CeraVe Vs. Cetaphil: Which Is Better for Sensitive Skin? I Tested Both to Find Out.
Dermatologists have some pretty strong opinions...
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You know what my dermatologist says anytime I have a skin flare-up? She tells me I need to go back to the basics, and usually, that means products from CeraVe or Cetaphil. If you have super sensitive skin or are dealing with any sort of skin irritation—hi eczema and rosacea—you've also probably been given this same directive. These drugstore skincare brands have amassed a cult-like following for their simple and affordable formulas that are gentle enough for even the most reactive skin types. But how do you possibly choose one? Can you use both? Is one better than the other?
To settle this debate, I consulted dermatologists and conducted my own little experiment to come up with a definitive answer. I completely swapped out my skincare routine, exclusively using CeraVe for one week and Cetaphil for the next (then switching things up and using both on half of my face for *funsies*). I tried a cleanser, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen from each line to compare the formulas, textures, and packaging, as well as how each product made my skin look and feel. Let me tell ya, my skin needed a refresh and going back to the basics has me looking extra radiant. Soooooo... does that mean we have a clear winner? Keep reading to find out which drugstore brand is the best option for your skin.
So what is CeraVe?
While I’m sure you’ve seen CeraVe while perusing your local CVS, I bet you discovered it on TikTok—or maybe your dermatologist recommended it to you. CeraVe is still a relatively fresh brand (especially compared to Cetaphil below). It launched in 2005 with just three products—the Moisturizing Cream, Moisturizing Lotion, and Hydrating Cleanser.
Dermatologists helped develop CeraVe because they noticed many skin issues (like acne, eczema, psoriasis, dryness, etc.) were caused by a compromised skin barrier. So, to restore the barrier—and remedy these issues—CeraVe formulas feature three essential ceramides (AKA lipids that form the skin’s barrier and help it function) that mimic the ones naturally found in your skin.
CeraVe’s lineup now features a slew of derm-favorite products, including a retinol serum, SPF moisturizer, and hydrating foaming cleanser, along with an array of sunscreens that all restore and maintain the skin’s barrier function. Even with all the additions, the OG Moisturizing Cream and Lotion remain cult-classics because they “provide intensive hydration and restore the skin’s natural moisture balance, thanks to their ceramide and hyaluronic acid content,” says dermatologist Mona Foad, MD.
And...what is Cetaphil?
A cool thing about Cetaphil? Your grandparents probably used the brand growing up. Founded in 1947, Cetaphil's main focus has always been crafting gentle products specifically for sensitive skin. The formulas are as basic as they come, mostly comprised of lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol, all made without fragrance.
You can go all the way back to Cetaphil's ~humble~ beginnings, because the brand’s first ever product—the Gentle Cleanser—is still available (and loved) today, especially by dermatologists like Geeta Yadav, MD. She also says the brand’s wide range of cleansers are some of the best of all time. “There are options to address a variety of concerns, including everything from rough texture to excess oil," she adds.
Of course, Cetaphil has expanded far past the original cleanser now. They also make moisturizers, serums, sunscreens, and body products, including the extra delicate Vitamin C Serum and Exfoliating Rough & Bumpy Cream.
What are the main differences between CeraVe and Cetaphil?
Just by looking at the two brands, they’re pretty darn similar. You can find them both at your local drugstore, the prices are almost identical, and even the packaging kinda matches (twins?!). Dr. Foad also mentions that every formula from both brands is made without fragrance and designed to minimize irritation. However, when you get into the nitty gritty, Cetaphil and CeraVe greatly differ from one another. “Cetaphil was founded specifically to address the needs of sensitive skin, while CeraVe specializes in skin barrier support,” explains Dr. Yadav. So what does this mean for you exactly?
Well, “CeraVe contains ceramides, which are essential for restoring and maintaining the skin's natural barrier, along with hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin," explains Dr. Foad. "This makes CeraVe particularly effective for individuals with dry or compromised skin, as well as conditions like eczema or rosacea,” she adds. However, Cetaphil “uses simpler ingredients such as glycerin and panthenol to gently hydrate your skin without overwhelming it," she notes. Because of this, she says Cetaphil is great for people with extremely sensitive or reactive skin that's prone to irritation and inflammation from other products.
Is Cetaphil or CeraVe better for sensitive skin?
This is a verrrry tough question, because truthfully, they’re both stellar options for sensitive skin. Digging deeper, each brand performs a little better for different types of sensitive skin. I know it sounds complicated, let me explain.
Does your sensitive skin lean dry, or do you struggle with eczema? Try CeraVe, says Dr. Foad, since it's formulated with moisturizers that'll help actually pull hydration into your skin. On the other hand, if your skin is oily, acne-prone, or just plain sensitive, opt for Cetaphil. “Cetaphil’s lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas hydrate without irritating or clogging pores, making it a good choice for those looking for a simple, effective skincare routine,” says Dr. Foad. “Ultimately, both brands offer high-quality products, but the decision should be based on your skin type and concerns,” she adds.
My Reviews:
Pros
- Super gentle
- The bottle is massive (so it'll last a long time)
- Leaves skin extra soft and supple
Cons
- Might not be able to remove heavy makeup on its own
Looking at the ingredients list between this and the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, there's a lot of overlap. However, Cetaphil stole my heart for its more simplistic formula. I’ve never been loyal to a cleanser. To be honest, I don’t really even enjoy washing my face. But this helped me curate a consistent cleansing routine, because I looove the lightly foaming cream formula so much. It feels extra plush on my skin and keeps my complexion pillowy soft long after I've rinsed it off due to the hydrating blend of aloe, glycerin, and niacinamide.
