CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay
CeraVe and La Roche-Posay are popular skincare brands owned by L'Oréal. 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 the French brand is loved for its nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and targeted eye products formulated with glycerin, soothing thermal water, and niacinamide. The former suits dry skin and acne-prone skin best because of their hydrating and gentle properties, whereas the latter suits mature skin and skin with dark spots best, owing to their carefully balanced active ingredients. Ultimately, they differ in their specific standout solutions and the distinct ways their key ingredients work harmoniously to support the skin.
CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.
en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com
La Roche-Posay is a French skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 1989.
laroche-posay.com.aufr.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular CeraVe and La Roche-Posay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay products
People Say
Skin Sensitivities and Gentleness Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “Great retinol for beginners — La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum”
- “Only cream that doesn't sting — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “absorbs instantly — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
- “skin feels plump — La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum”
Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “lightweight and absorbs quickly — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
- “absorbs in seconds — La Roche-Posay Anthelios”
Texture Improvement and Brightening Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
- “lightened dark spots — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “skin looks brighter — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
- “visibly fades appearance of stubborn marks — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
Skin Barrier and Healing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “healed cracked hands — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
- “Helped repair my moisture barrier — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Saved my damaged barrier — La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+”
- “Healed my surgery scar beautifully — La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5”
Acne and Oil Control Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “dialed back oiliness — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “Never breaks me out — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “helped to stop my breakout in its tracks — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
- “clears acne blemishes — La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser”
Packaging Issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “tube splitting at seams — CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum”
- “pump stops working — La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream”
- “Pump stopped working halfway — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream”
Texture Issues and Greasiness Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “feels like washing with conditioner — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “too sticky — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
- “hard to spread — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “Very sticky — La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum”
Burning, Stinging, and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Stung my raw skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “burns my damaged skin — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “burns my eyes — La Roche-Posay Anthelios”
- “burned my face — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Triggered cystic acne — La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+”
- “caused bad purging — La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser”
- “clogged my pores — La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream”
- “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$19.39
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toner
Morning
A$28.55
-
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 Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Morning · Evening · Once a week
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
A$23.99
-
Moisturizer
Pure Vitamin C Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$55.99
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
A$23.09
-
Serum or Treatment
Cicaplast Baume B5+
Evening · Once a week
A$31.39
-
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 La Roche-Posay routine · A$226.43 · 88% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
MELA B3 Facial Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$34.66
-
Moisturizer
Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$41.00
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Water Ultra
Evening · Once a week
A$29.39
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
A$75.95
- Serum or Treatment Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Effaclar Mask
Once a week
A$25.19
-
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 La Roche-Posay routine · A$296.27 · 84% fit
Buy CeraVe routine · A$392.56 · 82% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay routines for combination skin
-
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
-
Cleanser
MELA B3 Facial Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$26.59
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
A$42.00
-
Moisturizer
Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
A$41.00
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
A$27.99
-
Pre-Cleanser
Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
A$23.09
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
A$29.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Cicaplast Baume B5+
Evening · Once a week
A$31.39
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
A$35.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Effaclar Mask
Once a week
A$25.19
Buy CeraVe routine · A$347.16 · 85% fit
Buy La Roche-Posay routine · A$282.65 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 95% fit
Questions and answers
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which is better?
Both brands offer equal routine fit levels for almost all skin types, with CeraVe doing better for acne and oil control while every product on its page lists no fragrance. La Roche-Posay achieves a superior routine fit for mature skin, though some of its products may contain fragrance.
What is the difference between CeraVe and La Roche-Posay?
CeraVe and La Roche-Posay both offer high routine fit across nearly all skin types, with La Roche-Posay reaching a Superior fit for mature skin. Reviewers find that CeraVe does better for acne and oil control, while La Roche-Posay has fewer breakouts and purging issues.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for dry skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer a High routine fit for dry skin, with every CeraVe product on this page listing no fragrance. Reviewers note that CeraVe provides lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers and gentle, non-stripping cleansers, while La Roche-Posay features soothing and sensitive-skin friendly moisturizers.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer effective cleansers, but CeraVe does better for acne and oil control according to reviewers. Every cleanser on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance, whereas La Roche-Posay includes some scented options.
Which is more affordable, CeraVe or La Roche-Posay?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer a range of skincare products on this page, but price comparisons are not detailed in the available page facts.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for acne and oil control?
CeraVe does better for acne and oil control, and every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which brand has fragrance-free products?
Every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, while La Roche-Posay has some products with fragrance and some without.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for oily skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay achieve a high routine fit level for oily skin. CeraVe does better for acne and oil control among the review themes on the page.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer highly rated moisturizers, with CeraVe standing out for its fragrance-free formulas and strong performance in acne and oil control, while La Roche-Posay is known for options targeting mature skin and skin with dark spots. Reviewers note that CeraVe moisturizers help provide lightweight, non-greasy hydration and superior healing, whereas La Roche-Posay products may occasionally present fragrance or heavy texture issues.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for sensitive skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin, and every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance. Ceramides, which are key ingredients across CeraVe products, help repair the skin barrier.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer strong options for sun protection, with Anthelios from La Roche-Posay achieving a Superior Lovi fit level for mature skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, acne-prone skin, and oily skin, while CeraVe features fragrance-free sunscreens that help provide reliable daily defense across various skin types.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for acne-prone skin?
Both brands are a High fit for acne-prone skin, but CeraVe does better for acne and oil control according to reviewers. Reviewers sometimes note strong fragrance and scent issues with La Roche-Posay products, whereas every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for mature skin?
La Roche-Posay is a better fit for mature skin, achieving a Superior routine fit level on Lovi compared to CeraVe's High level. Both brands offer fragrance-free options across many of their products on this page to help minimize 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
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
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
A Bayesian network meta-analysis of 14 molecules inhibiting UV daylight-induced pigmentation
Amino acid complex (AAComplex) benefits in cosmetic products: In vitro and in vivo clinical studies
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of a clay mask in oily and acne skin
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Effects of an ultraviolet B radiation absorber on photocarcinogenesis in hairless albino mice
In vitro analysis of immunoprotective effects of topical 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.
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.


























































