CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Moisturizer – What’s Best for Your Skin? (2024)

Two incredibly similar brands. With eerily similar packaging. Two company names that start with the same letter.
Even their websites look like the same designer created them! But let’s dive into the bottom of the creamy, crisp, white tub of hydrating joy to look at the moisturizers that both of these companies produce to find out if one really outweighs the other.

Do you prefer CeraVe or Cetaphil moisturizer products?

Grab a cup of tea and settle in!

Cerave Vs Cetaphil Moisturizers – It Begins…

Below is a simple chart of each of these brands.

It contains their sizable and impressive catalog of products. Notice just how similar more than a few of the products are. Also, take note – Cera Ve has 49 products in total, Cetaphil has 50.

Incredible. Some might say uncanny.

Once you have processed all of that, let’s stretch further, and look at the two companies we are putting under the microscope.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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The Brands

CeraVe

• began in 2005
• does not test their products on animals
• majority of CeraVe products are non-comedogenic
• all of CeraVe’s products are non-irritating and fragrance-free
• all of CeraVe’s products contain 3 essential types of ceramides to help restore the skin’s barrier

Cetaphil

• is over 70 years old as a brand
• does not test any of their products on animals
• many of Cetaphil’s products are hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free
• the Gentle Skin Cleanser still uses the same formula from over 70 years ago, when developed by a Texan pharmacist
• is the #1 Dermatologist recommended facial skincare brand in the US

 

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The 3 Vital Types of Ingredients in a Moisturizer

When you’re searching for a good moisturizer, be aware to look for ingredients that fit the following categories:

Humectants, Occlusives, and Emollients

.Humectants

Humectants are moisturizing agents found in moisturizing products of all types. This is because, in a nutshell, a humectant draws water into the skin from the air.

However, not every humectant works in the same way. And certain humectants have very different properties from other humectants.

Some of these humectants you may be very familiar with. And others, not so much.

• AHA’s (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids) are considered humectants. They are often found in anti-aging products. These also work to rid your skin of its dead cells, which makes AHA’s a good humectant to look for.
• Urea is a particularly efficient humectant for treating extra-dry skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, joints, and eyes. It is often used in anti-aging products and helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Glycerin is a commonly used ingredient in skincare and beauty products, but particularly in moisturizers. It is also found naturally in the body. Glycerin is also found in plants as well. This effective and affordable (let’s not deny it!) humectant is a very effective way to help your skin hold onto moisture.
  

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Occlusives

To put it simply, an occlusive ingredient forms a barrier on your skin.

The way I remember what occlusive means is I remember the word “inclusive.” As in materials are included within the skin. I guess they’re both Latin-based and have similar origins, right?

I know it’s silly, but it helps me remember, and that’s a good thing!

In forming a barrier on your skin, an occlusive ingredient helps to keep moisture in and prevent it from evaporating.

Occlusives can be physical barriers, as in the case of sheet masks, which is why they are so effective at treating your skin (as well as feeling great!)

• Dimethicone is a common occlusive. Please go and look at the ingredient listing of your moisturizer or even some of your makeup right now (or when you finish reading my post!). I bet you spot dimethicone in there somewhere. Dimethicone is a silicone-based product. It does not occur naturally in our bodies, but that doesn’t make it all bad. It is non-comedogenic and has a matte, velvety finish. At the levels it is present in our products, dimethicone is generally considered very safe to use.
• Waxes – think about your lip balms and products made from things like beeswax and other wax-based materials (cetyl, stearyl/behenyl alcohols, stearic acid, carnauba, candelilla, hydrogenated vegetable oils). These are all effective occlusives.
• Petrolatum is probably the most commonly known and used occlusive. Every household has a tub of vaseline in it, right? Well, there’s your household occlusive right there. And yes, petrolatum is derived from petroleum. But it has no known health risks when refined properly. It is worth knowing that, unfortunately, there is no regulation of the refinement process in the US. So if you live in the US, it may be worth avoiding petrolatum as your choice of occlusive. That is, of course, unless your product labeling states that the petrolatum is fully refined white petrolatum. In which case, you can be assured that petrolatum has been refined. But more of this later, as this could become its own series of blog posts. And I am getting off-topic!
• Lanolin is an occlusive derived from the secretions of sheepskin. It helps to keep their wool in good condition. These days, it seems to be quite common for folks to be allergic or sensitive to lanolin. So it might be worth avoiding if that’s you.
• Mineral Oils are found within petrolatum. They are considered highly-efficacious occlusives but are often frowned upon because of their association and inclusion within petroleum.

Petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin are interesting. They can also be classified as emollients, on top of being classified as humectants. Double duty, double efficient ingredients 🙂

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Emollients

An emollient serves to soften and to smoothe your skin. As I just mentioned, there are a handful of humectants that can also be classified as emollients as well.

They tend to be oil-based in nature, which makes sense if you think about skin-smoothing effects.

I’m going to break emollients down a little differently from humectants and occlusive. Firstly, they can be categorized into Esters, Fatty Alcohols, Ethers, and Fatty Acids.

The types of emollients that are recommended in skincare can then be further classified into the following groupings:

• Naturally Occurring Emollients such as shea and cocoa butter, squalane, beeswax, candelilla, sunflower, castor, olive, and palm oils, jojoba and coconut are all considered emollients.
• Volatile Emollients like Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, and Trisiloxane
• Light and Fast Spreading Emollients include Isopropyl Isostearate, Dicaprylyl Ether, C12 -C15 Alkyl ALctate, C12 – C15 Alcohol Benzoate.
• Medium spreading Emollients like Isostearyl Isostearate, PPG Stearyl Ether, Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone.

It begins to get very complicated the further you dig with skincare elements, and the molecular science behind it.

And honestly, if you’re still reading, this is where it will end!

I want to identify some key ingredients of each of the three main types of materials that are going to help you get better skin!

And to recap, you should look for humectants, occlusives, and emollients in your moisturizing products.

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A Closer Look at CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Products

At the top of our product list above, we start with the moisturizers from CeraVe and follow with the moisturizers from Cetaphil.

So, let’s walk through all of the moisturizing products of both of these brands, and l learn a bit more about the specifics of each product.

Ultimately, to discover if one is better than the other.

CeraVe Moisturizers

According to their website, CeraVe currently stocks 9 different varieties of facial moisturizers. So this alone leads you to believe that there truly should be something for everyone.

Here are the CeraVe moisturizers we are looking at:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
• CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
• CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
• CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion
• CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion

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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This rich and nourishing cream contains 3 different types of ceramides. It is also packed full of hyaluronic acid. So together, these ingredients not only hydrate the skin but help restore the skin’s barrier as well.

CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is specifically targeted for dry and extra dry skin. It is non-comedogenic and will keep working for 24 hours after application.

The moisturizing cream is also perfect for use on your face and body as well. It is also extremely good value for money. You can find it on Amazon here.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Ingredients List

• Aqua/Water/Eau
• Glycerin
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Ceteareth-20
• Petrolatum
• Potassium Phosphate
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Carbomer
• Dimethicone
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate
• Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Cholesterol
• Phenoxyethanol
• Disodium EDTA
• Dipotassium Phosphate
• Tocopherol
• Phytosphingosine
• Xanthan Gum
• Ethylhexylglycerin

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CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream

Skin Renewing Day Cream from CeraVe is designed to help improve the texture of your skin.

It also contains an SPF 30, so is yet another perfect “before you leave the house” cream. This cream is another product capable of releasing its hydrating ingredients to your skin for 24 hours.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream Ingredient List

Active Ingredients:

• Octinoxate 7.5%
• Zinc Oxide 10.5%

Inactive Ingredients:

• Water
• Cyclomethicone
• Pentylene glycol
• Phenyl Trimethicone
• Cetearyl alcohol
• PEG-40 stearate
• Dimethicone
• Glycerin
• Stearyl alcohol
• Phenoxyethanol
• BHT
• Squalane
• Potassium cetyl phosphate
• Potassium phosphate
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Sorbitan Isostearate
• Carbomer
• Dimethicone crosspolymer
• Behentrimonium methosulfate
• Ceteareth-20
• Sodium polyacrylate
• Lecithin
• Retinol
• Sodium lauroyl lactylate
• Cholesterol
• Disodium EDTA
• Chlorphenesin
• Alcohol
• Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
• Citric acid
• Hydrogenated palm glycerides
• Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
• Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
• Iris Florentina root extract
• Xanthan gum
• Phytosphingosine
• Butylene glycol
• Polysilicon-11
• Polysorbate 60
• Ethylhexylglycerin
• Polysorbate 20

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CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil

Skin Renewing Gel Oil from CeraVe will brighten your skin give you an instant burst of radiance.

It is also fragrance-free, gentle on the skin, and non-comedogenic.

The gel oil is packed with five different ceramides and sunflower oil to ensure a continuous release of hydration to your skin.

CeraVe recommends this product for normal to dry skin types. It is perfect to be used, not only on its own but also in conjunction with a moisturizer for added hydration.

This product definitely leaves my skin feeling hydrated, radiant, and dewy as is the fashion these days.

