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CeraVe And Cetaphil: Your Ultimate Guide To The Affordable Skincare Favourites
Expensive doesn’t always mean better when it comes to skin care.
It’s an age-old truth that expensive doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to skin care. Affordable brands CeraVe and Cetaphil are great examples of this. Both are beloved by dermatologists and beauty connoisseurs alike for their affordable, science-backed formulas that are even suitable for sensitive skin types.
At face value, they appear to be quite similar—they even have comparable packaging and price points, too. So we consulted two board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Adeline Kikam, founder of Skinclusive Dermatology and New York City-based Dr. Kiran Mian to find out more about the brands and how they work. Keep reading for their intel on how to choose the best brand for your skin.
CeraVe Overview
Compared to Cetaphil, CeraVe is rather new to the scene. It launched in 2005 and set out to treat skin concerns like acne, eczema, and psoriasis that can compromise the skin barrier.
Every CeraVe product is developed with dermatologists and features three key ceramides, or naturally-occurring lipids that form a protective layer on the skin and help maintain its barrier function. Depending on your needs, you can also find anything from nourishing hyaluronic acid to brightening vitamin C and exfoliating salicylic acid-infused options. 'CeraVe has various products to suit different skin types,' says Dr. Mian. 'For example, their Moisturizing Cream is suitable for dry skin, while their ultra-lightweight lotion is a great lighter option for oily skin,' she adds.
Cetaphil Overview
Uniquely, Cetaphil has been tending to sensitive skin since 1947. 'The brand focuses on creating effective skincare with minimal ingredients, especially non-irritating ones, so that their products are suitable for everyone,' says Dr. Mian. 'Key ingredients include glycerin, panthenol, and other soothing factors,' she adds.
Similar to CeraVe, Cetaphil offers a wide range of formulas to help round out your routine, including cleansers, serums, eye creams, sunscreens, and body products.
How do CeraVe and Cetaphil differ?
While both brands offer gentle formulas, they do have some major differences. 'CeraVe is deeply focused on ceramide technology for barrier repair, making it a great choice for dry, acne-prone, and eczema-prone skin,' explains Dr. Kikam. 'Cetaphil, on the other hand, is known for its simpler, dermatologist-tested formulations that target skin sensitivity, redness, and irritation.'
'For dry skin, CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream delivers long-lasting hydration with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, while Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Cream offers a lighter, glycerin-based alternative for sensitive skin,' she adds. For anyone with extremely reactive skin, she recommends Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser due to its 'ultra-mild formulation'.
Can I use CeraVe and Cetaphil together?
Yes! If you’re still torn, the good news is 'their formulations complement each other, so you can mix and match based on your skin’s needs,' says Dr. Kikam.
Looking for even more inspiration? Keep scrolling to shop more of our experts’ top picks, below.
CeraVe CeraVe Moisturising Cream Pot with Ceramides for Dry to Very Dry Skin 454g
A cult classic, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is “a staple for dry and eczema-prone skin, providing deep hydration with ceramides and hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Kikam. It’s also fragrance free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and is safe for sensitive skin.
Cetaphil Cetaphil Face & Body Moisturiser, 473ml, Moisturising Lotion For Normal To Dry, Sensitive Skin, With Niacinamide & Vitamin E
Finish off your 'everything shower' with Cetaphil’s Moisturising Lotion. 'I use it from head to toe, as I find it to be extremely hydrating yet not sticky,' says Dr. Mian. 'The formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing and works wonders on all skin types.'
The Verdict
Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with either of these gentle, dermatologist-approved brands. You may want to opt for one over the other depending on your specific skin concerns. CeraVe’s barrier-boosting formulas are especially great for people with acne, eczema, or extremely dry or comprised skin. Meanwhile, Cetaphil’s ultra-gentle products may be best for those with hyper-reactive skin, as they’re specifically formulated to soothe irritation and keep flare-ups at bay.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Adeline Kikam DO, Msc, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm and Skinclusive Dermatology in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
- Dr Kiran Mian, FAAD, is a board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist from New York City.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, writer Bianca Kratky spoke with two leading dermatologists to learn about the differences between CeraVe and Cetaphil and how to choose the best brand for your skin type.
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