CeraVe vs Eucerin: Which Is Better?

When searching for the best skin care products for your skin, it often comes down to choosing between two very similar options. It can quickly get confusing with all the different products available, especially drugstore skincare products.

When it comes to CeraVe vs Eucerin, both are leading brands in the skin care world (and affordable, too!). They offer excellent skin care products for a variety of skin types.

So, let’s get scientific and delve into the differences between these two skincare giants. We’ll discuss cleansers, lotions, creams, and sunscreens in this CeraVe vs Eucerin comparison post.

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CeraVe vs Eucerin

Before we get into the comparisons, please note:

Pricing will vary depending on the retailer, but Eucerin tends to be more affordable overall.

CeraVe products often come in multiple sizes, while Eucerin doesn’t offer as large a selection of sizes.

CeraVe tends to be more readily available online/in store in the US.

Cleansers

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser / CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel

CeraVe offers many cleansers for various skin types. Eucerin’s options are a bit more limited.

PLEASE NOTE: We’ll compare two CeraVe cleansers, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, with Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel since all three cleansers share similar qualities.

Let’s start with CeraVe’s hydrating face wash:

It’s formulated with three essential ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP) to help restore the skin’s protective barrier, glycerin for moisture, and hyaluronic acid in its salt form of sodium hyaluronate to help retain moisture.

Formulated for normal to dry skin, the cleanser contains CeraVe’s MVE Technology, which provides a controlled release of ingredients, including encapsulated ceramides, over time for extended hydration.

Accepted by the National Eczema Association, the cleanser is fragrance-free and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and cause acne or breakouts.

It has a lightweight gel-cream texture that does not lather.

Formulated for normal to oily skin, the cleanser contains three essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s protective moisture barrier and glycerin for moisture.

It also contains hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, a low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that helps to draw in water and keep the skin moisturized. It acts like a sponge and helps the skin retain its natural moisture.

The foaming cleanser also contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) which helps reduce redness and skin irritation while reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Niacinamide brightens your skin and balances oil (sebum) production in your skin.

The cleanser is also enriched with cholesterol, a natural skin-identical ingredient, to help restore the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.

The cleanser deep cleans and removes excess oil without stripping or drying out your complexion, like some foaming cleansers.

This cleanser combines glycerin, a moisturizing ingredient, and hydrating hyaluronic acid (in the salt form of sodium hyaluronate) with Eucerin’s APG Cleansing Complex to remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities while hydrating and supporting a healthy skin barrier.

Formulated for all skin types and ideal for dry, sensitive skin, this cleansing gel is also fragrance-free, alcohol-free, soap-free, oil-free, and paraben-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

The face wash has a foaming gel texture that creates a lightweight, bubbly foam.

Cleanser Similarities and Differences

	CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser	CeraVe Foaming Cleanser	Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel
Formula	✅  Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and three ceramides	✅  Glycerin, three ceramides, cholesterol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid	✅  Glycerin and hyaluronic acid
Foaming	✅  No	✅  Yes	✅  Yes
Non-comedogenic	✅  Yes	✅  Yes	✅  Yes
Fragrance-Free	✅  Yes	✅  Yes	✅  Yes
Texture	✅  Gel Cream	✅  Gel	✅  Gel
Skin Type	✅  Normal to dry, including sensitive	✅  Normal to oily	✅  All skin types, including sensitive
Accepted by National Eczema Association	✅  Yes	✅  No	✅  No

• All cleansers are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser doesn’t foam, while CeraVe Foaming Cleanser and Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel foam.
• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is best for normal to dry skin, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is best for normal to oily skin, and Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel is formulated for all skin types
• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has received the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance, so if you have a skin condition like eczema, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is the better choice.
• CeraVe Foaming Cleanser contains the most nourishing actives.

Cleanser Swatches

When comparing the texture of all three cleansers, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser has a very liquidy texture that ran right off my arm.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has a gel-cream texture, while Eucerin Hydrating Cleansing Gel has a thicker gel texture.

Related Post: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser vs Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen vs Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Niacinamide brightens and soothes your skin, while cholesterol moisturizes your complexion.

• Chemical Sunscreen Filters: Homosalate (10%), Meradimate (5%), Octinoxate (5%), and Octocrylene (2%)
• Mineral Sunscreen Filters: Microfine Zinc Oxide at 6.3% with InVisibleZinc Technology

This lotion with sunscreen is formulated with a blend of broad-spectrum physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreens with SPF 30 to help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays.