You can find CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Gel Oil here.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil Ingredient List

• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
• Ethylhexyl Palmitate
• Glycerin
• Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
• Propylheptyl Caprylate
• Aqua / Water / Eau
• Sucrose Laurate
• Sucrose Stearate
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide NS
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Ceramide EOS
• Ceteareth-25
• Behenic Acid
• Helianthus Annuus Extract / Sunflower Extract
• Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
• Cholesterol
• Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract / Rosemary Leaf Extract
• Phenoxyethanol
• Tocopherol
• Chlorphenesin
• Ascorbyl Palmitate
• Sucrose Palmitate
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
• Capryloyl Phytosphingosine
• Caprylol Sphingosine
• Pentylene Glycol
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Ethylhexylglycerin
• Oryza Sativa Bran Extract / Rice Bran Extract

It’s an interesting experience to use the Gel-Oil from CeraVe for the first time. It appears from the pump-dispenser like a thick gel, and as soon as you begin to apply it to your face, you realize it’s so much more. And that yes, it’s an oil.

You can also definitely sense the lack of fragrance which I know will be a plus to those of us who are not fragrance fans.

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CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

The true allure of a night cream is its ability to continue working while you rest.

And within CeraVe’s Night Cream, are these recommended ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and ceramides. They all work on restoring your skin’s barrier and refreshing your face overnight.

 

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream Ingredient List

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream has a rich and creamy consistency and yet feels non-greasy.

• Aqua/Water/Eau
• Glycerin
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Butyrosperum ParkII Butter/Shea Butter
• Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
• Cyclopentasiloxane
• Glyceryl Stearate SE
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Dimethicone
• Saccharide Isomerate
• Stearic Acid
• Palmitic Acid
• Glycine Soja Sterols/Soybean Sterols
• Allantoin
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Carbomer
• Niacinimide
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Myristic Acid
• Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
• Sodium Benozate
• Sodium Citrate
• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Cholesterol
• Phenoxyethanol
• Tocopherol
• Tripeptide-1
• Laureth-9
• Citric Acid
• Caprylol Tetrapeptide-3
• Biosaccharide Gum-1
• Phytosphingosine
• Xanthan Gum
• Ethylhexyglycerin
• Butylene Glycol

CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream leaves my skin feeling quite fresh after application. And despite being a thick consistency in the container, it goes on lightly and feels like butter. Find CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream here.

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A Brief Summary of CeraVe Moisturizing Creams

CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream catalog is concise and provides a well-rounded “something for everyone” grouping. Even those that prefer an oil-based moisturizer, an SPF, whether your skin is oily, or dry.

Their products feel light and silky on the skin and all contain ceramides to help heal and support the skin barrier.

As we’ve mentioned already, they are all fragrance-free and non-irritating too. And let’s not forget, affordable.

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CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Think of this as the Moisturizing Cream’s lightweight cousin. It is available in an easy-to-use pump-applicator bottle.

The Cera Ve Daily Moisturizing Lotion is indeed lightweight, it’s oil-free, also contains 3 types of ceramides and hyaluronic acid as well.

So you are still going to reap the benefits of the Cream, only in a lighter, perfect for daily use lotion.

Find a 12oz size bottle of CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion here.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Ingredients

• Aqua / Water / Eau
• Glycerin
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Potassium Phosphate
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Carbomer
• Dimethicone
• Ceteareth-20
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate
• Methylparaben
• Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
• Cholesterol
• Disodium EDTA
• Dipotassium Phosphate
• Propylparaben
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
• Phytosphingosine
• Xanthan Gum
• Polysorbate 20
• Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

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CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

This Facial Moisturizer is perfect to apply before leaving the house in the morning. It’s also lightweight. And like the CeraVe Moisturizers, we have already looked at, it too contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

But this Lotion also delivers niacinamide to your skin. As well as containing a Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

On top of that, it’s not going to clog your pores.

Now, if you’re anything like me, 5 out of 7 days a week, you leave the house in the morning, entirely forgetting to apply your sunscreen. If this is the case for you, perhaps this may be exactly what you are looking for in a daily moisturizing product.

Buy CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion right here.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

• Homosalate (10%)
• Meradimate (5%)
• Octinoxate (5%)
• Octocrylene (2%)
• Zinc Oxide (6.3%)

Inactive Ingredients: 

• Water
• Niacinamide
• Glycerin
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate
• Dimethicone
• BHT
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Carbomer
• Triethoxycaprylylsilane
• Methylparaben
• Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
• Cholesterol
• Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
• Disodium EDTA
• Propylparaben
• Hydroxyethylcellulose
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
• Phytosphingosine
• Xanthan Gum

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CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

This is a great pairing for your AM moisturizer. Nice work, CeraVe marketing department!

