Versus

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream Versus Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy

General Moisturizer
Body Lotion
American Brand United States
German Brand Germany

Updated on March 17, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

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

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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Benefits

Concerns

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.

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

Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.

This ingredient is effective at reducing water loss by 99%. This is because it is an occlusive. Occlusives create a hydrophobic barrier on the skin to prevent evaporation. This property makes it great for hydrating dry skin.

Pro tip: Use occlusives, such as this ingredient, on damp skin for the best results.

The quality or origin of petrolatum is only known when disclosed by the brand. Most cosmetic petrolatum has gone through several purification stages.

Another benefit of occlusives is it protects your skin against infection or allergies.

Petrolatum may not be safe for fungal-acne. Studies show mineral oil / petroleum leads to the growth of M. Furfur, a type of yeast.

Learn more about Petrolatum
Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol

When to use

728 Routines
47% use in am
53% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
467 Routines
25% use in am
75% use in pm
87% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream 23 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 14 ratings
Hydrating (7) Great Value (6) No Scent (6)
graceh's avatar

Grace H

5 months ago
Review

Thick. Skin feels soft next day.

#great value
#hydrating
#heavy
#oily
Lyssdan9's avatar

Alyssa Daniels

6 months ago
Review

When I was younger, this was all I used on my face and body. But as I got older, I found it a bit thick for my face and naturally drifted away as I discovered other great skincare products. Still, it brings back good memories, and I think it would still be great for body use!

#great value
#hydrating
#heavy
#no scent

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy 7 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 5 ratings
helennn_324's avatar

helennn_324

1 year ago
Review

i love aquaphor! it rejuvenates my lips in one night.

Ayo_706's avatar

Ayo_706

2 years ago
Review

works reallllly well on mt dry skin