Aveeno vs CeraVe

Aveeno and CeraVe are two popular drugstore skincare brands known for their affordable and effective products. Both brands offer a wide range of skincare products, including cleansers, moisturizers, body products, and more.

But what distinguishes one from the other? In this Aveeno vs CeraVe comparison, we’ll look at several products from each brand to help you determine which is better for your skin.

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Aveeno vs CeraVe

There are a few main differences between Aveeno and CeraVe skin care products.

Many Aveeno products are formulated with oat and soy to help soothe and moisturize dry and sensitive skin.

CeraVe, on the other hand, uses three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore and preserve the skin’s protective barrier.

All CeraVe products are fragrance-free, while some Aveeno products contain fragrance.

While Aveeno has been around longer than CeraVe (Aveeno was founded in 1945 vs CeraVe’s launch in 2005), both brands take a science-backed approach to skincare and formulate their products to be gentle on your skin.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Gentle Nourishing Oat Cleanser vs CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

We’ll start this Aveeno vs CeraVe comparison with two gentle non-foaming cleansers:

It gently removes dirt, makeup, oil, and impurities while leaving your skin feeling hydrated, soft, and supple.

Aveeno’s oat formula (Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour) hydrates your skin while preserving your skin’s moisture barrier.

Chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) flower/leaf/stem juice derived from the Wild Chamomile plant is a potent skin-protective antioxidant that moisturizes your skin.

Sodium hyaluronate, a sodium salt derived from hyaluronic acid, helps to keep your skin hydrated by binding water in the skin’s upper layers while glycerin moisturizes.

The fragrance-free cleanser does not foam and is even suitable for sensitive skin. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.

This oat cleanser is formulated without parabens, phthalates​, dyes, or alcohol.​

This gel cream cleanser features a blend of essential ceramides, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP, which help to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier.

The face wash also contains glycerin for moisture and hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate to aid in moisture retention.

Formulated for those with normal to dry skin, the cleanser utilizes CeraVe’s MVE Technology to gradually release its nourishing ingredients, including encapsulated ceramides, for prolonged hydration.

This gentle, fragrance-free cleanser is recognized by the National Eczema Association as non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin.

Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores and cause blemishes.

The cleanser boasts a lightweight gel-cream texture that does not produce lather, providing a refreshing and hydrating experience for the skin.

Non-Foaming Cleanser Similarities & Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Non-foaming gel-cream texture	✅  Different Hero Ingredients: Aveeno contains oat extract and feverfew; CeraVe contains three essential ceramides
✅  Both contain sodium hyaluronate and glycerin	✅  CeraVe is accepted by Nation Eczema Association
✅  Fragrance-free
✅  Suitable for sensitive skin

Both cleansers are gentle on the skin and suitable for sensitive skin types. CeraVe takes it a step further, as it is accepted by the National Eczema Association.

The cleansers are fragrance-free and have a lightweight gel-cream texture that is non-foaming.

Both cleansers boost hydration with key ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate and glycerin.

But they use different hero ingredients to support a healthy skin barrier: Aveeno uses oat extract and feverfew extract, while CeraVe uses three essential ceramides to nourish your skin.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser vs CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Both brands have multiple products formulated for acne-prone skin. The following foaming cleansers contain salicylic acid to target acne and breakouts.

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps clear away dirt and excess oils from the skin while also helping to reduce redness and inflammation.

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate deeper into the pores to clear away oil and debris while helping reduce the appearance of acne.

Soy extract helps to reduce the appearance of discoloration and blotchiness while also helping to even out skin tone.

This oil-free acne facial cleanser has a pump that dispenses a lightweight foam that is gentle enough for daily use.

It’s formulated without dyes, parabens, soap, oil, or sulfates and is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.

Please note there is an added fresh fragrance in this cleanser.

NOTE: If you want a more potent salicylic acid cleanser from Aveeno, they offer Clear Complexion Cream Cleanser With Salicylic Acid, which contains a 2% salicylic acid concentration.

This acne face wash gently exfoliates the skin, removing excess dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to help keep pores clear.

The salicylic acid cleanser helps reduce blackheads and the look of pores while soothing redness and inflammation. It also contains purifying Hectorite clay to absorb excess oil.

The cleanser contains CeraVe’s Oil-Absorbing Technology to reduce visible shine, which is excellent for oily skin types.

It is enriched with three essential ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier and niacinamide to help balance sebum production and soothe skin.

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is included in the formula to help the skin retain moisture.

The cleanser is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores).

