Versus

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion Versus CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin

Updated on September 11, 2023

Overview

Suited For

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

What's Inside

They both contain silicones

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

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Body Lotion

American Brand United States

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin

General Moisturizer

Canadian Brand Canada

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 16 ingredients

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin 24 ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 16 ingredients

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin 24 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Moisturizing Lotion

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 ->

Isopropyl Palmitate Emollient, Masking

3-4 / 1

3 Concerns

Isopropyl Palmitate is a texture enhancer and emollient. It is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

3-4 Com. / 1 Irr.

Very Disliked 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 ->

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 ->

Panthenol Skin Conditioning

0 / 0

Helps reduce irritation

Panthenol (also referred to as pro-vitamin B5) is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Niacinamide Smoothing

Niacinamide • 6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Loved Full details ->

Tocopheryl Acetate Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

0 / 0

Vitamin E • Antioxidant • Helps brighten skin

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Liked 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 ->

Persea Gratissima Oil Skin Conditioning

0-3 / 0

Oil • Helps hydrate Dry Skin • Not safe for Fungal Acne

Persea Gratissima Oil is made by pressing dehydrated avocado fruit from the tree Persea gratissima, Lauraceae.

0-3 Com. / 0 Irr.

Disliked Full details ->

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning

0 / 0

Oil • Helps hydrate Dry Skin • 2 Concerns

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Disliked Full details ->

Pantolactone Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Pantolactone is a synthetically created humectant.

Liked Full details ->

Glyceryl Stearate Emollient, Emulsifying

1 / 0

Not safe for Fungal Acne

Glyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Disliked Full details ->

Sodium Benzoate Masking, Preservative

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Disliked Full details ->

Benzyl Alcohol Perfuming, Preservative, Solvent

Alcohol • Fragrance • Preservative • 6 Concerns

Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Citric Acid Buffering, Masking

AHA • 4 Benefits • 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->

Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Persea Gratissima Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Pantolactone, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid

Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin

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 ->

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 ->

Cetearyl Alcohol Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

2 / 1

Fatty Alcohol • 3 Concerns

2 Com. / 1 Irr.

Very Disliked 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 ->

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

1 Com. / 0 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 ->

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 ->

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 ->

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifying

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

Liked 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 ->

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 ->

Propylparaben Preservative

0 / 0

Preservative • Paraben • 2 Concerns

Propylparaben is a preservative and is a paraben with antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

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 ->

Polysorbate 20 Emulsifying

0 / 0

Not safe for Fungal Acne

Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate Emulsifying

4 / 0

2 Concerns

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate is an emulsifer and emollient. It comes from Isostearic Acid and Polyglycerin-3.

4 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

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

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Ceteareth-20

Cleansing, Emulsifying

Very Disliked

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

As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.

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.

Ingredient Ratings

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

Moisturizing Lotion

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

When to use

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 16 ingredients

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin 24 ingredients

670 Routines

49% use in am

51% use in pm

99% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

2,413 Routines

51% use in am

49% use in pm

99% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 16 ingredients

3.8 /5

from 10 ratings

Hydrating (1) Irritating (1) Light (1) No Scent (1) Oily (1)

Hiba

1 year ago · Unsure Skin

Review

Would repurchase
Kept my skin hydrated and soft

Cetaphil

Moisturizing Lotion

Naomi_18

1 year ago · Dry Skin

Review

After a shower 🤌🏽
Apply to damp skin after a shower, sleep like baby.

Cetaphil

Moisturizing Lotion

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion Normal to Dry Skin 24 ingredients

3.2 /5

from 12 ratings

Oily (1) Sticky (1)

kawaiidesuwu_683

1 year ago · Combination Skin

Review

ok
its not very good. its like good for your body but i wouldn't put it on my face. it feels like straight grease on the face, and then the...

ok
its not very good. its like good for your body but i wouldn't put it on my face. it feels like straight grease on the face, and then the moisture doesn't last at all. i find my face feeling dry when i wake up