You don’t necessarily need to invest in high-end skincare products to deal with skin issues and have healthy, bright, and supple skin. Drug store brands have gotten pretty good over the years, which just shows that skincare is more accessible than ever. In this article, we’ll be comparing two of the most famous skincare brands: CeraVe vs Cetaphil.
These dermatologist-recommended brands are affordable, available everywhere, and effective. Still, when it comes to your skin, it doesn’t hurt to dig a little deeper and find which brand’s products work better for you. That’s because everyone is different and so are their skincare needs.
So let’s look at each of these drugstore brands, what they offer, what technology they use in their formulations, and how do different products fare against one another.
Key Takeaways
In a hurry? here are the key differences between CeraVe and Cetaphil:
- CeraVe offers a wide range of products for different skin types, while Cetaphil’s product range is better suited for dry and sensitive skin.
- CeraVe products include 3-essential ceramides that help strengthen the natural skin barrier, allowing moisture retention.
- Cetaphil is highly recommended by dermatologists for people with sensitive skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.
- For oily skin, CeraVe offers better products with a lightweight, oil-free texture that absorbs well.
- When choosing between CeraVe and Cetaphil, take into account the active ingredients, texture, and what skin type it’s designed for.
CeraVe Overview
CeraVe has been in the industry for over a decade and a half now, starting back in 2005. It’s one of its kind because it was developed by dermatologists and skincare experts, to begin with.
According to the company’s website, it resulted from experts observing that a compromised skin barrier was the underlying culprit for a variety of skin issues, including acne, psoriasis, dryness, and sensitivity.
CeraVe’s highlighting feature is the MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE). It’s a patented technology that results in the slow release of ceramides in every product. Yes, it’s those ‘3-essential ceramides’ that you see labeled on every CeraVe product.
The brand has come a long way since, now being sold in every major supermarket, drugstore, and some beauty stores as well. Now, it’s getting international recognition as well, with people in other countries also vying for CeraVe skincare.
Cetaphil Overview
Cetaphil is an old drugstore skincare brand that was founded in 1947 in Texas. The number one doctor-recommended brand for sensitive skin has seen a gradual rise over the many decades it has graced store shelves. It was actually founded by a pharmacist.
The very first product was the Cetaphil Cleansing lotion, which has been renamed Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. From that one product, that company has grown to offer a lot of different products and is available internationally.
Cetaphil products are mostly geared towards dry and sensitive skin, which are more susceptible to damage.
CeraVe Features and Product Range
As mentioned, CeraVe prides itself on its three essential ceramides formulation and the MVE technology that results in the gradual release of actives in the skin.
Ceramides are lipids (fats) that we have in our skin naturally. Their job is to protect and enrich the skin. With time and environmental impact, natural production slows down.
CeraVe’s formula uses the power of three similar ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP) to trap the moisture in bt strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. Research has shown that moisturizers that emulate the skin’s natural moisture-retaining function work better.
As for the product range, CeraVe makes a wide range of products, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, eye cream, soap, and sunscreen. All these products have the three essential ceramides in them.
You can even find moisturizers for day and evening, which makes application even easier.
Cetaphil Features and Product Range
Cetaphil has established itself as a go-to brand for those with sensitive skin, so there’s a lot of focus on that. The company has its products backed by research, conducting over 550 clinical studies to test the products and the ingredients in them.
Unlike CeraVe, Cetaphil does not boast any proprietary technology, but they do proudly claim to be the number-one doctor-recommended brand for sensitive skin. Many dermatologists do prescribe their products for people with sensitive skin conditions.
As a result, the formulations are relatively simpler with no fragrances.
While they do focus a lot on sensitive skin with the labels and marketing, the products are also popular with people with other skin types.
You can find pretty much every basic skincare product from Cetaphil, including creams, moisturizers, cleansers (face and body), and sunscreen. However, they don’t offer a lot of serums.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: The Similarities and Differences
There are some notable similarities between Cetaphil and CeraVe. Both are drugstore skincare brands from the US formulated with the help of skin experts. Both have an economical price range and fragrance-free formula. And both offer a good range of products to fit into an elaborate skincare routine.
The main difference between CeraVe and Cetaphil is that the latter focuses more on sensitive skin. That’s a unique selling point of Cetaphil that their products work on sensitive skin, which is usually easily affected by many products and ingredients.
CeraVe, on the other hand, has refrained from labeling itself as a brand for a skin type. While they do label some products by skin type, the idea is that they can cater to every skin type. That does not mean that there’s nothing for those with extra skin sensitivity, as many products are also suitable for such skin.
It’s worth mentioning that CeraVe’s three essential ceramides are also a distinction from Cetaphil. This unique technology adds the moisturizing effect to every product even if its primary purpose is different.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Product Comparisons
Since every skincare product is different, it’s better to compare individual categories or products to get a better idea about brand preference. We’ll compare each type of product from CeraVe and Cetaphil and try to determine which product offers more benefits.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Cleansers
Let’s start with the very first thing you do with your face in your skincare routine: cleansing. Now, there are several options in cleansers from both CeraVe and Cetaphil. So if you have a specific cleanser form preference, you may just be able to find one.
More importantly, the type of cleanser also differs by the skin type it’s for. Normally, hydrating cleansers are for dry skin. Similarly, for oily skin, you have those lightweight oil-free cleansers, including foam ones.
So as far as cleansers go, there’s something for everyone from both CeraVe and Cetaphil.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
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The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is made for normal to dry skin, as it contains hyluronic acid and the quintessential three ceramides. While the hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin from deep within, the ceramide lipids improve the skin’s natural protective barrier.
So not only does it help increase the level of moisture in your skin, but it also helps retain it at the same time, which is, of course, ideal for anyone with increasingly dry skin.
Other ingredients include glycerin and vitamin E. While glycerin and vitamin E both help increase moisture, the latter also provides UV protection to some extent.
You’ll also see on the container that it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association, so anyone with eczema can use it worry-free.
The texture is of a cream cleanser, so it doesn’t really lather up, and you have to use a decent amount to cover the whole face.
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On the other hand, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a tried and tested product. As mentioned, it was the very first thing that the brand made, and the formula has been pretty much the same over so many decades.
It employs Micellar technology that‘s gentle on the skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin as well. However, the good thing about this cleanser is that it doesn’t necessarily need to be rinsed off, i.e., you can use it without water.
As a non-comedogenic, oil-free cleanser, it can also work for those with oily skin who may also be other skin issues like acne or rosacea. It also moisturizes the skin
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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser
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The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is designed for normal to oily skin types. In addition to the hyaluronic acid, this one also contains niacinamide, which can help unclog pores.
The foaming texture helps clean out the pores of sebum, dirt, and debris. At the same time, it also helps improve the skin’s natural barrier through, you guessed it, the ceramides.
Unlike the creamy cleansers, this one forms a foamy lather with just a small amount. So this may last longer than the hydrating cleanser.
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The Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser is basically the foam version of their much-celebrated Gentle Skin Cleanser. However, this formula includes more moisturizing ingredients, including vitamin E and B5.
It’s not as foamy as some of the foam cleansers you’ll find in the market that form a lot of lather. However, it absorbs well into the skin and can easily be rinsed off with just a few splashes. As a non-comedogenic formula, it does not clog pores, which is good news for all skin types, really. This one is good for all skin types.
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CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Moisturizers
Let’s talk about the holy grail of skincare, the one thing you absolutely cannot compromise on. Moisturizers!
You can find a lot of different moisturizers with CeraVe moisturizer and Cetaphil creams, both for the face and the body. Some are available in lotion form and the others in cream.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
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The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is an oil-free lotion moisturizer containing hydrating hyaluronic acid and the protective three-essential ceramides. Its function is very straightforward as it helps increase moisture in the skin and keep it locked in.
The company labels it best for normal to dry skin, although it’s not a very heavy moisturizer and doesn’t leave much residue behind, so it can be used for oily skin as well. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s a non-comedogenic formula.
The hydration is supposed to last 24 hours, which it does, allowing you to apply it just once daily.
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Over at the other side, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a dermatologist favorite. It’s a super formula with multiple moisturizing agents, including vitamin E and B5. It’s no secret that both these vitamins are great at moisturizing the skin. Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties, which is a godsend for people with sensitive skin.
The highlight ingredient is avocado oil, which is rich in fats and vitamins.
You can use the Cetaphil lotion on face and body both. Dermatologists recommend this lotion to people with sensitive skin conditions like eczema. However, the company says it’s good for all skin types.
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CeraVe AM/PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
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CeraVe did all of us a favor, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin, by creating the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion for AM and PM.
The AM moisturizer contains SPF 30, which, of course, helps protect the skin from sun damage while keeping it moisturized throughout the day. The PM formula is a nighttime moisturizer formulated to hydrate the skin and improve the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Both of these ultra-lightweight, oil-free facial lotions. This makes them ideal for oily skin.
The ingredients are pretty much the same, as both contain niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, two star ingredients when it comes to moisturization.
The lightweight formula for the day makes it easy to wear without any residue on the face. Similarly, the PM one is so light you can easily layer it on top of serums and other creams without your face feeling too heavy.
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For those with oily skin, the Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion is also a good pick. However, Cetaphil also labels it good for combination and sensitive skin. This one is also a lightweight lotion with hyaluronic acid to extract more water from the surroundings into the skin layers.
It can help keep skin hydrated for 24 hours, so you can use it in either your AM or PM routine or both.
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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
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If you’re looking for a moisturizer for the whole body, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is an ideal choice. It’s a formula packed with well-known moisturizing ingredients that help increase the moisture naturally while also improving the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
It contains sodium hyaluronate as opposed to hyaluronic acid, which has a smaller molecular weight and penetrates the skin more easily. Then you also have humectants like vitamin E and glycerin.
