# Cetraben Cream for oily acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Warning fit for oily acne-prone skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Risky.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Ireland.

Brand: [Cetraben](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/cetraben)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily acne-prone skin: shine, breakouts, blemishes, and enlarged pores. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A poor match for oily acne-prone skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Extremely low suitability for your oily skin as white soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin provide emollient and occlusive actions that can be too heavy and potentially clog pores, while glycerin offers hydration.
- The emulsifying wax and glycerin provide moderate cleansing and hydration, but the overall formula is not optimized for managing oiliness or breakouts.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-skin): Warning
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/combination-skin): Warning
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/sensitive-skin): Low
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Caution
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/dark-spots): Caution
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/mature-skin): Caution
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Warning (this page)

## Key ingredients

White Soft Paraffin, Light Liquid Paraffin, Glycerin, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Emulsifying Wax Sls Free Wax

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Vaseline Petroleum Jelly accelerated barrier recovery and penetrated throughout the stratum corneum interstices in human volunteers after acetone-induced barrier disruption. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1564142/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Topical treatment with skin-identical lipids in a petrolatum-rich cream base showed no superiority over pure petrolatum in promoting normalization of barrier recovery and inflammation in detergent- and tape-stripped-perturbed human skin over 14 days. ([Acta Dermato-venereologica, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11243632/))
- Topically applied extra virgin olive oil and petrolatum both significantly improved skin barrier function and microtopographic features in 54 healthy adult volunteers, with petrolatum exerting stronger occlusive effects and extra virgin olive oil uniquely promoting epidermal renewal. ([Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40649050/))
- Repeated application of concentrated water-in-oil emulsions over four weeks caused no skin irritation, positively affected skin properties, and delivered almost 50% of the applied fluorescein sodium, with isopropyl myristate showing superior penetration performance compared to liquid paraffin in healthy volunteers. ([International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31525444/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Topical application of 1,3-propanediol at various concentrations, alone or combined with butylene glycol and/or glycerol, increased skin hydration and reduced trans epidermal water loss in 30 healthy female subjects over an 8-hour period, with the 15% concentration and the addition of glycerol providing greater benefits. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37699769/))

## How to apply

- Use this AM and PM routine every day to help clear your skin. Always remember to finish with SPF in the morning.
- Apply the moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your SPF during the day.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and avoid rubbing to keep pores clear.
- Apply on clean, slightly damp skin to help the product absorb better and control oil.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a simple patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why does Lovi advise against Cetraben Cream for oily acne-prone skin?

Cetraben Cream is a poor match for your oily acne-prone skin because heavy ingredients like white soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin can clog pores and make your skin too oily. A moisturizer for this skin type needs lightweight hydrating ingredients, soothing extracts, and peptides that support the skin barrier without adding excess oil.

### Which ingredients make this cream a poor fit for oily acne-prone skin?

White soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin make this cream a poor fit because they are heavy and may clog pores on oily skin. Oily acne-prone skin needs a moisturizer with lightweight hydrating ingredients, soothing extracts, and no heavy oils to maintain a clear complexion without extra shine.

### What does White Soft Paraffin do for oily acne-prone skin?

White Soft Paraffin helps heal dry patches, but it is unlikely to suit oily acne-prone skin because heavy barriers can clog pores and trap oil. Oily skin needs lightweight, non-pore-clogging hydrators and ingredients that clear pores and control shine.
Sources: [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1564142/)

### What does Light Liquid Paraffin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Light liquid paraffin helps keep oily acne-prone skin soft by locking in moisture and smoothing the outer layer. Because it is a heavy barrier ingredient, a product of this type for this skin needs to be lightweight, non-greasy, and paired with ingredients that balance oil and keep pores clear.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22994201/)

### Where does this cream go in a skincare routine for oily acne-prone skin?

This cream is a poor match for your oily acne-prone skin because heavy ingredients like white soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin can clog your pores. Oily acne-prone skin needs a lightweight moisturizer with oil-free hydration and ingredients that help manage breakouts.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

This heavy cream is a poor match for your oily acne-prone skin because the heavy oils may clog your pores and worsen breakouts. If you use it anyway, apply it after your retinol to help protect your skin barrier, though this skin type needs lightweight, oil-free hydrators and ingredients that manage oil and breakouts instead.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [The Journal of Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24930436/)

### How often should I use this cream?

This cream is a poor match for your oily acne-prone skin, as its heavy ingredients can easily clog pores and worsen breakouts. Oily and breakout-prone skin needs a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that provides balanced hydration without heavy oils or waxes.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

Yes, this cream may clog pores and cause breakouts on oily acne-prone skin because the white soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin provide heavy sealing actions that are too rich for this skin type. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight hydration and ingredients that help manage excess oil without blocking pores.
Sources: [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1564142/)

### Can I use this cream around the eyes or on my body?

This cream is generally too heavy for the delicate skin around the eyes on oily acne-prone skin, but it can be used on the body. Oily acne-prone skin on the face needs lightweight, oil-free hydrators and ingredients that help control breakouts rather than heavy heavy oils and waxes.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €14.07 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €18.99 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €35.01 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €15.64 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/aha-bha-clarifying-treatment-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €12.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €8.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €22.67 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €95.00 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €76.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/sand-and-sky/australian-pink-clay-porefining-face-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — €48.22 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €36.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — €8.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Ireland has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

White Soft Paraffin W W, Light Liquid Paraffin W W, Emulsifying Wax Sls Free Wax, Cetostearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate, Water
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cetraben/cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin