Are you wondering what the difference is between CeraVe Vs Aveeno? Both are popular skincare brands for dry and sensitive skin, but is one better than the other? I researched and tested out over 40 different CeraVe and Aveeno products to find out which ones were best for different skin types and conditions.

Aveeno is a much older brand compared to CeraVe. It was started in 1945 by two brothers, Sidney and Albert Musher, who were studying the benefits of oat to heal dry and sensitive skin. Their research was recognised by dermatologists at the Mayo Clinic, and for over 75 years the Aveeno brand has continued to work with scientists to discover natural ingredients that benefit the skin.
By comparison, CeraVe is a much more modern brand, being established in 2005. It was also created by scientists looking for best formula for dry and sensitive skin conditions. CeraVe products all contain a blend of three essential ceramides that keep the skin healthy and hydrated. This unique ingredient combination has proven effective for eczema-prone skin types, and CeraVe has received more awards from the National Eczema Association than any other brand!
Both Aveeno and CeraVe produce skincare products that are hypoallergenic and recommended by skincare experts for skin conditions such as eczema or psoriosis. In this post I have compared the products in each brand and looked at which is best for various skin types and conditions.
This post is a comparison between CeraVe Vs Aveeno
CeraVe Vs Aveeno
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
CeraVe Vs Aveeno Face Wash
Best For Dry Skin
Comparison Table





Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have dry skin and prefer a cleanser that doesn’t foam choose either the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser or the CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser. The Aveeno cleanser is much thicker in consistency and takes a bit longer to wash off, but is also more gentle.
If you like a cleanser that does foam then go for the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. It leaves your skin feeling super clean, but may be slightly less gentle than the other two products.
All three products are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and fragrance free.
Best For Very Sensitive Skin
Although CeraVe cleansers are all suitable for sensitive skin, if you have particularly sensitive skin that’s prone to redness, I would recommend the Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser over CeraVe.
This cleanser gently removes any oil, dirt and bacteria from the skin whilst helping to improve facial redness and calm irritated skin. The formula contains Feverfew which has benefits as an anti-irritant and is proven to be one of the most calming natural ingredients for the skin.
- Fragrance free
- Gently cleans and softens even dry, sensitive skin
- With naturally calming feverfew
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe Vs Aveeno Face Moisturizer
Best For Dry Skin
Comparison Table



Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When it comes to a basic daily moisturiser for dry skin both brands make a simple, effective face cream that adds moisture to the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue.
When deciding between the two there’s a couple of factors to consider. Firstly the CeraVe product contains a sunscreen whereas the Aveeno moisturiser doesn’t. This would mean if you chose the Aveeno product you would ideally then layer a sunscreen on top.
Secondly, the ingredient list of each product is slightly different. CeraVe contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides which protect the skin barrier from moisture loss and add hydration. Aveeno contains oat which has a soothing and nourishing effect on the skin.
If your skin is both dry and dehydrated, and you don’t want to have to apply extra sun protection on top, the better option is the CeraVe moisturiser. If you have skin that’s prone to allergic reactions, or you get itchy skin, the Aveeno moisturiser is a great choice.
Best for Very Sensitive Skin
Again, if you have especially sensitive skin I think the Aveeno Ultra-Calming range has the slight edge over CeraVe. Aveeno moisturizers all contain colloidal oatmeal which has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Their Ultra-Calming Daily Face Moisturiser also contains calming Feverfew.
This formula rebalances and soothes irritated skin and visibly reduces redness in less than a week. The cream is also oil free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Although this one does contain some sun protection, I would advise that SPF15 isn’t enough, and you would still require something stronger over the top if you are going outside.
Related: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Lotion – What’s the Difference?
CeraVe Vs Aveeno Sunscreen
Comparison Table


Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Both CeraVe and Aveeno make good broad spectrum facial sunscreens that are suitable for all skin types.
The Aveeno sunscreen helps to create a more even skin tone and contains light diffusers to leave your skin beautiful and radiant. It has a non greasy formula that works well under makeup.
The CeraVe sunscreen helps to hydrate the skin and restore the skin barrier. It doesn’t clog the pores, cause acne or leave any chalky residue on the skin.
Although both products are moisturising and work well under makeup, the clear winner for me was the CeraVe sunscreen. I found it spread evenly over the skin and didn’t leave any greasy feeling. Compared to the Aveeno product I found the CeraVe suncreen far more moisturising. If you have dry skin it’s definitely the best option.
CeraVe Vs Aveeno Night Cream
Comparison Table








Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When it comes to night creams Aveeno is the clear winner. Whereas CeraVe only make one night moisturiser, Aveeno make four different night creams designed for ageing skin, sensitive skin, dry skin and uneven skin.
Although CeraVe only make one night cream, it’s suited for a skin type that Aveeno doesn’t cater to – oily skin type!
The best choice for you will depend on your skin type or the condition you want to treat. My personal favourite is the Aveeno Skin Relief Overnight Cream which is designed for very dry, itchy skin. It includes shea butter which contains five fatty acids that help to improve the skin’s barrier and lock in hydration.
CeraVe Vs Aveeno Body Lotion
Comparison Table







Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Both CeraVe and Aveeno make some excellent body lotions for dry skin types. If you have very dry skin the choice would be between the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion. I tested out both and found they were excellent at leaving me with moisturised, smooth skin.
The main difference between the two products is their active ingredients. CeraVe uses ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help seal in moisture and protect the skin barrier. Aveeno on the other hand use prebiotic colloidal oat and shea butter. The better choice for you will depend on which different ingredients work best for your skin.
After testing out both products I would recommend the Aveeno body lotion if you are particularly prone to skin irritation, and the CeraVe body moisturizer if your skin is prone to dehydration.
CeraVe also make a SA Smoothing Cream which works wonders on rough and bumpy skin. It helps to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth out any scaly skin on your legs or bumps on the backs of your arms!
It contains a mixture of salicylic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides to gently soften any rough dry patches or bumps. This product gets the seal of approval from dermatologists for skin concerns like keratosis pilaris (known as “chicken skin”) which is where hair follicles get blocked with a build-up of keratin.
CeraVe Vs Aveeno Body Wash
Comparison Table









Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Both CeraVe and Aveeno have a corresponding body wash to go with their body lotion. If you have very dry skin the best choice would be either the CeraVe Soothing Body Wash or the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Body Wash. My personal preference and the wash that’s recommended by the National Eczema Association is the CeraVe Soothing Body Wash.
CeraVe’s Soothing Body Wash contains not only their usual three essential ceramides along with hyaluronic acid, but also castor seed oil. Castor seed oil helps to soften and moisturise the skin, and is a popular ingredient for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatosis (source)
CeraVe make a SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin to go with their SA Smoothing Cream. Using the two together helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth rough and bumpy skin. It’s a gentle and non-irritating wash to improve skin texture without using a harsh scrub that could scratch the skin.
CeraVe Vs Aveeno for Different Skin Concerns
CeraVe and Aveeno both make specific products to address common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and fine lines. They also each have a range designed for a baby’s skin!
CeraVe Vs Aveeno for Acne
CeraVe and Aveeno make several products that target acne prone skin. Aveeno’s range is called Clear Complexion and includes exfoliating pads, a foaming salicylic acid face cleanser, a cream face cleanser with salicylic acid and a daily moisturizer. CeraVe make three products for acne prone skin including a benzol peroxide cleanser, a salicylic acid wash and a treatment gel.
Aveeno Products for Acne
The Aveeno Daily Cleansing Exfoliating Pads contain soy extract and salicylic acid to help clear acne without over drying the skin. They are hypoallergenic, oil-free, soap-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic!
Foaming Salicylic Acid Face Cleanser
The Foaming Salicylic Acid Cleanser helps to even out skin tone and texture. It contains salicylic acid and soy to gently exfoliate the skin without drying it out. The wash is oil-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and safe for everyday use.
Cream Face Cleanser With Salicylic Acid
If you prefer a face wash that doesn’t foam, the cream face cleanser would be the best choice for you. Like the foaming wash it also contains salicylic acid and soy, and is oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
This is one of the best facial moisturizers for sensitive, acne prone skin. The lightweight formula clears blemishes and helps to prevent further breakouts. Like the other products in the range it contains both salicylic acid and soy, and is oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
CeraVe Products for Acne
The Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains 4% benzoyl peroxide to thoroughly dissolve dirt and excess oil. It comes in the form of a cream cleanser which helps to prevent acne without leaving the skin dry or flaky. With regular use blackheads and acne are reduced and the skin becomes brighter and more even.
The Acne Control Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid. It comes in the form of a gel to foam and helps to clear acne, reduce pore size and absorb excess oil.
This is a gel that should be applied to the skin 1-3 times a day. The original formula contained 2% salicylic acid to clear the skin and prevent future breakouts. A new formula of the same product now includes glycolic and lactic AHAs plus the BHA salicylic acid.
Which is Better for Acne – CeraVe or Aveeno?
If you have especially sensitive skin I would advise the best option would be to use the Aveeno products over CeraVe. The CeraVe gel can cause excessive drying if it is used too often and their benzoyl peroxide wash may inflame already irritated or sensitive skin.
The Aveeno Cream Face Cleanser and Daily Moisturiser are two excellent products for sensitive acne prone skin, and in my opinion are the best choices if you are looking to create a basic skin care routine for acne.
Related: 5 Best Cerave Products for Acne that will Clear Your Skin!
CeraVe Vs Aveeno for Eczema
Aveeno make some excellent products in their Eczema therapy range including their Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream, Itch Relief Balm and Hand and Face Cream. CeraVe on the other hand have received more awards from the National Eczema Association than any other brand!
If you’re looking for an effective moisturizer for ezcema, CeraVe is definitely the winner with their amazing Eczema Relief Creamy Oil. It contains 1% colloidal oatmeal, three essential ceramides, safflower oil, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help relieve itching and intensely moisturise dry skin.
CeraVe also make a hydrocortisone cream which Aveeno don’t currently have. The cream provides relief for extra dry, itchy skin as well as rashes and minor skin irritations. It contains 1% hydrocortisone, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream
If you want a simple hand cream that you can carry with you while you’re out and about, the Aveeno Eczema Therapy Hand Cream is a good choice. It’s designed for extremely dry, itchy and irritated skin and comes in a small tube that can easily fit into your handbag!
AVEENO® Eczema Therapy Hand Cream
CeraVe Vs Aveeno for Anti Aging
CeraVe have an anti ageing range called “Skin Renewing” and Aveeno have a range called “Absolutely Ageless”. It’s difficult to compare the two since they both create very different products with different active ingredients and purposes.
The CeraVe range contains treatment type products such as serums with peptides, vitamin C, exfoliating acids and retinol. With Aveeno however you could create an entire skin care routine with their anti-aging range as it includes a cleanser, moisturiser, eye cream, night cream and mask.
My favourite anti-ageing products from each range are listed below.
Recommended Anti Aging Products from the CeraVe
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Recommended Anti Aging Products from the Aveeno
Last update on 2025-02-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe Vs Aveeno for Babies
Both CeraVe and Aveeno make a range for babies. I haven’t tested these various products so I can’t compare them however I have found some websites which provide good comparisons between the CeraVe and Aveeno baby ranges. These sites are all listed below.
- Best Baby Lotion for All Skin Types
- Best Baby Lotions
- 9 of the Best Natural Baby Lotions
- The Best Baby Moisturizers, According to Dermatologists
- Best baby shampoo and wash
- Best Baby Shampoos and Washes
- The Best Baby Soaps on the Market Today, According to Dermatologists
Other CeraVe Comparisons
I have also written posts comparing CeraVe Vs Cetaphil, and CeraVe Vs La Roche Posay which can be viewed at the links below.
POSTS FROM OTHER BEAUTY BLOGGERS
If you found my comparison between CeraVe and Aveeno helpful, you may enjoy the following posts from beauty bloggers that I follow and trust.
RUTH CRILLY
- Review of the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
- Review of the CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25
- The Aveeno Dermexa Range for Dry Skin
CAROLINE HIRONS
- Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturiser
- Recommended Products for Sensitive Skin
- The Skin Rocks Sensitive Face Box
REALLY REE
- Summer Festival Beauty Essentials
- CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water Review
- CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Review
BRITISH BEAUTY BLOGGER
This post was a Comparison of CeraVe Vs Aveeno
Thank you for reading my post about CeraVe Vs Aveeno. If you have tried any of the products recommended in this post, please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on.