Learn all the differences between CeraVe vs Cetaphil so you can pick the right one for you!!
As you’ve walked down any store’s skincare aisle, chances are you ran into both CeraVe and Cetaphil.
Both CeraVe and Cetaphil are each popular skincare brands that offer affordable skincare products, many of which are recommended by dermatologists.
Rather than spending upwards of $50 for a moisturizer or cleanser, both CeraVe and Cetaphil’s products are drugstore skincare products that are also highly effective.
Don’t let the price tag fool you!
While the products work + the prices are budget-friendly, it can be somewhat confusing to determine which brand you should go with: CeraVe or Cetaphil?!
This is because both have very similar packaging, prices, and products.
That’s why in this post, you’ll learn the main differences between CeraVe vs Cetaphil, and which brand is right for you and your skin!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
CeraVe Vs Cetaphil: Similarities and Differences
From the outside looking in, it can be super easy to confuse CeraVe and Cetaphil.
Not only do they have nearly the same brand name, but they have very similar packaging, products, and prices too!
However, there are several differences between CeraVe Vs Cetaphil that can certainly influence which brand (+ products) are right for your skin.
First things first, each is geared toward different skin types.
- Cetaphil: For more sensitive skin types.
- CeraVe: For more dry skin types.
CeraVe contains more hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid + ceramides) which help support and protect the skin while giving the skin a boost of hydration.
Meanwhile, Cetaphil’s key ingredients include Glycerin, Niacinamide, and Panthenol, which also help retain moisture within the skin.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about CeraVe vs Cetaphil, and which products are right for you!
Everything About CeraVe
CeraVe is a popular drugstore skincare brand and for good reason!
With its simple packaging, gentle formula, and affordable products, what’s not to love?!
Read on to discover everything you need to know about CeraVe.
History
CeraVe’s origin story starts in 2005. Experts realized that skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin all had something in common….
A compromised skin barrier!
Therefore, CeraVe’s team of dermatologists started to create skincare products that could restore the skin’s natural protective barrier.
This included making products that contain three essential ceramides (lipids that help form the natural skin barrier).
And, using their MVE technology to provide continuous ceramide delivery to the skin’s barrier to maximize hydration.
Key Ingredients
CeraVe’s product line contains skin-identical ceramides. These 3 essential ceramides help add hydration to the skin, restore the skin barrier, and ultimately relieve those suffering from dry skin.
Notable Features
CeraVe also has patented technology, their MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE).
This MVE technology essentially helps gradually release the ceramide formula over time to maximize hydration to the skin.
Product Rundown
CeraVe currently offers over 70 different skincare products aimed at maximizing hydration to the skin + restoring the skin.
Some notable mentions from CeraVe’s line of products include their hydrating facial cleanser, moisturizing cream, and their daily moisturizing lotion.
Plus, according to CeraVe’s website, they’ve won more approval from the National Eczema Association than any other brand!
Everything About Cetaphil
Now on to Cetaphil! Another drugstore skincare brand powerhouse!
Cetaphil is very similar to CeraVe in terms of pricing, branding, and the variety of skincare products they offer.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Cetaphil!
History
Cetaphil’s origin story starts WAY back in 1945 when the brand launched its first product– their Cleansing Lotion.
With time, the brand began releasing more and more products that specialized in providing gentle skincare results.
Because of the brand’s effective gentle delivery, they quickly became known for providing products for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients
Cetaphil contains a number of key ingredients, including Niacinamide, Panthenol, and Glycerin.
Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) provides antioxidants + hydrating properties great for moisturizing the skin.
Panthenol (aka pro-vitamin B5) gives a soothing effect while helping the skin retain moisture and feel super soft and smooth.
Glycerin helps soften and smoothen the skin while helping retain moisture within the skin.
Notable Features
Cetaphil is GENTLE on the skin. If you struggle with sensitive skin and skin irritation, Cetaphil is a great option.
Product Rundown
With over 70+ products and counting, Cetaphil, like CeraVe, includes an extensive line of skincare products.
