nextbest

See what everyone's saying

Compare · Moisturizers

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: which is better?

The choice comes down to barrier support for retinoid dryness versus how much rich texture and pore-clogging complaints matter to you.

The quick answer

Depends what you need

  • Rated higher: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream — 82 vs 70 nextscore 
  • Better for eczema: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  • More reviewed: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — 678 vs 115 verdicts

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is noted for barrier support and eczema, while Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is praised for overnight occlusion against tretinoin dryness.

Choose CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if

  • you want a fragrance-free cream to buffer tretinoin peeling and dryness
  • you need barrier support and tolerate a thick texture

Choose Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream if

  • you want overnight occlusion for tretinoin dryness
  • you prefer a rich cream for dry skin

At a glance

CeraVe Moisturizing CreamCetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Price
$17.99$13.47
nextscore
70 · 678 verdicts82 · 115 verdicts
Better for
Eczema—
Key ingredients
Petrolatum both, Ceramides, Hyaluronic AcidPetrolatum both, Niacinamide

Prices checked Nov 12

What Reddit says

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

What Reddit likes

  • Three ceramides plus hyaluronic acid support the moisture barrier
  • Reliable tretinoin buffer for peeling and dryness
  • Fragrance-free head-to-toe workhorse

Watch out for

  • Clogs pores and triggers cystic acne for some
  • Too thick, greasy, or heat-trapping for oily skin
  • Can sting or flare reactive skin

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

What Reddit likes

  • Thick occlusion for tretinoin dryness
  • Sandwich-method friendly for retinoid users
  • Reliable overnight barrier support

Watch out for

  • Clogs pores or triggers deep pimples for some
  • Greasy shine and sits on skin
  • Too heavy for oily skin or daytime makeup
Compare full ingredient lists · 8 in common

In both · 8

  1. Aqua / Water / Eau
  2. Glycerin
  3. Cetyl Alcohol
  4. Petrolatum
  5. Carbomer
  6. Dimethicone
  7. Phenoxyethanol
  8. Disodium EDTA

Only in CeraVe Moisturizing Cream · 16

  1. Cetearyl Alcohol
  2. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  3. Ceteareth-20
  4. Potassium Phosphate
  5. Ceramide Np
  6. Ceramide Ap
  7. Ceramide Eop
  8. Behentrimonium Methosulfate
  9. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
  10. Sodium Hyaluronate
  11. Cholesterol
  12. Dipotassium Phosphate
  13. Tocopherol
  14. Phytosphingosine
  15. Xanthan Gum
  16. Ethylhexylglycerin

Only in Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream · 15

  1. Dicaprylyl Ether
  2. Glyceryl Stearate
  3. Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
  4. PEG-30 Stearate
  5. Panthenol
  6. Niacinamide
  7. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
  8. Tocopheryl Acetate
  9. Pantolactone
  10. Dimethiconol
  11. Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
  12. Propylene Glycol
  13. Benzyl Alcohol
  14. Sodium Hydroxide
  15. Citric Acid

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more