# Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-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 the United States.

Brand: [Cetaphil](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/cetaphil)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/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 weak match for oily acne-prone skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Suboptimal compatibility with oily skin as glycerin and petrolatum provide hydration and barrier support, but may feel too heavy for oily skin types.
- The formula offers general skincare benefits, but lacks specialized ingredients to effectively target your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil

## 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))

## Why other moisturizers fit oily acne-prone skin better

- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## What reviewers say

It effectively hydrates and restores the skin barrier without irritation. Some users with oily or acne-prone skin find it too heavy.

- Liked: Intense hydration (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle and non-irritating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-greasy absorption (often mentioned)
- Liked: Versatile use (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Packaging inconvenient (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price point (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Slight chemical smell (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Too heavy/thick (rarely noted)

## 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 is Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream a weak match for oily acne-prone skin?

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a weak match because its heavy ingredients like petrolatum and glycerin may feel too heavy on oily skin, and the formula lacks specialized ingredients to target breakouts. A moisturizer for this skin needs lightweight textures, ingredients that clear acne without adding excess oil, and components that hydrate while supporting the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Glycerin and petrolatum make this cream a weak match for your skin because they may feel too heavy and lack specialized ingredients to target breakouts. A moisturizer of this type needs lightweight textures, ingredients that clear blemishes without clogging pores, and soothing agents to keep oily skin balanced.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Glycerin do for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin helps keep oily acne-prone skin hydrated without feeling heavy. It draws moisture into the skin while supporting the skin barrier so it stays soft and balanced.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Petrolatum do for oily acne-prone skin?

Petrolatum is generally safe for oily acne-prone skin because it has a very low chance of causing allergic reactions or clogging pores. It acts as an effective moisturizer to keep skin soft and protect its barrier without causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37315800/)

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

This cream goes as the last step in your morning routine and evening routine, though it may feel too heavy for oily skin. To properly care for oily, acne-prone skin, a moisturizer of this type needs lightweight hydration and specialized blemish-fighting ingredients to help clear breakouts without clogging pores.

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

You can use this cream alongside retinol to keep your skin soft and calm, applying it after your retinol treatment has fully absorbed. This type of product needs lightweight hydrators and ingredients that target blemishes to properly suit oily acne-prone skin.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use this cream?

This cream may be used twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine, though it may feel too heavy for oily skin types. Oily acne-prone skin needs lightweight hydration and specialized ingredients that target breakouts without clogging pores.

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

This cream is a weak match for oily acne-prone skin because its rich ingredients may feel too heavy and it lacks specialized ingredients to target breakouts. Oily skin of this type needs lightweight hydration and ingredients that help keep pores clear and control excess oil.

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

This cream is well suited for the body and the thin skin around the eyes because its rich ingredients lock in moisture and soften dry areas. Studies show that skin thickness varies significantly across the body, making heavier moisturizers particularly useful on thicker skin and resilient areas.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

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

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (benzyl alcohol). Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.88 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.50 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — $49.95 at Amazon

## Routine for oily acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [make p:rem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/make-p-rem/uv-defense-me-blue-ray-sun-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.99 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/rodial/vitamin-c-brightening-tonic/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $31.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $21.70 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $15.97 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $69.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $58.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $13.47 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMJTOZK?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Peg-30 Stearate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantolactone, Dimethiconol, Acrylates C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Edta, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid
## 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/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cetaphil/moisturizing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin