Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30 Versus CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides and exfoliants
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols and silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30 40 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30 40 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 4.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientGlyceryl Behenate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Aluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Alumina
Abrasive
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Methyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingSqualane
Emollient
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethicone
Emollient
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
EmollientChrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Antioxidant
PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Methyl Ionones
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Titanium Dioxide 4.3%, Zinc Oxide 3%, Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Glyceryl Behenate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Aluminum Stearate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Alumina, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Squalane, Arachidyl Glucoside, Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Citrate, Polysorbate 60, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Methyl Ionones, Ceramide NP, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Isoceteth-10
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Cichorium Intybus Root Extract
MaskingLecithin
EmollientRetinol
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, PEG-40 Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Isoceteth-10, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Lecithin, Retinol, Silica, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Alcohol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneGlycerin 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 GlycerinEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30 40 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Fragrance-Free Daily Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30 40 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum 37 ingredients
Good for sensitive skin
I have tried many retinols, and retinol alternatives, and everything has burned my skin for days after each patch test. this is a great starter retinol product, or even just as a low dosage retinol if you arent too concerned with fine lines just yet. Use once a week currently and use it stand alone from my daily skin care routine just because it has so many good Show more
