AmLactin vs CeraVe 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

Treating dry, rough, bumpy skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris can be challenging. The skin barrier is often highly sensitized and can be irritated by adding different ingredients to the skin. Yet, the skin barrier can not repair itself without the proper moisturizer, which is where products such as the AmLactin Intensive Healing Lotion and CeraVe SA Cream come into the picture.

In this article we will be comparing the two side-by-side, while also going through the reasons why they make for such good solutions for dryness, and conditions such as keratosis pilaris.

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About the brands

Before we dive into the side-by-side product comparisons, it's worth knowing a little more about the brands themselves first.

AmLactin

AmLactin is a skincare brand owned by Sandoz’s parent pharmaceutical company in the US. The AmLactin range is formulated with Lactic Acid, tested in over 50 clinical trials.

Sandoz are a global leader in medicine specialising in prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine and Biopharmaceuticals.

CeraVe

L’Oreal successfully acquired CeraVe in 2017, a skincare brand founded in 2005 in the United States. Since CeraVe came on the market, it has produced a wide range of skincare products, including sun protection, moisturizers, cleansers, and treatment serums. L’Oreal is a French cosmetic company and a leading global brand in sales and skincare research.

AmLactin vs CeraVe Exfoliating Treatments

Lactic acid works to boost the skin's renewal process and improve skin texture. The result is brighter, softer, glowing skin that is achieved through gentle exfoliation. Lactic acid helps skin cell turnover and there is an overall reduction in dry, flaky skin.

With the right strength and other active ingredients, Lactic acid can treat acne, psoriasis, eczema, and moderate skin conditions. However, if you suffer from sensitive or hyper-reactive skin, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before introducing acids into your skincare routine.

AmLactin Intensive Healing Lotion vs CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin

2024 update: AmLactin has rebranded their Rapid Relief Lotion as the Intensive Healing Lotion. It seems like a relatively superficial update, though, as the ingredients list hasn't changed much - if at all.

Two cult-favorite products containing lactic acid are the AmLactin Intensive Healing Lotion and CeraVe SA Cream For Rough And Bumpy Skin.

If you need a product to instantly transform your skin’s appearance, look no further than the AmLactin Intensive Healing Lotion with 15% lactic acid.

This product is not intended for use on the face (though some consumers have reported some success after applying it to the face). However, this body lotion can be applied directly to dry skin to provide relief. Use only as directed 1 - 2 times per day.

With it containing an alpha hydroxy acid, it may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunburn. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product for a week afterward.

Designed for rough and bumpy, scaly, and dry skin, the CeraVe SA Cream works wonders to soften skin texture and relieve very dry to rough skin types from discomfort.

This fragrance-free cream is hydrating and gentle enough for daily use, formulated with salicylic acid and lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells gently.

Again, since it contains an alpha hydroxy acid, please use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product for a week afterward.

AmLactin and CeraVe are both science-oriented skincare brands that formulate products for dry, rough, and sensitive skin. Lactic acid can be a useful exfoliant that will help to smooth out skin texture, though it is an AHA acid and may cause irritation if used incorrectly.

As well as lactic acid, both products contain skin-nourishing ceramides making their compositions very similar. The key differences are that CeraVe's also includes salicylic acid, and the AmLactin option is not recommended for use on the face, whereas CeraVe doesn’t specify its product as just a body lotion.

In our opinion, the CeraVe SA Cream For Rough And Bumpy Skin is the better option of the two.

This article was originally published on March 8th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 29th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.