Cerave and Cetaphil are some of the most popular skincare brands available on the market. The product line for both brands include moisturizers, cleansers, body lotions, body wash, baby products etc. These products have been scientifically tested and approved for various skin conditions and issues.
Many people have a hard time trying to find out which product is best for their needs between Cerave vs Cetaphil brands. Luckily, we have explored the different Cerave and Cetaphil products and have provided the information below. You can now decide for yourself which product is best for your needs. Some of the bestsellers are listed in the table below.
Cerave vs Cetaphil Body Moisturizers
Moisturizers prevent water loss through the skin and restores the protective skin barrier which keeps the skin from becoming dry and brittle. Most moisturizers contain emollients used in formulating different types of moisturizers for specific skin conditions like dry skin, psoriasis, acne etc.
The best time to apply or use moisturizers is shortly after having a bath, before you dress up and you can use it day or night whenever you need it.
Moisturizers are formulated and delivered in different forms such as facial moisturizers, body moisturizers, body lotion, and body creams.
Cerave Moisturizing Cream
Cerave moisturizing cream vs cetaphil moisturizing cream is a tough comparison. Cerave moisturizing cream contains three essential ceramides (ceramide 1, 3 and 6-II) that work 24 hours to provide hydration to the skin, moisturize it and restore the protective skin barrier.
It is formulated with hyaluronic acid which helps in retaining skin natural moisture and prevents the skin from dryness. It is free of fragrance, oil, and it is non-comedogenic. Cerave moisturizing cream is suitable for sensitive skin because it does not contain any ingredients that may cause skin irritations.
Cerave Moisturizing Cream Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20 and Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phytosphingosine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Cetaphil moisturizing cream is formulated to provide immediate long-lasting hydration that is soothing to dry itchy skin. The cream works by attracting moisture to the skin and preventing its loss through skin surface. The emollients and humectants contained in the cream work to prevent moisture loss from the skin.
Cetaphil moisturizing cream is non-comedogenic and it is suitable for people with sensitive skin because it does not contain irritants like lanolin, parabens, etc.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, PEG-30 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide
Cerave vs Cetaphil Facial Moisturizers
Facial moisturizers are important in keeping the face moisturized and supple. The face is usually bare without any covering like other parts of the body. This can exposed the face to harsh weather conditions like dry air, sunlight which may cause the facial skin to become lose moisture and become dry.
Facial moisturizers are important in preventing dryness of facial skin, replenishing skin cells, and protecting the skin from harsh sunlight. You can check out both Cerave and Cetaphil facial moisturizers to see the one that is most suitable for your skin or face.
Cerave Facial Moisturizers
Cerave Facial Moisturizers are creams and lotions that are non-comedogenic with SPF-30 sunscreen to protect the skin from harsh sun rays that may cause sunburns. The products also contain other essential ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides that protect and help in the restoration of skin cells.
Cerave facial moisturizing lotion formulas do not clog pores and they are suitable for sensitive skin. There is a wide range of Cerave facial moisturizers including morning and evening facial lotion formulas.
Cetaphil Facial Moisturizers
Cetaphil has a wide range of different facial moisturizers that are all developed to cleanse facial skin deeply without removing the skin. It is a low lathering, gentle and non-drying formula that thoroughly removes dirt, surface oils, makeup, etc. without tightening or drying the skin. It is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic formula that works well on sensitive skin too.
Cetaphil facial moisturizers do not only nourish and hydrate the skin, they also contains broad-spectrum SPF 15 that protects the skin from damaging sunlight. These facial moisturizers restore and improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture without clogging pores or leaving any residue on the skin.
Cerave vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
facial lotions and body lotions can be very different. Body lotion is often thicker, too thick for daily use on the sensitive skin around your face! Moisturizing lotions for your body are essential to keep your skin soft and smooth, especially in cold-weather climates. So what is the difference between the body lotions for each brand?
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
The best Cetaphil moisturizing lotion is likely their moisturizing cream for sensitive skin. This cream is usable on both face and body since it is so gentle! it will leave you feeling hydrated. This moisturizer is best for people with dry or flaky skin.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
Cerave’s best moisturizing body lotion is their moisturizing cream. The lotion includes both Ceramide 6-II and Ceremide-3, which are bonuses that Cetaphil does not include. These compounds help restore your skin’s natural barrier.
In addition, this lotion is better for people of all skin types, not just dry skin. If you have oily or regular skin, Cerave will be the better choice for a body moisturizer.
Cerave vs Cetaphil Cleansers
Cleansers are products that are formulated to remove dirt, oil, makeup residue, dead skin cells, and other substances that be deposited on the skin or face (for facial cleansers). These products clear up and unclog pores which helps to prevent acne. It is usually recommended that cleansers should be used with a toner and moisturizer. Fortunately, most cleanser formulations now contain moisturizers so you don’t have to buy a separate moisturizer.
Cerave Facial Cleanser
Cerave facial cleanser contains three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II) that cleanses the skin and remove dirt from the skin without altering the skincare barrier. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid which ensures retention of skin moisture and niacinamide which helps in calming the skin. It is non-comedogenic, non-drying and non-irritating. There are various variants of Cerave facial cleansers, but they largely work the same way.
Cetaphil Facial Cleanser
This is a non-striping and non-irritating cleansing formula that is very effective in removing dirt, excess surface oil, makeup remnants etc. It is non-comedogenic and the lather it produces does not clog pores. It is a gentle facial cleanser that is non-irritating and very suitable for any skin type including sensitive skin. It also has different variants for oily skin and dry skin that work in a similar way.
Cerave vs Cetaphil Hormonal Acne
Many dermatologists will suggest one of these two brands to battle hormonal acne. This is because both brands are gentle on the skin and do not contain many ingredients that could irritate your skin.
Overall, Cetaphil is the better choice when dealing with hormonal acne due to its ingredients and texture. It is a smooth liquid that will leave your face feeling fresh. It is easier to wash off your face than Cerave, leaving little room for residue. Cetaphil also has a better pH balance, which is ideal when dealing with hormonal acne.
Video: How to Choose the Best Moisturizer?
Important Ingredients in Body Moisturizers
There are four major types of ingredients in moisturizers that are very important in making body moisturizers effective. The main purpose of body moisturizers is the maintenance of healthy skin by increasing retention of water by the skin and reducing the excessive loss of moisture from the skin which causes dry skin. The major ingredients include -:
Humectants -: These agents work by attracting water to the external layer of the skin known as the epidermis. The moisture is absorbed from the inner layer of the skin known as the dermis to the outer layer.
Humectants can also absorb water from the atmosphere during humid weather conditions when humidity is over 70 percent. Examples of humectants include -: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycerol, ammonium lactate, etc.
Occlusives -: Occlusives act to prevent easy water loss from the skin especially through evaporation. They work to reduce evaporation through trans-epidermal water loss by forming a protective thin layer over the epidermis.
Most occlusive are oil-based and may feel greasy when applied. Some of them are petrolatum-based and may clog skin pores causing acne. Examples of occlusive include -: beeswax, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, mineral oil, paraffin oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, etc.
Emollients -: These ingredients essentially act as lubricants to the skin. They soften the skin without adding moisture. They help in maintaining soft and smooth skin and act to prevent the skin from becoming dry and rough. They also work to enhance easy exfoliation or peeling of the skin without causing the skin layer to break or dry.
Some emollients can also act as occlusives too and are usually effective in skin conditions that cause dry skin like psoriasis. Examples of emollient ingredients in moisturizers include -: Castor oil, lanolin, ceramides, glyceryl stearates, isopropyl palmitate, etc.
Miscellaneous -: These are ingredients that are just additives to the preparation that may help in various ways like reducing oxidation processes, enhancing the antioxidant effects of some of the ingredients, etc.
The table below shows the classification of some of the ingredients in Cerave and Cetaphil
| Cerave | Cetaphil | |
|---|---|---|
| Humectants | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer |
| Emollients | Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Cetyl Alcohol | Cetyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Dimethiconol, Phenoxyethanol |
| Occlusives | Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben | Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PEG-30 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate |
Major Difference Between Cerave vs Cetaphil
The main difference between Cerave and Cetaphil moisturizers is that Cerave contains Ceramides while most Cetaphil products do not contain ceramides (only a few of them do contain ceramides). Ceramides are naturally occurring skin lipids that help in maintaining the structural integrity of the skin.
They help the skin to retain moisture effectively and without this important compound, the skin loses moisture and becomes dry, itchy, and irritated. Ceramides make up about half of the skin barrier.
Cerave vs Cetaphil Cream (How to Choose the Best One?)
While both Cerave and Cetaphil are good choices of body moisturizers, they may not be very effective for everybody. There are individual considerations or peculiarities with the things you are tolerant of and those things which your skin may be sensitive to. This will help you make the right choice that is best for your skin between these two moisturizers. There are a few things you need to know as you consider your choice of best body moisturizing cream. These include -:
Avoid Fragrance -: Chemicals used in making fragrances are irritable to most people with sensitive skin. This scientific study described how various cosmetics, fragrances, and preservatives can be skin irritants. If you have sensitive skin, ensure that you use fragrance-free moisturizing creams. Fortunately, both Cerave and Cetaphil are fragrance-free moisturizers.
Polysaturated Oils -: Oils are mostly used in moisturizers as occlusive agents, but polysaturated oils are chemically unstable and can become reactive, a process that results in the production of byproducts (oxidants and free radicals) that are irritable to the skin.
It is always better to use moisturizing creams that are made with saturated or monosaturated oils like triglycerides, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc.
Petroleum Derivative -: Petroleum products that are often used in moisturizers as occlusive agents may also cause undesired skin irritation or acne. This is because the thin film of petroleum on the skin can occlude skin pores causing dead skin cells and bacteria to be trapped in skin pores which may cause acne breakouts in some sensitive skin types. Both Cerave and Cetaphil have petroleum ingredients in them.
The most important thing in picking the best moisturizing cream for your skin is to determine any chemical agent that your skin is sensitive to and try to find products that do not have this ingredient or its alternative that may work well for you.
Which Moisturizing Cream is the Best between Cerave and Cetaphil?
Based on user reviews and ingredients analysis, Cerave has more useful ingredients than Cetaphil because of the high quality and types of ceramides that Cerave Moisturizing cream has. However, you need to choose the cream that works best for your skin.
Comparing Alternatives to Cerave
Cerave vs Aquaphor
Aquaphor healing ointment is a good alternative to Cerave or Cetaphil moisturizers. It is important to know the difference between Cerave vs Aquaphor when comparing them to know which product is best suited for your needs. Aquaphor is uniquely formulated to heal broken skin whether its cracked heels, chapped lips, or cracked hands (palms) as well as smoothen dry skin to prevent it from eventually breaking. The difference between Cerave moisturizing cream or lotion and Aquaphor is more on the product ingredients than uses. Both products are used for largely the same purposes.
The active ingredient in Aquaphor is petrolatum (41%), inactive ingredients include mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, panthenol, glycerin, and bisabolol.
Aquaphor does not contain any fragrance, dyes, or preservatives and it is suitable for sensitive skin and it has great five-star user reviews too.
Cerave vs Aveeno
Aveeno moisturizing body cream is another good alternative to Cerave or Cetaphil moisturizing lotions. It is formulated from active natural colloidal oatmeal with rich emollients that prevent and protect you having dry skin. It makes your skin to feel smooth and soft by protecting it from losing moisture. It has been clinically proven to provide relief from dry skin and it is also suitable for people with dry itchy sensitive skin. It is also fragrance-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. The difference between Cerave vs Aveeno is also with the ingredients and both products can achieve similar results of smooth, healthy, soft skin.
Lubriderm vs Cetaphil
There is a difference between Lubriderm body lotion vs Cetaphil moisturizing lotions but they have some ingredients in common and both products may also produce similar results too depending on skin types and other factors.
Lubriderm daily moisture lotion is enriched with Vitamin B5 and it is clinically proven to keep skin moisturized for 24 hours. It acts to replenish and moisturize dry skin by creating a skin barrier that prevents loss of moisture from the skin. It is ideal for use with normal or dry skin types. It does not contain any fragrance and it is a non-greasy and fragrance-free lotion that keeps your body soft and moisturized for the whole day.
Lubriderm daily moisture lotion ingredients include Water, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Ethylparaben, and Panthenol.
The similarities between Lubriderm vs Cetaphil is that both lotions are fragrance-free, non-greasy lotions with humectants like glycerin, emollients like cetyl alcohol, and dimethicone.
Other Moisturizing Product Alternatives
Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
Eucerin Intensive Repair lotion is a good lotion for people experiencing dry and flaky skin. It is made from a triple acting formula that moisturizes, exfoliates, and conditions dry rough skin. Eucerin lotion provides relief from dry skin by moisturizing and repairing broken skin. It exfoliates dead skin cells gently and at the same time moisturizes the skin. Besides dry skin relief, Eucerin is also good for eczema relief. It is made with special moisturizing agents buffered with alpha-hydroxy compounds.
Eucerin Ingredients include Water, Mineral Oil, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Palmitate, Sodium Lactate, Urea, Glycerin, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Methoxy PEG-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, PEG-45/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Lactic Acid, Ozokerite, PEG-2 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
You don’t have to worry if you have sensitive skin, Eucerin is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores too. There are other variants of Eucerin specially formulated for face, hand, body, and foot, you can check and try anyone that works best for you.
Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion
This Nivea body lotion is effective in providing nourishing moisture to very dry skin for up to 48 hours. It is a lightweight formula that contains deep moisture serum that moisturizes and smoothens the skin. The formula works by gently melting into the skin to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated for long periods up to 48 hours.
Nivea Lotion ingredients include: Water, Mineral Oil, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Petrolatum, PEG-40 Sorbitan Perisostearate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil , Magnesium Sulfate, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate. Nivea body lotion is good for the face because it is lightweight and most likely will not clog facial skin pores.
Check here for other variants for Nivea body lotion.
Jergens Ultra Healing Body Lotion
Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer is formulated to repair skin dryness by penetrating through the skin layers to heal dryness and broken skin from within and it works on the external skin to improve the tone and texture of the skin. The formula is absorbed easily into the skin and it contains ingredients like vitamins C, E, and B5 that are very important for healthy skin.
The ability of the formula to get absorbed easily helps it to quickly moisturize and heal parts of the body like heels, elbows, knees etc. that are vulnerable to skin dryness. Another good feature of Jergens is the ability of the formula to keep the skin moisturized for up to 48 hours.
Jergens Ingredients include water, glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol, petrolatum, stearic acid, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, aluminum starch octenyl succinate, Dimethicone, Laureth-3, ceteareth-20, MDM hydantoin, allantoin, methylparaben, arginine, sodium hydroxide, propylparaben, carbomer, fragrance, panthenol, pentylene glycol, lecithin, alcohol, ascorbyl palmitate, tocopherol.
Jergens moisturizers are also available in several variants.
Gold Bond Radiance Renewal Lotion
Gold Bond Radiance Renewal Lotion is formulated from several strong moisturizing agents like coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter with rich hydration properties. All these agents work together to prevent flaky, dry skin. The formula also contains exfoliants and other ingredients that gently exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells and provide hydration to prevent or heal dry flaky skin.
Gold Bond ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Dimethicone, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Jojoba Esters, Gluconolactone, Petrolatum, Steareth-21, Cetyl Alcohol, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Lactate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glyceryl Stearate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Ceramide NS, Ceramide EOS, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)
Gold Bond is also available in different variants and you can find them here.
Curel Daily Healing Body Lotion for Dry Skin
Curel Daily Healing Body Lotion for Dry Skin is formulated with advanced ceramide complex and shea butter and other ingredients and it works by hydrating dry irritated itchy skin to bring relief. It also helps in restoring the natural barrier on the skin layer to prevent moisture loss from the skin. The formula is non-irritating, non-greasy, fast-absorbing which makes it suitable for use on the face. It also contains advanced ceramide complex that restores the skin ceramide levels which then prevents signs and symptoms of dry damaged skin from reoccurring. The formula is effective in moisturizing the skin for up to 24 hours resulting in a smooth, hydrated skin.
Curel Daily Healing Body Lotion ingredients include water, glycerin, distearyldimonium chloride, petrolatum, isopropyl palmitate, cetyl alcohol, dimethicone, methylparaben, ethylparaben, fragrance, sodium chloride, cetyl-pg hydroxyethyl palmitate, butylene glycol, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, eucalyptus globulus leaf extract, gelatin, acacia Senegal gum.
There are variants of Curel Daily Healing Lotion that are formulated specific additives or ingredients to meet specific dry skincare needs. You can check them all out here.
