mineral fillers that typically carry heavy metal risk. No recalls or regulatory findings for heavy metal content have been reported.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers
Cetaphil's formula does not include preservatives known to release formaldehyde (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin). The product relies on lower-risk preservative systems.
Dimethicone safety at skin contact
Dimethicone is widely used and FDA-approved for topical cosmetics, but some individuals report mild occlusion-related irritation (folliculitis) with prolonged heavy use on acne-prone skin. This is a use-dependent concern, not a formulation defect, and is reversible with discontinuation.
Contamination or microbial growth post-opening
Like all water-based creams, Cetaphil is susceptible to bacterial or fungal growth if the jar is contaminated (e.g., from wet fingers). Use clean applicators and keep the lid sealed when not in use; discard if separation or odor develops.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.