Are you trying to decide between CeraVe vs The Ordinary? Both are skincare brands backed by science, that produce products for sensitive and dry skin. This post looks at the difference between some of the most popular products from each brand.
CeraVe Vs The Ordinary
The Ordinary was founded in 2016 by Deciem. The brand is well known for their simple formulas and low prices. Their products are popular for helping to reduce acne scars, reducing inflammation, and soothing dry skin.
CeraVe is a slightly older brand, founded in 2005 and owned by L’Oréal. They are well known for making products for sensitive skin, and for their unique formula which contains three essential ceramides.
Due to their effectiveness at soothing dry skin, CeraVe products have won more seals of acceptance from the National Eczema Association than any other brand. They also make excellent products to help clear acne.
This post is a comparison between CeraVe Vs The Ordinary
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CeraVe Vs The Ordinary Moisturizer
The Ordinary only make one moisturizer which is The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, whereas CeraVe make several products which could be used as a moisturizer.
The three CeraVe products that I tested out as a facial moisturizer were the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, and the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25.
In this post I am comparing the The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25, since both of these products were designed specifically for use on the face.
I should first of all point out that the CeraVe product contains sun protection whereas The Ordinary moisturizer does not. This means if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time, The Ordinary product would not be suitable unless you wear another moisturizer with SPF over the top.
Since the CeraVe lotion contains a sunscreen I found that it did leave my skin slightly stickier than The Ordinary product, and also didn’t absorb as well. Both products were extremely moisturizing and soothing. I have particularly sensitive skin, but neither product aggravated my skin.
Comparison Table
| The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for Dry Skin | ✓ | |
| Contains Sun Protection | ✓ | |
| Best for Oily Skin | ✓ | |
| Best for Dehydrated Skin | ✓ |
Buying Guide
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ordinary Vs CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid
I found that both The Ordinary and CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid serums helped to reduce fine lines, and promote smoother skin. When I tested both of them my skin was left plumped up and glowing.
Both products contain vitamin B5 which moisturises the skin and helps wounds to heal faster. Vitamin B has also been shown to reduce acne lesions, when taken as a supplement. Both serums are lightweight and absorb well.
The products have slightly different ingredients. The CeraVe serum contains ceramides, and is better at protecting the skin barrier compared to The Ordinary serum. They also come in different packaging; The Ordinary serum has a dropper whereas CeraVe’s serum has a pump.
The Ordinary hyaluronic acid is also 100% vegan whereas CeraVe products are not.
Comparison Table
| The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Bottle Type | Dropper | Pump Bottle |
| Additional Ingredients | Ceramides | |
| Best for Dry Skin | ✓ | |
| Best for Oily Skin | ✓ | |
| Vegan | ✓ |
Buyers Guide
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Vs CeraVe
The Ordinary only make one cleanser which is their Squalane Cleanser, whereas CeraVe make several different cleansers for different skin types. The two CeraVe cleansers that I tested out for this comparison were the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser.
The Ordinary Squalane cleanser can be used on all skin types, but it is especially good for sensitive skin. The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is better for dry skin, and the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is better for oily skin.
CeraVe also make another cleanser for acne-prone skin which contains salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and prevent break outs.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser vs CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Both The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser have a similar, creamy consistency. They are both very gentle on the skin, and work to break down any excess grease or dirt.
If you have extremely sensitive skin, I think The Ordinary product has the slight edge over CeraVe. Neither left my skin red or irritated although I found The Ordinary product to be slightly more gentle.
In the past I’ve also tested the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and I’ve never found a cleanser that was more gentle than that, so if you’re looking for something extremely mild, I’d recommend that over both The Ordinary and CeraVe.
The photograph below shows what the consistency of the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser looks like. The Ordinary Squalane cleanser looks very similar.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser vs CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
If you have oily skin, or find that gentle cleansers don’t clean your skin thoroughly, or cause breakouts, I would recommend the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. This cleanser is a designed for oily skin types and cleans the skin better than The Ordinary squalane cleanser.
If you have dry or dehydrated skin like I do though, I wouldn’t recommend the CeraVe Foaming cleanser over The Ordinary Squalane cleanser. The Ordinary product is better at keeping the skin moisturised and hydrated.
Since The Ordinary Squalane cleanser works well on different skin types, you may prefer this one if you have combination skin.
Comparison Table
| The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | CeraVe Foaming Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Combination Skin | ✓ | ||
| Best of Sensitive Skin | ✓ | ||
| Best for Dry Skin | ✓ | ||
| Best for Oily Skin | ✓ |
Buyers Guide
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe Vitamin C Vs The Ordinary
Both CeraVe and The Ordinary use the same form of Vitamin C in their serum which is L-Ascorbic Acid. This form of Vitamin C helps to reduce dark spots, improve skin texture, soften the appearance of dark circles, and smooth out uneven skin tone.
I found these products both left my skin looking brighter and more even. They have slightly different active ingredients in that the CeraVe product contains additional niacinamide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid, whereas The Ordinary vitamin C only contains additional hyaluronic acid.
If you have acne prone skin I would recommend the CeraVe serum over The Ordinary serum. This is because it contains Niacinamide which helps to reduce acne and blemish marks, as well as ceramides which strengthen the protective skin barrier.
The CeraVe product may also work better as an eye cream to reduce dark circles since it comes in a tube for precise application, and also contains niacinamide which helps to lighten the skin.
Niacinamide can irritate sensitive skin, and also cause a temporary increase in acne.
Comparison Table
| The Ordinary Vitamin C | CeraVe Vitamin C | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for Acne Prone Skin | ✓ | |
| Best of for Dark Circles | ✓ | |
| Best for Sensitive Skin | ✓ |
Buyers Guide
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe and The Ordinary Skincare Routine
The CeraVe and The Ordinary products can both be used together in the same skincare routine.
I liked to combine these skincare brands as The Ordinary is very affordable and make great products for sensitive skin, and CeraVe use ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
If you have dry and sensitive skin like me I recommend the following products in your skincare routine:
- The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
- The Ordinary Plant-Derived Squalane Oil
- The Ordinary Vitamin C
- CeraVe Moisturzing Lotion
- CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
You can also create an entire skincare routine using CeraVe alone.
Other CeraVe Comparisons
This Post was a Comparison Between CeraVe Vs The Ordinary
Thank you for reading my post about CeraVe Vs The Ordinary. If you have tried any of the products recommended in this post from either skincare brand, please leave me a comment below and let me know how you got on.