Cetaphil vs Biore
Cetaphil and Biore are two respected skincare brands known for their thoughtful daily care offerings. Cetaphil features nourishing cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens formulated with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit combination skin and acne-prone skin best. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand relies on balanced cleansers, masks, makeup removers, and sunscreens tailored primarily for oily skin and combination skin. While both lines provide reliable routines, they differ through their heritage, core ingredients, and ideal skin matches.
Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.
en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk
Biore is a Japanese skincare brand founded in 1980 and owned by Kao Corporation.
This page compares some of the most popular Cetaphil and Biore products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Cetaphil vs Biore products
People Say
Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
- “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
- “Leaves my face feeling soft, not tight. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “feels like a moisturizer — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Gentleness and sensitivity Mostly MentionedNot noted
- “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “cleans without stripping — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
Cleansing and makeup removal Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
- “Gets the gunk out — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Face feels squeaky clean — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Removes waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “removes excess oil — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
Lightweight and non-greasy texture Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
- “absorbs quickly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
- “melts into skin — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Oil control and refreshing feel Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “Keeps shine away — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “Love the tingle — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
- “No greasy film, leaves skin fresh, rinses easily. — Biore Makeup Remover Perfect Oil”
- “Removes excess oil without drying. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
Skin transformation and complexion Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
- “skin looks more radiant — Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum”
- “Leaves skin feeling clean — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
- “Helped clear my blackheads — Biore Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser”
Formula changes and miscellaneous complaints Often MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Miss the bubbles, feels like washing with lotion. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
- “Deep cleansing ability is not very strong — Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub”
- “stings eyes — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Unpleasant smell or strong fragrance Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “Overpowering masking fragrance — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
- “Scent is overwhelmingly artificial. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
- “smells like alcohol — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
- “strong citrus smell — Biore UV Aqua Rich”
Skin irritation and breakouts Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
- “burns my face now — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
- “new formula burns — Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser”
- “caused whiteheads — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Nose was irritated — Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips”
Cetaphil vs Biore routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$19.99
-
Hydrating Toner
Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner
Morning
$16.99
-
Moisturizer
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$22.00
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
-
Cleanser
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.44
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning
$39.90
-
Moisturizer
Rich Hydrating Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.88
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
$12.59
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
$21.70
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
$10.97
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
$22.00
Buy Biore routine · $141.68 · 89% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · $134.48 · 83% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Cetaphil vs Biore routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$15.97
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
$15.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
-
Cleanser
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$11.88
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
$39.90
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.99
-
SPF
Oil Control
Morning
$28.48
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
$28.42
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
$10.97
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Revision Skincare Black Mask
Once a week
$79.00
Buy Biore routine · $315.98 · 94% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · $331.64 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 98% fit
Cetaphil vs Biore routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$28.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
$25.60
-
Moisturizer
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap)
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$18.99
- SPF UV Aqua Rich Morning
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Evening · Once a week
$39.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
-
Cleanser
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$11.88
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
$39.90
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
$13.99
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
$12.59
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
$50.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
$18.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
$10.97
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
$69.00
-
Cleansing Mask
HERBIVORE Botanicals Blue Tansy BHA and Enzyme Pore Refining Mask
Once a week
$58.00
Buy Biore routine · $307.57 · 94% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · $285.23 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
Cetaphil or Biore: which is better?
Both brands fit well across various skin types, but Cetaphil is often preferred for hydration and gentleness, while Biore offers superior oil control and cleansing. The products on this page help provide options tailored to specific needs.
What is the difference between Cetaphil and Biore?
Cetaphil is a US-founded brand that fits best on combination, acne-prone, and sensitive skin, offering products on this page like gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers with key ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. In contrast, Biore is a Japanese brand that fits best on oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, focusing on oil control and deep cleansing with a smaller range of products.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022
Cetaphil or Biore for dry skin?
Both Cetaphil and Biore offer a High routine fit for dry skin on this page. Reviewers report that Cetaphil provides better hydration and moisture, while key ingredients like hyaluronic acid help improve skin quality.
Cetaphil or Biore: which cleanser is better?
Both Cetaphil and Biore offer effective cleansers, with Cetaphil providing gentle and non-stripping options that fit sensitive skin well, while Biore specializes in oil control and pore cleansing. Ingredients like niacinamide help reduce pigmentation, and the products on this page maintain a fragrance-free formula.
Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or Biore?
The products on this page do not provide pricing information, so affordability cannot be compared between Cetaphil and Biore.
Between Cetaphil and Biore, which brand performs better for hydration and moisture according to reviewers?
According to reviewers, Cetaphil does better than Biore for hydration and moisture. The products on this page help deliver gentle, non-stripping hydration.
How do the founding years and owning companies of Cetaphil and Biore compare?
Cetaphil was founded in 1947 in the United States and is owned by the Galderma Group AG, whereas Biore was founded in 1980 in Japan and is owned by the Kao Corporation.
Which brand has more fragrance-free products listed on the page?
Cetaphil has more fragrance-free products on this page, with 26 out of 27 products listing no fragrance, while all products listed for Biore are fragrance-free.
Cetaphil or Biore for oily skin?
For oily skin, Biore achieves a Superior routine fit level while Cetaphil reaches a High level on this page. Reviewers indicate that Biore does better for oil control and refreshing feel.
Cetaphil or Biore: which sunscreen is better?
For sun protection, Cetaphil offers a wider variety of options on this page, including the Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 which achieves a Superior fit level for dry skin, dry sensitive skin, combination skin, and sensitive skin.
Cetaphil or Biore for sensitive skin?
Cetaphil has a High fit level for sensitive skin, whereas Biore has a Superior fit level for sensitive skin. Reviewers indicate that Cetaphil does better for gentleness and sensitivity.
Cetaphil or Biore for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, both brands work well since Lovi rates Cetaphil High and Biore Superior. Niacinamide helps control skin aging and pigmentation, and the products on this page often feature key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin to support the skin barrier.
Research behind their key ingredients
Effects of menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions in man
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Ascorbic Acid Treatments as Effective and Safe Anti-Aging Therapies for Sensitive Skin
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
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.
















































