e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream US

Versus

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream - US Versus CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - US

Updated on January 17, 2024

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots

Free From

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

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

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream

General Moisturizer

American Brand United States

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Day Moisturizer

Canadian Brand Canada

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream 32 ingredients

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients

spf rating

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream 32 ingredients

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Holy Hydration! Face 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 ->

Isohexadecane Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Isohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.

Mixed Full details ->

Stearyl Heptanoate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

4 / 0

2 Concerns

Stearyl Heptanoate is a waxy compound derived from stearyl alcohol.

4 Com. / 0 Irr.

Unknown 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 ->

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 ->

Isopropyl Isostearate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

4-5 / 0

3 Concerns

Isopropyl isodecanoate is a lipid created from isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid.

4-5 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Niacinamide Smoothing

Niacinamide • 6 Benefits

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

Loved Full details ->

Cetearyl Olivate

Not safe for Fungal Acne

Cetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.

Disliked Full details ->

Trehalose Humectant, Moisturising

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

Loved 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 ->

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 ->

Stearic Acid Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

2-3 / 0

2 Concerns

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

2-3 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Absorbent

We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.

Disliked Full details ->

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon

Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.

Disliked Full details ->

Silica Abrasive, Absorbent

Exfoliant • 2 Concerns

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Disliked 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 ->

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Skin Conditioning

Peptide • Not safe for Fungal Acne

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Liked Full details ->

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Skin Conditioning

Peptide • Not safe for Fungal Acne

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Liked 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 ->

Sorbitan Olivate Emulsifying

Not safe for Fungal Acne

Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.

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 ->

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 ->

Peg-100 Stearate

0 / 0

Not safe for Fungal Acne

Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Polyethylene Abrasive

Exfoliant

Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Disodium EDTA

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

Disliked Full details ->

Polyacrylate-13

Polyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.

Disliked Full details ->

Polyisobutene

Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.

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 ->

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

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 ->

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 ->

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 ->

Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Homosalate Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter

Chemical UV Filter • Non-Reef-Safe

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Menthyl Anthranilate UV Absorber

We don't have a description for Menthyl Anthranilate.

Unknown Full details ->

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate UV Absorber, UV Filter

0 / 0

Chemical UV Filter • 2 Concerns

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Octocrylene UV Absorber, UV Filter

Chemical UV Filter • 2 Concerns

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Zinc Oxide Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Protecting, UV Absorber

1 / 0

Mineral UV Filter • Helps fight Acne • Non-Reef-Safe

Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Liked Full details ->

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 ->

Niacinamide Smoothing

Niacinamide • 6 Benefits

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

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

2 Com. / 1 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 ->

Dimethicone Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

1 / 0

Silicon

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

BHT Antioxidant, Masking

Antioxidant

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Very Disliked 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 ->

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

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 ->

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate Absorbent

We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.

Disliked Full details ->

Disodium EDTA

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

Disliked 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 ->

Hydroxyethylcellulose Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.

Mixed 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 ->

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

Niacinamide

Smoothing

Loved

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

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

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.

Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate

Absorbent

Disliked

We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.

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

Disodium EDTA

Disliked

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

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

Carbomer

Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Disliked

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

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

Ingredient Ratings

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

Holy Hydration! Face Cream

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

When to use

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream 32 ingredients

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients

262 Routines

50% use in am

50% use in pm

96% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

639 Routines

96% use in am

4% use in pm

98% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

e.l.f. cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream 32 ingredients

1.5 /5

from 1 rating

Doesn't Work (1) Pilling (1)

Aybab_207

1 year ago · Combination Skin

Review

You‘ll get pimples if you have oily- combo skin
Every time when I used this, I got pimples the other day. Fragrance ist too strong and doesn’t...

You‘ll get pimples if you have oily- combo skin
Every time when I used this, I got pimples the other day. Fragrance ist too strong and doesn’t hydrate much. I don’t recommend it.

e.l.f. cosmetics

Holy Hydration! Face Cream

YiShin

1 month ago · Combination Skin

Review

Did nothing for my skin (I have combo acne). It pills and does not help my acne or hydration. It lasts a long time for such a cheap price though....

Did nothing for my skin (I have combo acne). It pills and does not help my acne or hydration. It lasts a long time for such a cheap price though. Would NOT recommend or repurchase. The ingredients on skinsort show that the formula isn’t very good either.

e.l.f. cosmetics

Holy Hydration! Face Cream

Pilling

Doesn't Work

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients

2.3 /5

from 4 ratings

Doesn't Work (2) Heavy (2) Oily (1) Sticky (1) Strong Scent (1) No Scent (1)

Diorgirl

2 years ago · Dry Skin

Review

Waste of money
This irritated my skin, I had little red dots all over my chin after using this. I wouldn't recommend if you are acne-prone or...

Waste of money
This irritated my skin, I had little red dots all over my chin after using this. I wouldn't recommend if you are acne-prone or sensitiv, cause this can really cause irritation!