Two of the biggest in demand moisturizers in the Ezcema industry that have drawn great attraction from sensitive skin users.
Cetaphil boasts being the number 1 sensitive skincare brand by doctors, providing solutions for over 70 years. CeraVe is a relative newcomer, founded in 2005, with rave reviews from the Eczema communities.
We will compare their two staple moisturizers, eye creams and body wash lotions to see who reigns supreme in CeraVe vs Cetaphil.
Who are CeraVe and Cetaphil?
CeraVe was founded in 2005 and launched their three core products, Moisturizing Cream, Moisturizing Lotion, and Hydrating Cleanser. A relatively new brand on the block that has received more Seal of Acceptance awards from the National Eczema Association than any other brand in the market.
Cetaphil was founded and invented way back in 1947 by a pharmacist in Texas. Interestingly, according to their website, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser still uses the same formula! A major brand in the US that are recognized as the top dermatologist recommended facial skincare brand.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Moisturizing Lotions
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier. Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizing lotion features patented MVE Technology for long-lasting hydration and a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores. Hypoallergenic and non-irritating, this daily moisturizer is gentle on the skin as it provides a steady stream of 24-hour hydration.
Reference: CeraVe
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Delivers everyday moisture care for dry skin. Preventing dryness before it starts, this fast-absorbing lotion enhances skin’s natural moisture, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and replenished. Gentle and non-medicated formulation, contains no fragrances, suitable for infants, children and adults, with dry, Eczema or sensitive skin type.
Reference: Cetaphil US
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: The Lotion Differences in Ingredients
Lets start off with what is similar between the two products before moving onto their key differences and alarming ingredients.
Dimethicone can found in both CeraVe and Cetaphil. Dimethicone (also called polymethylsiloxane) is a silicon-based polymer used as a lubricant and conditioning agent. The materials it is used for vary from contact lenses and medical devices to elastomers; dimethicone also appears in shampoos (it makes your hair soft and shiny), food (antifoaming agent), caulking and lubricants.
As well as cosmetics and consumer products, Dimethicone is used in various ways. Dimethicone, for example, is used widely in moisturizing lotions as an active ingredient meaning “skin protection.” Some cosmetic formulations use dimethicone and related siloxane polymers in concentrations of up to 15%.
Glyercin is another ingredient found in CeraVe and Cetaphil. Although it is generally a safe ingredient, it does a pose the concern of skin irritation. Glycerin is used in skincare products as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication, and as a humectant. Glycerin is in Canada’s ingredient hot list on the restricted for use in cosmetic products list (2019).
CeraVe: Key Ingredient Differences
Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skin-care products and can be found in CeraVe. It is used as a dermal filler in cosmetic surgery. Some people apply hyaluronic acid to the skin for healing wounds, burns, skin ulcers, and as a moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid can be used as an emollient to help soften and sooth skin, preventing moisture loss.
CeraVe: Alarming Ingredients
CeraVe has one single ingredient that stands out and can be problematic, Phenoxyethanol. It has been reported as harmful if absorbed through skin, causing irritation and blistering. This makes Phenoxyethanol a potential health concern for Eczema sufferers like ourselves. Another ingredient in some versions of the moisturizing lotion that needs to be highlighted is Methylparaben. It can cause serious skin irritation, especially for the eyes!
Phenoxyethanol is an interesting ingredient as it is now banned in Palau due to the damages it can cause to coral reefs. If it can cause long lasting damages to the aquatic wildlife, the question is, what kind of damage can do to our skin?
Cetaphil: Alarming Ingredients
Cetaphil has a number of ingredients that are not in their competitor, Cetaphil. An ingredient that is not regarded as harmful, but should be noted is Citric Acid. It has many functions, notably as an exfoliant that removes dead cells at the surface of the skin and as a skin whitening agent by reducing the melanin content of the skin.
Despite the multiple benefits of using Citric Acid, it has many safety hazards and potential health concerns for Eczema users. It can cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions.
