When we ask dermatologists about their favorite drugstore skin care brands, CeraVe and Cetaphil are two that come up time and time again.
Both companies have amassed legions of loyal customers with their gentle, yet effective products and affordable price points. And while, in our opinion, it seems like you can't really go wrong with products from either brand, you may be wondering if one is better than the other for certain skin types. So we consulted with dermatologists to find out what makes the brands so popular in the first place and how they compare.
Do dermatologists recommend CeraVe?
CeraVe was founded in 2005 and, according to the brand, its formulations and ingredients are developed with dermatologists, so every product is expert-backed.
But it's also recommended by plenty of practicing dermatologists whom we've spoken to. “I do recommend it in my practice, and it is one of the brands that I do use on myself as well,” Dr. Sejal Shah, board-certified dermatologist at SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City, previously shared with Shop TODAY.
All of the brand's products feature a blend of ceramides and fatty acids (the inclusion of ceramides is what gives the company its name), and many include ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, all of which help strengthen and support the skin barrier, she said.
And Shah shared that the products "really work well for the large majority of people." She added, “Now, you might have a little more oily skin or more dry skin and maybe you need something else, and they really have gone into those arenas as well, covering different skin types. But what all the products share is these skin barrier-supporting ingredients, which I think is really key when you look for any product that you’re going to use.”
Do dermatologists recommend Cetaphil?
Much like CeraVe, Cetaphil is also popular amongst dermatologists. In fact, because of its range of products, efficacy and commitment to skin health, Dr. Brendon Camp, a dermatologist in New York City, told us that Cetaphil is one of “the most commonly recommended skin care brands by dermatologists.”
"They design their products advertised for sensitive skin with a pH balance that maintains the skin’s acid-alkaline balance and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier,” shared board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch. Because of this, he often recommends them to people with "sensitive skin, excess oil, redness or dehydrated skin."
Which is better, CeraVe or Cetaphil?
It's hard to say whether one is really better than the other. According to New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, both brands make "gentle, fragrance-free products designed for sensitive skin." However, they differ in how they are formulated.
As previously mentioned, CeraVe's products include hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Many of the products also feature the brand's patented MultiVesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology. Basically, Jaliman says, each formula "contains layers of tiny vesicles (spheres) that are packed with ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids and hyaluronic acid. These vesicles release the active ingredients over time, rather than all at once. This results in long-lasting hydration and improved barrier function."
That's why she says that CeraVe's products tend to be best for those with "dry, compromised skin" (especially conditions like eczema and dermatitis). "It is also best for anyone who wants long-lasting hydration."
Cetaphil, on the other hand, with its focus on simplicity, tends to be better for the people who want just the basics, Jaliman says. "These products are helpful if previous skin care products irritated them."
She shares, "Their formulas are soothing and non-irritating, often with a lighter feel."
Below, we're highlighting some of the top products from each brand that both editors and experts love.
Best CeraVe products, according to dermatologists and editors
Writer Jannely Espinal shares that just a dime-sized portion of this formula allows her to cover her whole face and properly clean it. "It even removes clumps of mascara and shimmery eyeshadow," she shares.
“When it comes to skin care, it’s fun to try new products but I remain convinced that the most basic brands are often the best. That said, CeraVe is always a winner for my sensitive, acne-prone skin,” says associate editor Erica Marrison. “I use this as my face moisturizer morning and night, and it’s perfect! Plus, given that the price point is low and the container is huge, it lasts me a very long time before I need to repurchase.”
Jaliman notes that this formula is "great for dry or eczema-prone skin," as it has a rich consistency and provides long-lasting hydration.
This lotion was named the best budget moisturizer during our previous Shop TODAY Beauty Awards. Editorial director Alexandra Deabler noted that she loves the pump bottle, in particular. “I love that it’s small and fits in my travel bag easily. And it absorbs easily!”
I've been using CeraVe's moisturizer every morning for the last few years. I love that it's not only hydrating, but it also has SPF for added sun protection. Plus, it doesn't cause breakouts or irritation.
Production associate Audrey Ekman also loves the lotion (as well as the p.m. formula). "I’ve been loyal to both products since my dermatologist first recommended them for my acne-prone skin way back in the sixth grade!"
This cleanser "contains salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation," Jaliman shares. "It is good for oily or acne-prone skin. It is also helpful for rough, bumpy skin (like keratosis pilaris), but is still gentle."
This cleanser is both "mild" and "non-foaming," Jaliman shares. "It is excellent for dry or sensitive skin. It also helps to hydrate the skin."
This is another CeraVe product that has been in my skin care routine for years. I buy the large size of this cleanser every 12 months or so, and it lasts for the remainder of the year. It leaves my skin feeling completely clean and even takes off stubborn makeup and mascara. Plus, it doesn't strip my skin of moisture.
This serum was another former Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner. It's the perfect choice for anyone who is looking to tackle fine lines and uneven texture. According to the brand, the retinol in the formula is encapsulated to help your skin look smoother overall.
Best Cetaphil products, according to dermatologists and editors
“Cetaphil’s healing ointment can be used to address a number of skin concerns, like chapped lips, rough cuticles, and minor cuts and scrapes,” Camp previously told us. It's enriched with shea butter, so the brand says it's great for softening and hydrating skin.
Jaliman calls this "a very mild cleanser" that won't strip the skin. She adds, "It is perfect for sensitive skin or daily use." It features ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide and more, so the brand says it helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Camp shared with us that this daily moisturizer is “great for those with acne-prone skin.” He added that it has a mattifying effect “to limit the appearance of oil and shine.”
Not only is this moisturizer another former Beauty Awards winner, but it's also a derm-approved pick for those with rosacea.
"[This] is good option if redness is a concern," Jaliman says. "The other benefit is that it has sun protection. So it’s two products in one."
Jaliman says that this is a "lighter daily moisturizer that works well for normal or oily skin." It's designed to be both non-greasy and hypoallergic as to not irritate your skin.
“This is my holy grail body cream,” associate editor Madison San Miguel shares. “I have very dry skin, and depending on the season, am prone to eczema, so I’ve gone through many body products to narrow down my perfect match. This cream has continuously impressed me, as it is highly moisturizing year-round. I sometimes switch my products out for winter, but this cream is always in my routine. I use it for both my face and body, and one tub lasts me about two to three months. It also isn’t heavy or greasy!”
“Whether I choose to go makeup-free for the day or apply full glam, I’m constantly shocked by how well this serum lasts,” one writer previously shared. “I no longer worry about my under-eye makeup ending up patchy after just a few hours due to the dry skin peeking from underneath.”
How we chose
Cetaphil and CeraVe are two drugstore brands that we know our readers love. All of the above products were recommended by dermatologists we have spoken with, as well as our own editors.
Meet our experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City. She practices all aspects of dermatology and has expertise in cosmetic dermatology, lasers, hair loss and treating ethnic skin.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology who sees patients in Manhattan, Commack and Plainview, NY. He specializes in treating conditions like acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis as well as performing procedures for advanced skin cancer treatment.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. He is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and is experienced in treating medical conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and more, as well as helping patients with cosmetic concerns and treatments.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who focuses on cosmetic and general dermatology. She is also an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
