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CeraVe vs Elemis

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

CeraVe and Elemis are skincare brands, founded respectively in the United States in 2005 and in Britain in 1989. The American brand is widely loved for its thoughtful range of moisturizers, cleansers, serums, sunscreens, and more, all formulated with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to suit acne-prone skin and combination skin best. Conversely, the British brand is celebrated for its thoughtful curation of nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, refreshing toners, and more, all anchored by hydrating glycerin and softening shea to suit mature skin and dry skin best. While both utilize glycerin to improve hydration and restore barrier function, they differ in their signature ingredients and primary skin type compatibilities.

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

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

Elemis is a British skincare brand founded in 1989 and owned by L'Occitane Group since 2019.

elemis.comau.elemis.comen.wikipedia.org

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

Popular CeraVe vs Elemis products

People Say

CeraVeElemis
  • 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 almost immediately, and my skin feels well hydrated all day. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
    • “skin feels baby soft — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “The cream really hydrates and my face looks amazing. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream”
    • “Quenches thirsty skin... immediate improvement. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Gentle and Sensitive Care 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”
    • “no stinging or redness — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
  • Fragrance and Scent Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like a spa — Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm”
    • “smells like a holiday — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “smells like a tropical cocktail — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “Great for sensitive skin — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
  • Skin Tone and Texture Improvement Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
    • “lightened dark spots — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “baby soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “skin feels baby-soft — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
  • Brightening and Complexion Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “healthy glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads”
    • “instantly fresh glow — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
    • “Once I started using Elemis Superfood facial oil... my skin began to glow. — Elemis Superfood Facial Oil”
    • “skin is literally glowing — CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum”
  • Pricing and Value Complaints Rarely NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “expensive Vaseline — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
    • “Complete waste of money for me. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”
  • Packaging Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
    • “jar looks half empty — Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial”
    • “tube feels half empty — Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel”
    • “pump broke quickly — Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash”
    • “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
  • Scent and Fragrance Issues Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “smells like plastic — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
    • “The smell is very strong... could not handle for long. — Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream”

CeraVe vs Elemis routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

CeraVe vs Elemis routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

CeraVe vs Elemis routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Elemis: which is better?

CeraVe and Elemis are both great, but CeraVe is generally better for sensitive skin because every product on its page has no fragrance and its cleansers are gentle and non-stripping.

What is the difference between CeraVe and Elemis?

CeraVe stands out for offering fragrance-free products with a Lovi fit level of Superior for acne-prone skin, while Elemis features luxurious textures and a high price point. Both brands provide high levels of hydration and moisture across their products on this page.

CeraVe or Elemis for dry skin?

Both CeraVe and Elemis have a High fit for dry skin on the products on this page. CeraVe offers fragrance-free, ceramide-rich moisturizers that help repair the skin barrier, while Elemis provides luxurious, hydrating formulas containing ingredients like glycerin and shea butter.

CeraVe or Elemis: which cleanser is better?

CeraVe offers better cleansers for sensitive and acne-prone skin on this page, whereas Elemis provides luxury options with stronger fragrances. CeraVe features fragrance-free formulas with ceramides and salicylic acid that help gently clean without stripping moisture.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Elemis?

CeraVe is more affordable than Elemis, as pricing and value complaints are noted for CeraVe while high price points are mostly mentioned for Elemis.

CeraVe or Elemis: which brand is completely fragrance-free?

CeraVe is completely fragrance-free, as every product on its page lists no fragrance in its ingredients. In contrast, Elemis includes fragrance in the majority of its products on this page.

CeraVe or Elemis for oily skin?

Both CeraVe and Elemis achieve a High routine fit level for oily skin. CeraVe features fragrance-free formulas with key ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide, while Elemis provides products such as the Balancing Lavender Toner that achieve a high fit for oily skin.

CeraVe or Elemis: which moisturizer is better?

CeraVe offers better moisturizers than Elemis for shoppers seeking fragrance-free formulas with active ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help maintain skin hydration and barrier repair. CeraVe achieves a Superior fit level for combination and acne-prone skin, whereas Elemis products on this page frequently include added fragrance and command a higher price point.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Elemis for sensitive skin?

For sensitive skin, both brands offer High Lovi fit products on this page, but CeraVe stands out for offering fragrance-free formulas with ceramide-dominant barrier repair lipids that help soothe irritation.

CeraVe or Elemis for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe fits acne-prone skin better, achieving a Superior routine fit compared to Elemis, which reaches a High fit on this page. CeraVe offers fragrance-free formulas with active ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide that help manage blemishes and soothe irritated skin.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

CeraVe or Elemis for combination skin?

CeraVe offers a Superior fit for combination skin on the products on this page, while Elemis provides a High fit. CeraVe helps maintain moisture balance with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Elemis for mature skin?

Both CeraVe and Elemis have a High fit for mature skin on the products on this page. CeraVe relies on ingredients like retinol to help improve aged skin and maintain a strong moisture barrier.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000Archives of Dermatology, 2007

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

How does it fit your skin?

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