{"id":890862,"date":"2025-12-06T16:24:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-06T13:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=890862"},"modified":"2025-12-06T16:24:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T13:24:21","slug":"vanicream-vs-cerave-which-moisturizer-is-best-for-dry-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=890862","title":{"rendered":"Vanicream vs. CeraVe\u2014Which Moisturizer is Best for Dry Skin?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

Vanicream vs. CeraVe\u2014Which Moisturizer is Best for Dry Skin?<\/h1>\n

We put these top drugstore creams to the test.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Caitlyn Martyn<\/p>\n
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\"selfie\"selfie<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nCaitlyn Martyn\n<\/div>\n
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    \nCaitlyn Martyn is a New York-based beauty and style associate editor for Byrdie. Caitlyn has covered makeup, skincare, hair care, fashion, and wellness topics for outlets such as Byrdie, WhoWhatWear, Mindbodygreen, Well + Good, and more.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on April 16, 2025 01:30PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
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    Stocksy<\/p>\n

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    In This Article<\/p>\n


    \nWhat We Considered
    \n<\/span>
    \nThe Cost
    \n<\/span>
    \nThe Final Verdict
    \n<\/span><\/div>\n

    \nVanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
    \n<\/span>
    \nCerave Moisturizing Cream
    \n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Moisturizer may be the most basic of skincare essentials, but that doesn’t make it any easier to choose the right one. There are thousands of options on the market, from pricey ingredient-packed formulations to minimalist lotions that simply get the job done. Two of the most widely recommended moisturizers are the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer and the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.\n<\/p>\n

    “Both of these brands are excellent and are the ‘go to’ for dermatologists everywhere,” notes board-certified dermatologist, Alicia Zalka, MD. “They are both: Readily available online and in stores; Formulated for combating dry skin; Fragrance-free; Cost effective; [and] Recommended for their gentleness on the skin.”\n<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s no coincidence that they have a lot in common, but there are some key differences in their formulas and containers to consider. Keep reading for Byrdie’s (plus two dermatologists’) in-depth comparison of the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer vs. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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    • Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.<\/li>\n
    • Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University. She is also the Founder of Surface Deep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      01<\/span>of 02<\/span><\/div>\n
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      Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer <\/span><\/h2>\n
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      Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"Vanicream\"Vanicream<\/div>
      Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      $14<\/span><\/div>\n

      $14 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Ulta<\/span><\/span>$14 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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        Comes in a tube<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Ceramide-rich formula<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Non-greasy<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Less likely to clog pores<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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        Dermatologist recommended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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        What We Don’t Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Can temporarily burn after applying<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          Who It\u2019s For:<\/strong> In the world of facial moisturizers, there are very few that don\u2019t contain dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, and all that other debated stuff. And even within that small pool of moisturizers, there are even fewer that are formulated without botanical extracts (aka oils derived from flowers, herbs, nuts, seeds, roots, leaves, barks, and berries) that can clog pores for those with super sensitive skin like me. That’s likely due to the brand’s origin: “Vanicream has a long history first established in the 1970’s by pharmacists working with allergists and dermatologists in a hospital setting,” explains Dr. Zalka. This formula from Vanicream contains nothing but hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to nourish the skin simply and effectively.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

          Ingredients: <\/strong>Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Squalane| Container Type: <\/strong>Squeeze tube| Size: <\/strong>4 oz.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          02<\/span>of 02<\/span><\/div>\n
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          Cerave Moisturizing Cream <\/span><\/h2>\n
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          CeraVe Moisturizing Cream<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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          \"CeraVe\"CeraVe<\/div>
          Credit: Target<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          $21<\/span><\/div>\n

          $15 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$20 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$18 at Dermstore<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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          What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Rich consistency<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Large amount of product<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Deeply hydrating<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Can be used on face and body<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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            Dermatologist recommended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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            What We Don’t Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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              May clog pores<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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              Tub container can become contaminated<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              Who It\u2019s For: <\/strong>Looking for a moisturizer that can be used on both the face and body? CeraVe\u2019s Moisturizing Cream should be on your radar. The rich cream feels incredibly hydrating on all body parts\u2014dry elbows and knees included\u2014and never feels greasy. It\u2019s a fan favorite among people of all skin types, especially those with very dry, sensitive skin. Plus, each tub comes with a ton of product, so one purchase lasts you a long time.\n<\/p>\n

              Ingredients: <\/strong>Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides| Container Type: <\/strong>Tub| Size: <\/strong>19 oz.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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              What We Considered <\/span><\/h2>\n

              Ingredients: Moisture minus the sensitivity <\/span><\/h3>\n

              Winner<\/strong>: Vanicream Daily Moisturizer\n<\/p>\n

              I was recently prescribed Tretinoin, a prescription-strength topical cream similar to retinol that rapidly sloughs away the top layer of skin to help treat acne. Though I was excited to see results, I wasn\u2019t prepared for the skin shedding that would take place all over my face. To combat the flakey patches, I needed a moisturizer that would deliver intense hydration without clogging my pores or interacting poorly with the harsh acne cream.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

