CeraVe vs Neutrogena 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

In this article, we will be comparing a selection of products by CeraVe and Neutrogena that have been specially formulated to keep your skin's moisture barrier—which is all too often neglected—nice and healthy.

Dry, sensitive, irritable, blemish-prone, or even just mildly dehydrated skin often implies a damaged, weakened, or compromised natural moisture barrier that requires additional hydration and support.

The following products are incredibly hydrating, with the ability to lock in moisture from morning to night, and contain active ingredients that calm sensitive skin, such as ceramides and humectants.

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CeraVe vs Neutrogena Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser

2024 update: Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Cleanser has seen several updates since we originally published this comparison, so there's several different versions floating around in stock (plus there are regional differences too to add to the confusion). The formula has fundamentally remained the same, though, so whichever bottle you find on shelves or online contains more or less the same luscious gel.

On that note, CeraVe's has remained the same over the past few years. Anyways, onto the comparison!

CeraVe has formulated their Hydrating Facial Cleanser for normal to dry skin. It effectively yet gently removes makeup, dirt, and oil without leaving the skin irritated or tight. This is due to the CeraVe technology that delivers all-day hydration with the addition of ceramides for the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid for moisture retention. The cleanser is accepted by the National Eczema Association and developed by dermatologists for sensitive skin. In addition, the cleanser is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

Neutrogena brings an innovative cleansing technology with their Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser designed especially for dry skin types. The cleanser activates when mixed with water to increase hydration and leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Hyaluronic acid is a critical ingredient in this cleanser. It is also suitable for sensitive skin and is dermatologically tested.

The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser are formulated for normal-to-dry skin that finds itself in need of extra hydration throughout the day. Hyaluronic acid is the core ingredient in each of these cleansers, as it works to alleviate dry skin conditions by helping the skin hold on to water.

To conclude, although both boast incredible consumer ratings as well as very similar claims and efficacy, we believe the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser just about pulls out in front. The addition of essential ceramides not only helps to restore a weakened moisture barrier, but also helps to maintain a healthy one, thus heavily contributing towards our goals of achieving naturally clear and beautiful skin.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser

If you are searching for a product that works to deeply cleanse the skin of excess oil or makeup, and remove any trace of dirt, then the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser may be for you! This cleanser features three impressive ingredients that won’t disrupt the delicate balance of the skin barrier; ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. A gel-based foaming cleanser is suitable for normal to oily skin and provides a foaming action on the application when mixed with water. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that calms the skin, reduces redness, treats hyperpigmentation, and regulates oil balance.

The Ultra Gentle Cleanser by Neutrogena is a hypoallergenic cleanser that won’t damage the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The cleanser gently removes oil, dirt, bacteria, and makeup without the addition of harsh ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. The good news is this cleanser is soap-free. Soap can do more harm than good for sensitive skin, and the ingredients are too harsh for dry skin. The Ultra Gentle Cleanser is clinically proven suitable for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and rosacea.

All in all this is another tight-run race, and our preference merely comes down to a couple of intricacies. The addition of Niacinamide in CeraVe's foaming cleanser is almost enough to sway us on its own, but it is actually the fact that Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Cleanser isn't fragrance-free that seals the deal. CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser is therefore much more likely to be tolerable on your skin, making it the better option overall.

CeraVe vs Neutrogena Moisturizer

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Treating a damaged skin barrier can be complicated and frustrating. A damaged skin barrier will often lead to itchy, dry, hyper-reactive skin sensitive to harsh ingredients. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream works to target these problematic skin conditions by improving the strength of the skin barrier and offering intense hydration. It is formulated to absorb quickly into the skin with the patented MVE Delivery Technology, which keeps skin hydrated throughout the day. The cream is ideal for both face and body and can be applied as needed morning and night. Furthermore, this cream is fragrance-free!

A best-seller and an award-winning product, the Hydro Boost Water Gel is one of Neutrogena’s holy grail products. It works to hydrate the skin instantly and can be worn as a primer under makeup or on its own for fresh, radiant skin. The gel is formulated for dry skin and is best applied to the face and neck after cleansing. As part of the popular Hydro Boost skincare line, this product is for dry skin, and there is a Hydro Boost Gel for very dry skin. While the dry skin option is alcohol-free, it does contain fragrance in the ingredient list. However, the very dry option is both alcohol and fragrance-free.

Fragrance is not recommended for dry skin, as it may cause irritation and further damage the skin barrier. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is the leading cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis.

