Cetraben Cream – Review Analysis of Over 70 Customer Reviews
Reviewed and fact-checked by Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist. Read our editorial policy to learn how we ensure accuracy and transparency in our content.
If you’re dealing with dry, itchy, or irritated skin or managing long-term conditions like eczema or dermatitis, finding a dependable moisturiser can be life-changing. Cetraben Cream is one of the most widely used emollients in the UK, often recommended by GPs and dermatologists. But what do real users think?
To help you decide if Cetraben is the right choice, we analysed over 70 verified customer reviews from multiple online pharmacies and health retailers. Here’s a comprehensive look at the user experience with this trusted cream.
Review Score
Cetraben Cream scores consistently high ratings across the board. The vast majority of customers award it a full 5 stars, with a smaller portion giving it 4 stars, and only one or two outliers offering 3 stars. There are no reports of major dissatisfaction. This level of consistency is impressive and speaks to the product's widespread reliability and effectiveness. It is especially notable that many of these reviews come from long-time users who have returned to the product again and again — often over the course of several years.
Key Findings
Highly Effective for Dry, Sensitive, and Itchy Skin
A recurring theme in the reviews is how effective Cetraben is at soothing and rehydrating dry, irritated skin. Customers describe it as calming, relieving itchiness, and visibly reducing redness and flakiness. Many note an almost immediate difference in skin texture after application, with improvements becoming more pronounced over several days of consistent use. It's a go-to for those suffering from both mild and chronic dryness, with users applying it on hands, legs, face, and body.
Trusted for Managing Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis
One of Cetraben’s biggest strengths is its ability to support the management of chronic skin conditions. Multiple reviews praise it for reducing flare-ups in conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Parents have used it on children with sensitive skin, while others mention its use in care homes for elderly patients with skin fragility. The cream's gentle formulation and absence of steroids make it ideal for long-term daily use.
Originally Prescribed, Now Purchased Independently
A significant number of customers shared that they were originally introduced to Cetraben through a GP or hospital prescription. After seeing consistent results, they now choose to purchase it themselves, often to save on NHS resources or because it’s now more readily available over the counter. This trend indicates both trust in medical recommendations and confidence in the product's continued performance.
Lightweight, Non-Greasy, and Fast-Absorbing
Users repeatedly mention that the cream feels light on the skin and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. This makes it particularly suitable for everyday use, even under clothes or before bed. Several people also pointed out that they appreciate not having to wait for the product to "sink in" before dressing.
Long-Lasting, Affordable, and Cost-Effective
Many reviewers note that despite frequent use, sometimes multiple times a day, the pump bottle lasts for weeks or even months. The cream is often described as economical, especially when purchased online, where it is frequently cheaper than on the high street. For families or individuals needing long-term skin management, this cost-effectiveness is a significant plus.
Suitable for All Ages and Family Use
Cetraben appears in homes across generations, from infants to the elderly. Several reviews describe it as the family’s "favourite cream" for decades. This versatility makes it a safe and practical choice for households looking for a reliable, multi-purpose emollient that works for all age groups and skin types.
Can Be Used as a Soap Substitute
In addition to being a moisturiser, Cetraben is praised for its use as a soap substitute in the bath or shower. Users with extremely dry or sensitive skin find it helpful for cleansing without further stripping the skin of natural oils. This dual-purpose use adds to its appeal as an all-in-one skin care solution.
Easy and Hygienic Pump Dispenser
The pump design receives frequent compliments for making the cream easy to dispense, hygienic, and waste-free. It allows for one-handed application, useful for people with mobility issues or parents managing children. A few users reported occasional airlocks in the pump, but this was a minor inconvenience compared to the overall satisfaction with the packaging.
Negative Reviews
While most reviews are glowing, a few minor criticisms are worth mentioning:
- Stinging on Broken Skin: A handful of users reported that the cream stings slightly when applied to open wounds, cracked areas, or broken skin. This is not unusual with emollients, and most still found it preferable to the discomfort of dryness or itching.
- Pump Issues: Some people noted that the pump can get an airlock or struggle to dispense the final portion of cream. However, this did not diminish their overall satisfaction with the product.
- Doesn’t Cure All Symptoms: A couple of reviewers stated that while the cream moisturises well, it doesn’t fully eliminate persistent itching. This reinforces the idea that Cetraben is supportive, but not necessarily a standalone treatment for severe conditions.
- One Review Called it "Just a Moisturiser": Among dozens of detailed praises, one 3-star review described it as "just a moisturiser." This may reflect a mismatch in expectations rather than an issue with the product itself.
Stand-Out Reviews
Vanessa G: Struggled with eczema on her hands so severe it caused painful cracks. She describes Cetraben as "revolutionary", restoring flexibility and hydration to her skin. Despite mild stinging on open sores, she recommends it highly.
Adrian C: Having been bed-bound for years, Adrian relies on Cetraben to prevent pressure-related skin issues. He praises its effectiveness in keeping skin healthy with no redness or breakdown, calling it "a job well done."
Sarah B: Says Cetraben has been a "family favourite for over 20 years", originally used for her son’s extreme dry skin and now by multiple generations.
Dominique L: Shaved her head due to severe scalp eczema and credits Cetraben with calming the condition and relieving itching. She even prefers it to Diprobase.
Valerie M: Her granddaughter, a care home manager, recommended Cetraben. Valerie now uses it daily and finds it invaluable for managing dry, itchy skin.
Michael G: Uses Cetraben as both a moisturiser and soap alternative to keep eczema under control. He notes it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy.
Nigel B: Found the product to be "just as good" as prescribed versions but available at a fraction of the price when bought online.
Anonymous Reviewers: Several long-time users share that they've tried many creams over the years, but none match Cetraben for consistent performance and comfort.
Pharmacist Comments
We asked Alessandro Grenci, Superintendent Pharmacist, to weigh in on the findings:
"Cetraben has long been a staple in the treatment of dry and eczema-prone skin. The reviews support what we see in practice, a well-tolerated, effective emollient that suits a wide variety of patients. Its dual use as a moisturiser and a soap substitute is especially helpful for people managing chronic skin issues. I recommend it frequently, particularly for those looking for a gentle, fragrance-free, steroid-free solution that can be used long-term."
FAQ for Cetraben Cream
What is Cetraben Cream used for?
Cetraben Cream is used to treat dry skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and general dryness. It helps to moisturise, protect, and restore the skin barrier.
Can I use Cetraben on my face?
Yes, Cetraben is suitable for facial use, although it should not be applied to broken skin or near the eyes, lips, or nostrils.
Is it suitable for children and babies?
Yes, Cetraben is often used on children and babies under medical supervision. It’s safe, gentle, and free from fragrances and steroids.
How often should I apply it?
Apply as often as required to keep skin hydrated, typically 2 to 4 times daily. For best results, apply immediately after bathing and again before bed.
Can it replace soap or shower gel?
Yes, it can. Cetraben can be used as a soap substitute to prevent further drying or irritation during washing.
Does it contain any steroids, fragrance, or lanolin?
No, Cetraben Cream is free from steroids, fragrance, and lanolin, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
