Are you trying to decide between CeraVe vs La Roche Posay? Both are common brands recommended by dermatologists to treat a range of skin conditions including acne and eczema. This post looks at the difference between the two brands, and which of their products are best.
La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique is a French skincare brand founded in 1975. Like CeraVe, the brand works closely with dermatologists to develop clinically-tested formulas that are suitable for all skin types.
The brand is named after the medieval village in France which is known for its thermal spring. The selenium rich mineral water of La Roche Posay, France has been used to treat skin conditions for hundreds of years.
In 1928, skin care products began to be be produced containing the thermal spring water from La Roche Posay, but it wasn’t until 1975 that La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Pharmaceutique was formed. It was there that the first range of La Roche Posay skin care was created.
CeraVe by comparison is a much more recent brand, founded in 2005. CeraVe are known for their unique formula which combines three essential ceramides that the skin needs. They have received more awards from the National Eczema Association than any other skincare brand.
Both La Roche-Posay and CeraVe are owned by the L’Oreal Group.
This post is a comparison between CeraVe Vs La Roche Posay
CeraVe Vs La Roche Posay
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La Roche Posay Cleanser Vs CeraVe
One of the most popular gentle cleansers by La Roche Posay is the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. In CeraVe’s line the most similar products are either the Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser or the Hydrating Cleanser.
All three of these products are formulated for normal to dry skin, hypoallergenic and free from fragrance, soap and oil. Before I compare these products in more detail, check out the overall comparison table below.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The right face wash for you may depend on whether you prefer a cleanser that foams. If you do, then the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is for you. The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and the La Roche Posay Gentle Cleanser both have gel like consistencies which don’t foam.
The two cleansers by CeraVe both contain hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, and ceramides to protect the skin barrier. They are both gentle formulas which leave the skin thoroughly cleansed.
The La Roche Posay cleanser contains their famous selenium rich thermal water. This is a natural antioxidant which soothes the skin and protects it from environmental stressors. It also contains ceramides to retain moisture and protect the skin barrier, as well as niacinamide to soothe and restore the skin.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, the clear winner for me was the La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. The formula is extremely calming to the skin and won’t leave any dryness or irritation. It gentle removes any dirt or excess oil from the skin while the active ingredients protect the skin’s natural barrier.
- Skincare-beauty: face cleanser
- Weight: 400 milliliters
- Face cleanser female 400 milliliters
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe Acne Cleanser vs La Roche Posay
When it comes to acne cleansers, La Roche Posay may have the slight edge with their Effaclar range which was created specifically for oily, blemish prone skin. Having said that, CeraVe make some excellent cleansers for congested skin that are worth looking at.
The comparison table below puts side by side two of the most popular cleansers from each brand for acne prone skin.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe’s Salicylic acid foaming gel cleanser gently exfoliates the skin whilst removing excess oil and dirt. Salicylic acid is a useful common ingredient recommended for acne-prone skin since it helps to remove dead skin cells that could block the pores and cause breakouts. It also helps to clean out the skin at a deeper level, leaving skin pores looking tighter and more refined.
The CeraVe SA Cleanser is a great choice for anyone with rough and bumpy, congested skin. It helps to reduce acne without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.
The La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel has the same effect of lifting dirt and excess sebum off the skin without harming the delicate skin barrier. The product is different however from the CeraVe cleanser as it has a very minimalist formula that’s better suited to sensitive skin types.
La Roche Posay designed their product for sensitive, oily skin that was prone to blemishes and spots. It contains Zinc PCA (zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid) which helps to control oil production and kill acne causing bacteria.
The best face wash for you will depend on your skin. If you are prone to skin irritation or redness, I would recommend the La Roche Posay cleanser. If your skin is congested and you want an exfoliating cleanser, the CeraVe product is the best choice.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Vs La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm
Both the CeraVe Moisturising Cream and the La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm are popular choices for dry and sensitive skin. The comparison table below shows some basic differences between the two products.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a good facial moisturizer for dry skin, either product works well at soothing the skin and providing hydration. There are some differences however between the two products that may help you to decide which one to choose.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is suitable for dry or very dry skin. It hydrates the skin and restores its natural barrier. The moisturiser is fragrance free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t block your pores or cause breakouts.
The La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm also protects the skin barrier, rebalance’s the skin microbiome and moisturises any dryness. The two products are similar in that they are gentle enough for sensitive skin and deeply moisturising.
If your skin is sometimes prone to blemishes and breakouts however, the CeraVe product is the best choice for you. This is because the La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm contains shea butter which should be avoided by acne prone skin types. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on the other hand contains no ingredients that could cause acne to flare up.
The La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm also has a more thicker consistency than the CeraVe Moisturising Cream, so this is something to bear in mind if you prefer lightweight creams. The CeraVe cream also leaves more of a matte finish on the skin, whereas the La Roche Posay balm is a bit more greasy.
La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer vs Cerave
The La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer is from their Toleriane range. The Toleriane range was designed specifically to reduce skin sensitivity. When looking at the CeraVe line, the closest product to the La Roche Posay Double Repair Moisturizer is the CeraVe Mouisturizing Cream.
When comparing the two, if you have extremely irritated skin that’s prone to redness and sensitivity, the Double Repair Moisturizer is the best option. It’s free from fragrance, parabens, drying alcohol and oil, and extremely soothing to the skin.
This is also a more lightweight option compared to the La Roche Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M as it’s a lightweight cream that easily absorbs into the skin.
La Roche Posay vs CeraVe Night Cream
The night creams by La Roche Posay and CeraVe are very different and target different skin concerns. The comparison table below gives you a quick overview of the two products.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight Cream is formulated for sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness. It contains ingredients that specifically target redness, itchiness or burning. The cream helps to soothe and hydrate the skin overnight whilst reducing skin sensitivity.
The CeraVe night cream on the other hand targets normal to oily skin. It contains niacinamide which helps to reduce inflammation and redness from eczema or acne, and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated. Since this cream is non-comedogenic, it won’t cause acne flare ups. It’s an oil free formula to moisturise oily skin without clogging the pores.
The choice between these two night creams is clear. If you suffer from dryness, and you are allergy-prone or have very sensitive, intolerant skin, the La Roche Posay night cream is your best choice. If however your skin is oily and you need a light cream to restore the skin’s barrier without making it greasy, the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is for you!
Related: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Lotion – What’s the Difference?
La Roche Posay vs CeraVe Sunscreen
When it comes to sunscreen, La Roche Posay is the clear winner for me. They have a much broader range than CeraVe with their Anthelios line, and most of their products have a higher SPF when compared to CeraVe.
Both CeraVe and La Roche Posay only make mineral sunscreens. A mineral sunscreen uses ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which create a physical barrier against UV rays. A chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin.
If you want a good cream for sun protection that guards against both UVA and UVB rays, La Roche Posay make excellent products for all skin types. In my opinion the La Roche Posay Anthelios range is the best line of facial sun care products on the market.
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Face Sunscreen is an oil-free sunscreen designed specifically for oily or acne prone skin. It reduces shine on the skin, even in high temperatures and humidity, whilst protecting the skin from sun exposure. It has a very high SPF of 60 with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
- Brand: La Roche-Posay
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin with SPF 60, 1.7 fl. Oz
- Size: 50 ml (Pack of 1)
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best for Sensitive Skin
The Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Tinted Fluid SPF 50 is formulated for all types of sensitive skin. The lightweight formula is lightly tinted and non-greasy. It won’t leave any white marks on your skin or cause your eyes to sting. This is also a great choice if you are going to the beach since it’s waterproof, sweat-proof, and sand-proof!
- Ref - 897-14527
- Brand - La Roche Posay
- Content - 50 gr
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best to Wear Under Makeup
If you want a good sunscreen to wear under makeup, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Gel-Cream absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving shine or white marks. It’s hypoallergenic, non-perfumed, non-comedegenic, paraben-free, and water resistant. With its gel-cream texture, it forms the perfect base for makeup!
- A very high protection, non-scented cream-gel sunscreen for sensitive skin.
- Avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Keep children under 3 out of the sun....
- Avoid contact with the eye area.
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
La Roche-Posay Vs CeraVe for Rosacea
La Roche Posay have the Rosaliac range which was resigned to calm and soothe skin prone to redness. Their Rosaliac UV Riche Anti-Redness Moisturiser is a top choice for reducing redness in sensitive, dry or very dry, fragile skin. CeraVe make a AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion which contains niacinamide which is a useful ingredient for calming redness in skin prone to rosacea. The comparison table below looks at these two products in more detail.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains niacinamide and ceramides which are both important ingredients for skin with rosacea. Both of these ingredients strengthen the barrier function of the skin. This is very important since skin that suffers from rosacea is easily irritated. Niacinamide increases the production of ceramides which both strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, and keep it hydrated.
The Rosaliac UV Riche Anti-Redness Moisturiser was designed to hydrate and soothe the skin and to help reduce the appearance of redness. The product also contains niacinamide to protect the skin barrier, but also includes thermal spring water, which is both an antioxidant and anti-irritant.
The main differences between these two products are:
- CeraVe has a higher sun protection factor compared to La Roche Posay
- CeraVe is better suited to oily or acne prone skin with rosacea
- La Roche Posay is better suited to fragile, sensitive skin with rosacea
La Roche Posay or CeraVe for Oily Skin
Both La Roche Posay and CeraVe produce a wide range of good products for all skin types. Two excellent moisturizers for oily skin that haven’t be mentioned yet in this post are the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF30 and the La Roche Posay Effaclar H Moisturiser. Both are designed for oily skin.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The La Roche Posay Effaclar H Moisturiser is designed for oily skin that has been weakened by harsh and drying skincare products. The formula has an ultra-fine texture and a non-greasy, non-sticky finish that helps to minimise the side effects of over-drying treatments. It contains a high concentration of thermal spring water to help repair the skin barrier.
The CeraVe product is a lightweight oil-free moisturizer that provides a matte finish. Like the La Roche Posay product, it helps to restore and protect the skin barrier and add hydration. Both products are extremely lightweight and won’t clog the pores, or leave the skin greasy. The main difference is the La Roche Posay product might be slightly better for sensitive, dried out oily skin.
CeraVe vs La Roche Posay Retinol
Both CeraVe and La Roche Posay make retinol serums that help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the skin’s texture.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is gentle enough to be used daily. It works on all ageing skin types and has a non comedogenic formula to improve the skin’s texture over time. It has calming and moisturising benefits, and works well to reduce lines and wrinkles.
The La Roche Posay retinol is very similar. It also contains niacinamide (vitamin B3) as well as moisturising ingredients like glycerin. The products were very similar and produced the same results in my experience. When deciding between the two it may come down to the price, as I found the La Roche Posay option was generally more expensive.
CeraVe vs la Roche-Posay for Acne
When it comes to acne products, the La Roche Posay Effaclar range has won multiple awards for their acne treatments. From my experience, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo was the best acne product I have ever tried.
Effaclar Duo contains niacinamide, lip hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, zinc PCA, procerad and glycerin. Together, these ingredients reduce blemishes and blackheads, whilst controlling oil production and minimising dark spots.
The product is a gel moisturiser which can be used daily, and leaves you with brighter, clearer skin in just four weeks.
No products found.
Although CeraVe make some good products for acne prone skin, they don’t beat the Effaclar range from La Roche Posay, in my opinion. The only reason why I would recommend CeraVe over La Roche Posay for acne is that their products are less expensive. If you want to create a skincare routine for acne, whilst on a budget, check out the related post below:
Related: 5 Best CeraVe Products for Acne that Will Clear Your Skin
CeraVe Healing Ointment Vs La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5
If you have dry and cracked skin, the CeraVe Healing Ointment and La Roche Rosay Cicaplast Baume B5, are both good choices to soothe and hydrate the skin. The comparison table below looks at these products in a little more detail.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-10-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Both products have a balm texture, a non greasy finish and are ultra hydrating and nourishing. They both work perfectly at deeply moisturising extremely dry, cracked, chaffed and damaged skin. They can also be used to help tattoos heal, or to seal a wound (much in the same way as vaseline).
From my experience, both of these products are similar and work in the same way, so it’s difficult to choose between them. Although it looks like the CeraVe product is more expensive, the tub contains 12 oz (355 ml) whereas the Cicaplast tube only contains 100ml. The CeraVe product will last you a long time and gives better value for money.
Other CeraVe Comparisons
POSTS FROM OTHER BEAUTY BLOGGERS
If you found my comparison between CeraVe and La Roche Posay 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
- La Roche Posay Ceralip Lip Repair Cream Review
- La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo with SPF Review
CAROLINE HIRONS
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 Review
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluid and Creme Review
- Recommended Products for Sensitive Skin
- The Skin Rocks Sensitive Face Box
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Mains Review
REALLY REE
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid spf50 + Review
- CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water Review
- CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Review
- La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra 8 Mist Review
BRITISH BEAUTY BLOGGER
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Review
- La Roche Posay Anthelios 50+
- CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Review
- La Roche Posay Eau Micellaire Ultra
This Post was a Comparison Between CeraVe vs La Roche Posay
Thank you for reading my post about CeraVe Vs La Roche Posay. 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.