This CeraVe facial moisturizer is formulated with CeraVe’s proprietary MVE Technology, which encapsulates ceramides to deliver a steady stream of moisture throughout the day.

The lotion is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts.

It’s also oil-free, fragrance-free, and doesn’t leave a chalky finish or white cast on your skin.

The lotion offers UVA/UVB protection through chemical and mineral sunscreen, like CeraVe.

• Mineral Sunscreen Filters: Titanium Dioxide 2.4% and Zinc Oxide 4.8%
• Chemical Sunscreen FIlters: Ensulizole 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%, and Octisalate 4.5%

The lotion also contains sodium lactate, the sodium salt of lactic acid that helps increase the lotion’s moisturizing power while balancing the pH.

Lactic acid*, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is an active ingredient that gently exfoliates the skin for a brighter, smoother complexion.

The sunscreen lotion offers 24-hour moisture and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

This facial moisturizer has been clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin.

Daily Lotion With Sunscreen: Similarities and Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreens	✅  CeraVe contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide
✅  Both contain chemical and mineral sunscreen filters	✅  Eucerin contains sodium lactate and exfoliating lactic acid
✅  Non-comedogenic	✅  CeraVe is for normal to oily skin, Eucerin is for all skin types
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  Eucerin is suitable for sensitive skin
	✅  CeraVe is oil-free, Eucerin is not oil-free

• The sunscreen lotions are similar in that they both contain chemical and mineral sunscreen filters.
• Both offer SPF 30 broad-spectrum sun protection.
• Both are lightweight, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, although CeraVe is oil-free and Eucerin is not.
• CeraVe contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, while Eucerin contains sodium lactate and lactic acid.
• Eucerin Daily Protection Face Lotion with SPF 30 is suitable for sensitive skin.
• Eucerin has a thinner texture than CeraVe.
• Eucerin’s bottle is at 4 oz, compared to CeraVe’s 3 oz bottle. (CeraVe also comes in a 2 oz bottle.)
• Both sizes of CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen are priced a few dollars more than Eucerin, so Eucerin is the more affordable pick here.

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint vs Eucerin Sensitive Tinted Mineral Face Lotion SPF 35

If you are looking for a strictly mineral sunscreen, both brands offer tinted mineral sunscreens:

Mineral Sunscreen Protection: Titanium Dioxide 5.5%, Zinc Oxide 10%

The sunscreen is tinted to offset any potential white cast and is designed to work with all skin tones.

Like CeraVe’s other moisturizing products, the sunscreen contains three moisturizing ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate and brightening niacinamide.

The sheer natural finish is very moisturizing, unlike some tinted mineral sunscreens, which often dry out the skin.

It has a non-greasy but moisturizing finish and is suitable for sensitive skin.

Mineral Sunscreen Protection: Zinc Oxide 24%

The sunscreen has a sheer and tinted finish and is suitable for all skin tones. It’s a little darker than CeraVe, so it could be a good choice for you if you have a deeper skin tone.

The lotion also contains Eucerin’s 5 AOX Shield, described as an Advanced Antioxidant Complex containing licochalcone A, glycyrrhetinic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C, and oxynex, which protect skin from free radical damage.

The lotion dries on your skin, leaving a matte finish without any residue or white cast.

It’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. It’s also non-comedogenic and won’t irritate sensitive skin.

CeraVe and Eucerin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Swatches

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint vs Eucerin Sensitive Tinted Mineral Face Lotion SPF 35: Similarities and Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Formulated for all skin tones	✅  Eucerin has a slightly darker tint than CeraVe
✅  Suitable for sensitive skin	✅  Eucerin is SPF 35, CeraVe is SPF 30
✅  Non-comedogenic	✅  Eucerin = 24% zinc oxide, CeraVe = 10% zinc oxide + 5.5% titanium dioxide
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  Eucerin is a matte finish, CeraVe is a natural finish
	✅  CeraVe contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide ✅  Eucerin contains 5 AOX Shield Antioxidant Complex

• Eucerin has a darker tint than CeraVe.
• Both are formulated for all skin tones and are suitable for sensitive skin.
• Eucerin offers SPF 35 protection, while CeraVe provides SPF 30 protection.
• Eucerin contains 24% zinc oxide, while CeraVe contains 10% zinc oxide and 5.5% titanium dioxide.
• Unlike CeraVe, which has more of a natural finish, Eucerin dries to a matte finish.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Eucerin Dry Skin Urea Repair

For the evening, both brands offer lightweight yet rich hydration while you sleep:

It protects your skin’s moisture barrier while you sleep with three essential ceramides and plumping hyaluronic acid.

Niacinamide brightens, soothes, balances sebum (oil) production, and helps to reduce the look of enlarged pores.

The night cream also contains niacinamide to balance oil production, brighten dull skin and soothe redness or irritation.

The fragrance-free lotion is oil-free and won’t clog pores, making it ideal for those with a combination or oily skin type.

This nighttime facial cream contains 5% urea, a natural humectant that binds moisture and helps keep your skin hydrated.

Urea, also known as carbamide, is naturally found in the skin as a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). NMFs are essential for maintaining the barrier function of the skin and keeping it looking healthy.

Urea is also keratolytic, which means it helps to break down the top layers of dry, flaky skin and dead skin cells. It offers anti-microbial and anti-itch benefits as well.

Sodium lactate joins urea as an NMF that helps the skin retain moisture.

Even though it’s formulated for dry to very dry skin that feels tight, the oil-free cream has a lightweight, airy texture that absorbs quickly and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy.

PM Moisturizing Lotions: Similarities and Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Ultra lightweight lotions	✅  CeraVe contains niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid ✅  Eucerin contains urea and sodium lactate
✅  Suitable for sensitive skin	✅  CeraVe is best for normal to oily skin ✅  Eucerin is formulated for dry to very dry skin
✅  Non-comedogenic and oil-free
✅  Fragrance-free

• Both replenishing oil-free lotions have a lightweight texture that don’t feel heavy on the skin.
• If I had to choose which one feels more moisturizing, I’d say the Eucerin feels slightly richer and moisturizing on my skin.
• But the moisturizers are better suited to different skin types:
  • Eucerin Urea Repair is formulated for dry to very dry skin.
  • CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is best for normal to oily skin.
• While both skincare products are formulated for nighttime usage, I like using them in both my evening routine and my morning skincare routine since they provide such lightweight hydration that works well under makeup.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion vs Eucerin Daily Hydration Lotion

VeraVe and Eucerin offer daily moisturizing lotions for the body that provide lightweight hydration that lasts all day:

The silky lotion contains sodium hyaluronate, the salt form of hyaluronic acid, plus three essential ceramides to hydrate and restore the skin moisture barrier.

The oil-free moisturizer efficiently delivers moisture throughout the day with CeraVe’s MVE Technology, which encapsulates ceramides and slowly releases them over time.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association, so it’s ideal for eczema-prone skin.

The non-greasy moisturizer is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and fast-absorbing, providing 24-hour hydration.

You get extra bang for your buck since the lotion is both a face lotion and a body lotion in one.

The lotion contains sunflower oil, an emollient plant oil filled with moisturizing fatty acids and antioxidants.

Sunflower oil is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, so it’s even suitable for acne-prone skin.

Sunflower oil also helps repair a damaged skin barrier and upping surface hydration levels.

Formulated for dry skin, the lotion also contains petrolatum, also known as petroleum jelly or Vaseline.

This occlusive agent forms a protective layer on the skin and prevents the skin from losing moisture. This gives the lotion a richer feel on the skin.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is a natural moisturizer and emollient that helps to restore the skin’s natural barrier.

Panthenol, also known as pro-vitamin B5, helps to replenish and repair skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

The lotion, formulated specifically for the body, is non-greasy but feels deeply nourishing on the skin.

Daily Hydrating/Moisturizing Lotions: Similarities and Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Lightweight lotions	✅  CeraVe is oil-free, Eucerin is not oil-free
✅  Provide 24-hour hydration for dry skin	✅  Eucerin feels slightly heavier on the skin
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  CeraVe contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides ✅  Eucerin contains more occlusive actives like petrolatum for dry skin
	✅  CeraVe is accepted by the National Eczema Association
	✅  CeraVe can be used on both the face and body

• Both are formulated to nourish dry skin with 24-hour hydration.
• Both formulas are lightweight and fragrance-free.
• CeraVe is oil-free, while Eucerin contains sunflower oil and petrolatum, so it feels heavier on the skin than CeraVe.
• Eucerin feels slightly more nourishing due to the occlusive ingredients, so drier skin types might prefer it.
• While Eucerin is strictly a body lotion, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion can be used on both your face and body.

Cerave Moisturizing Cream vs Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream

CeraVe and Eucerin offer richer creams to restore and repair your skin barrier:

It contains three essential ceramides for moisture and skin barrier replenishment and sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) for hydration.

