What can I substitute for CeraVe? Non-toxic swaps for CeraVe are: Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Burt's Bees Truly Glowing Gel Cleanser and Acure Seriously Soothing Jelly Milk.
CeraVe's top competitors include Micreos, and NIVEA.
CVS Moisturizing Cream Normal to Dry Skin (Generic Cerave)
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.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand1.
Unlike the Cerave cleanser that is better used in your AM routine, the Neutrogena Hydroboost Cleanser can be used in both your AM & PM routines. Whether you want a quick easy cleanse or you want to combine it with your cleansing oil for your deep cleanse, the Neutrogena cleanser is perfect.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 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.
Equate Lotion
Tiara Rea-Palmer, deal expert at CouponFollow, said that Equate goods are comparable to other skincare brands. "Their lotion, for example, has the same or similar ingredients as top brands like Eucerin, CeraVe and Aveeno."
What is the difference between Cetaphil and CeraVe? While both contain a lot of similarities, such as providing a non-fragrance cream that is inexpensive to treat skin conditions, they both have a fundamental difference. Cereave has added Ceramides, while Cetaphil does not.
Now, I can see why my dermatologist always recommends using CeraVe skincare products. They help restore my skin's natural barrier and give my skin the hydration it needs. So, if you have sensitive, oily, acne-prone, eczema, psoriasis, combination or normal skin, CeraVe has a solution to help.
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 majority of CeraVe products are non-comedogenic, so they won't clog pores or cause acne. Please check the label or product page for more information. All CeraVe products are fragrance- free and non-irritating.
If your skin is dry, tight, and scaly, we recommend Eucerin's UreaRepair Rich Replenishing Face Cream. However, if your skin is simply dry or you have sensitive skin that clogs easily, CeraVe's lighter formula may be a better fit.
What pros say: The fact that it is so gentle, and doesn't have active ingredients, is exactly why dermatologists love this stuff. “It's a basic gentle cleanser, so it's not necessarily going to clear acne or target signs of aging, but dermatologists often recommend it for this exact reason,” Shah says.
"CeraVe is a commonly recommended brand in my practice, especially for acne patients and patients with eczema," says Juliya Fisher, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, New York.
The primary goal of both products is to provide 24-hour hydration for the skin. La Roche-Posay is also designed to brighten, control shine and reduce blemishes, while CeraVe works to protect the skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture.
Just like the pricy Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Body Replenish, CeraVe's dermatologist-recommended moisturizer is also packed with glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting moisture. Both products promise intense hydration and the prevention of moisture loss.
It bubbles up nicely and when rinsed off, leaves no residue and makes your skin feel very soft. So, it's not the original, but definitely worth it to try. My skin has been clearing up very nicely and this continues to be a great contender for everyone with sensitive skin.
Again, it comes down to intricacies regarding skin type: if you are prone to redness and irritation, you will probably prefer La Roche Posay, whereas if you are mainly struggling with congested skin, you will most likely see better results with CeraVe.
So while both CeraVe Healing Ointment and Aquaphor can be used to heal dry, cracked skin, CeraVe Healing Ointment is best for restoring the skin's natural barrier, while Aquaphor is better for protecting sensitive skin.
CeraVe vs Aveeno Cleansers
Both brands have cleansers that should work well for different skin types. However, CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is my all-time favorite. I've used it for years and repurchased it more times than I can count. But just because it's best for me doesn't mean that will be the case for you.
With its accessible price point and efficacious formulas, CeraVe is one of the most popular drugstore skincare brands. 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.
Best Overall: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Named the best overall by multiple dermatologists we spoke to, this CeraVe lotion does what it's supposed to do—moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy residue.