Cetaphil contains Benzyl Alcohol, an ingredient used in skin lotions due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The problem with Benzyl Alcohol is that it has the safety hazard of being harmful in contact with skin. It also has potential health concerns for those with Dermatitis (Eczema). We should approach any products with Benzyl Alcohol with caution. It is an irritant, which can be linked to the burning sensation cases when applying the lotion.
CeraVe vs CeraVe: Lotion EWG Rating
EWG is a highly reputable site for verifying the safety of ingredients in a product. The lower the rating number, the safer the product is. The moisturizing lotion for Cetaphil scored a 2 while CeraVe scored a 4. So according to EWG, Cetaphil is classed as a safer product to use in terms of the ingredients in the formula. Lets compare their stats side by side.
If you compare the data provided by EWG, there is more concern with the developmental and reproductive toxicity of the CeraVe moisturizing lotion. Both products have their ingredient concerns noted by EWG in high, moderate and low levels.
| CeraVe | Cetaphil | |
| High | Endocrine disruption Contamination concerns Persistence and bioaccumulation Use restrictions | Contamination concerns Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) Occupational hazards Use restrictions |
| Moderate | Organs system toxicity | Multiple, additive exposure sources Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) |
| Low | Enhanced skin absorption Ecotoxicology | Enhanced skin absorption Ecotoxicology |
Interestingly, the EWG analysis flags propylparaben as the main ingredient for concern for CeraVe. Propylparaben occurs as a natural substance found in many plants and is produced synthetically for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It does have the safety hazards of causing skin and eye irritation.
However, with the analysis from 1Source and the ingredients list on the back of the bottle, no propylparaben was found. Nowadays CeraVe has an updated formula that is clearly distinguished by a red label on the front of the packaging. So make sure you look out for the new product.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Lotion Ingredient Comparison
Both products have their concerns. If we look at the ingredients from both products, which one poses more safety hazard risks?
Lets take a look at CeraVe.
| Ingredient | Safety Hazards | Potential Health Concerns |
| Phenoxyethanol | 4 | 1 |
| Methylparaben | 7 | 10 |
Now lets take a look at Cetaphil.
| Ingredient | Safety Hazards | Potential Health Concerns |
| Benzyl Alcohol | 5 | 5 |
| Citric Acid | 15 | 8 |
According to the information gathered from 1Source.com on the potential safety hazards and health concerns, there is far less in the ingredients in CeraVe. The Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion has more potential health concerns and safety hazards that can cause a huge problem to us Eczema sufferers. Do note that these are potential problems, so results may vary for different users.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Lotion Pricing
If we compare both of the moisturizers prices on Amazon, Cetaphil can be cheaper but there is not much price difference between the two. The judgement is based on the prices provided by their official store in Amazon of the day of this post. There are sales and bundles that can reduce the price per fluid ounce. The average price of per fluid ounce for the two products ranges between $0.90 and $1.10. To get an up-to-date price comparison, you can visit the links to their official Amazon stores below.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion: CeraVe Store (Amazon)
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion: Cetaphil Store (Amazon)
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Lotion Product Differences
Both products have different texture and application that is also worth noting. Normally when we put on moisturizer we can make a judgement as to whether to continue using it based on the feel.
If you are going for smell, both are fragrance-free which is a MUST for Eczema users. We don’t judge moisturizers based on smell, it is how effective it is that counts!
CeraVe has a similar texture to Cetaphil, though from my personal experience I found that the Cetaphil moisturizer to be a bit lighter and more oily. I found CeraVe to be more effective in hydrating my skin than Cetaphil, but that saying I had to apply more of it. Cetaphil spreads easily on the skin.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Which Lotion is Better?
To get an experts opinion on these products, you should consult a dermatologist to get the best possible advice as they are the experts! You should get an allergy test to check whether you are compatible with the ingredients noted.
Personally I had a better reaction to CeraVe than Cetaphil. With CeraVe I saw progression and healing with my Eczema. My skin was still quite dry but the redness and even Cetaphil I had a burning sensation and my skin got very irritated. I trialled the cream on my skin for around 2 weeks but my skin was irritated throughout the process. My skin was red and was very uncomfortable because of the burning sensation.
