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Cetaphil vs ISDIN

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

Cetaphil and ISDIN are well-regarded skincare names, with the American brand founded in 1947 by Galderma Group AG and the Spanish counterpart established in 1975 by Puig. Cetaphil is loved for its gentle cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens formulated with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit oily and combination skin best. Conversely, ISDIN is beloved for advanced daily moisturizers, sunscreens, serums, and eye products that respect delicate moisture barriers to suit sensitive and acne-prone skin best. While both offer standout solutions like targeted antioxidant serums, renewing creams, and daily scrubs or specialized waters for specific concerns, they differ fundamentally in their foundational ingredients and regional heritage.

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

ISDIN is a Spanish skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by Puig.

puig.combeautymatter.comuploads.puig.com

This page compares some of the most popular Cetaphil and ISDIN products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular Cetaphil vs ISDIN products

People Say

CetaphilISDIN
  • Gentle for sensitive skin Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “cleans without stripping — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “Sensitive/reactive skin tolerates — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
  • Lightweight and non-greasy Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “absorbs instantly — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
    • “ultra-light fluid product, which makes it super easy to apply — ISDIN Fusion Water”
    • “Lightweight formula absorbs fast — ISDIN Hyaluronic Concentrate”
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Hydrating and non-stripping Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “Improved moisture and texture — ISDIN Hyaluronic Moisture”
    • “My skin felt sooo hydrated and looks so plump and dewey. — ISDIN Fusion Water”
  • Skin smoothing and texture improvements Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
    • “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
    • “Micro-fine granules don't irritate — Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub”
    • “skin was much smoother — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
  • Versatile use and daily cleansing Often MentionedNot noted
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “recommended by my derm — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
    • “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
  • Brightening and complexion benefits Rarely NotedSometimes Noted
    • “My hyperpigmentation has lightened and skin looks more even, even shines more. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “skin looks immediately luminous — ISDIN K-Ox Eyes”
    • “skin looks more radiant — Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum”
  • Packaging and price complaints Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “hate dipping fingers in — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “wish it had a pump — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “expensive for drugstore — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “very expensive — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
  • Strong scent or fragrance concerns Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Overpowering masking fragrance — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
    • “Scent is overwhelmingly artificial. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “smell is overpowering — ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
    • “I think the serum is too strong for my face as it has burned and left very rough and a peeling face. — ISDIN Flavo-C Serum”
    • “slight peeling — ISDIN Retinal Intense Serum”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs ISDIN routines for dry skin

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Cetaphil vs ISDIN routines for oily skin

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Cetaphil vs ISDIN routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or ISDIN: which is better?

Both brands offer strong options, but ISDIN holds a Superior routine fit across all skin types compared to Cetaphil's High fit. ISDIN is often noted for ultralight sunscreens, while Cetaphil is praised for gentle, non-stripping cleansers.

What is the difference between Cetaphil and ISDIN?

Cetaphil is known for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that generally fit oily, combination, and acne-prone skin well, while ISDIN stands out for ultralight sunscreens and brightening products that tend to suit sensitive, acne-prone, and dry skin.

Cetaphil or ISDIN for dry skin?

Both Cetaphil and ISDIN are great for dry skin, with Lovi giving Cetaphil a High routine fit and ISDIN a Superior routine fit. Cetaphil features hydrating moisturizers and gentle cleansers, while ISDIN offers lightweight options that help with dry skin care.

Cetaphil or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?

Both brands offer moisturizers on this page, but they cater to different preferences. Cetaphil features mostly fragrance-free options known for being gentle and hydrating, while ISDIN is recognized for its lightweight, makeup-friendly formulas that may help with antioxidant and anti-aging benefits.

Drug Delivery, 2017Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or ISDIN?

When comparing affordability on this page, ISDIN often faces complaints about a high price point, whereas Cetaphil deals with packaging and price complaints.

Between Cetaphil and ISDIN, which brand has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products?

Cetaphil has a higher percentage of fragrance-free products on this page, as 26 of its 27 products list no fragrance compared to only 3 of 8 products for ISDIN.

Which brand has reviews mentioning high price points and strong fragrance?

Reviews for ISDIN frequently mention a high price point, while reviews for Cetaphil sometimes note strong fragrance concerns.

What are the founding years and owning companies of Cetaphil and ISDIN?

Cetaphil was founded in the United States in 1947 and is owned by Galderma Group AG. ISDIN was founded in Spain in 1975 and is owned by Puig.

Cetaphil or ISDIN for oily skin?

Both brands offer great options for oily skin, with Lovi giving Cetaphil a High fit and ISDIN a Superior fit for this skin type. Reviewers note that Cetaphil provides gentle, non-stripping cleansers, while ISDIN is known for ultralight, makeup-friendly sunscreens.

Cetaphil or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?

Both brands offer strong sunscreen options on this page, with ISDIN achieving a Superior routine fit for sun protection and Cetaphil providing highly rated mineral choices like Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. ISDIN sunscreens are mostly mentioned by reviewers as ultralight and makeup-friendly, while Cetaphil products help keep formulas fragrance-free across most of the range.

Cetaphil or ISDIN for sensitive skin?

Both brands are great for sensitive skin, with Lovi giving Cetaphil a High fit and ISDIN a Superior fit. Cetaphil is often noted for being gentle and non-stripping, while ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.

Cetaphil or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?

Both Cetaphil and ISDIN are good options for acne-prone skin, as Lovi rates their routines as High fit. Cetaphil features products on this page that are fragrance-free to help avoid irritation, while ISDIN is noted for lightweight formulas.

Research behind their key ingredients

Behind this comparison

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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