It is for this reason that, once again, we are erring on the side of CeraVe with their Moisturizing Cream.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF

2024 update: Neutrogena's Oil-Free Moisturizer has been discontinued. It's still in stock in some retail stores and online, so we'll leave the comparison as-is for now, but it might be worth beginning to consider the alternatives, such as the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer with SPF 50.

Protecting sensitive skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays is critical when working with a damaged skin barrier. One primary concern about sunscreen and sun protection is clogged or blocked pores. The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause acne flare-ups.

The lotion uses a broad-spectrum sunscreen with InVisibleZinc Technology (zinc oxide), ideal for all skin types. In addition to SPF 30, it contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides to maintain daily moisture.

The Neutrogena Oil-Free range includes this lightweight moisturizer with SPF 35. It has been clinically proven adequate sun protection with a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protector free from alcohol and fragrance. This hypoallergenic facial moisturizer is ideal for sensitive skin and can be worn alone or under makeup.

It is important to note that this product contains 6% oxybenzone as an active ingredient. New research has shown that oxybenzone may be an endocrine disrupter. Therefore, the European Commission proposes a concentration limit in sunscreen of 2.2%. In the US, manufacturers can legally add up to 6% oxybenzone to products such as sunscreen. Furthermore, oxybenzone can cause allergic skin reactions, and exposure to oxybenzone has been linked to an increased risk of endometriosis.

Therefore, continuing the trend of CeraVe's complete hegemony, we prefer CeraVe's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. That said, we would highly recommend taking a look at Neutrogena's Oil-Free Moisturizers without SPF, as they are fantastic moisturizers (without the egregious inclusion of oxybenzone).

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sleeping Cream

Like the AM moisturizer, the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion works to hydrate dry and sensitive skin. A night cream is the best way to hydrate your skin before you sleep so you can wake up with a radiant, healthy glow. This formula contains the same trio of impressive ingredients featured throughout the CeraVe range, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide.

Next up for comparison is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sleeping Cream. A night cream that has been specifically designed to improve resistance to dehydration during sleep and boost hydration levels. It features hyaluronic acid but also adds botanical trehalose to the ingredient list. When used in skincare, trehalose is a type of sugar that can protect the skin barrier. This cream can be applied to the face and neck in the evening for intense rehydration.

We much prefer Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Sleeping Cream. Not just because of a few concerning customer reviews for CeraVe's (though that certainly helps), but rather because the lightweight texture of Neutrogena's is so much more comfortable for overnight use. Your skin literally drinks it up, meaning that it doesn't just end up all over your pillows in your sleep.

CeraVe vs Neutrogena Serum

CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Having already lauded over both brands' ever popular hydrating moisturizers, it should come as no surprise that they each also offer fantastic hydrating serums: the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

On the surface, they are *incredibly* similar. Each contains a combination of Hyaluronic Acid (obviously), Vitamin B5, and Glycerin—hydrators naturally found in skin. There's a bit of a fork in the road here, though, since CeraVe additionally contains Ceramides and Dimethicone with intent to support the skin's moisture barrier, whereas Neutrogena doubles down on the hydration side of things with the addition of Trehalose.

It's impossible to objectively speak on how these formulaic differences affect efficacy given that neither brand divulges any info regarding concentrations. However, these differences yield wildly contrasting textures and benefits that ultimately make them suitable for very different skin types and concerns. Thus, the door is open for commentary on preferences—a deciding factor as good as any other!

CeraVe's Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum has a creamy texture and best serves normal-to-dry skin, especially thanks to its MVE technology which slowly releases moisturizing ingredients throughout a 24h period.

Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Serum is more akin to a gel, so it absorbs better and quicker, consequently providing a more instantaneous shot of hydration and a lovely, smooth feeling on the surface of your skin. While suitable for all skin types, it lends itself better to those with normal-to-oily skin.

CeraVe vs Neutrogena Sunscreen

CeraVe and Neutrogena offer loadsss of options when it comes to sunscreens; "spoilt for choice" would be putting it lightly. We've narrowed it down to the two which we think best exemplify each brands' offerings as a whole, which also happen to be the most similar—ideal for a side-by-side comparison! Without further ado, allow us to introduce the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30.

Let's not dwell too much on the immediate similarity of their SPFs, and dive straight into the fact that both sunscreens are chemical sunscreens. In other words, they contain active ingredients which chemically convert UV rays from the sun into harmless heat—clever! It's worth noting that this heat can be sensitizing, though, so it's probably worth steering clear of chemical sunscreens if you have particularly sensitive skin.*

*If this is you, we'd like to direct your attention to the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen and the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen instead (having tried both, we can happily recommend either of the two without too much of a direct comparison here).

