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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Vanicream Moisturizing Cream versus Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry/Sensitive Skin .

Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on August 05, 2021

Overview

What they are

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

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

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
General Moisturizer American Brand United States

General Moisturizer

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

General Moisturizer

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

Price

Shop

Buy Moisturizing Cream

Starts at $13.43
Shop

Buy Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry/Sensitive Skin

Starts at $8.99

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

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

AHA
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (3)
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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 Moisturizing Cream contains this as ingredient number 1.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry/Sensitive Skin contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Petrolatum

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream contains this as ingredient number 2.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry/Sensitive Skin contains this as ingredient number 4.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream contains this as ingredient number 5.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry/Sensitive Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.

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

18% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
64% are disliked or very disliked
18% have no rating yet
29% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
53% are disliked or very disliked
6% 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 Moisturizing Cream 11 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Absorbs Well (1) Great Value (1) Heavy (1) Hydrating (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)
StanLoona_176's avatar

StanLoona_176

8 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

calming and moisturizing!

AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with...

This is a budget-friendly cream that I would recommend to anyone with dry to extremely dry skin for face or body use. Never had any issues with irritation regarding it. Given how thick this formulation is you would not need much of it for your face, so it lasts a long time. (I bought this product back in March 2023 and I still have a 1/4 of it left!). I ran into this product because I couldn't find my usual CeraVe Moisturizing Cream so this is a pretty solid dupe. Usually leaves my skin very moisturized, but with a more matte finish. Big fan of the pump dispenser as I find it more sanitary.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry/Sensitive Skin 17 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating
sylvia_933's avatar

sylvia_933

11 months ago · Unsure Skin
Review

Amazing
Good for dry skin, ez application

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