Versus

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Versus Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 - Sensitive & Oily Skin

Sunscreen
Day Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides and SPF

Suited For

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

Free From

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

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

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 - Sensitive & Oily Skin

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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 Water
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
Skin Conditioning

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
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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

When to use

142 Routines
99% use in am
1% use in pm
95% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
86 Routines
83% use in am
17% use in pm
99% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 26 ingredients

3.6 /5
from 5 ratings
Heavy (4) Great Value (2) Hydrating (2)
ArielHansen's avatar

ArielHansen

1 year ago
Review

Great moisturizer/sunscreen! It does not cause any irritation or redness nor does it clog my pores. Only downside is that it leaves a white cast.

#hydrating
#light
#works well
RachelM_417's avatar

RachelM_417

12 months ago
Review

It's a bit whitening. Because I am so pale, I don't necessarily find that to be a huge issue for me bit it could be for others. It is also quite moisturizing but it does seem to absorb well after a bit and just leaves me looking a bit dewy. Later in the day though I feel like it looks like the zinc is kinda sitting on top of my skin in a less nice way... I've not been testing it quite long enough Show more

#great value
#hydrating
#heavy
#absorbs well

Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 - Sensitive & Oily Skin 29 ingredients

2.0 /5
from 5 ratings
Great Value (2) Broke Me Out (2) No Scent (2)
cherryberrystrawberry's avatar

cherry >.<

1 year ago
Review

burns my eyes, feels just as greasy as other sunscreens and broke me out

#broke me out
#oily
CaroleD's avatar

CaroleD

1 year ago
Review

Didn’t feel any less oily than any regular sunscreen.

#heavy
#oily
#no scent