Versus

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - US Versus Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

Updated on November 03, 2023

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin E

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and scar healing

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or oils

What's Inside

They both contain silicones and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

New Comparison

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

General Moisturizer

Canadian Brand Canada

Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

Day Moisturizer

Japanese Brand Japan

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients

Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients

Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Moisturizing Cream

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Loved Full details ->

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

0 / 0

2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

2 / 1

Fatty Alcohol • 3 Concerns

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

2 Com. / 1 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Masking, Skin Conditioning

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Mixed Full details ->

Cetyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

2 / 2

Fatty Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.

2 Com. / 2 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ceteareth-20 Cleansing, Emulsifying

2 / 3

May worsen Oily Skin

Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.

2 Com. / 3 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Petrolatum Emollient

2 Concerns

Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.

Disliked Full details ->

Potassium Phosphate Buffering

Potassium Phosphate is the term for the salts of potassium and phosphate ions. Our bodies naturally create and use potassium phosphate.

Liked Full details ->

Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning

Ceramide • 4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Loved Full details ->

Ceramide AP Skin Conditioning

Ceramide • 4 Benefits

Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.

Loved Full details ->

Ceramide EOP Skin Conditioning

Ceramide • 4 Benefits

Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide.

Loved Full details ->

Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Disliked Full details ->

Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

1 / 0

Silicon

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Behentrimonium Methosulfate

Sulfate

Behentrimonium Methosulfate is an ammonium salt. It is mainly used to prevent static in haircare products as a surfactant.

Disliked Full details ->

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifying

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.

Liked Full details ->

Sodium Hyaluronate Humectant, Skin Conditioning

0 / 0

Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Cholesterol Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

0 / 0

2 Benefits

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Liked Full details ->

Phenoxyethanol Preservative

Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->

Dipotassium Phosphate Buffering

Dipotassium Phosphate is an inorganic salt. This just means it has a different structure than organic salts. It is a stabilizing and pH adjusting ingredient.

Liked Full details ->

Tocopherol Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

0-3 / 0-3

Vitamin E • Antioxidant • 4 Benefits • May cause irritation

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

0-3 Com. / 0-3 Irr.

Liked Full details ->

Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Liked Full details ->

Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->

Ethylhexylglycerin Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

Mixed Full details ->

Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Loved Full details ->

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

0 / 0

2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide.

Unknown Full details ->

Cyclopentasiloxane Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Silicon

Cyclopentasiloxane is a silicone used to improve texture and trap moisture. An easier name for this is D5.

Disliked Full details ->

Squalane Emollient, Skin Conditioning

1 / 0

Helps hydrate Dry Skin

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Trisiloxane Skin Conditioning

Silicon

Trisiloxane is a type of silicone.

Disliked Full details ->

Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

1 / 0

Silicon

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Peg-3 Dimethicone Skin Conditioning

Silicon

Peg-3 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Unknown Full details ->

Allantoin Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

0 / 0

3 Benefits

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Magnesium Sulfate

Sulfate

Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. It can be naturally found in sea water or mineral deposits.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Butylene Glycol Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

1 / 0

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Mixed Full details ->

Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether.

Unknown Full details ->

Peg-12 Dimethicone Skin Conditioning

Silicon

Peg-12 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Succinic Acid Buffering, Masking

Succinic acid is an odorless white powder. It is naturally found in our bodies but can also be derived from living organisms.

Loved Full details ->

Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Mixed Full details ->

Bis-Methoxypropylamido Isodocosane Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Bis-Methoxypropylamido Isodocosane.

Unknown Full details ->

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract Perfuming, Skin Conditioning

Fragrance

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract is a fragrance.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Tocopherol Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

0-3 / 0-3

Vitamin E • Antioxidant • 4 Benefits • May cause irritation

0-3 Com. / 0-3 Irr.

Liked Full details ->

Methylparaben Preservative

0 / 0

Preservative • Paraben • 2 Concerns

Methylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben. It is used to prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and other harmful bacteria. Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives in both cosmetics and food.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Water, Glycerin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Squalane, Trisiloxane, Dimethicone, Peg-3 Dimethicone, Allantoin, Magnesium Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Succinic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Bis-Methoxypropylamido Isodocosane, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Methylparaben

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Water

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Glycerin

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Dimethicone

Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Very Disliked

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

Tocopherol

Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Liked

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Moisturizing Cream

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

Intensive Moisture Facial Cream

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

When to use

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients

Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients

3,991 Routines

45% use in am

55% use in pm

98% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

163 Routines

44% use in am

56% use in pm

99% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients

4.1 /5

from 64 ratings

Broke Me Out (8) Heavy (7) No Scent (6) Great Value (2) Hydrating (2) Works Well (2)

AshN.

2 months ago · Dry Skin

Review

As a person with really dry skin, this is a wonderful product that keeps my face hydrated throughout the evenings and great for sensitive skin....

As a person with really dry skin, this is a wonderful product that keeps my face hydrated throughout the evenings and great for sensitive skin. Considering that it is a thick product, a little goes a long way, which is why I think for the amount you get at the price point it is a great buy. Only thing I wish it had was a pump like the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream just because I feel it is more sanitary, but that can be remedied with getting an airless pump dispenser if you don't mind decanting product.

kyniwi

3 months ago · Dry Skin

Review

It burns if I have any dry patches (under my nose in the winter for example) and does not sink in very well. I’m pretty sure this has been causing...

It burns if I have any dry patches (under my nose in the winter for example) and does not sink in very well. I’m pretty sure this has been causing me to have blackheads, whiteheads, and milia all over my cheeks and chin. seriously overhyped.

Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 19 ingredients

4.5 /5

from 6 ratings

Absorbs Well (2) Hydrating (2) No Scent (2) Works Well (1)

PatriciaDavid

4 months ago · Sensitive Skin

Review

I love this so much! I have sensitive, dry skin (and I'm allergic to limonene and linalool), and this hydrates my face really well. I use it in...

I love this so much! I have sensitive, dry skin (and I'm allergic to limonene and linalool), and this hydrates my face really well. I use it in combination with the water essence and my skin feels nice and plump after it. In intense situations (very cold or very hot weather), I feel I need to apply it more than once in the day, but I do have VERY dry skin.