Some best-selling products of Cetaphil include their Gentle Skin Cleanser, Moisturizing Lotion, and their daily facial cleanser.
Which Is Better: CeraVe Or Cetaphil?
Now that you’ve got a quick rundown of CeraVe and Cetaphil, you still may be wondering…..
Which is right for my skin: CeraVe vs Cetaphil?
The answer: it all depends!
There are a variety of factors such as your skin type and what you are looking to get out of the product.
Therefore, neither CeraVe nor Cetaphil is better than the other.
In general, if you have more of a sensitive skin type, go with Cetaphil.
However, if you have more dry skin and looking for an added boost of hydration, go with CeraVe.
Keep reading to see more of a product-by-product comparison of each skincare brand.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil Moisturizer
Product at a Glance: For normal to dry skin types, lightweight formula, contains 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
CeraVe’s daily moisturizing lotion is a great go-to body moisturizer to help restore and protect your skin.
This lotion has a lightweight formula that is smooth and absorbs quickly into the skin to boost your skin’s moisture.
This lotion contains hyaluronic acid which helps to retain moisture and has MVE technology which provides long-lasting, 24-hour hydration for your skin.
It is also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and versatile as it can be used as a body lotion, facial moisturizer, and hand lotion too!
2. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Product at a Glance: Lightweight formula contains essential Vitamin E and B5, a great product for all skin types.
Cetaphil’s moisturizing lotion is another go-to daily moisturizer you can use both on your face + body.
This product has a lightweight formula that gives 24-hour hydration to your skin. The product absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave any greasy feeling, unlike some other moisturizers.
This lotion contains essential vitamin E and provitamin B5 to help restore your skin’s barrier while also being a great lotion for all skin types, including skin types that struggle with irritation.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil Face Wash
Product at a Glance: For normal to dry skin types, contains 3 essential ceramides + hyaluronic acid.
CeraVe’s hydrating facial cleanser is a versatile cleanser that cleanses, hydrates, and restores the skin to feel moisturized + clean.
The product uses MVE technology to deeply nourish the skin throughout the day while also cleansing the skin as it hydrates.
It is also non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and unscented, especially great if you are more sensitive.
2. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Product at a Glance: For dry to normal, sensitive skin types, contains hydrating glycerin & essential vitamins B5 & B3
The Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser is a great cleanser for more sensitive skin types.
This product helps clean your skin, without causing irritation. Plus, it hydrates and replenishes the skin as it cleanses your skin.
It is also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Therefore, this is a great non-irritating cleanser to try if you have more of a sensitive skin type.
CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Cleanser (Foaming)
Product at a Glance: For normal to oily skin, contains 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, & hyaluronic acid
The CeraVe foaming facial cleanser is a product that cleanses and removes excess oil from the skin without harming the skin barrier.
In other words, effectively cleanses your skin without stripping your skin and leaving it super tight and dry.
This cleanser works wonders to effectively remove any excess oil, dirt, or makeup on the skin.
Plus, this is a multi-purpose cleanser that can be used on your hands, body, and face too!
2. Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Product at a Glance: For dry to normal, sensitive skin, contains hydrating glycerin and essential vitamins B5 & E
The Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser is great for drier to normal/sensitive skin types at gently cleansing the skin without necessarily stripping the skin and leaving it dry and irritated.
This foaming cleanser works to both hydrate and cleanse the skin and contains ingredients like glycerin and vitamins B5 and E to maintain your skin’s natural moisture.
Plus, it is fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic so you won’t have to worry about any clogged pores!
CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Eye Cream
Product at a Glance: For delicate skin under the eyes, contains 3 essential ceramides + hyaluronic acid
The CeraVe eye repair cream does wonders to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye bags and puffy under-eyes.
This product helps brighten your under-eye area while adding moisture and restoring the skin around your eyes to feel smooth + hydrated.
The product’s lightweight formula also absorbs quickly into the skin and is made for all skin types.
Product at a Glance: For sensitive skin, contains hyaluronic acid + essential vitamins B3 & E
The Cetaphil eye gel cream helps brighten dark under-eye bags and replenishes and nourishes the skin around your eyes.
