This comparison uses the US Moisturizing Cream formulas, not Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer or CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. Both brands sell several moisturizers, which gives the word "moisturizer" rather more work than it should have.14
How do the creams compare?
| Feature | Vanicream Moisturizing Cream | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | Shorter formula built around petrolatum, with sorbitol and propylene glycol | Contains glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone, cholesterol, three ceramides and sodium hyaluronate |
| Ceramides | Does not contain ceramides | Contains ceramides NP, AP and EOP |
| Niacinamide | Not listed in this cream | Not listed in this cream |
| Fragrance | Free of fragrance and masking fragrances | No fragrance listed in the US cream formula |
| Texture description | Non greasy, easy to spread and quickly absorbed | Described by CeraVe as rich, non greasy and fast absorbing |
| Price comparison | No matched size price available here | US brand listing shows $14.99, without a size alongside the price |
Ceramides are fats that help hydrate skin and maintain its protective barrier. Hyaluronic acid helps skin retain moisture. Those ingredients make CeraVe a reasonable choice if you specifically want them, but their presence is not a reason to discard a moisturizer that already suits you. Neither cream has a treatment strength to compare. For price, compare the same package size at your retailer rather than treating the listed CeraVe price as proof that either brand is cheaper.35
Which should you choose?
- For dry, sensitive skin, Vanicream is a reasonable starting point if its shorter ingredient list matches what you want to use.
- For dry skin where you want ceramides and hyaluronic acid, choose CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
- For oily skin that dislikes thicker products, consider a gel instead of making either cream your default.
- For combination skin, apply moisturizer to dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas too.
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer contains ceramides and is a lighter option than its cream. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains niacinamide, while CeraVe Moisturizing Cream does not list it. A cream you dislike applying is a poor daily choice, however persuasive the jar was in the shop.123
How should you apply either moisturizer?
- 1Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or showering, while skin is still damp. This helps trap water and makes thicker creams easier to spread.
- 2For excessively dry skin, choose a moisturizer you can comfortably apply at least twice a day. Morning and evening are practical opportunities.
- 3Reapply when needed. Vanicream also directs application after swimming and before exposure to wind and cold.
- 4Keep daily sun protection in your routine, including broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. These plain creams are not the brands' SPF moisturizers.
Expect hydration and reduced moisture loss, not a fixed deadline for every dry patch to disappear. There is no established comparison here showing that one cream works faster. CeraVe formulas change, so use your package's ingredient list when checking for something you need to avoid.24
What if you have eczema or persistent irritation?
For eczema, apply a gentle, fragrance free moisturizer immediately after bathing and as often as your dermatologist recommends. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Seek dermatology care if moisturizing does not help, or dryness becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging or very irritating.136
Where this answer comes from
- 1Vanicream™ Moisturizing Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skinvanicream.com
- 2Face Moisturizers for Dry Skincerave.com
- 3How to pick the right moisturizer for your skinaad.org
- 4Facial Moisturizers for All Skin Typescerave.com
- 5Moisturizing Cream | Moisturizersafrica.cerave.com
- 6How to reduce eczema flares with moisturizeraad.org
