Are you trying to decide between CeraVe vs Vanicream? Both brands are recommended by dermatologists, and come in similar looking packaging. This post is a comparison between CeraVe and Vanicream to determine which products are the best for each skin type and condition.
Vanicream is a brand that specialises in making products for sensitive skin. All of their products are completely free from skin irritants such as dyes, fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers.
The company was started in 1974 by two pharmacists who worked closely with dermatologists and understood the skincare needs of their patients. They started their own skincare line to make better products for people with reactive skin.
Many of Vanicream’s products have the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association. It’s a widely used brand by people with seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, extreme dryness, redness, flaking, or itching.
CeraVe was founded far more recently, in 2005 by scientists and dermatologists. Like Vanicream, all of their products are non irritating and fragrance free. The aim of CeraVe was to create a line of skincare products that repair and strengthen the skin barrier.
All CeraVe products contain three essential ceramides that the skin needs to be healthy. They are widely used by patients with eczema, and have won more seals of acceptance from the National Eczema Association than any other skincare brand.
This post is a comparison between CeraVe Vs Vanicream
CERAVE VS VANICREAM
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What Does it Mean to Have the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance?
When comparing each product by Cerave and Vanicream, I checked to see whether the product had been given the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. This award is given to skincare products that contain no ingredients which are known to inflame eczema or sensitive skin.
The full list of ingredients that cannot be included in a product, for it to meet the correct standard, can be found on the National Eczema Association website. In this post I have marked each product that meets the criteria.
Vanicream Cleanser vs CeraVe
The most similar CeraVe product to the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, is their Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser. Both facial cleansers have a creamy texture, and form a lather when they are massaged into the skin. The comparison table below gives a brief over view of each product, as well as CeraVe’s non foaming cleanser.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you prefer to have a face wash that doesn’t foam, then the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is the right product for you. If you’d rather your cleanser formed a lather however, then the choice would be between the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, and Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.
The Vanicream product has a more minimal ingredients list compared to CeraVe. Their focus is more about what’s not in the cleanser, than what is. One of the key active ingredients is glycerin which helps to moisturise the skin, and relieve dryness.
Glycerin is a great ingredient for skin concerns such as eczema and psoriasis since it smooths rough, and dry patches. It’s also antimicrobial so it protects the skin from harmful bacteria.
By comparison, the CeraVe face wash contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to lock in skin moisture and protect the skin barrier. Both products are very similar but if you are struggling to decide between the CeraVe vs Vanicream face wash, the Vanicream product is slightly more gentle for extremely sensitive skin.
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser has also be granted the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association whereas the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser has not.
Vanicream vs CeraVe Moisturizer
Vanicream and CeraVe make excellent moisturisers for sensitive and dry skin. Both products have seals of acceptance from the National Eczema Association and help to relieve dryness, and itching. The comparison table below gives a brief overview of each product.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream helps to restore moisture levels while soothing red, cracked itchy or irritated skin. It’s an ideal formula for eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, or winter dryness.
One of the main ingredients in the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is petrolatum. Petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly) is an emollient which is able to sink into the top layers of of the skin and fill in any spaces between skin cells. This has the effect of sealing in moisture and protecting cracked skin.
Both creams absorb quickly into the skin and have non comedogenic, and non greasy formulas. I found them both to be deeply hydrating and moisturising, so it was hard to choose between the two. For me the main distinction was price, as I found the Vanicream product to be slightly more expensive in the UK.
Also the CeraVe product is recommended as both a facial and body moisturizer whereas the Vanicream product is only sold as a Vanicream body moisturizer. Vanicream make a separate, similar product specifically designed for the face, which is more suitable to wear under makeup (shown below).
CeraVe vs Vanicream Lotion
Both CeraVe and Vanicream make lighter versions of their moisturising creams, which are sold as lotions. The Cerave Moisturizing Lotion is a far more lightweight formula compared to the Cerave Moisturizing Cream, and leaves the skin comfortable and moisturised.
