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Hello all, I’ve been using Cetaphil for about 2 years to help manage blepharitis. It’s worked great so far, but I’m wondering whether it could have any long-term implications, since it isn’t designed for use on the eyes. Obviously it's not equal to professional advice, but I asked ChatGPT about the ingredients eye interactions:
- Glycerin – Humectant. Very safe; rarely stings unless used at very high %.
- Cetearyl alcohol – Fatty alcohol/emollient. Generally non-irritating and eyelid-safe.
- Panthenol – Soothing humectant (pro-vit B5). Low irritation risk.
- Niacinamide – Usually well-tolerated; a small % of people get redness/itching, especially at higher strengths (≥5%). Start low.
- Pantolactone – Humectant related to panthenol. Low irritation risk.
- Xanthan gum (often misspelled “xantham”) – Thickener. Inert and safe.
- Sodium cocoyl isethionate – Mild surfactant (cleanser ingredient). Fine in rinse-off products, but can irritate if left on eyelids. Avoid as a leave-on near the eyes.
- Sodium benzoate – Preservative. Generally safe; may sting if it gets into the eye or on very irritated skin.
- Citric acid – pH adjuster/acid. Can cause stinging on thin eyelid skin if the formula is low-pH or if skin is already irritated.