So this rich, and highly soothing version of the AM Lotion, does put a nice bookend on your daily moisturizing routine.

It is going to heal, restore and hydrate your skin while you sleep. And, like the CeraVe products we have already taken a look at, it does all of this without feeling heavy on your skin and without clogging your pores at all.

You can find the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion here.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Ingredients

• Aqua / Water / Eau
• Glycerin
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Niacinamide
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Potassium Phosphate
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Carbomer
• Dimethicone
• Ceteareth-20
• Behentrimonium Methosulfate
• Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Cholesterol
• Phenoxyethanol
• Disodium EDTA
• Dipotassium Phosphate
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Phytosphingosine
• Xanthan Gum
• Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
• Ethylhexylglycerin

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CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

As stated in its name, the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizer is incredibly light. Yes, I would go as far as to say, ultra-light, in fact!

This feathery light and silky lotion is targeted at normal to oily skin types.

It has a matte finish. And following suit with all of CeraVe’s moisturizers, it’s loaded with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

And if you haven’t picked up on it already, these skincare staples will keep your skin hydrated with continual hydration.

Let’s also not forget the SPF 30 this gem contains.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion Ingredients List

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

• Avobenzone 3%
• Homosalate 10%
• Hoctisalate 5%
• Octocrylene 2.7%

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

• Water
• C 12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
• Glyceryl Stearate SE
• Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
• Glycerin
• Pentylene Glycol
• Ceramide NP
• Ceramide AP
• Ceramide EOP
• Carbomer
• Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
• Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Phenoxyethanol
• Disodium EDTA
• Hydroxyacetophenone
• Citric Acid
• Phytosphingosine
• Xanthan Gum
• T-Butyl Alcohol
• Ethylhexyglycerin

When you apply CeraVe’s Ultra Light Moisturizing Lotion, you can still tell that it’s sunscreen. I don’t know what it is, it still smells like sunscreen and it still has that bright white consistency as it dispenses.

But once you begin to apply it, that all goes away and you are left with a moisturized skin that happens to be protected from the sun.

This is a great daily moisturizer. I love using it.

You can find CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion here.

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A Brief Summary of CeraVe Moisturizing Lotions

The range of lightweight hydrating lotions from CeraVe is also like a perfectly rounded collection. And even better, all lotions of theirs contain Hyaluronic acid as well as ceramides. And then you see your more specialized individual products. All fragrance-free and all non-irritating.

Cetaphil Facial Moisturizers

You only have to google Cetaphil to know that it’s notorious as being the #1 Recommended Brand by Dermatologists.

Here are the Cetaphil moisturizing products we will be looking at:

• Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
• Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream
• Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream
• Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream
• Daily Facial Moisturiser with SPF 35
• Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid
• Cetaphil Restoring Lotion with Antioxidants
• Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
• Cetaphil Daily Advanced Lotion
• Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion with Ceramides
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15
• Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50

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Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

This cream is described by Cetaphil as being quick absorbing and non-greasy. It claims to re-hydrate your skin for 24 hours of hydration. And also hydrate immediately upon application.

It is presented as fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypo-allergenic, making it a perfect candidate if you have dry and sensitive skin.

And, like all the others mentioned so far, is also non-comedogenic. Won’t clog your pores. No harm done, no foul.

Find Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream here.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Ingredients List

• Water
• Glycerin
• Petrolatum
• Dicaprylyl Ether
• Dimethicone
• Glyceryl Stearate
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
• PEG-30 Stearate
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Dimethiconol
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Phenoxyethanol
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
• Propylene Glycol
• Disodium EDTA
• Carbomer
• Sodium Hydroxide

Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Cream is so thick and rich, that you can hold the tub upside down with the lid off, and know you won’t lose a drop. It has a slight fragrance that is fresh and light, and not offensive in the slightest for me.

In a nutshell, if you’re sensitive, but you have particularly dry skin, you need this cream!

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Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream

This facial cream from Cetaphil will deliver hydration and 24 hours of it, at that.

It is designed for all skin types dry to normal and is also hypo-allergenic, fragrance and paraben-free.

Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream Ingredients List

• Water
• Hydrogenated Polydecene
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Dimethicone
• Glycerin
• Butylene Glycol
• Cetearyl Olivate
• Sorbitan Olivate
• Cyclopentasiloxane
• Marrubium Vulgare Extract
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
• Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C)
• Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
• Phospholipids
• Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Sodium Polyacrylate
• 1, 2-Hexanediol
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Polymethylsilsesquioxane
• Isohexadecane
• Glyceryl Stearate
• PEG-100 Stearate
• Cetearyl Methicone
• Phenoxyethanol
• PEG-40 Stearate
• Steareth-2
• Steareth-21
• Retinyl Palmitate
• Linoleic Acid
• Lycopene

 A little really goes a long way with Cetaphil’s Rich Hydrating Cream. This cream is perfect if you have very dry skin. It is sure to quench your skin’s thirst in every way possible.

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Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream

As described on the Cetaphil website, this intensive and rich moisturizing cream is going to provide hydration to your skin. It is also clinically proven to provide nourishment and enrich your skin in one single day!

This is a Cream for the body, for your hands, elbows, and feet. The areas that take the most damage, and require all the moisturizing they can get.

It is paraben and fragrance-free, which is an important feature for the folks with sensitive skin among us.

Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream is also non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic.

Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream Ingredients List

• Water
• Behenyl alcohol
• Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil
• Mineral oil
• Glycerin
• Ethylhexyl palmitate
• Cetearyl alcohol
• Niacinamide
• Panthenol (vitamin B5)
• Squalene
• Ceteth-10
• Steareth-20
• Tocopherol (vitamin E)
• Dimethicone
• Disodium EDTA
• Sodium hydroxide
• Polyaminopropyl biguanide

I love the Intensive Moisturizing Cream from Cetaphil. It almost feels like you could give a massage with this, dare I say. Although it’s not oily. It just has real durability about it, and my hands feel so smooth after using.

Find Cetaphil Intensive Moisturizing Cream here.

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Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream

The Daily Cream is lightweight and non-greasy. It will deliver hydration to your face for a whopping 48 hours!

Containing Hyaluronic acid, shea oil, and Blue Daisy, this cream delivers ongoing hydration and will give your skin a glow, as described in its name.

Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Cream Ingredients List

• Water
• Dicaprylyl Carbonate
• Glycerin
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
• Anhydroxylitol
• Butyrosperum Park II (Shea) Oil
• Citric Acid
• Globularia Alypum Leaf Extract (Blue Daisy)
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Pantolactone
• Fragrance
• Phenoxyethanol
• Sodium Benzoate
• Sodium Polyacrylate
• Squalane
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
• Xylitol
• Xylitylglucoside

This may be my favorite product under the microscope throughout this post.

The consistency of Cetaphil’s Healthy Glow Daily Cream is light a fluffy. But don’t be fooled, as when you apply it, you really get a sense that it’s a powerful and rich cream.

I love the fragrance, which may be controversial to some, but I do. My skin feels bouncy and plump and this may be a contender for another affordable alternative to Augustinus Bader creams in my short foreseeable future! And that’s saying something!

Find Cetaphil Deep Hydrating Healthy Glow Daily Cream here.

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Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturiser with SPF 35

This lightweight lotion will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays with a silky, satin finish.

All the while, hydrating your skin for 24 hours.

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturiser with SPF 35

• Water
• Glycerin
• Dipropylene Glycol
• Panthenol (Vitmain B5)
• Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
• Isopropyl Palmitate
• Silica
• Niacinamide
• Cetearyl Olivate
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Glyceryl Stearate
• Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
• Sorbitan Olivate
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate)
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Acrylates C10-C30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Palmitic Acid
• Ethylhexyglycerin
• Leontopodium (Edelweiss) Extract
• Stearic Acid
• 1,2-Hexanediol
• Oryza Sativa (Rice) Lees Extract
• Propanediol
• SODIUM HYDROXIDE
• ADENOSINE
• POTASSIUM SORBATE
• Sodium Benzoate
• Citric Acid
• Myrisitic Acid
• Buddleja David II (Summer Lilac) Leaf Extract
• Thymus Vulgairs (Thyme) Leaf Extract
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Find Cetaphil’s lightweight Daily Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer here!

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Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid

Another moisturizer that is designed with a morning application in mind. The oil-free lotion from Cetaphil is presented in a gel-like consistency. This makes it perfect if you have combination or oily skin.

It seems easy to mix up oily skin and hydrated skin. But just because you experience oily skin, it doesn’t mean your skin may not also be dehydrated.

If you fall into this category, this may be a perfect hydrating lotion for you.

It’s also quick-acting. It too contains hyaluronic acid for ample hydration and is also non-clogging and hypo-allergenic as well.

It is described as being great to use underneath makeup.

Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid Ingredients List

• Water
• Dicaprylyl Carbonate
• Hydroxyethyl Urea
• Cyclopentasiloxane
• Glycerin
• Glyceryl Stearate
• PEG-100 Stearate
• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Homarine HCI
• Sodium PCA
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Phenoxyethanol
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Erythritol

Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion could easily become just that for me. It has an understated fragrance that smells much like the Cetaphil Makeup Remover Wipes to me. Fresh and light, and if fragrance isn’t a concern, then this may be a winner for you.

This lotion absorbs instantly, and is perfect if you do have oily skin, or tend to feel “greasy” after you apply your moisturizer.

Find Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Facial Hydrating Lotion here.

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Cetaphil Restoring Lotion with Anti-Oxidants

Cetaphil Restoring Lotion is described as a restorative body product designed with tired, dull, and dry skin in mind.

Paraben and fragrance-free it’s also hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Dermatologically tested to be gentle.

Cetaphil Restoring Lotion with Anti-oxidants Ingredients List

• Water
• Behenyl Alcohol
• Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam)Seed Oil
• Mineral Oil
• Glycerin9
• Ethylhexyl Palmitate
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Niacinamide
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Squalane
• Ceteth-10
• Steareth-20
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
• Dimethicone
• Disodium EDTA
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

On the skin, Cetaphil’s Restoring Lotion with Antioxidants goes on with impressive richness. It feels like it is literally quenching the thirst of my dry elbows in an instant. No fragrance, and feels silky smooth.

Find Cetaphil Restoring Lotion here.

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Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Lotion is designed for body and face. Dermatologist tested and gentle on the skin. Delivers long-lasting and lightweight hydration. Includes 6 types of moisturizers plus vitamins E and B5 for nourishment.

Fragrance-free and paraben-free, the moisturizing lotion is also both hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

 Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Ingredients List

• Water
• Glycerin
• Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
• Ceteareth-20
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Dimethicone
• Sodium Levulinate
• Sodium Anisate
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Stearoxytrimethylsilane
• Stearyl Alcohol
• Citric Acid
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Lotion feels quite rich for a lotion. Applies nicely, absorbs well, and feels lovely on my skin. It is light as a feather!

Get yourself some Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion here.

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Cetaphil Daily Advance Lotion

Body Lotion includes Shea Butter for locking moisture in and 9 different hydrating ingredients. WIll hydrate and protect sensitive skin for 48hours. Will fully restore the skin’s moisture barrier in 1 week of use.

Hypo-allergenic, paraben, and fragrance-free.

Gentle on all skin types

Cetaphil Advanced Relief Lotion Ingredients List

• Water
• Glycerin
• Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil (Macadamia Nut Oil)
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)
• Cyclopentasiloxane
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Sodium Polyacrylate
• Phenoxyethanol
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Ceteareth-20
• Stearoxytrimethylsilane
• Stearyl Alcohol
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Farnesol
• Sodium PCA
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Dimethiconol
• Citric Acid
• Sodium Hydroxide

Another lotion from Cetaphil, with a slight fragrance of shea butter. This feels lightweight on application but is loaded with heavyweights in the healing department. Absorbs instantly.

Find Cetaphil Dail Advance Lotion here.

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Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion with Ceramides

Contains ceramides, sunflower seed oil, allantoin, and amino acids for the body lotion.

Designed for rough and flaky skin. Dermatology tested and gentle on skin.

Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion with Ceramides Ingredients List

• Water
• Glycerin
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
• Pentylene Glycol
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
• Cetearyl Alcohol
• Sorbitol
• Behenyl Alcohol
• Glyceryl Stearate
• Cyclopentasiloxane
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
• Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine (Ceramide)
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
• Allantoin
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
• Arginine
• DisodiumEthylene Dicocamide PEG-15 Disulfate
• Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
• Sodium PCA
• Ceteareth-20
• Sodium Polyacrylate
• Caprylyl Glycol
• Citric Acid
• Dimethiconol
• Disodium EDTA
• Sodium Hyaluronate
• Cetyl Alcohol

Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion feels lovely on application. It did take a while to settle into my skin, but I wouldn’t complain about that.

I probably wouldn’t particularly use this on my hands at any time, do to the residue it left, but then that’s not really what it’s designed for. Keeping up with its competitors, this is loaded with ceramides.

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Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15

This lightweight lotion is described to be perfect for use after shaving, or before makeup of a morning.

And it is gentle enough to be of great help to the more sensitive among us. With a non-greasy formula, it will leave your skin feeling hydrated and soft.

The SPF is also a vital addition to this particular moisturizer.

