Review on 🌞 Cetaphil Absorbing Moisturizer Spectrum Sunscreen: Hydrating & Broad Protection for All-Day Sun Defense by Kim Mouton

(Corrected November 2019 in response to Dazze who correctly pointed out that this mask's ingredients are split between two sections of the label.) Let me preface, that we use many Cetaphil products in our house (as well as Cerave, which is very similar). Second, this is a great mask. This leaves most people's skin firm and fresh. A very light, absorbent moisturizer immediately after application will help keep it that way. Bentonite clay (there are several types) is often used in high quality clay masks. They absorb well and form a jelly-like texture when moistened. Many of the purported health benefits of clay masks are attributed to bentonite due to its ability to attract and absorb certain charged ions from the skin ("toxins"). Bentonite usually makes up a small part of the clay mixture in the mask, since its texture, once wetted, does not allow it to remain on the face. Other clays such as kaolin provide the necessary sticky texture. The combination of bentonite and additional finely ground clays gives a luxurious texture, in contrast to the coarser mud clays. All is well, but what about the Cetaphil mask? Unfortunately, the term "bentonite" is somewhat imprecise. Some consider any sedimentary clay containing 70% or more smectite to be bentonite. Others consider montmorillonite clays extracted only from volcanic ash to be true bentonite. So with the mask, there could be some marketing art here. It would have been better if the mineral had been specified. In addition to kaolin and bentonite, aluminum magnesium silicate is listed on the label. Aluminum Magnesium Silicate, also known as Veegum, like bentonite, is a smectite clay with similar hydration properties but without the other properties of "true" bentonite. Veegum is mainly used in the cosmetics industry as a thickening agent. my mask? Finely ground dry clay made from bentonite and kaolin (about 5 pounds each in my main bath) mixed with water and a little lemon juice. The texture and effect of the Cetaphil Mask are about the same (which is good). Cetaphil replaces various acids for lightening. And holds. Mine needs to be mixed as needed as it doesn't hold well. So is Cetafil as good as my own bentonite mask? Well, it depends on what you value. Costs? Mine wins by a wide margin. Batch-to-batch consistency? Cetaphile, no doubt. Convenience? cetaphile. Purity? Hmm, maybe there is a longer discussion. I like my simplicity and there are no additives in it. And the health benefits of "real" bentonite can be described scientifically, but are actually more like marketing (or even religiosity). Conclusion: The Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol mask is very, very good, its results are comparable to a handmade mask. Made from high quality clay and other fresh ingredients. This is a great choice for commercial clay masks.