Unlike CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, this Moisturizing Cream is not oil-free, as it contains petrolatum, an occlusive ingredient that helps to trap moisture and keep the skin hydrated.

The cream also contains cholesterol, a lipid found in the skin that helps to keep the skin hydrated.

Like CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, the cream can be used on both your face and body, as it is non-comedogenic and won’t cause breakouts or acne.

Related Post: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Lotion

It contains multiple skin-identical ingredients that bring on the moisture, including Ceramide NP (also in CeraVe Moisturizing Cream), urea, glycine, alanine, sodium PCA and cholesterol (also in CeraVe Moisturizing Cream).

The cream also contains shea butter, a moisturizing and nourishing ingredient filled with vitamins and skin-protective antioxidants that leaves your skin feeling softer and smoother.

Sunflower oil, another nourishing ingredient, provides lightweight skin barrier support.

This cream also contains AHA lactic acid*, which helps boost your skin’s natural exfoliation process while providing moisturizing benefits.

Even though the cream has a thicker texture, it sinks into your skin without leaving you feeling greasy or oily.

The combination of ingredients makes it a great choice for those with severely dry skin who need an intensely hydrating cream to repair and protect their skin.

It’s fragrance-free, dye-free, and paraben-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

*When using products containing alpha hydroxy acids like lactic acid, it is important to remember to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily.

Moisturizing Creams: Similarities and Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Both creams contain Ceramide NP and cholesterol for moisture	✅  CeraVe is formulated for dry to very dry skin, Eucerin is formulated for very dry skin
✅  Provide 24-hour hydration	✅  Eucerin is a thicker cream and feels heavier on the skin
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  Contain different active ingredients that moisturize skin
	✅  Eucerin contains lactic acid, an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
	✅  CeraVe can be used on both the face and body

• Both creams contain Ceramide NP (CeraVe also contains two more ceramides) and cholesterol to nourish dry to very dry skin.
• Both contain oil, so they’re not oil-free.
• Eucerin is much thicker and has a richer texture. CeraVe feels lighter on the skin.
• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains petrolatum, an occlusive ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin which helps prevent moisture loss.
• Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream contains shea butter and sunflower oil to moisturize your skin, plus several moisturizing ingredients like amino acids, urea, and Sodium PCA.
• Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream contains lactic acid to gently exfoliate dull, dead skin cells.
• CeraVe is both a face and body cream.

About CeraVe

CeraVe is a skincare company that was founded in 2005 with a mission to provide effective, affordable, and accessible skincare products.

Experts found that skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dry skin all shared a common denominator: they all result from an impaired skin barrier.

CeraVe products are developed with dermatologists and most contain three skin-essential ceramides, plus ingredients like hyaluronic acid, to help restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

CeraVe’s products are formulated with MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE), a technology and delivery system that slowly releases ceramide formulas over time, ensuring nourishment and hydration throughout the day.

The company focuses on developing high-quality skincare products based on science and backed by clinical research.

The company’s product range includes cleansers, moisturizers, serums, ointments, makeup removers, and sunscreens, all of which are designed to address specific skin concerns and skin types, including normal, sensitive, oily, acne-prone, and combination skin.

CeraVe also offers baby care products.

About Eucerin

Eucerin has been providing skin care solutions for over 100 years. Founded in Hamburg, Germany, the company has always been at the forefront of skin research and collaboration between dermatologists and pharmacists.

The ointment base Eucerin is an ingredient that paved the way for modern skin care treatments for sensitive skin. Eucerin was developed with the emulsifying agent Eucerit, invented and patented by Dr. Isaac Lifschütz in 1902.

Lifschütz sold his patent to Beiersdorf (Eucerin’s parent company) in 1911 and went on to become a chemist at Beiersdorf.

Since then, Eucerin has developed a range of clinically proven skincare and body care products designed to improve the health and appearance of dry, sensitive, and stressed skin.

Today, Eucerin is one of the leading brands for scientifically-proven and clinically-tested skincare solutions that help protect and nourish the skin on your face and body, including products for dry and itchy skin, eczema, and redness and offers products for kids as well as sunscreen products.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to CeraVe vs Eucerin, one brand may appeal more to you than the other based on your skin type.

CeraVe tends to offer more lightweight products, while Eucerin body products have thicker and richer textures.

If budget is a concern, Eucerin tends to be a bit more affordable.

Ultimately, both brands have proven results with different ingredients and textures that can help you find the perfect product for your skin type.

Thanks for reading!