In a similar way, the Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion, formerly known as Vanicream Lite Lotion, has a thinner, lighter consistency compared to the cream. The comparison table below shows the basic differences between each product.
Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The key ingredients in each of the lotions are the same as in the brand’s moisturizers, with CeraVe containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and Vanicream containing glycerin. Both lotions protect and hydrate the skin, and won’t clore the pores or cause acne.
If you are looking for a lightweight lotion to put on before makeup, either product works well on dry and sensitive skin. In my opinion I think the Vanicream product is slightly more gentle and might be the better choice if you have extremely reactive, sensitive skin, but there’s not much between them.
Once again I found the price of the Vanicream lotion to be slightly more expensive than CeraVe. I believe however, this is because I am shopping in the United Kingdom. From my research, I’ve found there’s not much difference in price in the United States.
Related: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Lotion – What’s the Difference?
Vanicream Ointment vs CeraVe Ointment
Vanicream and CeraVe both make ointments for extremely dry or cracked skin. Both products have received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, and help to hydrate, protect and soothe the skin.
Vs
When comparing the two products, I found the ingredient list for each to be very different. You can see from the lists below each product, that Vanicream contains far less ingredients than CeraVe. Both of them however, contain the silicone Dimethicone, which helps to form a protective barrier over the surface of the skin and prevent moisture loss.
CeraVe Healing Ointment
The main active ingredient in the CeraVe Healing Ointment is petroleum jelly (petrolatum), which the Vanicream ointment doesn’t contain. Petroleum jelly is excellent for minor cut, scrapes or chapped skin. It seals minor wounds and helps them to heal quicker. It also helps to boost the skin’s moisture levels and soothe a winter itch.
There are a few negative sides to using petroleum jelly, however. Some people with extra sensitive skin may develop allergic reactions to petroleum jelly, although it is still an ingredient often used for eczema. It also can clog the pores and lead to acne if you don’t clean the skin properly.
CeraVe Healing Ointment Ingredients: Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Dimethicone, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Water, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Proline, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin.
- For Protecting and Soothing Cracked
- Volume: 12 oz
- Easy to Use
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment
If you have extra sensitive skin, the Vanicream ointment may be more suited to you. It has far less ingredients compared to the CeraVe ointment, and it free from petroleum jelly or mineral oil. The formula is free from common irritants, prevents moisture loss, and protects the skin from the drying effects of cold weather.
The main ingredient is hydrogenated polydecene which is an emollient which works to soften and condition the skin. Overall both the Vanicream and CeraVe products were excellent ointments for dry, chapped skin, but the Vanicream may be slightly better for extremely irritated or sensitive skin types.
Vanicream Ingredients: Hydrogenated Polydecene, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Methicone, C30-45 Olefin
I found it difficult to source the Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment in the United Kingdom, however it’s available to buy on Amazon in the United States. You can also buy the product in a handy tube which easily fits in your handbag, and could be used as a lip balm, or to treat dry skin or minor cuts on the go.
Currently I don’t believe CeraVe have a smaller, tube sized version of their healing ointment.
CeraVe Vs Vanicream for Eczema
When it comes to comparing CeraVe vs Vanicream for eczema, there is no clear winner. Both brands produce high quality products for dry, itchy skin, and both have received seals of acceptance from the National Eczema Association for many of their products.
In my opinion CeraVe has the slight edge over Vanicream since more of their products have been approved by the National Eczema Association. They also create products that are targeted only for eczema prone skin which includes their Eczema Creamy Oil, and their Soothing Body Wash.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Both brands produce a 1% hydrocortisone cream designed specifically for eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Both products give relief from the itching associated with inflammation, and rashes, and either would work well on eczema prone skin. Currently only CeraVe have received a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association for their hydrocortisone cream.
Best Body Wash for Eczema
CeraVe produce an excellent body wash specifically designed for eczema (atopic dermatitis). It is the best CeraVe cleanser for anyone suffering from skin irritation, or extreme dryness, and can be used on the entire body. The formula contains both soybean oil and castor seed oil which are rich in fatty acids, and help to moisturise the skin.