Acne Cleanser Similarities & Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Both contain salicylic acid	✅  Aveeno contains 0.5% salicylic acid; CeraVe contains 2% salicylic acid
✅  Foaming	✅  Aveeno has a pump that dispenses a foam; CeraVe is a gel that foams with water
✅  Non-comedogenic	✅  Aveeno contains soy extract for brightening; CeraVe contains niacinamide for brightening
	✅  CeraVe is fragrance-free; Aveeno is not

The main difference between the two acne cleansers is that Aveeno contains 0.5% salicylic acid while CeraVe contains 2% salicylic acid.

They both foam, but Aveeno’s dispenser pump creates a ready-to-apply foam, whereas, with CeraVe’s cleanser, you have to add water to transform the gel into a foam.

Aveeno contains soy extract for brightening, while CeraVe contains niacinamide to brighten and balance oil production, plus hyaluronic acid for hydration and ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier.

CeraVe’s formula contains more concentrated acne-fighting ingredients than Aveeno.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 vs CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

Both Aveeno and CeraVe offer a daily moisturizer with sunscreen protection (SPF 30):

The sunscreen protection comes from chemical sunscreen filters: avobenzone (1.5%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (4%), and octocrylene (6%).

The moisturizer contains tone-correcting soy (Glycine soja seed extract) that helps brighten dull, uneven skin tone and reduce the look of dark spots for a more radiant complexion.

The daily moisturizer is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause blemishes.

Please note that there is added fragrance in this SPF 30 moisturizer.

The moisturizer contains both mineral (physical) and chemical sunscreen filters: homosalate (10%), meradimate (5%), octinoxate (5%), octocrylene (2%), and zinc oxide (6.3%).

CeraVe’s InVisibleZinc Technology (microfine zinc oxide) applies evenly on your skin without leaving an unwanted white cast or chalky residue.

The lotion is enriched with skin-loving actives, including three essential ceramides that help to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, hyaluronic acid (in the salt form of sodium hyaluronate) for hydration and niacinamide for calming skin irritation and improving skin tone.

It uses CeraVe’s MVE Technology which encapsulates ceramides and gradually releases them throughout the day for extended hydration.

The moisturizer is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores and cause acne or breakouts.

Please note that this SPF 30 sunscreen is fragrance-free.

Daily Face Moisturizer Similarities & Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen protection	✅  Aveeno contains chemical filters; CeraVe contains chemical and mineral (zinc oxide) filters.
✅  Non-comedogenic	✅  Different Active Ingredients for Brightening: Aveeno contains soy extract; CeraVe contains niacinamide
	✅  CeraVe contains additional actives; ceramides + hyaluronic acid
	✅  CeraVe is fragrance-free; Aveeno is not

Both moisturizers contain SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen protection. Aveeno uses chemical filters, while CeraVe uses chemical and mineral (zinc oxide) filters.

Both are non-comedogenic.

Aveeno uses soy extract to brighten dull skin, while CeraVe uses niacinamide to brighten dull skin.

CeraVe also contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides for additional hydration and moisture.

Aveeno contains fragrance, while CeraVe does not.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Next, we move onto lightweight body lotions that can be used daily for softer, more nourished skin:

Aveeno’s prebiotic oat formula offers prebiotic benefits to support a healthy skin microbiome. It also provides soothing benefits and strengthens the skin barrier.

Glycerin moisturizes and softens the skin, while petrolatum creates a protective barrier to help prevent moisture loss.

This Aveeno moisturizing lotion helps soothe chafed, chapped, or cracked skin and helps protect against the effects of cold weather and wind. It’s great for irritated, itchy skin, too.

The fragrance-free lightweight, creamy lotion provides up to 24 hours of hydration.

The non-greasy moisturizer is ideal for dry skin. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.

If you wonder, “Can I use Aveeno lotion on my face?” I reached out to Aveeno to find out. They responded that it is only intended for the body and they don’t recommend it for the face.

This silky lotion is packed with sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid in its salt form) and three essential ceramides that work together to hydrate and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Thanks to CeraVe’s MVE Technology, this oil-free moisturizer provides efficient and long-lasting hydration throughout the day by encapsulating ceramides and slowly releasing them over time.

This lotion has been accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it an excellent choice for those with eczema-prone skin.

It’s also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and fast-absorbing, providing 24-hour hydration without any greasiness.

The lotion can be used on both your face and body, making it a multi-use cost-effective skincare product.

