Cetaphil celebrates diamond anniversary

Canada’s trusted brand recognizes 60 years of simple, gentle skin care

TORONTO, March 19, 2007 – This year, the popular Cetaphil line of cleansers and moisturizers is turning 60, and they’re celebrating.  From humble beginnings in 1947, originally invented by a pharmacist as a compounding vehicle for dermatological remedies, Cetaphil is one of Canada’s leading dermatologist recommended skin care lines. Galderma’s Montreal plant was established in 2001 and produces and sells more than 30 million units worldwide each year.

 “We’re already proud to be a leader in the skin care business — and celebrating our 60th birthday is the icing on the cake!” said Antonella Fiedler, OTC Business Unit Manager. “We believe in the science behind excellent skin, which is why we work so closely with dermatologists when developing Cetaphil products. For every age and every stage, Cetaphil provides the solution to having healthy-looking, vibrant skin every day.”

The complete Cetaphil line includes award-winning cleansers and moisturizers, formulated to be gentle, non-irritating and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), with variations available for all skin types. Cetaphil products are recommended by dermatologists, pediatricians, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals to help care for common skin conditions, such as sensitive skin, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.                                                    

In addition, Cetaphil is often the recommended cleanser for individuals undergoing cosmetic therapies and new dermatology procedures whose skin may be exceptionally sensitive.

The early years

In the early years, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser was only available from select pharmacists. Due to consumer demand, more drug stores began selling the increasingly popular cleanser by the 1960s.  In fact, it was so effective, the original formulation has not changed at all over the years. By the 1980s, it became available at all major retail stores across North America.

The 90s – a time for product innovation

In the 1990s, the product line expanded with the introductions of Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, a non-greasy moisturizer for long-lasting relief of dry, sensitive skin; and Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, an emollient cream for dry areas requiring extra attention and overnight moisturization. The Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, a non-soap bar designed to cleanse dry, sensitive skin, was launched in 1998.

Growth into the millennium

New product development continued in 2001, with the launch of Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser, a gentle, non-drying foaming cleanser for oily, combination or acne-prone skin; and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15, an oil-free lotion with broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen to protect skin year-round.

In 2005, fast-absorbing Cetaphil Barrier Cream was introduced to relieve chronic dry skin related to skin conditions such as hand dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

Celebrating 60 – Every age, every stage, every day.

Countless customer testimonials and celebrity support has established Cetaphil as one of the number one skin care brands in North America to be used as part of a total skin care regimen. All Cetaphil products are specially formulated for sensitive and dry skin types designed to preserve the skin’s natural protective barrier and retain the essential moisture it needs daily. This clinically proven effective and gentle line is available in the skin care section of drug, food, mass-merchandise and club stores across Canada.

“The fact that our original mild cleanser has remained unchanged for the past 60 years and is a top-seller today is a testament to its effectiveness,” said Fiedler. “Celebrating our diamond anniversary is a significant milestone because it represents 60 years of unsurpassed mildness and enduring brand loyalty.”

About Galderma

Galderma Canada, the manufacturer of Cetaphil, is part of a global, research-based pharmaceutical company with its Canadian headquarters located in Thornhill, Ontario. The company is recognized as having the world’s largest research and development program dedicated to dermatology and holds more than 500 patents world-wide. Galderma has subsidiaries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Latin America, Austral Asia and Japan. Founded in 1991, Galderma Canada markets innovative prescription and non-prescription dermatological products across Canada.