Moisturizing Creams: CeraVe Versus Cetaphil

Every year we battle Old Man Winter, and during the season I slatter on moisturizers from head to toe every single day. My two favorite moisturizers are dermatologists-approved drugstore brands: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (body for very dry, sensitive skin) and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (with 3 essential ceramides). Both are fragrance-free. Each absorbs completely into the skin and is non-greasy. 

I'll cut to the chase: Both are super moisturizing, and you can't go wrong with either brand. But, there are a few differences ...

CeraVe

- Has 3 essential ceramides (lipids - Ceramide NP, Ceramide

Wamart's brand

AP, and Ceramide EOP) to restore and protect the skin barrier.  

- Contains hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain its moisture.

- It's non-comedogenic so it won't clog pores.

- I have no problems applying it on my face periodically.

- The cream is thinner and wetter than Cetaphil.

- Leaves a slight residue on the skin after application although you have to touch your face to feel it, and it isn't greasy or uncomfortable.

- It usually comes in 16 ounces.

Cetaphil 

- Contains glycerin, niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5), sunflower seed oil, and almond oil.

Walmart's brand

- It's non-comedogenic and non-irritating.

- As with CeraVe, you can apply it on the face without clogging pores.

- The formula is richer than CeraVe making it terrific to use as a body cream after a shower to lock in water to stay hydrated.

- It moisturizes elbows, knees, and all other areas of very dry skin.

- Cetaphil is a more beneficial hand and cuticle cream than CeraVe.

- Plus it moisturizes lips. CeraVe is a tad too thin to treat dry lips with lasting power although to be fair neither cream claims to treat dry lips.

- Cetaphil disappears 100% into the skin while leaving it moist and smooth. Although richer than CevaVe, it doesn't leave a film of any kind. 

- Comes in 20 ounces.

Conclusions:

To treat battered or dry flaky skin, I like CeraVe as it's wetter and contains ceramides to bring the skin barrier back into balance, but for skin that is not flaky and already hydrated, such as, after a shower or after washing my hands, I prefer the richness of Cetaphil to lock in the moisture. Cetaphil keeps your skin barrier healthy so it won't get dry and flaky, then you won't need to repair it.

Amazon's brand equivalent here.

I also like Cetaphil's bigger 20-ounce size making it the better value, and it moisturizes with staying power over more areas -- body, face, hands, lips, and heels. CeraVe's thinner formula + ceramides with hydromantic acid makes it a better face cream, especially for an oily complexion. If you already apply face serums you can use either brand to seal the serum in if you wish.

Buying a jar of each brand isn't wasteful or too extravagant. You'll end up using both at various times. There is no more effective moisturizing cream than these two drugstore brands on the market, and neither brand will break the bank! But if you wish to only buy one cream, Cetaphil's richness works on more body parts during the dry winter months. For spring, summer, and fall CereVe's richness is sufficient -- and both are great.

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