Cetaphil MD Dermoprotector – Face and Body Balm

Description

AQUA, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE (Mineral Oil), CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL (Avocado vegetable oil (comedogenic)), ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, BENZYL ALCOHOL (Regulated allergen), CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CETEARETH-20, CITRIC ACID, DIMETHICONE (Silicone), PANTHENOL (Pro-vitamin B5), SODIUM ANISATE, SODIUM LEVULINATE, stearoxy trimethylsilane, STEARYL ALCOHOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (Vitamin E derivative)

My Doctor's Diagnosis: Analysis and Target

Visit Face and body balm of the brand GaldermaCetaphil MD skin protector is primarily intended for dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin. Its formula aims to restore the skin barrier, soothe discomfort, and provide long-lasting hydration. My expert opinion is that this product is in line with minimalist dermo-cosmetic skincare, prioritizing tolerance and safety, which makes it suitable for adults and children alike, and even for atopic skin.

Formula Analysis: Key Assets

Three key ingredients stand out in this formula:

• Glycerine : A powerful humectant, it attracts and retains water in the epidermis, ensuring immediate and prolonged hydration. Its effectiveness is widely recognized in dermatology for restoring skin suppleness.
• Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) : It promotes skin barrier repair, soothes irritation, and accelerates cell regeneration. It is an ingredient of choice for fragile skin.
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Derivative) : An antioxidant, it protects the skin from external aggressions and oxidative stress, while strengthening the barrier function.

The presence of mineral and vegetable oils (including avocado oil) contributes to the lipid-replenishing effect, but may be comedogenic on acne-prone skin.

Tips and Application Ritual

I apply this balm in the morning and/or evening to clean, dry skin, focusing on dry or irritated areas of the face and body. It is compatible with most moisturizing active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides), but I recommend avoiding immediate combination with powerful exfoliating active ingredients (AHA/BHA) to limit the risk of irritation on sensitive skin.

My Final Verdict & Safety Opinion

This balm stands out for its tolerance, moisturizing and repairing properties, and its non-greasy, enveloping texture. One slight drawback: it contains avocado oil, which can be comedogenic, and a regulated allergen (benzyl alcohol). In conclusion, it is an excellent choice for dry and sensitive skin, but should be avoided on very oily or acne-prone skin.