CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay
CeraVe and La Roche-Posay are two popular L'Oréal-owned skincare brands offering daily formulas for various skin needs. The American brand is known for its dependable moisturizers, gentle cleansers, targeted serums, protective sunscreens, and other daily formulas enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, suiting mature skin and dry skin best. Conversely, the French brand is loved for its nourishing serums, rich moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and targeted eye products formulated with glycerin, soothing thermal water, and niacinamide, suiting mature skin and skin with dark spots best. While both brands support moisture retention and barrier health through ingredients like glycerin, they differ in their heritage, foundational active ingredients, and specific target formulations.
CeraVe is an American skincare brand founded in 2005 and owned by L'Oréal since 2017.
en.wikipedia.orghappi.comloreal-finance.comcerave.com
La Roche-Posay is a French skincare brand founded in 1975 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 1989.
laroche-posay.com.aufr.wikipedia.org
This page compares some of the most popular CeraVe and La Roche-Posay products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay products
People Say
Skin Sensitivities and Gentleness Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “Great retinol for beginners — La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum”
- “Only cream that doesn't sting — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream”
Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “absorbs instantly — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
- “skin feels plump — La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum”
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”
- “lightweight and absorbs quickly — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
- “absorbs in seconds — La Roche-Posay Anthelios”
Texture Improvement and Brightening Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “difference in my skin's texture is noticeable — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
- “lightened dark spots — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
- “skin looks brighter — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
- “visibly fades appearance of stubborn marks — La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum”
Skin Barrier and Healing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “healed cracked hands — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
- “Helped repair my moisture barrier — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “Saved my damaged barrier — La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+”
- “Healed my surgery scar beautifully — La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Gel B5”
Acne and Oil Control Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “dialed back oiliness — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
- “Never breaks me out — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
- “helped to stop my breakout in its tracks — CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser”
- “clears acne blemishes — La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser”
Packaging Issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
- “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “tube splitting at seams — CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum”
- “pump stops working — La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream”
- “Pump stopped working halfway — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream”
Texture Issues and Greasiness Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “feels like washing with conditioner — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “too sticky — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
- “hard to spread — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
- “Very sticky — La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum”
Burning, Stinging, and Irritation Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “Stung my raw skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
- “burns my damaged skin — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
- “burns my eyes — La Roche-Posay Anthelios”
- “burned my face — La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer”
Breakouts and Purging Sometimes NotedRarely Noted
- “Triggered cystic acne — La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+”
- “caused bad purging — La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser”
- “clogged my pores — La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream”
- “Gave me cystic acne — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay routines for dry skin
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€14.68
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Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€14.28
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Moisturizer
Skin Renewing Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€28.84
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
€31.37
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Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€14.95
-
Serum or Treatment
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
€25.88
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Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
€28.40
-
Cleanser
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€17.63
-
Hydrating Toner
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
Morning
€14.28
-
Moisturizer
Pure Vitamin C Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€44.50
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
€31.28
-
Pre-Cleanser
Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
€15.79
-
Serum or Treatment
Cicaplast Baume B5+
Evening · Once a week
€23.12
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
€28.40
CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.45
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€39.42
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
€31.37
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€14.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€34.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Evening · Once a week
€27.60
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Dr. Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
€82.85
-
Cleanser
MELA B3 Facial Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€22.66
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
€19.99
-
Moisturizer
Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€22.54
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
€31.28
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Water Ultra
Evening · Once a week
€56.82
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
€34.00
- Serum or Treatment Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser Evening · Once a week
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Effaclar Mask
Once a week
€25.20
CeraVe vs La Roche-Posay routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€21.45
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€115.30
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€27.50
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
€31.37
-
Pre-Cleanser
Micellar Cleansing Water
Evening · Once a week
€14.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€22.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
€22.90
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask
Once a week
€48.22
-
Cleanser
MELA B3 Facial Gel Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€22.66
-
Hydrating Toner
La Mer The Tonic
Morning · Once a week
€115.30
-
Moisturizer
Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
€22.54
-
SPF
Anthelios
Morning
€31.28
-
Pre-Cleanser
Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Evening · Once a week
€15.79
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
€22.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Cicaplast Baume B5+
Evening · Once a week
€23.12
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
€76.00
-
Cleansing Mask
Effaclar Mask
Once a week
€25.20
Questions and answers
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which is better?
Both brands are equal, offering high or superior routine fit levels across all skin types on this page. CeraVe does better for acne and oil control, while La Roche-Posay does better regarding breakouts and purging.
What is the difference between CeraVe and La Roche-Posay?
CeraVe and La Roche-Posay both offer high routine fit levels across major skin types, but CeraVe stands out for acne and oil control while La Roche-Posay has fewer reported breakouts and purges. Every CeraVe product on this page lists no fragrance, whereas 14 La Roche-Posay products contain added fragrance.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for dry skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer a high routine fit for dry skin, making them equally good options depending on your preference. Every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance, whereas 14 of the 35 products on the La Roche-Posay page contain fragrance.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which cleanser is better?
CeraVe does better for acne and oil control, while both brands offer gentle cleansers that help soothe the skin barrier. Every cleanser on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance.
Which is more affordable, CeraVe or La Roche-Posay?
The provided page facts do not mention the prices or affordability of CeraVe and La Roche-Posay.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which brand does better for acne and oil control?
CeraVe does better for acne and oil control. Review themes show CeraVe outperforms La Roche-Posay in acne and oil control, and every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance in its ingredients.
Do CeraVe and La Roche-Posay products contain fragrance?
Every CeraVe product on this page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas La Roche-Posay includes fragrance in 14 of its 35 products on the page. Reviewers sometimes note strong fragrance and scent issues for La Roche-Posay.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for oily skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer a High routine fit for oily skin, but CeraVe does better for acne and oil control. Reviewers sometimes note strong fragrance issues with La Roche-Posay, while every product on the CeraVe page lists no fragrance.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which moisturizer is better?
Both brands offer moisturizers that help deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. CeraVe and La Roche-Posay achieve equal routine fit levels for dry, sensitive, and mature skin types on this page.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for sensitive skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer a High routine fit for sensitive skin on this page, with every CeraVe product listing no fragrance. Reviewers note that both brands perform equally well for skin sensitivities and gentleness.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer top-tier sunscreens on this page, with Anthelios from La Roche-Posay and the Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen from CeraVe both achieving a Superior fit level for mature skin. Niacinamide helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation and suppress melanosome transfer.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for acne-prone skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay fit acne-prone skin well, with routine fits rated High for each brand. CeraVe does better for acne and oil control, while La Roche-Posay does better regarding breakouts and purging.
CeraVe or La Roche-Posay for mature skin?
Both CeraVe and La Roche-Posay offer a Superior routine fit for mature skin, with every CeraVe product on this page listing no fragrance while some La Roche-Posay products include it.
Research behind their key ingredients
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Topical palmitoyl pentapeptide provides improvement in photoaged human facial skin
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Ethosomes of Phenylethyl Resorcinol as Vesicular Delivery System for Skin Lightening Applications
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 Bayesian network meta-analysis of 14 molecules inhibiting UV daylight-induced pigmentation
Amino acid complex (AAComplex) benefits in cosmetic products: In vitro and in vivo clinical studies
Comparative benefit of two thermal spring waters after photodynamic therapy procedure
Comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of a clay mask in oily and acne skin
Comparison of methods for assessing photoprotection against ultraviolet A in vivo
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Effects of an ultraviolet B radiation absorber on photocarcinogenesis in hairless albino mice
In vitro analysis of immunoprotective effects of topical 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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