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Head to head

Moisturizing Cream vs Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream edges out Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, 8.8 to 8.4. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Beauty score
8.8Excellent
8.4Great
Results30% of score
8.7
8.4
Formula & ingredients20% of score
8.8
8.3
Texture & experience15% of score
7.6
7.0
Value20% of score
9.5
9.5
Community love15% of score
9.0
8.7
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$19.99/ 16 oz / 453 gDrugstore
$20.99/ 16 oz / 453 gDrugstore
What it does
  • Barrier repair
  • Dryness relief
  • Long-lasting moisture
  • Soothing
  • Dryness relief
  • Soothing
  • Irritation-free
  • Redness
Made for
Dry skin, Normal skin, Sensitive skin
Dry skin, Sensitive skin, Normal skin
Format
Cream
Cream
Texture
Rich, non-greasy cream that the brand says absorbs quickly without residue
Thick, non-greasy cream the brand describes as easy to spread and quickly absorbed
Fragrance-free
Yes
Yes
Claims
National Eczema Association Seal, Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free, FSA/HSA eligible
National Eczema Association Seal, Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free, Dermatologist-tested
Brand origin
🇺🇸 American beauty
🇺🇸 American beauty
Video reviews
Best for
  • • Dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin
  • • Budget face-and-body barrier care
  • • Families sharing one moisturizer
  • • Reactive, allergy-prone or eczema-prone skin
  • • Recovering an over-exfoliated or retinoid-irritated face
  • • Whole-family body moisturizer
Strengths
  • Three ceramides plus cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and NEA Seal of Acceptance
  • Works on face and body, suitable from age 3 per the brand
  • Very short ingredient list without fragrance, botanical extracts or essential oils
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance and non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for all ages according to the brand
Watch-outs
  • CeraVe recommends its lighter Daily Moisturizing Lotion for oily skin
  • Tub packaging means dipping fingers in unless using the pump version
  • No ceramides or other barrier-supporting actives
  • Thick, occlusive feel can be too heavy, especially for oily skin

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Moisturizing Cream or Moisturizing Cream?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream edges out Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, 8.8 to 8.4. It wins on results, formula and texture and feel.

Which costs less?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream typically sells for about $19.99 and Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for about $20.99, based on retail prices when we last checked.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.