This is also hypo-allergenic, and non-comedogenic.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 Ingredients List

Active Ingredients:

• Avobenzone 3%
• Octocrylene 10%

Inactive Ingredients:

• Water
• Diisopropyl Adipate
• Cyclomethicone
• Glycerin
• Glyceryl Stearate
• PEG-100 Stearate
• Polymethyl Methacrylate
• Phenoxyethanol
• Benzyl Alcohol
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
• Tocopheryl Acetate
• Carbomer 940
• Disodium EDTA
• Triethanolamine

You’ll find Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturiser with SPF 15 here.

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Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50

A facial moisturizer with micronized titanium dioxide to absorb into the skin quickly. And without leaving white and milky residue.

This double-duty moisturizer is designed for all skin types. And is also fragrance-free and non greasy.

And on top of that, it’s hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50 Ingredients List

Active Ingredients:

• Octinoxate 7.5%
• Octisalate 5%
• Octocrylene 7%
• Oxybenzone 6%
• Titanium Dioxide 5.7%

Inactive Ingredients:

• Water
• Propylene Glycol
• Glycerin
• Dimethicone
• VP/Eicosene Copolymer
• Cyclomethicone
• Stearic Acid
• Dimethiconol
• Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
• Glyceryl Stearate
• PEG-100 Stearate
• Aluminum Hydroxide
• Disodium EDTA
• Tocopherol
• Triethanolamine
• Phenoxyethanol
• Ethylparaben
• Chlorphenesin
• Cetyl Alcohol
• Carbomer
• Methylparaben
• Xanthan Gum

Find the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 50 here.

The Verdict

After much deliberation and a massive undertaking to try and try out all of these moisturizing products, I’m not sure there is even an answer to this question.

What may work for you may not work for me at all.

Having said that, I think the main takeaways are as follows:

• CeraVe moisturizing products all contain vital ceramides, which make up 50% of the skin’s barrier. And the absence of ceramides from a majority of Cetaphil’s range is noteworthy.
• Cetaphil provides skin care products for very specialized skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis and other targetted issues.
• Because a product is hypo-allergenic, does not equate to non-irritating. So when you see that a product is NOT hypo-allergenic it does not mean you will have a reaction to it, or be irritated by it. ie don’t be put off that CeraVe’s products are not labeled hypo-allergenic.

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So without being entirely anti-climactic, I put CeraVe ahead in the CeraVe Vs Cetaphil moisturizer battle. That being said, these are two dermatologically forward-moving, and vast ranges of very efficacious skincare and moisturizing products.

Know your skin, and try what you think may work for you. Then, if it doesn’t, try something else. There are so many great moisturizing products readily available out there.

You will find your pot of gold, and I think mine is Cetaphil’s Healthy Glow Daily Cream!

Bonus Section

Cleansers

Now, we all spend a great amount of energy making sure that we have the right moisturizer for our skin concerns. But do you think that much about your cleanser? And what exactly is a cleanser for?

For the ladies in the group, it’s also worth taking a minute to face the facts that your very first step in skincare should be makeup removal. End of story.

Get your face back to square one before you start treating your skin and putting back all the good stuff!

Whether it be facing the double cleanse trend head on, or whether you end up using the same cleanser two times (first to remove your makeup and sunscreen, second to actually cleanse your skin and clear it of dirt and grime), as they say, there’s no better time than right now!

That being said, it’s also vital to use the right cleanser as the wrong one can be doing you more harm than good. Whether it be stripping and damaging your skin, because you’re using a cleanser for an oilier skin type than your own. Or perhaps you’re using a cleanser that’s way to heavy and you’re clogging up your pores.

Whatever the situation, it may take some trial and error before you find that happy places for cleansing.

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What Should I Look for in a Cleanser?

Cleansers will contain the following types of ingredients:

Surfactants, Emollients, Exfoliants, and Humectants

We are already familiar with our emollients and humectants, so let’s check out surfactants and exfoliants next.

Surfactants

A surfactant is literally, a surface-active agent. You’ll find them in household detergents, hair shampoos, and of course, facial cleansers.

In skipping the complex chemistry jargon, surfactants basically mix with the oils and grime on your skin. They can form a foamy mixture when mixed with water and they help to clean your skin.

Types of Surfactants

There are 4 different types of surfactants:

Nonionic, Anionic, Cationic, Zwiterionic/Amphoteric.

They are classified based on the charge they have at their head. Again, this is getting way past my high school chemistry, so I just wanted to introduce you to those classifications.

Moving on, here are the most popular and commonly used surfactants in our beauty products:

• Sodium Stearate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
• Olein Sulfates
• Stearic Acid
• Cetrimonium chloride
• Stearalkonium chloride
• Sodium Lauriminodipropionate
• Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate
• Cocamidopropylamine oxide
• Cetyl alcohol
• Stearyl alcohol
• Polysorbate Ester

If your eyes haven’t exploded by now, you may recognize a few of these terms from our Moisturizing Cream section on Emollients. And as is the case with many of those earlier mentioned ingredients, some of these also overlap in classification. And do in fact, perform two different roles in skincare.

