Cetaphil vs ISDIN
Cetaphil and ISDIN are well-regarded skincare brands that offer a wide array of thoughtful cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens. The American brand, founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG, is carefully formulated with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit combination skin and sensitive skin best. Meanwhile, the Spanish brand, founded in 1975 and owned by Puig, features sophisticated moisturizers, advanced sunscreens, targeted serums, and soothing eye products tailored for sensitive skin and dry skin. While both prioritize gentle care and daily skin health, they differ in their specific heritage, key ingredients, and targeted formulations.
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
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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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
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Hydrating Toner
Dear, Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
Morning
£11.49
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Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.74
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SPF
Fusion Water
Morning
£23.49
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£38.90
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
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Cleanser
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning
£12.80
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Moisturizer
Rich Hydrating Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£7.05
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SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
£15.24
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
£13.58
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
£13.99
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
£17.00
Buy ISDIN routine · £127.49 · 94% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · £92.66 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Cetaphil vs ISDIN routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£8.29
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
£13.98
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.80
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
£29.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£38.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
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Cleanser
Oily Skin Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
£12.80
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£24.99
-
SPF
Oil Control
Morning
£13.90
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£17.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
£29.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
£13.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
£61.99
Buy ISDIN routine · £232.16 · 93% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · £191.77 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Cetaphil vs ISDIN routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
£30.37
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£14.80
-
SPF
Eryfotona Actinica
Morning
£29.20
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Flavo-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
£38.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleanser
Oily Skin Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£13.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
£12.80
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
£24.99
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
£15.24
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
£23.92
-
Cleansing Toner
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
Evening
£30.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
£13.99
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
£19.00
-
Cleansing Mask
VT Cosmetics Cica Purifying Mask
Once a week
£19.00
Buy ISDIN routine · £221.17 · 93% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · £172.93 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Cetaphil or ISDIN: which is better?
Both brands fit most skin types well, with ISDIN rated Superior and Cetaphil rated High for routine fit across skin types. Reviewers often mention Cetaphil for being gentle on sensitive skin, while ISDIN is frequently noted for its ultralight sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers.
What is the difference between Cetaphil and ISDIN?
Cetaphil, founded in 1947 in the United States, focuses on gentle, non-stripping daily cleansers and is known for being virtually fragrance-free across the products on this page. ISDIN, founded in 1975 in Spain, offers ultralight, makeup-friendly sunscreens with lightweight moisturizers, though some of its products tend to have a higher price point and strong fragrance.
Cetaphil or ISDIN for dry skin?
Both Cetaphil and ISDIN are great for dry skin, with ISDIN achieving a Superior routine fit and Cetaphil reaching a High routine fit on this page. The products on this page help deliver rich hydration and support skin barrier repair, although ISDIN is often noted for its high price point while Cetaphil is praised for gentle, non-stripping cleansers.
Cetaphil or ISDIN: which moisturizer is better?
Both Cetaphil and ISDIN offer lightweight moisturizers on this page, but Cetaphil is better known for gentle barrier repair, whereas ISDIN is often chosen for advanced anti-aging and hydration benefits like its Hyaluronic Concentrate.
Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or ISDIN?
Reviewers note that Cetaphil tends to have packaging and price complaints, whereas ISDIN has a high price point.
Between Cetaphil and ISDIN, which brand offers better brightening and complexion benefits?
ISDIN does better than Cetaphil for brightening and complexion benefits based on reviewer themes. The products on this page for both brands feature key ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C that help improve skin appearance.
How do the founding years and corporate owners of Cetaphil and ISDIN compare?
Cetaphil was founded in the United States in 1947 and is owned by Galderma Group AG, while ISDIN was founded in Spain in 1975 and is owned by Puig.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products, Cetaphil or ISDIN?
Cetaphil has more fragrance-free products on this page, with 26 out of 27 products listing no fragrance compared to 3 out of 8 for ISDIN.
Cetaphil or ISDIN for oily skin?
Both brands provide a Superior routine fit for oily skin, with Cetaphil offering products on this page like the Daily Facial Cleanser and ISDIN featuring lightweight sunscreens like Fusion Water. Reviewers note that ISDIN excels with ultralight sunscreens, while Cetaphil is recognized for gentle, non-stripping cleansers.
Cetaphil or ISDIN: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer sunscreens on this page, with ISDIN achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for dry sensitive skin through products like Eryfotona Actinica, while Cetaphil provides options like Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 that are formulated without fragrance.
Cetaphil or ISDIN for sensitive skin?
Both Cetaphil and ISDIN are well suited for sensitive skin, with Lovi rating Cetaphil High and ISDIN Superior for this skin type. Reviewers note that Cetaphil provides gentle, non-stripping cleansers, while ISDIN offers ultralight sunscreens.
Cetaphil or ISDIN for acne-prone skin?
Both brands offer products on this page that are a High fit for acne-prone skin, with Cetaphil founded in 1947 in the United States and ISDIN founded in 1975 in Spain. Cetaphil is often noted by reviewers for gentle, non-stripping cleansers, while ISDIN is recognized for ultralight sunscreens.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions in man
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Ascorbic Acid Treatments as Effective and Safe Anti-Aging Therapies for Sensitive Skin
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
The clinical efficacy of a new emulsion for acne and conspicuous facial pore amelioration
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
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.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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