Like all CeraVe products, the body wash also contains their famous ceramide formula, along with hyaluronic acid. It gently cleanses and soothes dry, eczema prone skin without disrupting the skin barrier, and is mild enough for daily use. This is a good option for anyone suffering from extreme dryness or irritated skin.
- CeraVe Eczema Soothing Body Wash 10 Fluid Ounce
- Pack of 1
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Body Oil for Eczema
CeraVe make an eczema oil that helps to keep dry skin feeling moisturised and comfortable. Currently Vanicream don’t make a product which is comparable.
The CeraVe Eczema Creamy Oil contains 1% colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, safflower oil, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It’s lightweight, fragrance free and effectively relieves skin irritation and dryness. It can be used anywhere on the body, or as a facial moisturizer.
CeraVe Vs Vanicream for Rosacea
Rosacea is a condition that causes redness on the skin, or blood vessels to become visible. The redness usually appears on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead. The cause of rosacea is unknown, but it may be a mixture of both genetic and environmental factors.
Currently there is no cure, but the symptoms of rosacea may be controlled by using gentle, oil free, and water based skin care products. Vanicream moisturisers are not water based as they contain petrolatum, which is a mineral oil. If you have Rosacea therefore, you are better off therefore using CeraVe’s moisturiser which is completely oil free.
Instead of using oils to moisturise the skin, the CeraVe lotion contain ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated but without clogging the pores. It is also fragrance free, and won’t cause a flare up of rosacea.
- ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES: Contains 3 essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help protect the skin’s...
- ALL DAY HYDRATION: Formulated with patented MVE Technology to release skin nourishing ingredients...
- MOISTURE RETAINING INGREDIENTS: Formulated with hyaluronic acid to help retain skin's natural...
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe Vs Vanicream for Baby
Both CeraVe and Vanicream produce baby products, although CeraVe have a slightly larger range. Currently the products available from each brand are listed below:
CeraVe for Baby
- Baby Wash and Shampoo
- Baby Moisturising Lotion
- Baby Moisturising Cream
- Baby Healing Ointment
- Baby Hydrating Sunscreen
Vanicream for Baby
- Moisturizing Cream for Baby
- Gentle Wash for Baby
Currently the CeraVe Baby Wash & Shampoo is one of their bestselling baby products. It’s a very gentle skin cleanser that can be used on both dry or oily skin. Their new formula now contains Vitamin E to help protect and nourish the skin.
- Tear-free formula with ceramides gently cleanses baby's skin and hair
- Type of skin: Normal to oily, normal to dry.Formulated with with three essential ceramides (1, 3,...
- Vitamin enriched to help moisturize
Last update on 2024-09-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe vs Vanicream vs Cetaphil
CeraVe is a great brand for producing skincare products that protect the skin barrier whilst reducing dryness. Since there are so many other options out there however, I regularly test out alternatives and write comparisons. You may wish to check out some of my other brand comparisons below including the popular CeraVe vs Cetaphil post.
You will find a range of products from each of the brands below that smooth fine lines, exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve skin feel. I have put together comparison tables for each type of product to help you find the best option for your own skin.
POSTS FROM OTHER BEAUTY BLOGGERS
If you found my comparison between CeraVe and Vanicream 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 Best Basic Skincare Routine
CAROLINE HIRONS
- Recommended Products for Sensitive Skin
- Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion Review
- Ameliorate Body Lotion Review
REALLY REE
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser & Cream for Bumpy Skin
- Indeed Labs Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion Review
- Mauli Reawaken Hand and Body Lotion Review
BRITISH BEAUTY BLOGGER
- Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion Illuminating Glow
- Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion
- Aveda Cherry Almond Body Lotion
THIS POST WAS A COMPARISON BETWEEN CERAVE VS VANICREAM
Thank you for reading my post about CeraVe Vs Vanicream. 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. If a new product gets added to either range, I will update this post.