“That’s great, now what about a cleanser for my skin type?”, I hear you cry.

Cleansers for Skin Types

It’s very important to know your skin type, and concerns when choosing a cleanser.

Your skin type will dictate what type of ingredients to look for and what to avoid in a cleanser.

Cleansers for Dry Skin

A good cleanser for dry skin should include hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Avoid anything too harsh that may strip your skin.

Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

At all costs, avoid cleansers with fragrance if you have sensitive skin. Also look for hypo-allergenic cleansers, and ones that are soap-free. Also keep an eye out for caling ingredients like cucmber extract and aloe-vera.

Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin

If you do experience acne from time to time, be sure to keep a cleanser that is filled with mild exfoliating ingredients. Thankfully, the days of an exfoliant being akin to sandpapering your face are long gone. And many exfoliants are in liquid form, and fell very gentle on the skin.

And as always, with this, don’t overdo it! You can do more harm than good by over-exfoliating, so keep it close to every other night or weekly to avoidm over-stimulation of your skin.

Look for products containing AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids), glycolic acids, or salycilic acids to aid in exfoliation.

Cleansers for Normal to Normal/Combination

As is the case, regardless of your skin type, always be on the lookout for a cleanser that is non-comedogenic and oil free. You may have a wider range to play with than someone with more sensitive skin, or challenges, but it still doesn’t hurt to be gentle on the pores!

So let’s take a look at CeraVe and Cetaphil’s most popular cleansers and ascertain what they’re all about. And if there are any benefits to one over the other.

CeraVe Cleansers

Cerave hold 9 separate cleansing products in their range.

These cover all skin concerns and product types, from acne, to dry or oily skin and everything in between. And from foaming cleansers to creamy cleansers. Cleansing bars as well as a micellar water product, specifically designed to remove makeup.

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CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe states that all cleansers can remove makeup. That they can all clean our faces of dirt and grime, and leave our skin fresh feeling.

But where they say the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is ahead of the field, is that it can do all this without stripping the skin’s barrier, or leaving the skin dry or compromised.

That this cleanser is different. Thanks to something they call MultiVescular Emulsion Technology (MVE) that this product continues to hydrate long after it’s been applied to your skin.

As is the case with their moisturizers, CeraVe’s cleansers also contain the three different types of ceramides.

Cetaphil Cleansers

Cetaphil hold 12 different facial cleansing products that include gentle cleansers, foaming, cream-based cleansers, cleansing wipes, and bars.

Their Gentle Gentle Skin Cleanser has followed the same formula for over 70 years (this must be some kind of record!) and is one of Cetaphil’s flagship products. It has won the company awards.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

As I mentioned, this award-winning gentle cleanser is one of Cetaphil’s most popular and successful products.

It is gentle on the skin and so versatile it can be used on the face and body. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic, and proven to be gentle on the skin.

Let’s not deny that it must be doing something right to be around over 70 years!

Makeup Removing Wipes

CeraVe Vs Cetaphil Makeup Removing Wipes

Although I am not a massive proponent of the makeup remover wipe in general, I thought it was worth taking a look at these products in the ranges of both CeraVe and Cetaphil.

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CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes

CeraVe’s take on the makeup remover wipe really follows suit with their entire moisturizer range, as it contains ceramides, and puts a big challenge up to our CeraVe Vs Cetaphil moisturizer conundrum.

They claim to “gently remove dirt, oil, even waterproof mascara”. Well, I have to say, it took a fair bit of heavy removing with this wipe. And it took a couple of wipes.

CeraVe’s Makeup Removing Wipes are fragrance-free.

Sadly, after I had finished, my skin was burning. And I’m really not very sensitive when it comes to skincare products.

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Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes

Cetaphil’s Gentle Makeup Remover Wipes, on the other hand, do contain fragrance. And I like it.

However, as I have mentioned once or twice, I am not in any way considered sensitive (when it comes to skincare!)

These wipes are formulated with aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile. And I actually prefer these over CeraVe’s remover wipes. They removed my makeup with substantially more ease than CeraVe’s and did not burn my face or eyes.

Congratulations! You made it! I hope this epic saga of the skincare heavyweight shas given you some food for thought and helped point you in the right direction for your skin!

Resources:

Cetaphil

CeraVe

Healthline

Mayo Clinic

WebMD

EWG