Cetaphil 0299.026002 Serum Review
Our verdict
A rare combo of retinol and peptides at a drugstore price point, packaged in a lightweight gel that suits those who dislike heavy serums. The 0.5 oz size is small, but at $16.99 it stays easy to repurchase.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Budget-conscious shoppers who want a retinol-plus-peptide formula without fragrance or parabens
Skip if
You need a larger bottle or prefer a lotion texture over gel
- Form Gel
- Key ingredients Peptides,Retinol
- Benefits Non Comodogenic
- Size 0.5 Fluid Ounces
- Scent Unscented
- Free of Paraben Free
- Priced 23% below the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 1,200 owner ratings
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Popularity3.8/5
1,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Cetaphil is best known for gentle cleansers, but this serum brings two well-studied anti-aging ingredients together in a single step. Retinol is one of the most researched actives for targeting the look of fine lines, while peptides may help support the appearance of firmer-feeling skin over time. Combining them at this price is uncommon.
Pros
- Retinol and peptides together under $17
- Unscented and paraben-free for sensitive skin
- Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly
- 4.5-star rating across 1,200 reviews
Cons
- Only 0.5 oz, which runs out faster than full-size alternatives
- No listed retinol concentration, so potency is hard to gauge
- Bought-last-month data not available to assess current demand
Specifications
- Form
- Gel
- Key ingredients
- Peptides,Retinol
- Benefits
- Non Comodogenic
- Size
- 0.5 Fluid Ounces
- Scent
- Unscented
- Free of
- Paraben Free
- Features
- Natural
Performance notes
Retinol supports cell turnover and may help with the look of fine lines and uneven texture over consistent use. Peptides are signal molecules that may support the appearance of plumper, more resilient skin. The gel base keeps the formula lightweight and non-comedogenic, which matters if you layer products. Being unscented removes a common irritant for reactive skin types.
What buyers say
With a 4.5-star rating from 1,200 reviewers, buyer reception is strong for a drugstore serum. That volume of reviews suggests broad repeat interest. The main friction noted by buyers tends to be the small size relative to how quickly a serum gets used.
More from Cetaphil
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Frequently asked questions
Does this Cetaphil serum contain enough retinol to make a difference?
Cetaphil does not disclose the retinol percentage on the listing. Retinol efficacy depends on concentration, formulation, and consistent nightly use. Lower concentrations are generally better tolerated by beginners and may still support the appearance of smoother skin over several weeks.
Can I use this serum if I have sensitive skin?
The formula is unscented and paraben-free, two common irritants that are absent here. Cetaphil has a long track record of producing gentle products. That said, retinol can cause some initial dryness or flaking, so starting with every-other-night use is a reasonable approach for sensitive skin.
Is 0.5 oz enough for a full routine?
A 0.5 oz bottle typically provides four to six weeks of daily use when applied as directed to the face. It is a smaller size than many competitors, but the lower price makes it practical to keep a backup on hand.