CeraVe vs Cetaphil
CeraVe and Cetaphil are two American skincare brands offering thoughtful ranges of cleansers, moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and more. Both brands suit combination skin and acne-prone skin best, though they differ in their core formulations and targeted care options. CeraVe relies on hyaluronic acid and glycerin to support various skin types, while the older brand utilizes glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to nourish the complexion.
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
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
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Cleanser
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 53.59
-
Moisturizer
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 41.35
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 61.30
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
-
Cleanser
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 39.95
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning
SAR 135.00
-
Moisturizer
Rich Hydrating Night Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 70.83
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
SAR 125.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream
Evening · Once a week
SAR 65.11
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
SAR 72.64
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 132.33
-
Enzyme Powder
FANCL Facial Washing Powder
Once a week
SAR 130.30
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
SAR 234.73
Buy CeraVe routine · SAR 659.02 · 89% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,005.89 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
CeraVe vs Cetaphil routines for oily skin
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Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Some By Mi Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 53.04
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 50.95
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
SAR 41.35
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Acne Control Gel
Evening · Once a week
SAR 55.09
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
-
Cleanser
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 120.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 135.00
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 127.65
-
SPF
Oil Control
Morning
SAR 124.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Toner
Evening
SAR 187.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 132.33
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
Goldfaden MD Facial Detox Mask
Once a week
SAR 328.29
Buy CeraVe routine · SAR 1,155.51 · 87% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,557.81 · 85% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
CeraVe vs Cetaphil routines for combination skin
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Cleanser
Foaming Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 36.33
-
Hydrating Toner
Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 166.90
-
Moisturizer
Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 50.95
-
SPF
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Morning
SAR 41.35
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Evening · Once a week
SAR 61.29
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
-
Cleanser
Daily Facial Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 120.08
-
Hydrating Toner
Healthy Radiance Brightness Refresh Toner
Morning · Once a week
SAR 135.00
-
Moisturizer
Ceramide Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
SAR 127.65
-
SPF
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Morning
SAR 125.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
SAR 245.95
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
SAR 64.80
-
Serum or Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion
Evening · Once a week
SAR 132.33
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
SAR 157.51
-
Cleansing Mask
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Once a week
SAR 168.77
Buy CeraVe routine · SAR 993.85 · 91% fit
Buy Cetaphil routine · SAR 1,277.09 · 89% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Questions and answers
CeraVe or Cetaphil: which is better?
CeraVe has a Superior fit for combination, acne-prone, and oily acne-prone skin on the products on this page, while Cetaphil has a High fit for those skin types. Reviewers note that CeraVe is better for value and affordability, whereas Cetaphil has more packaging and size issues.
What is the difference between CeraVe and Cetaphil?
CeraVe has a Superior routine fit for combination skin, acne-prone skin, and oily acne-prone skin on the products on this page, while Cetaphil has a High fit for those same types. Both brands offer gentle, non-stripping cleansers and hydrating, non-greasy moisturizers.
CeraVe or Cetaphil for dry skin?
CeraVe and Cetaphil both offer a High routine fit for dry skin based on the products on this page. Reviewers note that both brands provide gentle cleansers and hydrating, non-greasy moisturizers.
CeraVe or Cetaphil: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer gentle cleansers, but CeraVe has more options with a superior Lovi fit level for oily and acne-prone skin on the products on this page.
Which is more affordable, CeraVe or Cetaphil?
CeraVe is more affordable, as Lovi rates it higher for value and affordability among the products on this page.
Which brand has better packaging according to reviewers?
Cetaphil does better with packaging, as CeraVe reviewers sometimes note packaging issues while Cetaphil reviewers mention packaging and pump issues.
CeraVe or Cetaphil for oily skin?
CeraVe and Cetaphil have an equal High routine fit for oily skin. Both brands offer gentle, non-stripping cleansers and lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers that help oily skin without causing heavy residue.
CeraVe or Cetaphil: which moisturizer is better?
CeraVe has the advantage for moisturizers on this page, as reviewers find them better for value and affordability while matching Cetaphil on hydration and texture. Lovi gives CeraVe a Superior fit for combination skin and acne-prone skin compared to Cetaphil's High fit, though both brands hold High fits for dry skin.
CeraVe or Cetaphil for sensitive skin?
Both CeraVe and Cetaphil are great options for sensitive skin, offering a high routine fit and gentle cleansers that help soothe irritation. CeraVe features a fragrance-free lineup with key barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, while Cetaphil also provides well-tolerated formulas containing soothing agents like glycerin.
CeraVe or Cetaphil: which sunscreen is better?
CeraVe and Cetaphil both offer sunscreens with a high fit for various skin types on the products on this page. CeraVe sunscreens feature ingredients like niacinamide, while Cetaphil includes options with soothing ingredients like panthenol that help protect the skin.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002
CeraVe or Cetaphil for acne-prone skin?
CeraVe has a Superior routine fit for acne-prone skin on the products on this page, while Cetaphil has a High routine fit. Reviewers mention that CeraVe offers 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.
CeraVe or Cetaphil for oily acne-prone skin?
CeraVe has a Superior routine fit for oily acne-prone skin on the products on this page, while Cetaphil has a High fit. CeraVe offers several specialized cleansers and treatments that are well-suited for managing oil and breakouts.
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
Effects of menthol and cold on histamine-induced itch and skin reactions in man
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
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
Ascorbic Acid Treatments as Effective and Safe Anti-Aging Therapies for Sensitive Skin
Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Colloidal Oatmeal <em>(Avena Sativa)</em> Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity
The impacts of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in facial cleanser on facial skin microbiome and lipidome
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Safety of a preservative system containing 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol
Modulating effects of oatmeal extracts in the sodium lauryl sulfate skin irritancy model
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic 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
-

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
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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