Galderma taps lipid science to extend Cetaphil into skinified body care

Galderma is extending Cetaphil’s Nourishing line into body care with two moisturizers for sensitive skin in the US. Two new products, Nourishing & Hydrating Lotion and Nourishing & Hydrating Cream, bring lipid replenishment and skin barrier claims to the category. 

The move follows Galderma’s recent facial launch. The company says the performance of Cetaphil Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser is what pointed the line toward body care.

“The success of our Nourishing Oil to Foam facial cleanser reinforced the consumer demand for body care rooted in skin barrier science,” says JP York, PhD, director of US medical affairs for dermatological skin care at Galderma.

The move comes as the personal care industry doubles down on its investment in body care, as the category undergoes an uptick in science-backed and skinified innovation.

Addressing the lipid deficit

Sensitive skin often runs short on lipids. Galderma says that deficiency weakens the barrier and drives moisture loss, dryness, roughness, and increases sensitivity to irritation. Aging and daily environmental stress can strip lipids even further. The company built the formulas to target this gap.

“Our goal was to formulate body moisturizers that go beyond surface-level hydration,” explains Dr. Aaron Farberg, a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Baylor Scott & White Health and a member of the Galderma Global Sensitive Skin Faculty.

The products target surface lipid depletion and sensitive skin in two separate formats.“For people with sensitive skin, the ability to nourish while maintaining the skin barrier is critical…”

Matching format with the skin 

According to the company, the products are split by hydration needs. The Nourishing & Hydrating Lotion carries hyaluronic acid, lipids, and flaxseed oil in a lightweight, oil-infused base. Galderma underscores that it offers immediate replenishment of surface lipids and up to 48 hours of hydration.

The Nourishing & Hydrating Cream is the heavier of the two and targets normal to very dry skin. It pairs lipids with vitamin E in a “fast-absorbing format.” The company puts its hydration claim at 72 hours. Both are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free.

Each formula stacks three claims that used to sit in separate products. Hydration, barrier repair, and a cosmetic glow benefit now travel together. This is the same architecture Cetaphil has been using on its facial care products.

Measuring consumer response

Galderma cites consumer assessment results in which 79% agreed their skin looked more glowy after a single use. For the cream, the company says 98% agreed their skin felt and looked less dry and more hydrated with consistent use.

York names lipid depletion as the thing the formulas were built to correct. 

“As we developed the next evolution of the Cetaphil’s Nourishing line, we focused on addressing one of the underlying contributors to dry, sensitive skin — surface lipid depletion,” he highlights. 

“By combining ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lipids, flaxseed oil, and vitamin E in targeted formulations, we created products that not only provide long-lasting hydration, but also help replenish essential skin lipids, strengthen the skin barrier, and support healthier-looking skin.”