Cetaphil's Fragrance Addition: What's The Deal?

Cetaphil is a line of skincare products from the Swiss company Galderma, including cleansers, bar soap, cream, lotion, and moisturizers. The brand has a reputation for being a gentle and effective option for sensitive skin. However, in 2021, Cetaphil changed its formula, adding several new ingredients, including niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin. This change has sparked mixed reactions from customers, with some reporting negative experiences with the new formula, including irritation, dryness, and a peculiar smell.

Cetaphil's history and origins

Cetaphil is a skincare brand that was first launched in 1947 by a pharmacist in Texas. The brand's first product was the "Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion", now known as the "Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser", which is still sold today using the same formula. The product was designed to help patients more effectively treat their sensitive skin.

The brand is now available in over 70 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, India, and Nepal, Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Africa, and Singapore, and some countries in Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It is recommended by dermatologists and other healthcare professionals and is used by millions of people with sensitive skin.

Cetaphil offers a wide range of everyday products, including cleansers, bar soap, cream, lotion, moisturizers, and sun protection, as well as baby products and solutions for sensitive skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. The brand is committed to advancing skin science and providing sensitive skincare solutions for all types of skin.

In 2021, Cetaphil changed its formula, adding several new ingredients, including niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin. The brand has a strong focus on research and works closely with healthcare professionals to better understand people's skin needs and advance dermatological care.

The addition of fragrance to its products

Cetaphil is a line of skincare products from the Swiss company Galderma, including cleansers, bar soap, cream, lotion, and moisturisers. Cetaphil was developed in 1947 in Texas and is now sold in over 70 countries.

The brand has always prided itself on being a dermatologist-recommended product line that addresses sensitive skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Cetaphil is marketed as a wellness brand, focusing on health and wellbeing.

In 2021, Cetaphil changed its formula, adding several new ingredients, including niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin. While Cetaphil has always been fragrance-free, some users have complained that the new formula has a peculiar smell. One user described it as "an extremely different and prominent smell", comparing it to "one of those bad chemical factories that you find on the highway, away from the residential area". Another user said that the smell made them "want to suffocate and stop breathing".

Despite the negative reviews, Cetaphil has continued to market its products as "fragrance-free". The brand's website describes its Daily Facial Cleanser as "specially developed as a gentle gel-to-foam formula that deep cleans and minimises the appearance of pores without stripping the skin of natural moisture". The website also states that the cleanser is clinically proven to remove 94% of impurities and is dermatologist tested and specifically formulated for sensitive skin.

In addition to the negative reviews of the new formula's smell, some users have also complained that the new formula caused irritation and breakouts. One user said that the new formula "smells weird and does not clean my face" and that it has "made me break out after only a week of using". Another user, who had been using Cetaphil for over a year, said that they were "utterly disappointed" with the new formula and that they were "too afraid to try it on [their] face".

While the addition of fragrance to its products may not have been Cetaphil's intention, the negative reviews from long-time users suggest that the new formula has introduced an unpleasant smell that was not present before.

The change in formula in 2021

In 2021, Cetaphil, a Swiss company that develops skincare products, changed the formula of its cleanser by adding several new ingredients. The new formula includes niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential vitamin for the skin with antioxidant and hydrating properties. It effectively locks in moisture. Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, is a natural ingredient that provides soothing effects to the skin and helps it retain moisture. Glycerin is a water-soluble emollient that softens and smooths the skin, attracting water to enhance long-lasting moisturization.

The change in formula has received mixed reviews from customers. Some users have expressed disappointment with the new formula, claiming that it has caused irritation, dryness, and breakouts. Others have praised the product for its gentleness and effectiveness in removing dirt, impurities, and excess oil without drying out the skin.

It is worth noting that Cetaphil has a long history of innovation, dating back to its founding in 1947. The company has expanded its product line over the years to include cleansers, moisturizers, and sun care, always striving to meet the diverse needs of its consumers.

The new formula's reception

Cetaphil's new formula, introduced in 2021, has received mixed reviews. While some customers continue to appreciate the brand's products for their moisturising effect and value for money, others have expressed disappointment and requested that the old formulas be brought back.

Some reviewers have complained about the new formula's smell, describing it as "foul", "weird", and "pungent". One reviewer said that the new formula "smells like one of those bad chemical factories that you find on the highway, away from the residential area". Another reviewer, who had been using Cetaphil for over a year, said that they were "disappointed" and "afraid to try [the new formula] on [their] face".

Other reviewers have reported adverse skin reactions to the new formula, including irritation, dryness, and rashes. One reviewer, who had been using Cetaphil for over 20 years, said that the new formula caused itching and was "sticky". Another long-time user of Cetaphil reported developing a rash around their eyes and nose after using the new formula.

However, some reviewers have also expressed satisfaction with the new formula. One reviewer praised the product for its non-greasy texture, pleasant scent, and deep moisturising effect. Another reviewer, who had been recommended the product by their doctor, reported that it felt "real good" and was "not greasy".

Overall, while some customers seem to have adapted well to the new formula, others have expressed strong disappointment and requested that the old formulas be reinstated.

The brand's expansion plans

Cetaphil is a skincare brand that was first launched in 1947 in Texas by a pharmacist to help patients treat their sensitive skin. The brand's first product was the Cetaphil Cleansing Lotion, now known as the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Over the years, Cetaphil has expanded its product range to include cleansers, bar soap, cream, lotion, and moisturisers. The brand is currently available in over 70 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, India, Nepal, Australia, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

Cetaphil has plans for further expansion and aims to reach even more consumers globally. In 2015, the brand launched a baby product line, and in 2016, it introduced a men's skincare collection, which included products such as face wash, face cloths, face lotion with SPF, and a daily lotion. Cetaphil is committed to delivering cutting-edge products for sensitive skin and advancing dermatological care. The brand conducts rigorous clinical testing and works closely with healthcare professionals to understand people's skin needs better.

As a dermatologist-recommended product line, Cetaphil addresses sensitive skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea, positioning itself as a wellness brand. The brand takes pride in its science-based approach to skincare and its long heritage in dermatology. By understanding people's skin needs through collaboration with medical experts, Cetaphil has been able to provide different solutions adapted to those needs. The brand sees itself as an essential part of an individual's health routine, just like regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.

Cetaphil's expansion plans seem to focus on making the brand more accessible worldwide and continuing to develop innovative products that cater to a diverse range of consumers and their specific skin concerns. With its commitment to research and clinical testing, Cetaphil aims to maintain its reputation as a trusted skincare brand for sensitive skin.

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