🇫🇷France

Cetaphil vs NIVEA

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

Cetaphil and NIVEA are well-established skincare names, with the American brand founded in 1947 and the German one established in 1911. The former is cherished for gentle cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and sunscreens formulated with glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to suit oily and combination skin. Meanwhile, the latter is dearly loved for reliable sunscreens, targeted serums, and nourishing moisturizers thoughtfully crafted with skin-smoothing glycerin for oily and acne-prone skin. While both rely on glycerin to boost hydration and barrier function, they differ in their origin, ownership, and broader ingredient blends.

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

en.wikipedia.orgcetaphil.co.uk

NIVEA is a German skincare brand founded in 1911 and owned by maxingvest GmbH & Co. KGaA since 2004.

beiersdorf.comen.wikipedia.org

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

Popular Cetaphil vs NIVEA products

People Say

CetaphilNIVEA
  • Hydration and moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “cleared up flaky skin — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “healed my dry patches — Cetaphil Moisturising Cream”
    • “Smoothed out dry flaky scales on my cheeks overnight — NIVEA Creme”
    • “skin feels moisturized — NIVEA Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+”
  • Gentleness and sensitivity Mostly MentionedSometimes 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”
    • “doesn't dry out skin — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
  • Smoother skin and texture Sometimes NotedMostly Mentioned
    • “Makes my face feel smooth and soft. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “skin feels squeaky clean and soft — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
    • “skin feels smooth — NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub”
    • “Skin felt softer after one use — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
  • Non-greasy absorption Often MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “absorbs instantly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Absorbs quickly into skin without residue — Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion”
    • “absorbs quickly — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
    • “It's lightweight on the skin and leaves a bit of subtle sheen. — NIVEA Soft”
  • Good value and longevity Rarely NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Works better than expensive luxury creams — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Best affordable vegan moisturizer. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “absolute steal for the price — NIVEA DERMA SKIN CLEAR”
    • “Bar lasts a long time — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
  • Versatile multi-purpose use Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
    • “Use it on face, body, hands, and feet — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Applying is easy, you can use on your face, hands, and body. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “great for face and body — Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream”
  • Scent and fragrance complaints Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “Overpowering masking fragrance — Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar”
    • “Scent is overwhelmingly artificial. — Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser”
    • “Scent is too overpowering for sensitive noses — NIVEA Creme”
    • “Has a heavy, baby powder smell. — NIVEA Soft”
  • Sticky residue and finish Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “leaves a tacky finish — Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum”
    • “feels tacky — Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Felt covered in gunk — Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser”
    • “Leaves a shiny grease layer that doesn't go away — NIVEA Creme”
  • Formula changes and irritation Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
    • “HATE NEW FORUMULA... Leaves my skin dryer and does not provide with the same amount of moisture. — NIVEA Soft”
    • “New version burns my face. — Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser”

Cetaphil vs NIVEA routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

Cetaphil vs NIVEA routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 97% fit

Cetaphil vs NIVEA routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

Questions and answers

Cetaphil or NIVEA: which is better?

Both Cetaphil and NIVEA achieve an equal High routine fit across all skin types on this page. Cetaphil does better for gentleness and non-greasy absorption, whereas NIVEA offers better value and smoother skin texture.

What is the difference between Cetaphil and NIVEA?

Cetaphil focuses on gentleness and non-greasy hydration with mostly fragrance-free products, whereas NIVEA provides versatile multi-use formulas and smoothing blemish serums that frequently include added scent.

Cetaphil or NIVEA for dry skin?

Both Cetaphil and NIVEA offer a High Lovi routine fit for dry skin. Shoppers often prefer Cetaphil for its gentle, non-stripping cleansers and non-greasy absorption, while NIVEA is frequently chosen for its versatile multi-use moisturizers and intense deep hydration.

Cetaphil or NIVEA: which moisturizer is better?

Cetaphil and NIVEA offer moisturizers with equal routine fit levels across all skin types, with Cetaphil winning on non-greasy absorption and NIVEA winning on versatile multi-use and value. Cetaphil products on this page also list fewer fragrances than NIVEA, as 26 of 27 Cetaphil products list no fragrance compared to only 3 of 9 NIVEA products.

Which is more affordable, Cetaphil or NIVEA?

NIVEA does better for good value and longevity compared to Cetaphil, making it the more affordable choice on this page.

Between Cetaphil and NIVEA, which brand has fewer products containing fragrance?

Cetaphil has fewer products containing fragrance, with only one fragranced item compared to NIVEA which has six. Most Cetaphil products on this page list no fragrance.

Which brand performs better for gentleness and sensitivity according to review themes?

Cetaphil performs better for gentleness and sensitivity according to review themes. The products on this page help provide gentle care for sensitive skin.

Which brand was founded earlier and in which country?

NIVEA was founded earlier in 1911 in Germany, whereas Cetaphil was founded in 1947 in the United States.

Cetaphil or NIVEA for oily skin?

Both Cetaphil and NIVEA are a High fit for oily skin. The products on this page help provide good routine care, and Cetaphil also features key ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid which may support skin health.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

Cetaphil or NIVEA: which sunscreen is better?

Both Cetaphil and NIVEA offer sunscreens with High Lovi fit levels for various skin types on this page. Cetaphil products on this page mostly list no fragrance, while NIVEA sunscreens frequently include fragrance.

Cetaphil or NIVEA for sensitive skin?

Both brands achieve a High routine fit for sensitive skin, but Cetaphil is often preferred for gentleness as almost all products on this page list no fragrance. NIVEA features more fragrance options across its range, which may sometimes cause irritation.

Cetaphil or NIVEA for acne-prone skin?

Both Cetaphil and NIVEA achieve a High routine fit level for acne-prone skin on this page. Cetaphil features key ingredients like niacinamide, which may help control skin issues, while NIVEA offers blemish-clearing serums.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

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?

Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

QR code: get the Lovi app
Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play