Understanding Skin Science with Cetaphil | My Takeaways from the SkinLABS Launch

Obviously making an appearance at Cetaphil's latest launch event

As someone who’s always on the lookout for skincare that actually works without leaving my skin angry, I couldn’t be more excited when I got invited to the Cetaphil SkinLABS launch in Kuala Lumpur. If you know me, you know I’ve always had a soft spot for Cetaphil it’s one of those brands that has been around forever, and for many of us with sensitive skin, it’s been a quiet lifesaver.

But this time, things felt different. The launch wasn’t just about new products it was about understanding skin science on a deeper level. Cetaphil is rebranding itself with an advocacy-first approach: instead of just selling us bottles of cleansers and creams, they’re making sure we actually understand what our skin needs, with the help of dermatologists, pharmacists, and yes, even influencers who have been through their own skin struggles.

My Key Takeaways from the Day

Featuring the OG Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

Sensitive skin is more common than we think.
Did you know that about 50% of Malaysians deal with some form of skin sensitivity? That’s half of us! No wonder there’s so much confusion out there when it comes to finding products that don’t sting, burn, or break us out. What I love is how Cetaphil is really trying to cut through the noise of social media skincare “hacks” and ground everything in dermatologist-backed advice.

Gentle doesn’t mean ineffective.
This one really hit home. For the longest time, products for sensitive skin had the reputation of being “too mild”  like they were safe but not powerful enough to show results. But Cetaphil is flipping that narrative. Their new products are proof that you can have efficacy without compromise.

Science can be simple, if explained well.
The SkinLABS walkthrough was like a mini crash course in skincare. Different “zones” Hydration, Exfoliate, Radiance, Gentle, showed us how each product fits into a routine. It wasn’t overwhelming, it was fun, interactive, and honestly, I left learning more than I expected.

The Star of the Show: Cetaphil’s New Innovations ✨

The new player in the Cetaphil Family: The Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser and Lotion

Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser & Lotion.

 If you’re oily or acne-prone, this duo is worth looking into. It uses a combo of PHA, AHA, and BHA. But in a way that’s surprisingly gentle. I tried the textures at the demo station and my skin didn’t feel stripped at all, just smoother. The stats were also impressive: 28% fewer blemishes, 45% fewer blackheads with continued use.

Cetaphil Baby Soothing Moisturising Cream

My go to when it comes to baby skincare, The Cetaphil Baby Range

As a mom of two, Cetaphil Baby has actually been part of our family journey since my little ones were newborns. Both my kids grew up with Cetaphil Baby products, so seeing them launch the Soothing Moisturising Cream felt extra special. What stood out to me is how it’s fragrance-free and petroleum-jelly-free, yet still so rich with sunflower and almond oil. It’s designed to protect delicate baby skin against the five signs of sensitivity, dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened barrier. Honestly, it made me think back to those early baby days when finding something gentle and effective was such a relief.The event wasn’t just a product showcase, it felt like a reminder that skincare should be kind. Kind to our skin, kind in the way we talk about it, and kind in the way we choose products that don’t cause more harm than good.

The official launch gambit at the Cetaphil Exfoliating SA Range at Cetaphil’s SkinLABS event in Kuala Lumpur. (From Left to Right: Iman Troye – Singer-songwriter, Ms. Cindy Tiu – Country Manager, Galderma Malaysia and Mr. Danny Hoh – Chief Operating Officer, Watsons Malaysia)

I walked away with a new appreciation for the “gentle but effective” philosophy that Cetaphil has been standing by for over 75 years. And in today’s world of viral trends and 10-step routines, that kind of consistency feels refreshing.

If you’ve ever struggled with sensitivity or felt lost about which advice to trust, I think you’d find the SkinLABS ethos really comforting. It’s about going back to basics, with science, not hype, leading the way.

📌 For more info on the new Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser & Lotion or the Baby Soothing Moisturising Cream, check out Cetaphil Malaysia or follow them on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for updates.

Because at the end of the day, sensitive skin deserves to feel seen and most importantly, cared for. 💙