It’s a battle of the drugstore skincare brands: is Cetaphil or CeraVe moisturizer better?
Pitting CeraVe vs Cetaphil is like pitting two sisters against each other. Both brands are formulated with your skin’s natural moisture barrier in mind.
CeraVe is my favorite but choosing between the two can be tough!
Cetaphil vs CeraVe
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Cetaphil is a popular brand with a range of products specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Who is Cetaphil Moisturizer good for?
Cetaphil moisturizer is thick and protects your skin barrier. Sensitive skin types may benefit from this as it’s great for keeping skin hydrated and skin irritation.
It’s also good for dry skin.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients in the Cetaphil moisturizer include:
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
- Panthenol (vitamin B5)
- Glycerin
These ingredients work together to hydrate and nourish your skin barrier.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is great for evening out skin tone and texture. It helps maintain your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Panethenol
Panthenol is a hydrating ingredient that will help your skin hold onto water.
Glycerin
Glycerin is another hydrating ingredient known for its ability to attract and retain moisture.
Other ingredients
Petrolatum
In addition to these hydrating ingredients, the Cetaphil moisturizing cream also contains a high level of petrolatum. This ingredient creates a thick, heavy texture that locks in moisture.
Sweet almond oil
Finally, the Cetaphil moisturizing cream also includes sweet almond oil, which will give your skin a slight glow. Plus, it’ll help strengthen a weakened skin barrier and control excess oil production.
Texture
Some people (like me) find that the heavy texture of the Cetaphil moisturizing cream is too much for their liking. This is especially true you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Price
In terms of price, the Cetaphil moisturizing cream is $16 for 16 oz. This is one of its best selling point as it’s far cheaper than other moisturizers on the market.
However, the 16 ounces come in a big tub which isn’t convenient for travel. The packaging is sturdy and lightweight though!
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe is another well-respected brand in the skincare industry, known for its use of three essential ceramides.
Who is CeraVe moisturizer good for?
All skin types, really. It’s great for the delicate skin around your eyes and to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier.
I like this facial moisturizer a lot for my very dry skin, but it will work well for combination skin and normal skin.
If you have sensitive and delicate skin, I’m sure you’ll like this moisturizing lotion.
Key Ingredients
Essential ceramides
Essential ceramides are a type of lipid (fat) that naturally occurs in the skin. They help maintain your skin’s barrier function and protect against environmental damage. They are needed for all skin types and don’t clog pores.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains 3 essential ceramides, making it a good choice for people looking to replenish and restore their skin’s natural barrier.
However, I’m not sure what the concentrations of ceramides in the moisturizer are. Therefore, I can’t conclude how effective they are from a scientific perspective.
Other Ingredients
In addition to ceramides, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream also contains other skin-loving ingredients like:
- Glycerin (to hydrate skin)
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Cholesterol
- Petrolatum
- Vitamin E
Both glycerin and sodium hyaluronate are a powerhouse for intense hydration. They’re great for dehydrated skin, similar to hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Plus, cholesterol helps maintain skin’s moisture barrier.
Petrolatum
Similar to Cetaphil, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream also contains petrolatum. As mentioned in the previous section, petrolatum can help to create a protective barrier on the skin and lock in moisture.
Texture
Despite the presence of petrolatum, the CeraVe moisturizing cream has a rich-yet-lightweight texture. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky on the skin.
This makes it a good option for people who want the benefits of petrolatum without any greasiness or heaviness.
Price
In terms of price, the CeraVe moisturizing cream is $18 for 12 ounces. It’s a little more expensive than Cetaphil, but worth it in my opinion.
It comes in a tub similar to Cetaphil. The packaging is lightweight and sturdy as well.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil Comparison
Which moisturizer is better?
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific skincare needs and preferences. Here are a few points to consider when making your decision:
Ingredients
Both CeraVe and Cetaphil facial moisturizers contain hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and petrolatum which are great for sensitive skin.
However, CeraVe also includes ceramides and cholesterol. These help to strengthen your skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss.
On contrast, Cetaphil contains niacinamide, panthenol, and sweet almond oil which can provide additional nourishment for your skin.
Texture
The Cetaphil moisturizing lotion has a thick, heavy texture due to the high level of petrolatum.
The CeraVe moisturizing lotion, on the other hand, has a rich yet lightweight texture that is non-greasy and easy to spread on the skin.
This is the biggest reason why I prefer the CeraVe vs Cetaphil. CeraVe’s just settles into my skin way better.
Price
The Cetaphil moisturizing cream is slightly more budget-friendly at $16 for 16 oz. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is more expensive at $18 for 12 ounces.
However, it’s important to consider the overall value of the product, rather than just the price.
So . . . which moisturizer is better: Cetaphil vs CeraVe
Personally, I prefer the formula, texture, and overall experience of using the CeraVe moisturizing cream.
The ceramides and cholesterol in the formula help to strengthen my skin’s barrier and prevent moisture loss. But in particular, I just appreciate the lightweight texture that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my skin.
However, I understand that everyone’s skin is different. The Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream may be a better choice for some people based on their specific skincare needs and preferences.
In Conclusion
Both the Cetaphil and CeraVe moisturizing creams are effective options for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin.
However, they have different ingredients and varying levels of price. It’s important to consider your own skincare needs and preferences when deciding which one is right for you!
Don’t forget that moisturizers work best on clean, damp skin, so you need a cleanser first.
Moisturizer Alternatives
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This is a good facial moisturizer for oily skin compared to dry skin, but it will work in any skincare routine really.
It’s my favorite because it can also be used a body moisturizer, body lotion, or night cream. Plus, it works for itchy skin.
More Alternatives
Also, check out some of my reviews for other great moisturizers here:
- Stratia Liquid Gold Review
- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Review
- Paula’s Choice Clinical Ultra-Rich Moisturizer
Other Cetaphil vs. CeraVe Matchups:
CeraVe vs Cetaphil Sunscreen
Cetaphil’s is better. CeraVe SPF is way too thick in my opinion.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil Face Wash
CeraVe face wash is better. Cetaphil’s is too stripping, especially for dry skin! Plus CeraVe makes a face wash with salicylic acid and other PHAs that’s great for turning over dead skin cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you think of CeraVe vs Cetaphil Vitamin C serum?
I don’t love CeraVe’s vitamin C serum. Stratia’s C+C serum is a better option in the same budget range.
Read my Stratia C+C Review here.
What’s a good oily skin cleanser?
Check out CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser or the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.
Cerave Renewing SA Cleanser
The CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is an oily skin cleanser with salicylic acid in it. It’ll help with skin concerns like blackheads and leave you with smooth skin. It may not be right for sensitive skin though.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an affordable option for people with oily skin concerns. This oily skin cleanser is likely too harsh for sensitive skin though.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
CeraVe and Cetaphil are both great affordable drugstore brand. You may liuke this Cetaphil cleanser for oily skin types.
Be sure to check out my Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Review too.
What’s a good dry skin cleanser?
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Dry skin needs a gentle skin cleanser. One of my favorites is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. I prefer it to the Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser for dry skin.
What’s a good CeraVe skin routine?
Check out my full CeraVe routine here.
