Versus

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream - US Versus Prequel Skin Utility Gel Multi-Purpose Skin Protectant

General Moisturizer
Facial Treatment
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

Free From

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

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.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

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.

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 Water
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

What it does:

Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:

Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.

Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.

This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.

Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.

Learn more about Dimethicone
Preservative

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

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

When to use

6,028 Routines
45% use in am
55% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
53 Routines
43% use in am
57% use in pm
74% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 98 ratings
Heavy (29) No Scent (20) Great Value (18)
kyniwi's avatar

kyniwi

1 year ago
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 me to have blackheads, whiteheads, and milia all over my cheeks and chin. seriously overhyped.

#broke me out
#irritating
#heavy
#no scent
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

1 year ago
Review

As a person with really dry skin (At time of review), 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 Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#heavy
#absorbs well

Prequel Skin Utility Gel Multi-Purpose Skin Protectant 17 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Absorbs Well (2) Hydrating (2) Light Scent (2)
ThrowMeAway's avatar

ThrowMeAway

5 months ago
Review

I don’t usually do well with silicones but this product doesn’t seem to bother me. I have no idea why. I use a very strong retinoid (tazortene) every night and needed something to help repair my barrier. There are not a lot of products available to help with barrier repair that are FA safe. I’ve tried a lot and after using this for months now, I think I’ve settled on this one. This definitely Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#absorbs well
#light scent
alyssaklein's avatar

Alyssa Klein

5 months ago
Review

Originally bought as a multi use hydration serum for my eyes and lips, but it definitely tastes and smells weird if you put it near your lips!

#strong scent
#doesn't work