Both CeraVe and Cetaphil are recommended by dermatologists. In fact, dermatologists warn that the real good creams for your skin are the creamy rich creams, with no fragrances and cerave and cetaphil are part of these products.
Overall, there is no clear winner. It just depends on the needs of your own skin. If you experience dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin then CeraVe might be the clear choice. However, if you experience sensitive skin the Cetaphil is the better option.
Dermatologist-Approved Skincare
Not only are our products developed with dermatologists, but CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
Cetaphil is a gentle skincare brand that has been recommended and trusted by doctors and dermatologists for over 70 years, and is used by millions with sensitive skin around the world to improve the resilience of their skin.
Cetaphil is formulated to do absolutely nothing to the skin. Nothing. The pH is almost neutral, so it literally will do nothing. That's why derms are constantly recommending it for people on prescription acne medications, because it won't interfere with or irritate the skin.
The product continues to work after it is applied, hydrating your skin all day in just one use. This system—along with our unique combination of skin-identical ceramides—helps replenish your skin's existing ceramides, relieves dry skin by reducing moisture loss, increases hydration and helps restore the skin barrier.
Ingredients (Rating: Bad)
CeraVe doesn't prioritize clean ingredients in their lineup of products, which are full of questionable ingredients we don't recommend. Examples include, but aren't limited to: Parabens (propylparaben, methylparaben) - Found in many products. Silicones - Found in many products.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
The combination of ingredients like polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate and cetyl alcohol both can contribute to some pretty serious breakouts. As well propylparaben, shown further down on the extensive ingredients list, is ranked at 7 out of a scale of 9 in regards to safety.
It hydrates well and soothes the skin. The Cetaphil lotion has non-comedogenic properties which allow it to be used by people with acne and oily skin as it does not clog the pores or cause breakouts. It is light on the skin and is absorbed without causing build-up.
Final Verdict. Sliding into first place, the best face wash overall is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. The dermatologist-approved formula is extra-gentle and super-hydrating, effortlessly dissolving sebum and makeup while reinforcing the skin barrier.
CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand*, and our products for acne-prone skin promote a clear complexion without dryness or flaking while helping maintain the skin's barrier with three essential ceramides.
Opt for CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if:
Ceramides have been shown in studies to help improve mild to moderate eczema. Source. you're sensitive to sodium hydroxide, which is in Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream but not in the Cerave Moisturizing Cream.
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Rating Summary. SkinSAFE has reviewed the ingredients of Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, 500ml and found it to be 91% Top Allergen Free and free of Gluten, Coconut, Nickel, Top Common Allergy Causing Preservatives, Lanolin, Paraben, Topical Antibiotic, MCI/MI, Soy, Propylene Glycol, and Dye. Product is Teen Safe.
Cetaphil products are suitable for cleansing and moisturising acne-prone skin - they will help to remove dirt and oil, hydrate your skin and be respectful to and gentle on the natural skin barrier. All of the Cetaphil moisturisers are non-comedogenic, so they won't block your pores.
Cetaphil Moisturizer is described as a non-comedogenic product. Non-comedogenic means it is made using ingredients that won't clog pores. However, certain individuals with acne-prone skin have still experienced clogged pores and acne breakouts after using Cetaphil.
Dermatologists recommend CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for people with acne as it works to cleanse the skin and remove oil, without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. It won't clog pores or dry the skin out, and contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.
CeraVe Acne Control Gel
This product is perfect for those who don't experience rampant acne but get acne when their hormones act up. It can be used as a spot treatment for active breakouts because it contains salicylic and lactic acids, which clear clog pores and fight acne-causing bacteria.
All three parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, and propylene glycol are the ingredients that we should avoid using on our skin. This brand does not contain any single beneficial ingredient for our skin. Parabens are a set of preservatives being phased out for likely health risks as it can lead to breast cancer.
It is FDA-approved for over-the-counter use as a skin protectant—and is often referred to as the “gold standard” of occlusive ingredients because it creates a physical barrier that prevents moisture from leaving the skin.
“Cetaphil does not contain even one single beneficial ingredient and what it does contain is the equivalent of toxic sludge. Whether you think it's keeping your skin healthy or not, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and research has proven almost all of the few ingredients in it are carcinogenic.
Developed with dermatologists and suitable for dry and very dry skin on the face and body, this rich, non-greasy, fast-absorbing moisturizing cream features our patented MVE Delivery Technology to release a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients throughout the day and night.
The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser has an impressive 4.6-star average rating from more than 1,000 verified Amazon reviews. At $15 for 16 ounces, it's a fantastic value and is currently the third bestselling facial cleanser on Amazon. It's also worth noting that CeraVe has the No. 2 spot with its hydrating face wash.
This moisturizer makes a great option for normal skin due to its lightweight and non-greasy texture and gentle, non-comedogenic formula that provides 24-hour hydration. At nighttime, opt for a moisturizer without sunscreen to support your skin's natural repair processes, such as CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
Skin reactions such as peeling, itching, irritation, and reddened skin may occur, especially at the start of treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. You may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use it less often.