Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Daily Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer SPF 30 Versus CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Updated on July 10, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid, retinoid, SPF and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils 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
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Daily Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer SPF 30 32 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 45 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Daily Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer SPF 30 32 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 45 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 4%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Steareth-21
CleansingTrisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Nylon-12
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
Masking
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Silica
Abrasive
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 2%, Homosalate 4%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4%, Octocrylene 2%, Water, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Steareth-21, Trisiloxane, Nylon-12, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Silica, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
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
BHT
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Ceteareth-20
Cleansing
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Lecithin
Emollient
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollient
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Iris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 10.5%, Water, Cyclomethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Stearate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, BHT, Squalane, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Lecithin, Retinol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Alcohol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Polysorbate 60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Retinol 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 RetinolStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols. FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholWater. 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 WaterXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Daily Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer SPF 30 32 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 30 45 ingredients
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