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The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer vs CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: which is better?

Both are barrier-focused moisturizers, but one is seen as lighter and more targeted while the other gets broader praise with more caveats.

The quick answer

Depends what you need

  • Rated higher: The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer — 96 vs 69 nextscore
  • More reviewed: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — 555 vs 96 verdicts

COSRX suits people wanting a lighter barrier moisturizer for damaged skin; CeraVe suits those wanting a richer, more occlusive cream for very dry skin.

Choose The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer if

  • you want a lighter barrier cream
  • your skin is damaged and needs hydration

Choose CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if

  • you want a richer, more occlusive cream
  • your skin is very dry and needs heavy support

At a glance

The Ceramide Skin Barrier MoisturizerCeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$0.23/ml—
96 · 96 verdicts69 · 555 verdicts
Ceramides bothPetrolatum, Ceramides both, Hyaluronic Acid

What Reddit says

The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer

What Reddit likes

  • Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in one tube
  • Lighter than many barrier creams
  • Very hydrating on damaged skin

Watch out for

  • Can feel too thick and occlusive
  • May trigger closed comedones or white bumps
  • Oily skin can get shiny fast
See the Reddit threads on The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

What Reddit likes

  • Ceramides plus petrolatum for serious barrier support
  • Fragrance-free and boring enough for tret nights
  • Huge tub goes far and lasts months

Watch out for

  • Can absolutely clog pores or trigger cystic acne
  • Feels heavy, greasy, and sits on skin
  • Stings on compromised or rosacea-prone skin
See the Reddit threads on CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Compare full ingredient lists · 13 in common

In both · 13

  1. Water/Aqua
  2. Glycerin
  3. Dimethicone
  4. Cholesterol
  5. Ethylhexylglycerin
  6. Carbomer
  7. Cetearyl Alcohol
  8. Phytosphingosine
  9. Tocopherol
  10. Ceramide NP
  11. Sodium Hyaluronate
  12. Ceramide AP
  13. Ceramide EOP

Only in The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer · 36

  1. Butylene Glycol
  2. Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
  3. Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
  4. Squalane
  5. Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
  6. Dicaprylyl Carbonate
  7. Behenyl Alcohol
  8. Betaine
  9. Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA
  10. C14-22 Alcohols
  11. Palmitic Acid
  12. Stearic Acid
  13. Hydroxypropyl Bislauramide MEA
  14. Arachidyl Alcohol
  15. Polyacrylate-13
  16. C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
  17. Allantoin
  18. Arachidyl Glucoside
  19. Caprylyl Glycol
  20. Glyceryl Caprylate
  21. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
  22. Tromethamine
  23. Hydrogenated Lecithin
  24. Dimethiconol
  25. Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
  26. Ethylhexyl Palmitate
  27. Sorbitan Isostearate
  28. Panthenol
  29. Propanediol
  30. Ceramide NS
  31. 1,2-Hexanediol
  32. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
  33. Ceramide AS
  34. Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
  35. Hyaluronic Acid
  36. Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Only in CeraVe Moisturizing Cream · 11

  1. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  2. Cetyl Alcohol
  3. Ceteareth-20
  4. Petrolatum
  5. Potassium Phosphate
  6. Behentrimonium Methosulfate
  7. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
  8. Phenoxyethanol
  9. Disodium EDTA
  10. Dipotassium Phosphate
  11. Xanthan Gum

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