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CeraVe vs Olay

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

CeraVe and Olay are popular skincare brands that offer dependable moisturizers, gentle cleansers, targeted serums, and protective sunscreens. The first brand is known for formulas enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin that suit mature skin and dry skin best, whereas the second brand is beloved for selections formulated with niacinamide and glycerin that suit mature skin and acne-prone skin best. While both brands support barrier health and hydration, they differ in their specific active ingredients and the targeted concerns of their specialized treatments.

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

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

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

Popular CeraVe vs Olay products

People Say

CeraVeOlay
  • Lightweight and Non-Greasy Texture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
    • “Absorbs into skin without residue — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “Sinks right into your skin — CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “absorbs quickly — Olay Vitamin C Serum”
    • “absorbs instantly — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
  • Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedSometimes Noted
    • “Saved my dry winter skin — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “woke up with plump skin — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “cured my dry patches — CeraVe Eye Repair Cream”
    • “My skin feels so hydrated and plump. — Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum”
  • Fragrance-Free Formula Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “No scent, no irritation — CeraVe Moisturising Cream”
    • “Great for sensitive skin — CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion”
    • “No irritation at all — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
    • “no scent — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”
  • Gentle and Non-Stripping Mostly MentionedNot noted
    • “doesn't leave face tight — CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser”
    • “no burning sensation — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “clean but not dry — CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser”
  • Skin Smoothing Not notedMostly Mentioned
    • “skin feels baby soft — Olay Retinol24”
    • “Skin feels like silk — Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer”
    • “hydrates the skin — Olay Advanced Eye Cream”
  • Improves Skin Texture Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
    • “smoother complexion — CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum”
    • “less greasy — CeraVe Healing Ointment”
    • “smooths fine lines — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “Makeup goes on so smooth — Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream”
  • Packaging Issues Often MentionedOften Mentioned
    • “no safety seal included — CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream”
    • “tube splitting at seams — CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum”
    • “hard to dispense — Olay Super Serum”
    • “dropper is frustrating — Olay Super Serum Night Repair”

CeraVe vs Olay routines for dry skin

See multi-brand routine · 98% fit

CeraVe vs Olay routines for oily skin

See multi-brand routine · 96% fit

CeraVe vs Olay routines for combination skin

See multi-brand routine · 95% fit

Questions and answers

CeraVe or Olay: which is better?

Both brands are a strong match, as Lovi rates them equally across all skin types on this page. CeraVe tends to do better for deep hydration and gentle cleansing, while Olay excels at skin smoothing.

What is the difference between CeraVe and Olay?

CeraVe and Olay both offer routines that fit all major skin types equally well, though CeraVe leans towards dry skin, while Olay fits mature and sensitive skin best. Reviewers find that CeraVe does better for deep hydration and gentle cleansing, whereas Olay excels at skin smoothing and texture.

CeraVe or Olay for dry skin?

Both CeraVe and Olay offer a High routine fit for dry skin with the products on this page. CeraVe helps deliver deep hydration with key ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid, while Olay provides intense moisture and skin-smoothing benefits.

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

CeraVe or Olay: which cleanser is better?

Both CeraVe and Olay offer a range of cleansers with varying fits, but reviewers note that CeraVe does better for gentle and non-stripping cleansing.

Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Olay?

The page comparison between CeraVe and Olay does not provide pricing details or cost information to determine which brand is more affordable.

CeraVe or Olay for fading dark spots?

Both CeraVe and Olay offer effective products with a High fit level for skin with dark spots on this page. Niacinamide, an ingredient found across the products on this page, helps reduce skin pigmentation.

The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002Antioxidants, 2021

Which brand has more fragrance-free products, CeraVe or Olay?

Both brands offer entirely fragrance-free options across the products on this page, except for one Olay toner. Reviewers note that both brands provide fragrance-free formulas.

CeraVe or Olay for oily skin?

Both CeraVe and Olay offer products on this page that fit oily skin well. CeraVe features gentle cleansers and lightweight moisturizers that help control oil, while Olay provides options with niacinamide that help balance skin without clogging pores.

CeraVe or Olay: which moisturizer is better?

Both CeraVe and Olay offer moisturizers with a High routine fit for dry skin. Reviewers state that CeraVe provides superior healing and texture in its moisturizers, while Olay delivers improved skin smoothing.

CeraVe or Olay for acne-prone skin?

Both brands offer products on this page that fit acne-prone skin well, but CeraVe scores better for gentle and non-stripping cleansers and deep hydration.

CeraVe or Olay: which sunscreen is better?

Both CeraVe and Olay offer sunscreens with high fit levels for the products on this page across multiple skin types. CeraVe features options like the Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, while Olay provides choices such as the Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25.

CeraVe or Olay for mature skin?

Both brands provide a Superior fit for mature skin on the products on this page. CeraVe features ceramide and hyaluronic acid to support the skin barrier, while Olay utilizes niacinamide and peptides that help improve skin smoothness and target signs of aging.

Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

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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