              After obsessively reading ingredient labels, I discovered that the Vanicream Daily Moisturizer has gentle ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane (aka ingredients that are the least likely to clog pores or cause a reaction). CeraVe\u2019s Moisturizing Cream is also loaded with ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is recommended for super dry skin. Since it\u2019s a little thicker and has a few more ingredients, I wasn\u2019t surprised when it made me break out. To figure out why, board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, explained that although the ingredient profiles are almost the same, CeraVe\u2019s formula has <\/strong>dimethicone<\/strong>, which can give it a smoother application but might clog pores for some people.<\/strong> \u201cIn general, Vanicream is a dermatologist favorite for very sensitive skin given it has only the essentials without anything that can potentially be irritating,\u201d he shares.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

              “Vanicream is formulated to be free of allergy-promoting substances, […] free of lanolin, dye and gluten, [and] is the choice of dermatologists for their patients with sensitive or allergy-prone skin,” adds Dr. Zalka. “For those who are highly allergy-prone, or suffering from rashes like contact dermatitis or irritant dermatitis, or sensitive skin,\u00a0Vanicream would be my choice.”<\/strong><\/p>\n

              Container: A pump comes in handy <\/span><\/h3>\n

              Winner<\/strong>: Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer\n<\/p>\n

              Formulas are important, but so are the containers they\u2019re housed in. If a product has a container that can be easily tampered with, the formula can become tainted and can actually do more harm than good. That\u2019s why Vanicream is the winner here. Although it\u2019s easier to stick your hand in Cerave\u2019s large tub, the risk of polluting the formula with grubby fingers is much higher than using Vanicream\u2019s squeeze tube.<\/strong> However, Cerave formula is available at some stores with a pump top or in the travel-size squeeze tube, just be sure to check before you buy.\n<\/p>\n

              Consistency: Your texture preference will make that call <\/span><\/h3>\n

              Winner<\/strong>: It\u2019s a tie!\n<\/p>\n

              Vanicream’s consistency is like a milky lotion that spreads out nicely and evenly. On the other hand, Cerave\u2019s Moisturizing Cream is thick and rich, so it takes a little more effort to smooth it across the skin.<\/strong> There\u2019s no right or wrong here, it\u2019s simply up to personal preference. I, for one, have super oily skin and hate the feeling of a thick moisturizer on my face. Other members of our team disagree and are really into thicker formulations.\u00a0“Simply for excessively dry skin, I would recommend CeraVe Healing Ointment or CeraVe Cream (in the jar),” says Dr. Zalka.\n<\/p>\n

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              What Our Testers Say<\/p>\n

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              \u201cThe Cerave texture is thick and occlusive. It feels rich on the skin without being greasy and leaving behind a shine.\u201d \u2014 Alyssa Kaplan, Byrdie Writer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              Value: The price point is comparable <\/span><\/h3>\n

              Winner: <\/strong>It\u2019s a tie!\n<\/p>\n

              Though the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer and the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream are available at a similar price point and are intended to serve the same purpose, they have different ingredients and can serve different people, making it hard to judge their value. While my experience with the Vanicream has been better than the CeraVe formula, the latter has worked better for others with different skin types. The main distinction between the two is that the Vanicream moisturizer is less comedogenic and can be better suited for oily, acne-prone skin, while the CeraVe moisturizer can be tolerated by those with drier skin.<\/strong> When it comes down to design, I prefer the Vanicream because of the squeeze tube; however, CeraVe has updated its packaging in some locations to include a pump top to avoid contamination of the big tub it comes in. Either option is great, but you may want to consider your skin type before you buy.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

              The Cost <\/span><\/h2>\n

              When shopping for a moisturizer, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $5 to well over $400. As you try to decide which is the right moisturizer for you, you should consider how often you\u2019ll use it and which ingredients mean the most to you. In terms of drugstore formulas, both the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer and the Cerave Moisturizing Lotion are well-priced and, honestly, quite a steal when considering their effectiveness.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

              The Final Verdict <\/span><\/h2>\n

              Several members of our team, myself included, unanimously chose the Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer over all other options, including the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. While the two are similar, our testers found that the Vanicream formula was less likely to irritate skin, cause breakouts, or trigger rashes. “Both companies are very generous with providing product samples to doctor’s offices (at least they do for mine),” adds Dr. Zalka. “Ask your dermatologist for samples of each and choose which is best for you.”\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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              Read more:<\/div>\n
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              • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Moisturizers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

                Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/vanicream-vs-cerave-comparison-6833625<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Vanicream vs. CeraVe\u2014Which Moisturizer is Best for Dry Skin? We put these top drugstore creams to the test. By Caitlyn Martyn Caitlyn Martyn Caitlyn Martyn is a New York-based beauty and style associate editor for Byrdie. Caitlyn has covered makeup, skincare, hair care, fashion, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":890863,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-890862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=890862"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/890862\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/890863"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=890862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=890862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=890862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}