So if you want a recommendation from me, I would choose CeraVe over Cetaphil. It is a far superior moisturizer for those with sensitive skin with advanced ingredients and a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Eye Creams
Both CeraVe and Cetaphil have an eye cream designed for those with sensitive and delicate skin. An ideal eye cream is one that moisturize and hydrates the delicate skin that is around our eyes.
Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream
Designed to deeply hydrate, brighten and smooth the delicate skin around the eyes.
- Hyaluronic Acid instantly and intensely hydrates for 24 hours to nourish the delicate skin around the eyes
- Unique gel cream formula absorbs quickly like a gel, but moisturizes deeply like a cream
- Specifically designed to brighten and smooth the under-eye area for a well-rested look
- Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin
Source: Cetaphil
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
One of our favourite brands, CeraVe has a product specifically for repairing the skin around the eye. It has great reviews on Amazon and is formulated with the essential ingredients to help repair the skin’s protective barrier.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Eye Repair Cream visibly reduces the look of dark circles and puffiness. It contains 3 essential ceramides to repair and restore the protective skin barrier. For optimal results, apply in small dots around the eye area and gently smooth
Source: CeraVe
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: The Eye Cream Differences in Ingredients
The eye cream from CeraVe has 38 identifiable ingredients according to the 1Source system. 37 of the 38 identifiable ingredients are considered to be generally safe for use, but there is only one problematic ingredient that is shared with Cetaphil.
Cetaphil on the other hand has 47 identifiable ingredients with one high problematic ingredient. With their extensive ingredient list, is it a better product? Lets analyse the problematic ingredients to get a better understanding of which one to avoid.
Phenoxyethanol
Both the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream and Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream have Phenoxyethanol. It has been reported as harmful if absorbed through skin, causing irritation and blistering. This makes Phenoxyethanol a potential health concern for Eczema sufferers like ourselves.
Phenoxyethanol is an interesting ingredient as it is now banned in Palau due to the damages it can cause to coral reefs. If it can cause long lasting damages to the aquatic wildlife, the question is, what kind of damage can do to our skin?
Bisabolol
Bisabolol can be found in the Cetpahil’s Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream and is an ingredient that should be only use when directed. It has a weak sweet floral aroma and is used in various fragrances. Due to its perceived skin healing properties, it has been used for hundreds of years in cosmetics. Bisabolol is known to have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
Despite this, it may cause an allergic skin reaction and is a prohibited chemical in South Korea, issued by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. With this knowledge, it is best to stay well clear of any products that have Bisabolol if you have highly sensitive skin like Eczema.
Fragrance
Surprisingly, Cetaphil’s Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream has fragrance, the biggest no-no for sensitive skin users. “Fragrance” or alike is not an individual ingredient, but it refers to a range of natural and synthetic compounds. As there are no clear guidelines or disclosures of the compositions of fragrances, consumers should be aware of its potential unknown health effects.
Fragrance has the potential health concern for allergy contact for those with dermatitis and Eczema. Again, best to avoid any products containing any fragrances.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Which has the Better Eye Cream?
CeraVe has a much superior eye cream product to Cetaphil based on the ingredients alone. Cetaphil has an overwhelming amount of ingredients with two problematic ingredients in bisabolol and fragrance.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Body Wash Lotions
One of the staples in a good skin care routine is the body wash. It’s better to use body wash or shower gel if you typically notice that your skin feels dry, stripped, or flaky after a shower. Body wash, in particular, contains hydrating ingredients meant to coat your skin and seal in moisture. So lets have a look at what both have to offer!
Cerave Hydrating Body Wash
CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash was developed with dermatologists to cleanse and refresh the skin while restoring the skin’s natural barrier. In addition to three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, our foaming cleanser for the body includes emollients to moisturize and soften the skin all day. Best of all, this non-irritating, gentle cleanser formula is suitable for normal to dry skin.
