How we compared: this is a side-by-side comparison of the two creams’ published ingredient lists and Indian prices (checked on Apollo Pharmacy on 5 October 2026). It is not a hands-on test. Prices change, so check before you buy.
Quick answer
Both CeraVe Moisturising Cream and Cetaphil Moisturising Cream are fragrance-free, rich creams for dry and sensitive skin. CeraVe stands out for its three ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which suit very dry, eczema-prone or barrier-damaged skin. Cetaphil contains niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin, and was cheaper per gram in the large pack. Pick CeraVe for barrier repair, Cetaphil for value and gentle everyday hydration.
CeraVe vs Cetaphil at a glance
| CeraVe Moisturising Cream | Cetaphil Moisturising Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Ceramides NP, AP and EOP; hyaluronic acid; glycerin; petrolatum | Niacinamide; panthenol (pro-vitamin B5); glycerin; petrolatum; sweet almond oil; vitamin E |
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
| Texture | Rich cream | Rich cream |
| Price (large pack, Apollo Pharmacy, 5 Oct 2026) | ₹1,847 for 454 g (about ₹4.07/g) | ₹1,699 for 450 g (about ₹3.78/g) |
| Best for | Very dry, eczema-prone or damaged barrier | Dry and sensitive skin; value for face and body |
Ingredients compared
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
CeraVe’s signature is its blend of three ceramides (NP, AP and EOP), lipids that make up a large part of the skin barrier, along with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in water and petrolatum to seal it. The brand says its MVE technology releases ingredients gradually. This combination makes it a common recommendation for very dry and barrier-damaged skin.
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
The current Cetaphil Moisturising Cream formula pairs glycerin and petrolatum with niacinamide (vitamin B3) and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), plus sweet almond oil and vitamin E. Niacinamide supports the barrier and can help with redness and uneven tone; panthenol is soothing.
Tip: Cetaphil contains sweet almond oil. If you have a nut allergy, check with your doctor before using it.
Which one should you choose?
| Your skin | Better pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Very dry, flaky or eczema-prone | CeraVe | Three ceramides plus petrolatum support a damaged barrier |
| Dry and sensitive, everyday use | Either | Both are fragrance-free and gentle |
| Uneven tone or redness | Cetaphil | Contains niacinamide and panthenol |
| Budget, large family pack | Cetaphil | Lower price per gram in the 450 g size (5 Oct 2026) |
| Oily or acne-prone face | Neither ideal | Both are rich creams; a light gel moisturiser may suit better |
| Fungal acne-prone | Check carefully | Both contain fatty ingredients; Cetaphil also has sunflower and almond oils |
Paste either ingredient list into our free Skincare Ingredient Checker to see pore-clogging ratings and fungal acne flags for each ingredient.
How to use a rich moisturising cream
- Apply to slightly damp skin after cleansing to lock in water.
- Use a pea-sized amount for the face and more for the body.
- In humid weather, use a thin layer at night only, or switch to a lighter lotion in the day.
- In the morning, follow with sunscreen.
Ingredient lists
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream (as published): Aqua, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, PEG-30 Stearate, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pantolactone, Propylene Glycol, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream (key ingredients): Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dimethicone. Check the pack for the full list, as formulas can differ by country.
Key takeaways
- Both are fragrance-free rich creams for dry and sensitive skin.
- CeraVe: three ceramides and hyaluronic acid, best for very dry or damaged skin.
- Cetaphil: niacinamide and panthenol, and cheaper per gram in the large pack (5 Oct 2026).
- Neither is ideal for very oily or acne-prone faces.
- Cetaphil contains almond oil; check if you have a nut allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, CeraVe or Cetaphil?
Neither is better for everyone. CeraVe suits very dry or barrier-damaged skin because of its ceramides; Cetaphil suits dry, sensitive skin that also wants niacinamide, and it was cheaper per gram in the large pack.
Is CeraVe or Cetaphil better for oily skin?
Both creams are rich. For oily skin, a lighter gel or lotion moisturiser is usually more comfortable.
Can I use CeraVe or Cetaphil on my face?
Yes. Both are designed for face and body. Use a thin layer on the face, especially in humid weather.
Do CeraVe and Cetaphil contain fragrance?
No. Both moisturising creams are labelled fragrance-free.
Which is cheaper in India?
On 5 October 2026 on Apollo Pharmacy, Cetaphil 450 g cost about ₹3.78 per gram and CeraVe 454 g about ₹4.07 per gram. Prices change often.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. It has not been reviewed by a doctor. For any skin or hair condition, consult a dermatologist.
