CeraVe vs Galderma
CeraVe and Galderma are skincare brands with distinct offerings, with the American brand founded in 2005 and the Swiss brand founded in 1981. CeraVe is universally loved for its thoughtful array of moisturizers, cleansers, serums, sunscreens, and more, all formulated with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while Galderma covers serums on this page. The former suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best because of their hydrating and gentle properties, whereas the latter fits oily acne-prone skin and oily skin best. Ultimately, both brands differ through their specific product types and active formulations, with standout solutions addressing acne-prone skin, dark spots, and mature skin.
CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.
en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com
Galderma is a Swiss skincare brand founded in 1981 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
This page compares some of the most popular CeraVe and Galderma products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular CeraVe vs Galderma products
People Say
Oil control and acne clearance Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “cleared up my skin — Galderma Benzac AC Mild Strength 2.5% Acne Gel”
- “cystic acne gone — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “stops new pimples — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “dialed back oiliness — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
Fragrance-free and gentle Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “No scent, no irritation — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
Fading marks and improving texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
- “lightened dark spots — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “scars are fading — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
- “skin feels smooth — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Lightweight and non-greasy texture Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Sinks in immediately — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
Deep hydration Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “cured my dry patches — CeraVe Eye Repair Cream”
Value and affordability Often MentionedNot noted
- “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “Huge tub lasts forever — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “Great everyday moisturizer — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
Dryness and peeling Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “face feels stripped — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “Not moisturizing enough for winter — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Not enough for winter dryness — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “skin flaking off — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Burning, stinging, and skin irritation Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Stung my raw skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “burns my damaged skin — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “Face feels like it's on fire — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
- “face on fire — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Breakouts, purging, and acne Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “gave me closed comedones — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “caused horrible breakouts — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “got worse first — Galderma Epiduo Gel”
Bleaching fabrics Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “bleached my towel — Galderma Benzac AC 5”
Packaging and design issues Often MentionedNot noted
- “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
CeraVe vs Galderma routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.39
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Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toner
Morning
A$28.55
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Moisturizer
Skin Renewing Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$30.69
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
A$19.39
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$31.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$33.69
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
d'Alba First Spray Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.09
-
SPF
Bioderma Photoderm Mineral Fluide SPF50+
Morning
A$24.49
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
A$27.35
-
Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
A$25.49
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
A$28.48
Buy CeraVe routine · A$226.69 · 89% fit
Buy Galderma routine · A$217.98 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
CeraVe vs Galderma routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$80.43
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
A$25.49
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$28.55
-
Moisturizer
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$36.14
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
A$19.39
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$31.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$33.69
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Galderma routine · A$435.35 · 95% fit
Buy CeraVe routine · A$392.56 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
CeraVe vs Galderma routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$73.61
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$22.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
A$30.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Benzac AC 5
Evening · Once a week
A$25.49
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
-
Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$13.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$28.55
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$28.99
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
A$19.39
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Evening · Once a week
A$31.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
A$41.49
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
A$118.35
Buy Galderma routine · A$378.83 · 92% fit
Buy CeraVe routine · A$347.16 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
CeraVe or Galderma: which is better?
CeraVe is better for fragrance-free, gentle daily hydration, while Galderma focuses on effective acne-clearing serums that may cause dryness and peeling. Both brands offer products on this page that help support various skin types.
What is the difference between CeraVe and Galderma?
CeraVe focuses on fragrance-free and gentle daily care with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, whereas Galderma specializes in potent acne-clearing serums that may cause dryness and peeling. Reviewers find that CeraVe provides better deep hydration and lightweight textures, while Galderma delivers superior oil control and acne clearance.
CeraVe or Galderma for dry skin?
CeraVe and Galderma both offer a High Lovi routine fit for dry skin. CeraVe features fragrance-free, gentle moisturizers and cleansers, whereas Galderma products may lead to severe dryness and peeling.
Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Galderma?
CeraVe is more affordable than Galderma, as the products on this page excel in value and affordability.
Which brand performs better for oil control and acne clearance, CeraVe or Galderma?
Galderma performs better for oil control and acne clearance on this page. Reviewers report that its products offer effective acne-clearing serums.
How do the founding years and home countries of CeraVe and Galderma compare?
CeraVe was founded in the United States in 2005, whereas Galderma was founded in Switzerland in 1981.
Which brand has fewer issues with severe dryness and peeling according to reviewers?
CeraVe has fewer issues with severe dryness and peeling than Galderma, as Galderma reviewers frequently note severe dryness and peeling.
CeraVe or Galderma for oily skin?
Galderma is a better fit for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to CeraVe's High level. Galderma excels with effective acne-clearing serums, though users may experience severe dryness and peeling.
CeraVe or Galderma for acne-prone skin?
Galderma is a better fit for acne-prone skin, as the products on this page achieve a superior routine fit compared to CeraVe. Reviewers find that Galderma provides effective acne-clearing serums, though it may cause severe dryness, peeling, and irritation.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Encapsulation and controlled release of retinol from silicone particles for topical delivery
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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