Source: CeraVe
Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash
Fragrance free wash gently cleanses even the most sensitive skin without stripping it of its natural moisture.
- Formulated with aloe vera, vitamin B5 and a unique combination of moisturizers that leave skin feeling clean, soft, and replenished
- Delivers nourishing ingredients to help maintain the skin’s moisture barrier during and after your shower
- Dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin.
Source: Cetaphil
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: The Body Wash Differences in Ingredients
Cetaphil has a considerable less amount of ingredients with 21, whereas CeraVe has 30. Despite this, both share one concerning ingredient and one having two other problematic ingredients for sensitive skin users.
Phenoxyethanol
Both the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash and Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash have Phenoxyethanol. It has been reported as harmful if absorbed through skin, causing irritation and blistering. This makes Phenoxyethanol a potential health concern for Eczema sufferers like ourselves.
Phenoxyethanol is an interesting ingredient as it is now banned in Palau due to the damages it can cause to coral reefs. If it can cause long lasting damages to the aquatic wildlife, the question is, what kind of damage can do to our skin?
Urea
Urea serves an important raw natural material for the chemistry industry and can be found in the CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash. Urea is used medically to promote rehydration of the skin and is practically non-toxic. In recent findings, Urea was found to be extremely effective in treating dry skin.
Overall, urea is an effective humectant and emollient where it is able to hydrate the outermost layer of the skin as well as prevent trans epidermal water loss. However there are safety hazards to considered that are provided by the UN GHS. It can cause skin irritation (H315) and serious eye irritation (H319) when applied.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
The surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (also known as SDS) is highly effective at removing oily stains and residues and can be found in the Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash. As a detergent, it is ideal because of its amphiphilic properties. The SDS is an integral part of many products used in cleaning, hygiene, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, as well as cleaning and product formulation for industry and commerce.
There is sufficient evidence that the ingredient may have the potential to be an irritant, along with the potential to no longer be a necessary ingredient. It has high potential concerns for in contact with Eczema and Dermatitis and as an irritant.
There are 16 safety hazards listed out by 1Source, with the most notable being:
- Fatal in contact with skin (H310)
- Toxic in contact with skin (H311)
- Cause skin irritation (H315)
- Causes serious eye damage (H318)
- Causes serious eye irritation (H319)
- May cause respiratory irritation (H335)
Heliotropine
Piperonal, also called heliotropine, is a white or colorless, crystalline solid and can be found in Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash. It has a floral odor and bittersweet taste. It mixes with water. Piperonal is used as a flavoring and as a scent in perfumes, candles, air fresheners, laundry products, and deodorant. It is not a common ingredient found in sensitive skin products, as it can cause an allergic skin reaction.
Citric Acid
An ingredient that is not regarded as harmful, but should be noted is Citric Acid that can be found in Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash (a common ingredient in their product lines). It has many functions, notably as an exfoliant that removes dead cells at the surface of the skin and as a skin whitening agent by reducing the melanin content of the skin.
Despite the multiple benefits of using Citric Acid, it has many safety hazards and potential health concerns for Eczema users. It can cause skin irritation and allergic skin reactions.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Which has the Body Wash?
A common theme here, Cetaphil has too many alarming ingredients for sensitive skin users, so CeraVe is naturally a better choice. Despite having more ingredients, CeraVe uses a wide range of generally safe ingredients that gives it a better 1Source rating in terms of safety.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil: Which is the Better Brand?
CeraVe has far more superior products than Cetaphil for those with sensitive skin like dermatitis and Eczema. Cetaphil has a number of concerning ingredients that make CeraVe a clear standout. Despite this, both are popular skincare brands that are well known in the skincare communities.
In my own personal opinion. If you have highly sensitive skin like Eczema, go with CeraVe. Cetaphil is a bit more affordable and is widely more accessible, making it worthwhile to try but only for those mild skin symptoms.
References
- 1Source.com: Ingredient Decoder
- PubChem
- EWG