Moisturizing Lotions Similarities & Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  Different Active Ingredients: Aveeno contains oat extract; CeraVe contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid
✅  Non-comedogenic	✅  CeraVe is oil-free; Aveeno is not
	✅  CeraVe is accepted by the National Eczema Association
	✅  CeraVe can be used on your face and body

Both lotions are lightweight, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.

Aveeno is not oil-free (it contains petrolatum, a mineral oil jelly) and uses oats to nourish dry skin.

CeraVe is oil-free and uses hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

CeraVe is accepted by the National Eczema Association and is suitable for those with eczema-prone skin, but Aveeno is not.

CeraVe can be used as both a face and body lotion.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream vs CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

If a lotion isn’t rich enough for your skin, both brands offer more concentrated formulas that provide intense skin protective moisture.

The cream contains Aveeno’s Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex, which contains oat flour to moisturize your skin, oat extract to soothe and nourish skin, and oat oil to strengthen the skin moisture barrier and condition dry skin.

The cream also contains ceramide NP (one of the three ceramides found in CeraVe moisturizing cream) to support a healthy skin barrier.

Petrolatum locks in moisture, and shea butter, a natural emollient, soothes and softens your skin.

It’s fragrance-free and has a creamy texture that absorbs quickly without feeling greasy.

This cream contains three essential ceramides that help replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier and sodium hyaluronate for optimal hydration.

Unlike the oil-free Daily Moisturizing Lotion, this cream is formulated with petrolatum, an occlusive ingredient that helps to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.

Additionally, the cream contains cholesterol, a lipid naturally found in the skin that helps to maintain hydration levels.

This CeraVe cream is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores or cause acne, making it suitable for use on both the face and body.

Related Post: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Lotion

Moisturizing Creams Similarities & Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Contain Ceramide NP and petrolatum	✅  Different Active Ingredients: a Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex, petrolatum, and shea butter; CeraVe contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and cholesterol
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  CeraVe has a lighter texture than Aveeno
✅  Not oil-free	✅  CeraVe can be used on both the face and body

Both moisturizing creams are fragrance-free and contain ceramide NP and petrolatum to nourish and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Neither is oil-free.

Aveeno contains a Prebiotic Triple Oat Complex, petrolatum, and shea butter to nourish, soothe and condition dry skin.

Aveeno uses additional ceramides, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), and cholesterol to nourish dry skin.

Aveeno has a thicker texture, while CeraVe feels lighter on the skin.

CeraVe can be used on both the face and body.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream vs CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that can cause dryness, redness, and itchiness.

Finding the right moisturizing product to help relieve the symptoms of eczema can be a challenge, but thankfully, many affordable drugstore products can provide relief.

Both Aveeno and CeraVe offer eczema products designed to relieve the discomfort associated with eczema symptoms.

It is formulated with 1% colloidal oatmeal to relieve itch and skin irritation from eczema and strengthen the skin moisture barrier.

Aveeno’s Triple Oat Complex combines three oat ingredients:

Oat flour, rich in lipids and proteins, soothes the skin and protects the skin barrier. Oat extract offers prebiotic and soothing benefits. Oat oil contains unsaturated fatty acids to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.

Ceramide NP derived from corn oil helps to nourish and restore the skin’s natural barrier. Glycerin derived from vegetable oil moisturizes, and petrolatum locks in moisture.

Panthenol, or pro-vitamin B5, is a moisturizing ingredient that helps soothe itchy, irritated skin.

The fragrance-free cream is rich and creamy, and steroid-free.

It contains 1% colloidal oatmeal to help soothe itchy, dry, irritated skin and three essential ceramides to help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

Three essential ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP) act like the glue that holds skin cells together. Sodium hyaluronate helps lock in moisture.

The creamy oil also contains multiple plant oils. Safflower oil, rich in fatty acids, moisturizes the skin. Other oils include olive oil, soybean oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil.

Niacinamide helps reduce redness and irritation, while allantoin and rosemary leaf extract soothe the skin. Sodium PCA and cholesterol provide additional moisture.

Due to the oil content in the product, you’d think it would have a thinner, oily texture, but it has more of a cream texture that doesn’t feel oily or greasy at all.

Eczema Cream/Creamy Oil Similarities & Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Both contain 1% colloidal oatmeal and Ceramide NP	✅  Aveeno is a cream; CeraVe is a cream oil
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  Aveeno contains a Triple Oat Complex, a ceramide, glycerin, and panthenol; CeraVe contains multiple oils, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide + additional actives
	✅  CeraVe has a thicker, denser texture

Both are fragrance-free and contain 1% colloidal oatmeal to soothe itchy, irritated skin.