This product provides continuous 24-hour hydration to brighten and restore the skin in your under-eye area.
Plus, it provides immediate hydration and is non-irritating, perfect for more sensitive skin types.
CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Product at a Glance: For all skin types, contains 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid
The CeraVe PM facial moisturizing lotion is a nighttime facial moisturizer with an ultra-lightweight formula that quickly absorbs into the skin.
This product helps moisturize your skin throughout the night, without making your skin feel greasy or oily thanks to its oil-free formula.
This product is also gentle on the skin– no irritation here!
And, it is also fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested.
2. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydration Lotion
Product at a Glance: For combination to sensitive skin types, contains hyaluronic acid
The Cetaphil daily oil-free hydration lotion is a super hydrating moisturizer that immediately restores the skin for up to 24 hours of hydration.
This product has a lightweight formula and is non-greasy, so you won’t have to worry about clogging your pores.
This is a great lotion especially if you have more sensitive skin!
CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Product at a Glance: For normal to dry skin types, contains 3 essential ceramides
The CeraVe moisturizing cream helps moisturize and restore your skin to feel refreshed from head to toe.
This product uses hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and MVE technology to deeply nourish the skin to feel soft and silky smooth, without feeling greasy or sticky.
This product is also fragrance-free, paraben free, and non-comedogenic.
2. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Product at a Glance: For very dry, sensitive skin types, used for hands, body + face
The Cetaphil moisturizing cream is an ultra-moisturizing product great for those who especially struggle with dry skin.
The product provides up to 24 hours of hydration to replenish and protect the skin barrier.
It is also non-greasy, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil for Acne: Which Is Better?
If you struggle with nasty breakouts, both CeraVe and Cetaphil offer products to fight acne.
In other words, neither CeraVe vs Cetaphil for acne is better nor worse, it just depends on your skin type.
If you have more dry acne-prone skin or sensitive acne-prone skin, try the Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser.
If you have more normal to oily acne-prone skin, try the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser.
Cerave vs Cetaphil for Oily Skin: Which Is Better?
In general, if you have more oily skin. Cetaphil likely is the better option; however, it depends on the product.
In other words, you shouldn’t completely refuse to try any CeraVe products if you have oily skin.
This is because while CeraVe is more geared towards dry skin types (thanks to its 3 essential ceramides + MVE technology to promote hydration), this doesn’t mean they don’t make products for more oily or combination skin types!
CeraVe vs Cetaphil for Eczema: Which Is Better?
While both CeraVe and Cetaphil are good for eczema, CeraVe is the slightly better choice.
This is based not only on the fact that CeraVe’s won the most seals of approval from the National Eczema Association than any other brand!
But, CeraVe contains ingredients geared for more dry skin types.
Final Thoughts: CeraVe Vs Cetaphil
Now you know all about the similarities, differences, pros, and cons between CeraVe and Cetaphil.
While each skincare’s branding looks VERY similar, they aren’t the same skincare brand! So don’t use them interchangeably.
As discussed above, CeraVe is specialized for dry skin types while Cetaphil is for more sensitive skin types.
All in all, when making the decision between CeraVe vs Cetaphil, take into account your skin type and what you are looking for in the product to determine which brand and products are right for you!
FAQs
Which is better to use Cerave or Cetaphil?
It depends on your skin type + what you’re looking for out of your skincare product! In general, CeraVe is specialized to help more dry skin types whereas Cetaphil is for more sensitive skin types.
Do dermatologists recommend CeraVe or Cetaphil?
Yes, many products of both CeraVe and Cetaphil are dermatologist recommended + approved.
What’s the difference between Cerave vs Cetaphil vs Aveeno?
Aveeno is quite similar to Cerave and Cetaphil. Aveeno contains an extensive product range of body and skincare products. Overall, Aveeno’s products are made for more sensitive, dry, or itchy skin.
Other Posts You’ll Like:
❤️️Should You Apply Primer or Moisturizer First: Complete Guide
