Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer versus CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on February 11, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 6 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid

Suited For

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

Free From

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

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 American Brand United States
Night Moisturizer Canadian Brand Canada

General Moisturizer

All-purpose moisturizers hydrate the top layer of skin cells.

Night Moisturizer

Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.

Price

Shop

Buy Daily Facial Moisturizer

Starts at $12.97
Shop

Buy PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Starts at $14.92

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Benefits

Hydrating (7)
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (5)
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging (6)
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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 Water

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 1.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

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

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 3.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide NP

Learn more about Ceramide EOP

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 9.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 9.

4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 11.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 7.

5
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.

They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide NP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide AP

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 13.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 8.

6
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains this as ingredient number 17.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains this as ingredient number 20.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

68% are loved or liked
11% have mixed ratings
16% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet
54% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
38% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer 19 ingredients

4.4 /5
from 16 reviews
sword's Avatar'
Dec 20, 2023

Extremely calming + supports skin barrier + non-comedogenic!
This is my absolute favorite moisturizer. It's a light, lotion type moisturizer that absorbs very well, and should work well for all skin types. It has glycerin...

Extremely calming + supports skin barrier + non-comedogenic!
This is my absolute favorite moisturizer. It's a light, lotion type moisturizer that absorbs very well, and should work well for all skin types. It has glycerin (moisturizing), squalane (anti-inflammatory, hydrating), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), and 5 ceramides (skin barrier boosting/repairing + calming). It doesn't have a sticky or oily finish and it layers very well with other products.

Great Value
Hydrating
Light
Absorbs Well
No Scent
Works Well
Marimosa's Avatar'
Nov 14, 2022

if I could give this 6 stars I would.
My whole life I've been looking for moisturizer like this one. It's great on sensitive, acne prone & reactive skin like mine. Its super hydrating but not too heavy its the perfect consistency. I...

if I could give this 6 stars I would.
My whole life I've been looking for moisturizer like this one. It's great on sensitive, acne prone & reactive skin like mine. Its super hydrating but not too heavy its the perfect consistency. I recommend putting in on damp skin for better results!

CELINEGAUBET_683's Avatar'
May 8, 2023

Contains ceramides but lightweight and non comedogenic

Contains ceramides but lightweight and non comedogenic

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion 24 ingredients

3.9 /5
from 17 reviews
MacySinrich's Avatar'
Nov 15, 2023

Love this
I really love how lightweight and hydrating it is, I feel immediately that my skin is calmed and my dry patches are filled. I have found that it works better with damp skin, so I use it after my nightime serum and my skin feels...

Love this
I really love how lightweight and hydrating it is, I feel immediately that my skin is calmed and my dry patches are filled. I have found that it works better with damp skin, so I use it after my nightime serum and my skin feels phenomenal afterwards.

jayy_lim's Avatar'
Nov 19, 2023

Oil free moisturiser, 0 chance of breakout

Oil free moisturiser, 0 chance of breakout

LucyL_962's Avatar'
May 8, 2023

Love it
This moisturizer is great. Very lightweight, my skin feels moisturized and protected but not greasy after using. Might be too light if you have very dry skin type. Love the ingredients too

Love it
This moisturizer is great. Very lightweight, my skin feels moisturized and protected but not greasy after using. Might be too light if you have very dry skin type. Love the ingredients too

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