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CeraVe vs Cetaphil

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes · How the Fit score works

CeraVe and Cetaphil are two American skincare brands offering thoughtfully formulated moisturizers, cleansers, serums, sunscreens, and more. Founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal, the former features hyaluronic acid and glycerin to suit acne-prone skin and combination skin best. Conversely, founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG, the latter utilizes glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit oily skin and combination skin best. While both brands support skin hydration and barrier function through glycerin, they differ in their additional active ingredients and targeted formulations.

CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.

en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com

Cetaphil is an American skincare brand founded in 1947 and owned by Galderma Group AG.

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

This page compares some of the most popular CeraVe and Cetaphil products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.

Popular CeraVe vs Cetaphil products

People Say

CeraVeCetaphil
  • Gentle and Safe for Sensitive Skin Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “The only thing my reactive skin tolerates. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “No breakouts since switching to this. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
  • 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”
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
  • Skin Clarity and Healing Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “dialed back oiliness — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “healed cracked hands — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
    • “Micro-fine granules don't irritate — Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub”
    • “Removes excess oil without drying. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
  • Value and Affordability Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “reasonably priced — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “Huge tub lasts forever — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “Great everyday moisturizer — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Bar lasts a long time — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
  • Texture and Consistency Problems Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “feels like washing with conditioner — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “hard to spread — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “Miss the bubbles, feels like washing with lotion. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”
  • Packaging and Size Issues Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “hate dipping fingers in — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “wish it had a pump — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “Pump stops working — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
  • Drying and Tightness Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “face feels stripped — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “Not enough for winter dryness — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “skin does feel a bit dry after using — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
    • “Deep cleansing ability is not very strong — Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub”

CeraVe vs Cetaphil routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

CeraVe vs Cetaphil routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

CeraVe vs Cetaphil routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Cetaphil: which is better?

Both brands are great choices, but CeraVe has a superior fit for acne-prone and combination skin compared to Cetaphil based on the products on this page. Reviewers note that CeraVe offers better value and affordability, while both brands excel at providing gentle, non-stripping cleansers.

What is the difference between CeraVe and Cetaphil?

CeraVe and Cetaphil are both US-based skincare brands offering gentle, fragrance-free products, but CeraVe has a superior routine fit for combination and acne-prone skin on the page. Reviewers note that CeraVe provides better value and affordability, while Cetaphil is more prone to packaging and size issues.

CeraVe or Cetaphil for dry skin?

Both CeraVe and Cetaphil are great options for dry skin, as Lovi rates their routines as High for this skin type. CeraVe offers a slight edge in value and affordability based on reviewer feedback.

CeraVe or Cetaphil: which cleanser is better?

Both CeraVe and Cetaphil offer cleansers with high or superior Lovi fit levels for various skin types, such as the Foaming Facial Cleanser and Gentle Skin Cleanser. Reviewers mention that both brands provide gentle, non-stripping cleansers, while CeraVe also includes effective options for acne and oil.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Cetaphil?

CeraVe is more affordable than Cetaphil based on reviewer feedback on value and affordability for the products on this page.

CeraVe or Cetaphil: which brand has better fragrance-free options?

CeraVe offers better fragrance-free options because every single product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Cetaphil has one product with fragrance among the products on this page.

CeraVe or Cetaphil: which brand has packaging issues?

Both brands have packaging issues, as reviewers mention them for CeraVe and Cetaphil alike.

CeraVe or Cetaphil for oily skin?

Both CeraVe and Cetaphil have a High routine fit for oily skin. Reviewers note that both brands offer gentle, non-stripping cleansers and hydrating, non-greasy moisturizers.

CeraVe or Cetaphil: which moisturizer is better?

When comparing moisturizers, CeraVe has superior routines and products on this page for acne-prone, combination, and mature skin, while Cetaphil works well for oily and combination skin. Reviewers note that CeraVe offers better value and affordability, and its moisturizers are mostly mentioned as lightweight and non-greasy with superior healing and texture.

CeraVe or Cetaphil for sensitive skin?

Both CeraVe and Cetaphil are great options for sensitive skin, offering a high Lovi fit and featuring gentle, non-stripping cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers. Reviewers note that both brands excel at being gentle and safe for sensitive skin without causing irritation.

CeraVe or Cetaphil: which sunscreen is better?

Both CeraVe and Cetaphil offer sunscreens with a Lovi fit level of High for many skin types on this page. CeraVe includes options like the Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen that achieve a Superior fit for mature and dry skin.

CeraVe or Cetaphil for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe has a Superior Lovi routine fit for acne-prone skin, while Cetaphil has a High fit. Reviewers state that the products on this page for CeraVe are effective cleansers for acne and oil.

CeraVe or Cetaphil for combination skin?

CeraVe is a better choice for combination skin, as Lovi rates its routine as Superior compared to Cetaphil's High.

Research behind their key ingredients

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.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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