The best thing is that it’s not greasy at all, so you can even use it on oily skin on a hot summer day.
Most people forget that moisturization is the need of your whole body, and this moisturizing cream can help with that.
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In comparison, the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream does pretty much the same, i.e., hydrate skin and protect its moisture. The only difference is that it’s better for dry skin than oily as it does contain sunflower oil.
The formula is a whole-body moisturization formula that you can use to moisturize hands, arms, neck, legs, and feet.
It may also be a better choice for sensitive skin, as it contains fewer actives than the CeraVe moisturizing cream.
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CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Creams
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream vs Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream
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The CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream has several active ingredients, chosen to deliver different benefits to the skin. This PM cream contains biomimetic peptides, in addition to the usual niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.
While other ingredients work to moisturize the skin, the peptides stimulate collagen in the skin. So this cream also has anti-aging benefits. It can help deal with those fine lines and wrinkles.
The texture, unlike other CeraVe moisturizers, is quite thick, which is why it’s for nighttime use.
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The Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream can be compared with the CeraVe Renewing Cream, but it’s just for moisturizing. It’s ideal for those with very dry skin looking to hydrate it from deep within. Its main ingredient is olive fruit oil, which has nourishing fats.
If you have normal, combination, or even sensitive skin, this hydrating cream can be a viable option but not if you have too oily skin because the creamy texture can be quite greasy.
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CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Sunscreens
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 vs Cetaphil Ultra Sheer Sunscreen
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The CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen offers SPF 30 with 6 percent titanium oxide and 5 percent zinc oxide. As a broad-spectrum sunscreen, it’s good for most skin types. As usual, there are the three essential ceramides as well as niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate. So this can be a moisturizer and SPF combo for daytime use.
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Cetaphil also offers a mineral sunscreen in the form of Cetaphil Ultra Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. This is a little stronger SPF 50 with 12 percent zinc oxide. The sunscreen is very lightweight and tinted, so does not leave any white cast on application.
This can also be good for those with oily skin because it’s not greasy at all. Plus, the many natural ingredients, including Comfrey leave extract, can keep the skin calm. It’s also a great sunscreen for those skin sensitive to UV.
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CeraVe or Cetaphil: Which is Better for Your Skin?
CeraVe and Cetaphil are largely comparable brands with products that do work for the purpose they are made for. More importantly, as drugstore brands, these are easy on the pocket, which is a big plus.
But as you know, skincare is very subjective, so even a good product may not be good enough for your particular skin. Let’s see how these two skincare labels compare for different skin types, in general.
CeraVe vs. Cetaphil: Best for Dry Skin
Dry skin requires constant hydration and moisturization because the skin loses moisture easily. In fact, for dry skin, it’s important to have hydrating ingredients in most products you use in your skincare routine, including cleansers, serums, eye creams, and lotions.
CeraVe is a great brand for those with dry skin because all its products contain ceramides, which serve as a natural way of containing skin’s moisture. So any kind of product will also impart protective benefits for the skin barrier, helping lock in all that precious moisture you so easily lose.
However, some CeraVe products are specifically designed for dry skin, so they are even better.
Cetaphil is also a good option, especially with products made for dry skin. Their formulas also use hyaluronic acid frequently, which can help hydrate skin.
CeraVe vs. Cetaphil: Best for Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, Cetaphil is hands-down the winner. Most of their products are safe for those who easily break out or have reactions to even mild ingredients. Their products have been tested on sensitive skin, so they deliver the benefits without causing irritation, redness, or dryness.
That’s not to say that CeraVe is not suitable for sensitive skin, but you may have to be a little cautious.
CeraVe vs. Cetaphil: Best for Oily Skin, Acne-Prone Skin
For oily and acne-prone skin, you have to be a little more discerning with the ingredients and texture of the products. Generally speaking, most CeraVe products are lightweight and oil-free, so they are suitable for such skin type. However, you may want to opt for moisturizers that are specifically for oily skin.
Cetaphil’s main line of products are mostly geared towards dry and sensitive skin, which may be too hydrating and creamy for oily skin. If you like Cetaphil as a brand and you have oily skin, you are better off using their DERMACONTROL line of oily skin products.
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CeraVe vs. Cetaphil: Best for Aging Skin
When it comes to anti-aging benefits, CeraVe has better product offerings. First things first, No products found. is great for aging signs as it contains the all-rounder anti-aging retinol. Cetaphil does not have any retinol creams or serums in its product line.
CeraVe is also a good choice because of its ceramide function because the skin barrier weakens with age, so it can help fix that.
Final Verdict
Overall, CeraVe and Cetaphil are reliable, trustable brands that offer dermatologically tested products that even experts vouch for. While Cetaphil offers products for different skin types, it takes the win when it comes to sensitive skin. CeraVe, on the other hand, is more all-rounder, offering great products for all skin types.
CeraVe also has a slightly more diverse product range, addressing a wide range of skin issues. Ultimately, you want to go with a product that suits your particular needs.