Pros
- Feels luxe despite the affordable price tag
- Packaging keeps the serum extra potent
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Cons
- This is minor, but the packaging could look a lil prettier
Vitamin C is a regular part of my daily skin routine, though I was never drawn to CeraVe’s formula partly due to the packaging. (I like a nice shelfie, sue me.) This might not be the most aesthetically pleasing tube, but you know what they say—never judge a book by its cover. The opaque packaging is actually a very important aspect of the serum. Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and degrades when exposed to sunlight and air, so the airtight tube keeps the 10 percent L-ascorbic acid as potent as possible for the best results.
After using this for a week, I questioned how I had passed over it for so long. The luxuriously smooth serum far outperformed many of the high-end vitamin C serums I’ve tried. The gel-like texture felt substantially hydrating—probably thanks to CeraVe’s trusty ceramides—yet absorbed into my skin on contact and left behind a subtly radiant finish. I didn’t have to wait to layer on my moisturizer over top (a bonus for someone who is chronically running late).
In comparison, I enjoyed the texture of the Cetaphil Vitamin C Serum, but the clear bottle and dropper application bothered me. Like I mentioned, vitamin C needs to be kept in an air-tight, dark bottle to maintain its efficacy, so I question how potent this formula truly is. Despite the packaging, Dr. Yadav says it’s one of the best vitamin C serums for sensitive skin. “It also includes anti-inflammatory niacinamide, which offers additional antioxidants, skin brightening, and hydrating benefits; along with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil to hydrate your skin," she says.
Pros
- Feels weightless on my skin while still offering hella moisture
- Gives skin that glass-like glow
- A lot of product comes in the tub
Cons
- Might not be hydrating enough for those with extra-dry skin
It was really difficult for me to pin the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Cream against each other (I enjoyed them both for different reasons). But in the end, Cetaphil came out on top. While my skin is pretty normal, it becomes drier as the seasons change. Because of this, I usually have to opt for extra thick, heavy creams to keep my complexion happy during the winter. This weightless moisturizer did the trick, ensuring my skin stayed bouncy, soft, and luminous. Truly, my skin drank this up, and it gave me a porcelain glass-like effect that lasted all damn day.
Now, if I were to have any extra dry patches, I think I’d go in with the more substantial CeraVe Moisturizing Cream—only at night, though. My biggest issue with this cream was how it pilled, even when I wasn’t wearing makeup. (And I layered it over other CeraVe products, so I don’t know what the issue was.) That’s the main reason I’d reserve it for nighttime use, though one plus is that it can double as body cream—the tub certainly holds enough to multitask.
Pros
- Hydrating yet weightless
- Doesn't leave behind a white cast
- Can be used on face or body
Cons
- Doesn't melt into skin on contact (you'll need a little elbow grease to fully blend in)
I’m very particular about sunscreen. The formulas I regularly use must not leave a white cast, but also offer some sort of moisturization since my skin leans dry. And it has to be SPF 30 minimum—though, the higher, the better (I am a redhead, after all). This sunscreen satisfied those prerequisites and was actually enjoyable to wear—a tough feet for a sunscreen that’s designed for both face and body. The liquidy texture doesn’t require substantial manpower to fully rub in, nor did it feel greasy. Plus, it left behind a soft dewy (non-greasy) glow.
Toward the end of my two and a half-week trial, I put this on half of my face and the Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 on the other half. Despite being labeled “sheer,” the Cetaphil formula left a noticeable white cast behind, even on my fair skin. It eventually dissipated as I rubbed it in, but it also left behind a shinier finish—so much so that I felt the need to powder my face. I will say that it did feel velvety yet weightless, which is much appreciated when many sunscreens still have a thick, goopy texture. But the CeraVe definitely is much easier to use day to day.
Final verdict:
When you’re dealing with sensitive skin, you’d be hard-pressed to find options better than CeraVe and Cetaphil to soothe and moisturize. Both come highly recommended from dermatologists, and each brand creates simplistic formulas that are suitable for the most reactive skin types.
Even with all the similarities, Dr. Yadav suggests analyzing your skin type, concerns, and needs before opting for products from either. “Both brands offer formulas that are excellent for all skin types, however, I would say that CeraVe’s formulas are best for dry skin due to the brand’s signature ceramide blend, while Cetaphil formulas are especially ideal for sensitive skin—even if oily or acne-prone—due to the brand’s gentle cleansers and lightweight moisturizers," she notes.
While neither brand is necessarily superior, you’re probably better off with CeraVe if you’re dealing with dry, sensitive skin, whereas Cetaphil is fab for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. And remember—you don’t have to exclusively use one brand. Mix and match to your heart’s desire to find the best formulas and regimen for you.
Meet the experts:
- Mona Foad, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology
- Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermtatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including a deep dive on face mists and making a case for hypochlorous acid for skin. She’s an authority in all beauty categories and prides herself in her skin. For this story, she swapped out her entire skincare routine with CeraVe and Cetaphil (respectively) for two and a half weeks. She also consulted with dermatologists to learn more about each brand and determine which is better.
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