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Compare · Moisturizers

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

This comparison comes down to barrier support and tretinoin dryness, weighed against concerns about heaviness and breakouts.

Reddit’s pick

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

$13.19 at Amazon

  • Rated higher: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream — 79 vs 70 nextscore 
  • Better for eczema & rosacea: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream earns a clearly positive reception for its petrolatum-rich support with tretinoin dryness and eczema; some report breakouts or a greasy feel, but its fragrance-free, face-and-body versatility stands out.

Choose CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if

  • you want ceramides and hyaluronic acid for moisture-barrier support
  • you need a fragrance-free cream for head-to-toe use

Choose Vanicream Moisturizing Cream if

  • you want a petrolatum-rich cream for tretinoin dryness or eczema
  • you have sensitive skin

At a glance

CeraVe Moisturizing CreamVanicream Moisturizing Cream
Price
$17.99$0.03/ml
nextscore
70 · 678 verdicts79 · 893 verdicts
Better for
—EczemaRosacea
Key ingredients
Petrolatum both, Ceramides, Hyaluronic AcidPetrolatum both

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

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

What Reddit likes

  • Petrolatum-heavy occlusion for tret peeling
  • Fragrance-free, stripped-down formula
  • Works on face and body

Watch out for

  • Thick, greasy texture can sit on skin
  • Closed comedones and breakouts are common complaints
  • Can trigger burning, rash, or flushing
Compare full ingredient lists · 4 in common

In both · 4

  1. Aqua / Water / Eau
  2. Cetearyl Alcohol
  3. Ceteareth-20
  4. Petrolatum

Only in CeraVe Moisturizing Cream · 20

  1. Glycerin
  2. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  3. Cetyl Alcohol
  4. Potassium Phosphate
  5. Ceramide Np
  6. Ceramide Ap
  7. Ceramide Eop
  8. Carbomer
  9. Dimethicone
  10. Behentrimonium Methosulfate
  11. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
  12. Sodium Hyaluronate
  13. Cholesterol
  14. Phenoxyethanol
  15. Disodium EDTA
  16. Dipotassium Phosphate
  17. Tocopherol
  18. Phytosphingosine
  19. Xanthan Gum
  20. Ethylhexylglycerin

Only in Vanicream Moisturizing Cream · 6

  1. Sorbitol
  2. Propylene Glycol
  3. Simethicone
  4. Glyceryl Stearate
  5. PEG-30 Stearate
  6. Sorbic Acid

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