CeraVe vs Pixi
CeraVe and Pixi are popular skincare lines offering thoughtful ranges of moisturizers, cleansers, serums, toners, and more. The American brand is universally loved for formulations featuring hyaluronic acid and glycerin, suiting dry and acne-prone skin best, while the British brand is beloved for efficacious ingredients that suit dry and oily skin. Ultimately, the two differ because both provide distinct daily support through reliable offerings, ranging from gentle hydration to targeted glowing care.
CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.
en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com
Pixi is a British skincare brand founded in 1999.
pixibeauty.comtracxn.compitchbook.com
This page compares some of the most popular CeraVe and Pixi products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular CeraVe vs Pixi products
People Say
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”
- “Skin feels incredible, so smooth — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “forehead bumps gone — Pixi Glow Tonic”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “Instant surge of hydration — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “deeply hydrates and balances — Pixi Antioxidant Tonic”
Gentle for Sensitive Skin Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
- “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “no redness after washing — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “Gentle enough for regular use — Pixi Retinol Tonic”
Fragrance and Scent Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “smells like fresh roses — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “lovely subtle rose scent — Pixi Rose Tonic”
- “Smells fresh — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “No scent, no irritation — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
Skin Improvements and Clarity Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin is noticeably brighter — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “gives a lovely glow — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “My skin looked visibly clearer and brighter. — Pixi Vitamin-C Serum”
- “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
Value and Pricing Often MentionedNot noted
- “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “great lip balm — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
- “Huge tub lasts forever — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
Packaging Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
- “Spits large droplets — Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist”
- “squirts large droplets — Pixi Glow Mist”
- “dropper leaks product — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
Causes Breakouts Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “broke me out — Pixi Glow Tonic”
- “caused cystic acne — Pixi Rose Oil Blend”
- “Caused bad breakouts — Pixi Retinol Tonic”
- “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
Skin Irritation and Burning Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Stung my raw skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “burns my damaged skin — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “Massive burning sensation — Pixi Glow Peel Pads”
- “burned my face — Pixi Glow Tonic”
CeraVe vs Pixi routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
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Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Milky Mist
Morning
CA$27.00
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Moisturizer
Tata Harper Repairative Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$162.00
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SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
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Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
CA$17.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$37.00
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Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
-
Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.19
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toner
Morning
CA$18.98
-
Moisturizer
Skin Renewing Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$32.28
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
CA$25.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.79
-
Serum or Treatment
Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$36.97
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Pixi routine · CA$295.17 · 94% fit
Buy CeraVe routine · CA$163.70 · 90% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
CeraVe vs Pixi routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
CA$22.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
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SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
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Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Moisturizer
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
CA$25.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.79
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment
Evening · Once a week
CA$36.97
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Tatcha The Clarifying Clay Mask
Once a week
CA$95.00
Buy Pixi routine · CA$264.28 · 94% fit
Buy CeraVe routine · CA$276.56 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
CeraVe vs Pixi routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$44.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Retinol Tonic
Morning · Once a week
CA$22.00
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$29.98
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$23.99
-
Cleansing Toner
Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Vitamin-C Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$37.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
-
Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$20.96
-
Hydrating Toner
Hydrating Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$18.98
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$25.98
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
CA$25.29
-
Pre-Cleanser
Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$22.79
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
CA$25.98
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay
Once a week
CA$50.00
Buy Pixi routine · CA$228.28 · 93% fit
Buy CeraVe routine · CA$228.68 · 86% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
CeraVe or Pixi: which is better?
CeraVe and Pixi are both great brands, with CeraVe focusing on gentle, fragrance-free barrier repair and Pixi focusing on radiance and active toners. For dry skin, both brands offer a superior routine fit.
What is the difference between CeraVe and Pixi?
CeraVe and Pixi both offer great hydration, but CeraVe focuses on fragrance-free barrier repair with ceramides, while Pixi is known for glowing skin and popular toners containing ingredients like aloe vera. CeraVe is generally gentler for sensitive skin, whereas Pixi provides more radiance and brightening benefits across the products on this page.
CeraVe or Pixi for oily skin?
Pixi is the better choice for oily skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to CeraVe's High level. Pixi provides lightweight and pleasant toners that help with radiance and glow.
CeraVe or Pixi: which moisturizer is better?
CeraVe and Pixi both offer effective moisturizers, with CeraVe focusing on fragrance-free formulations and barrier repair lipids while Pixi often incorporates botanical extracts like aloe vera. Reviewers note that CeraVe moisturizers help provide lightweight hydration with superior healing and texture, whereas Pixi products may deliver added radiance and glow.
Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Pixi?
CeraVe is more affordable, as it wins on value and pricing compared to Pixi.
How do the founding years and ownership of CeraVe and Pixi compare?
CeraVe was founded in the United States in 2005 and has been owned by L'Oréal since 2017. In contrast, Pixi was founded in the United Kingdom in 1999 and remains independently owned.
Which brand has better performance regarding fragrance and scent according to reviews?
Pixi does better regarding fragrance and scent according to reviews. Every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, while 7 of 10 Pixi products on this page list no fragrance.
How do the routines for dry skin compare between CeraVe and Pixi in the morning?
For dry skin in the morning, both CeraVe and Pixi have a Superior routine fit. The products on this page for CeraVe include a cleanser, hydrating toner, night cream as a moisturizer, and daily moisturizing lotion for SPF, while Pixi uses a cleanser, Hydrating Milky Mist as a toner, Repairative Moisturizer, and Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen.
CeraVe or Pixi for sensitive skin?
CeraVe is better for sensitive skin because review themes show it is gentler for sensitive skin, and every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
CeraVe or Pixi for acne-prone skin?
Both brands are great choices for acne-prone skin, with Pixi having a Superior routine fit and CeraVe having a High routine fit on this page. CeraVe offers fragrance-free formulas containing ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, which helps control oil and breakouts. Pixi provides brightening toners and serums that may enhance skin clarity.
Research behind their key ingredients
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
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
A Rose Extract Protects the Skin against Stress Mediators: A Potential Role of Olfactory Receptors
Design and in vivo evaluation of emulgel formulations including green tea extract and rose oil
Topical Almond Oil for Prevention of Pressure Injuries: A Single-Blinded Comparison Study
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Clinical study of a spray containing birch juice for repairing sensitive skin
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
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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
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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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