Versus

Vanicream Shampoo Versus CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo

Shampoo
Shampoo
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe shampoos. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common

Suited For

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

Free From

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

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

Vanicream Shampoo 16 ingredients

CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo 33 ingredients

About this product

About this product

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Vanicream Shampoo 16 ingredients

CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo 33 ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Gentle Hydrating Shampoo

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

Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.

After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.

It is also used to make a product more thick.

Learn more about Acrylates Copolymer
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
Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide
Masking

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.

You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride

When to use

Vanicream Shampoo 16 ingredients

CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo 33 ingredients

13 Routines
31% use in am
69% use in pm
77% use every day
5 Routines
60% use in am
40% use in pm
60% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vanicream Shampoo 16 ingredients

3.0 /5
from 2 ratings
Cleansing (1) Straight Hair (1)

I like it. But especially well-liked by those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

#cleansing
#straight hair
sdaniels716's avatar

Samantha

7 months ago
Review

Very irritating, drying and rash inducing

CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo 33 ingredients

Gentle Hydrating Shampoo hasn't been rated yet.
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