CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Versus Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain retinoid and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens
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.
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 44 ingredients
Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin 38 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 44 ingredients
Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin 38 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide 10.5%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclomethicone
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 1
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSqualane
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Lecithin
Emollient
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingCeteareth-20
Cleansing
Polysilicone-11
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 10.5%, Water, Cyclomethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Stearate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ceramide 3, Ceramide AP, Ceramide 1, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Squalane, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Polysorbate 60, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Ceteareth-20, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 20, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Stearyl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-75 Lanolin
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Tricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Citric Acid
Buffering
Disodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
Sodium Sulfate
BHT
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMethoxyethanol
SolventParfum
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol, Stearyl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-75 Lanolin, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-20, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinol, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Xanthan Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Sulfate, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methoxyethanol, Parfum, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
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 WaterCetearyl 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.
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 AlcoholDimethicone 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 DimethiconeRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolDisodium 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 EDTAXanthan 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 GumCeteareth-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.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Citric 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 44 ingredients
Palmer's Skin Success Anti-Dark Spot Fade Cream for Dry Skin 38 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 44 ingredients
too thick and not moisturizing enough for my dry, rosacea-prone skin.
