CeraVe currently offers over 70 products delivering therapeutic skincare for all, developed with the expertise of dermatologists. CeraVe has won more seals of approval from the National Eczema Association than any other brand.
If you're looking for a quick answer, Cerave is better for those who deal with dry skin and Cetaphil is more geared towards those with sensitive skin. Not to say they can't work for either skin type, of course. Cetaphil is also the older brand, having been around for longer.
Cetaphil wins this comparison if you have dry skin. While both are lightweight lotions and CeraVe contains ceramides and sodium hyaluronate, Cetaphil packs in moisturizing and soothing ingredients like avocado oil, panthenol, and vitamin B5, making it an excellent choice for dry skin.
Ceramedx Ultra-Moisturizing Cream
It's the closest dupe to CeraVe that we've found. Ceramedx also makes a few other products, including a gentle body cleanser and facial cleanser, which are solid dupes for CeraVe's facial cleanser.
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.
CVS Moisturizing Cream Normal to Dry Skin (Generic Cerave) - CVS Pharmacy.
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.
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. We chose this oil-free product as our top pick because it's powered by ceramide 3, which helps you achieve hydrated, healthy-looking skin. It also contains moisturizing glycerin, prebiotic thermal water, and soothing niacinamide.
Both are great for acne-prone skins. While CeraVe focuses on dry to really dry skin, Cetaphil is better for sensitive skin. CeraVe has a much wider range of products for all skin types.
But you might be surprised by how much there truly is to know about the brand—or why its products are highly recommended by both dermatologists and influencers alike. Fun Fact: CeraVe's name is a nod to the three ceramides that are found in every single one of its products.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
The combination of ingredients like polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate and cetyl alcohol both can contribute to some pretty serious breakouts.
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.
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.
The Popularity
Not only is it blowing up on social media thanks to the beauty community on TikTok, but it's an extremely accessible brand. “CeraVe contains quality ingredients at a very reasonable price point,” says Dr. Chiu, “and has widespread availability at your local drugstore.”
“When ceramide levels are low, the skin barrier is weakened and skin can become dry, itchy, or irritated. By adding these three ceramides to its skincare range, CeraVe helps restore the skin barrier, giving plump, hydrated skin.”
Ceramides help to increase the barrier function of the skin and improve moisture retention, says Paviol, while niacinamide improves pore size and skin texture. When you combine the two together, the benefits of both complement each other, giving you soft, glowing and even skin.
In essence, they both do similar things. While ceramides actively hydrate your skin, hyaluronic acid traps moisture. If you're able to incorporate both into your skincare routine, then you'll be a winner. But if you need to pick between one or the other, it's going to come down to your main skin concerns.
For this purpose, CeraVe products uses contain hyaluronic acid as well as three essential ceramides. These are the so-called ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, which also occur naturally in the skin and are important for a healthy skin barrier.
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 can be used on face and body, with some products specially formulated for each. Talk with your dermatologist to learn which CeraVe products are best for your skincare needs.
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.
The CeraVe products are part of the reason we thought of the need for this website -- because the name brand may supplying the store brand, and we definitely recommend switching. Both the CVS and up & up version of the CeraVe product are the same as each other and almost exactly the same as the brand.
CVS Health Gentle Skin Cleanser All Skin Types, 8 OZ (Generic Cetaphil) - CVS Pharmacy.
Some forms of topical emollient may be flammable and should not be used near high heat or open flame, or applied while you are smoking. Store as directed away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle, tube, or other container tightly closed when not in use.