Aveeno is a cream, while CeraVe is a creamy oil. CeraVe has a thicker, creamy texture than Aveeno.

CeraVe contains a more complex ingredient list with many additional actives to soothe and moisturize eczema-prone skin.

Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturizing Cream vs CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Lotion

When shopping for a baby body lotion, look for a product free of fragrances and synthetic ingredients so as not to irritate baby’s sensitive skin.

Aveeno and CeraVe both make fragrance-free baby body lotions that are gentle on baby’s skin:

The cream contains Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, which is powdered oat extract. It soothes dry, itchy skin with anti-inflammatory beta-glucan and nourishing lipids.

Oats also contain skin-protective antioxidants and carbohydrates that moisturize baby’s delicate skin.

Formulated for sensitive skin, the lotion also contains moisturizing glycerin and skin-protective petrolatum.

Allantoin soothes baby’s skin, while dimethicone, a skin protectant, helps prevent chafed, chapped, or cracked skin.

The non-greasy lotion cream is fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and phenoxyethanol-free.

The lightweight lotion contains three essential ceramides to maintain baby’s developing skin barrier.

The fragrance-free lotion also contains calming niacinamide, hydrating hyaluronic acid (in its salt form of sodium hyaluronate), and antioxidant vitamin E.

Like Aveeno, the lotion also contains skin protectant dimethicone and soothing allantoin derived from the comfrey plant.

Sodium PCA and cholesterol moisturize baby’s skin.

The non-greasy lotion is also paraben-free, phthalate-free, and dye-free.

Plus, it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Baby Lotion Similarities & Differences

Similarities	Differences
✅  Both contain skin-protectant dimethicone and soothing allantoin	✅  Aveeno contains Avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, glycerin, and petrolatum; CeraVe contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, sodium PCA, and cholesterol
✅  Fragrance-free	✅  CeraVe is accepted by the National Eczema Association

Both moisturizers are fragrance-free and contain skin-protectant dimethicone and soothing allantoin.

Aveeno contains Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, glycerin, and petrolatum to nourish baby’s skin.

CeraVe contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, sodium PCA, and cholesterol to moisturize and protect baby’s skin.

CeraVe Baby Lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association.

About Aveeno

Aveeno is a skincare brand that has been trusted by millions of people worldwide for over 70 years.

The brand’s story began in 1945 when two American brothers discovered the skin-soothing properties of oats, which led to Aveeno formulating their products with finely milled colloidal oatmeal.

They went on to develop a range of products to help soothe and moisturize dry and sensitive skin.

Named after the Avena sativa plant, also known as the common oat, Aveeno has since become one of the most well-known skincare brands in the United States and worldwide.

Aveeno continues to use natural ingredients and formulates their products for sensitive skin types.

Aveeno’s products are free of paraben-free, phthalate-free, and dye-free, while using ingredients like oats and gentle soy to replenish the skin.

Aveeno offers a wide range of skincare products, including body washes, lotions, creams, facial cleansers, and moisturizers. The products are designed to provide hydration, nourishment, and protection to the skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy and radiant.

What sets Aveeno apart is its commitment to using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

The brand uses ethically sourced ingredients (their oat is 100% pure, non-GMO, and food grade) sourced from suppliers that treat their workforce safely and fairly.

Additionally, the brand is committed to recyclable packaging (over 80% of Aveeno bottles are recyclable) and has committed to reducing its environmental footprint.

About CeraVe

CeraVe is a skincare brand that was established in 2005 with the aim to provide affordable, effective, and easily accessible skincare products that help repair a compromised skin barrier.

Since extensive research has shown that various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dry skin stem from a weakened skin barrier, CeraVe began collaborating with dermatologists to develop products that contain three skin-essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to restore and preserve the skin’s protective barrier.

Their unique MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE) releases ceramide formulas slowly over time, providing long-lasting nourishment and hydration throughout the day.

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

They also offer products for babies, eczema, psoriasis, and diabetic skin.

The Bottom Line

Whether you choose Aveeno or CeraVe, you can trust that both skin care brands will provide quality skincare products to help nourish and protect your skin.

For me, CeraVe products tend to feel lighter on my skin. They have a slight advantage over Aveeno products in terms of their multiple active ingredients and long-lasting hydration thanks to their MVE Technology.

Ultimately, the choice between Aveeno and CeraVe comes down to your personal preference, skin concerns, and skin type.

Luckily you can test a few products from each brand without spending too much to find out which is the best for your skin, as both brands are very affordable.

Thanks for reading!

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