Aveeno vs Neutrogena 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

We're positive you've seen Aveeno and Neutrogena on the shelves at your local supermarket or beauty store before. But which is best? And which should you choose?

Come with us as we compare their best-sellers side-by-side to help you decide which is the best for you and your skincare routine!

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Aveeno vs Neutrogena Moisturizer

Though both brands offer loads of different moisturizers, let's be honest, we're all here for their best-sellers. So let's dive straight in!

A good moisturizer is one that instantly provides relief to sensitive skin, and intensely rehydrates while replenishing the moisture barrier.

Two of the very best moisturizers for healthy looking skin are Aveeno Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer, but which is the better of the two?

Both moisturizers boast the very same purpose - the replenishment of the skin's natural moisture barrier - which has the glorious intended effect of yielding dewy, hydrated, healthy looking skin. However, it's how the two moisturizers achieve this that sets them apart.

The Aveeno Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer contains Prebiotic Oats. Prebiotics are a direct and effective way to positively affect the skin's microbiome, thus improving the skin's barrier function (consequently improving the skin's ability to retain moisture).

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer instead harnesses Hyaluronic Acid in combination with Botanical Trehalose. Trehalose is a sugar found naturally within the skin which is said to strengthen the moisture barrier and helps trap moisture into the skin.

The real upshot of these differences is that it makes the Aveeno Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer far better suited for those sensitive skin. This is further reinforced by the fact that it also contains soothing feverfew (which helps to reduce redness and irritation), and is also entirely fragrance-free (whereas the Neutrogena moisturizer is not).

With both clocking in at practically the same price, and both being in the form of a gel, there really aren't all too many other notable differences to pick away at. So to reiterate, if you have sensitive skin you will probably prefer the Aveeno Calm+Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer, otherwise, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer is the one for you!

Aveeno vs Neutrogena Sunscreen

Among numerous other categories, Aveeno and Neutrogena offer some of the most popular sunscreens in the skincare world. Let's dive straight into the comparison!

The best sunscreens offer broad spectrum sun protection along with a lightweight, moisturizing formula.

For this match-up, we’ll be comparing Aveeno Protect+Hydrate Sunscreen to Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen.

First and foremost, we love to see that both products are oxybenzone-free. This hasn't always been the case - with some of the older versions of these sunscreens containing this carcinogen - but it's good to see brands keeping up with the latest science and updating their products accordingly.

The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen boasts a waterproof, lightweight formula that appears invisible on the skin. Thanks to 'Dry-Touch' technology, it doesn't feel greasy on the skin, and actually results in a really pleasant matte finish. Neutrogena's 'Helioplex' technology within the formula offers fantastic broad-spectrum sun protection.

Instead of containing mattifiers, the Aveeno Protect+Hydrate Sunscreen is completely oil-free for a non-greasy feel. It also boasts a relatively lightweight formula, which is advertised as being hypoallergenic, water and sweat-resistant, as well as moisturizing (thanks to the inclusion of prebiotic oat).

While both sunscreens are suitable for all skin types, the Aveeno Protect+Hydrate Sunscreen certainly offers far more skincare benefits, and is especially great for those with sensitive skin. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is rather lacklustre in the skincare benefits department, but it excels at sun protection and is available in higher SPFs than Aveeno's, making it ideal if you're looking for a sunscreen to go on top of your moisturizer.

This article was originally published on May 5th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 5th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.