The fact that they're chemical sunscreens means that they don't leave behind a garish white cast, and they are *super* lightweight, non-greasy, and have a cosmetically-pleasing matte finish.

What's even more appealing about these sunscreens, though, is the fact that they contain their brands' signature hydrating/moisturizing formulas for extra skincare benefits. CeraVe's contains Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides, and Neutrogena's contains Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E.

Since they're both oil-free and non-comedogenic, they're both fantastic options for normal-to-oily skin types. For oilier skin, you might prefer Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Sunscreen with it's gel texture. For normal skin, you might prefer the creamy texture of CeraVe's Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, plus it just about edges out in front skincare-wise in our opinion.

CeraVe vs Neutrogena for Acne

You could create an entire routine out of the products CeraVe and Neutrogena specifically make for acne, but today we're just going to be taking a look at their treatment gels: CeraVe Acne Control Gel and Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel.

Both treatments are fundamentally the same in the sense that they each contain actives which actively target existing acne, and work to prevent future breakouts. What makes them different is the actives that each brand has chosen to fulfill this role.

CeraVe's Acne Control Gel contains a mix of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), specifically: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Lactic Acid. Salicylic Acid penetrates deep into your pores, removing excess oil and dead skin cells along the way to unclog and clear them out, thus preventing new blemishes from forming. Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid work on the surface level of the skin, preventing fresh dead skin cells from mixing with oils (which would undo all of the hard work of the Salicylic Acid).

Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel instead contains Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) which is an antimicrobial that treats acne by killing the bacteria, C. acnes, that contributes to breakouts when too many are taking up residence on your skin. BP can be extremely irritating and drying, so it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

When it comes to choosing between the two, it's really important to understand that these treatments tackle different types of acne. CeraVe's works best for acne caused by excessively oily skin (which usually presents itself as comedonal acne—blackheads and whiteheads), whereas Neutrogena's works best for acne caused by acne-causing bacteria (which usually presents itself as angry pustules, cysts, and pimples). The only way to know for sure which will work best for your specific acne would be to consult a dermatologist.

CeraVe vs Neutrogena for Anti-Aging

At the heart of Cerave's "Skin Renewing" and Neutrogena's "Rapid Wrinkle Repair" ranges is an ingredient now synonymous with the term anti-aging: retinol. Retinol helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles by increasing skin cell and collagen production, unclogging pores, and exfoliating.

Given that both the CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum and Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum contain pure retinol, there's not an awful lot up for debate here. It'd be nice to know the exact concentrations, but unfortunately all we have to go by is third-party sources for that. What we do know for sure, though, is that there is very little retinol in either product, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing!

While the benefits of retinol won't be as pronounced as a regular, more potent retinol serum, neither will the side-effects. In other words, these serums are fantastic for beginners to the world of retinol since they're relatively gentle and forgiving.

Both serums additionally contain other skincare goodies such as Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides in CeraVe's, and Hyaluronic Acid and Hinokitiol in Neutrogena's. We'd just be splitting hairs trying to justify why this makes one formula better than the other, though.

Ultimately, if you're new to retinol, you'll love either of these serums, so just go pick up whichever you can find for cheaper at the time of reading this. If you're more experienced and looking to maximize your topical retinol usage, then these probably aren't the brands for you—perhaps check out our Inkey List vs The Ordinary comparison instead for a more heavyweight clash.

About the brands

CeraVe

L’Oreal successfully acquired CeraVe in 2017, a skincare brand founded in 2005 in the United States. Since CeraVe came onto the scene, 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.

CeraVe has earned a reputation for being a dermatologically approved skincare line with over 20 products now recommended by the National Eczema Association. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe uses three different ceramides in many of its products formulated to be non-irritating and fragrance-free.

Did you know that ceramides are lipids? Lipids help protect the skin barrier and work to retain moisture. A damaged skin barrier is one of the target skin concerns CeraVe products use ceramide technology to restore and hydrate dry, sensitive skin.

Neutrogena

Owned by the parent company Johnson & Johnson, Neutrogena is a science-driven skincare line known for its practical, affordable products. In 1930 by Emanuel Stolaroff, the brand was previously called Natone and was later named Neutrogena.

Neutrogena is known for its range of skincare and cosmetic products, including cleansing bars, moisturizers, serums, treatments, and toners. The Hydro Boost skincare range has been infused with purified hyaluronic acid, which improves the skin’s moisture barrier to create soft and radiant skin.

This article was originally published on February 2nd 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on January 31st 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.