Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US versus CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US .
Last updated on January 26, 2024. Published on March 12, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe general moisturizers. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens 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 need an update? Let us know.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
General Moisturizer
All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.
Ingredient Info
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème 20 ingredients
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Contains Oils
Ingredients in this product that are types of oil:
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème 20 ingredients
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème 20 ingredients
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Myristyl Alcohol • Paraffinum Liquidum • Butylene Glycol • Alcohol Denat. • Stearic Acid • Petrolatum • Myristyl Myristate • Glyceryl Stearate • Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides • Dimethicone • Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil • Tocopheryl Acetate • Lanolin Alcohol • Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate • Parfum • Carbomer • Sodium Hydroxide • Phenoxyethanol
Water • Glycerin • Cetearyl Alcohol • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Cetyl Alcohol • Ceteareth-20 • Petrolatum • Potassium Phosphate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Dimethicone • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Disodium EDTA • Dipotassium Phosphate • Tocopherol • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
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. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterNivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US contains this as ingredient number 1.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinNivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US contains this as ingredient number 2.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 2.
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.
Other benefits of occlusives include protecting your skin against infection or allergies.
Petrolatum may not be safe for fungal-acne.
Learn more about PetrolatumNivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US contains this as ingredient number 8.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 7.
Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.
Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US contains this as ingredient number 12.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 13.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US contains this as ingredient number 18.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 12.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and 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.
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US contains this as ingredient number 20.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US contains this as ingredient number 18.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème 20 ingredients
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème 20 ingredients
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème 20 ingredients
Not for face!!!
i was using this on my face for a while, its VERY oily and clogged ALLLL my pores, i definitely wouldn't recommend this unless you're looking for a cheap body moisturizer
Not for face!!!
i was using this on my face for a while, its VERY oily and clogged ALLLL my pores, i definitely wouldn't recommend this unless you're looking for a cheap body moisturizer
Pore clogging
By using it once it will cloogged your pores even you have dry sensitive skin
Pore clogging
By using it once it will cloogged your pores even you have dry sensitive skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 24 ingredients
As a person with really dry skin, 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...
As a person with really dry skin, 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 feel it is more sanitary, but that can be remedied with getting an airless pump dispenser if you don't mind decanting product.
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...
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.
NOT for ultra-sensitive skin
I first discovered this moisturizer a year ago when I was suffering the fallout from a particularly nasty case of contact dermatitis. I needed a moisturizer that was fragrance-free and safe for sensitive...
NOT for ultra-sensitive skin
I first discovered this moisturizer a year ago when I was suffering the fallout from a particularly nasty case of contact dermatitis. I needed a moisturizer that was fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. The first time I applied this to my face, it immediately stung and burn something fierce.
I thought that the reaction was due to the existing contact dermatitis. A couple months later, after the dermatitis had healed from a round of Desonide cream (and then several weeks of no skincare products at all), I tried the cream on my arms and legs. No bad reactions, so I tried it again on my face. Got the same reaction: stinging, burning, and redness. Not only that, but it gave me contact dermatitis.
Turns out, this DOES have fragrance (along with harsh preservatives), despite what the label says. Any type of synthetic fragrance will cause me to have stinging red irritation, so this brand openly lies about its ingredients on the labels.
I can still use it on my trunk, arms and legs (which are not sensitive), and I only do so to not waste the expensive product however I will NEVER again purchase ANY products from this brand.
If you have sensitive or ultra-sensitive skin, beware and consider looking at other brands and giving this one a miss.
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème US.
See 50 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CeraVe Moisturizing Cream US.
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