Curel vs CeraVe 2024 (The Definitive Guide)

Curel and CeraVe are best known for their skin-nourishing lotions packed with ceramides, but which brand is better?

Come with us as we compare the Curel Ultra Healing Lotion vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion side-by-side to help you decide which is best for you and your skin. Enjoy!

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Curel Ultra Healing Lotion vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

First and foremost, it's worth establishing the fact that while on paper they appear to be similar, and , they are certainly not dupes of each other. On the one hand, CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion is geared towards "normal to dry skin", and on the other, Curel's Ultra Healing Lotion is primarily intended for "extra dry skin". This difference alone takes us a decent length of the way to guiding your decision, but it's obviously worth properly comparing their formulas before drawing any conclusions.

Both formulas are suitable for the face & body, are completely fragrance-free, and contain Ceramides NP + AP + EOP (which work together to lock in moisture and restore your skin's protective barrier), Glycerin (which relieves dry skin), Dimethicone (which helps provide skin-smoothing benefits), and Cholesterol (which plays a replenishing role to support the moisture balance)—among other solvents and preservatives.

The CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion additionally contains Hyaluronic Acid (which is intensely hydrating), and is notably completely oil-free (making it relatively lightweight, and ideal for normal skin types). The Curel Ultra Healing Lotion instead additionally contains Petrolatum (which acts as a protective barrier), Orange Peel Oil (which heals dry, flaky skin), Oat Meal Extract (which soothes irritation), Shea Butter (which helps moisturize), Eucalyptus Extract (which reduces inflammation), and Acacia Senegal Gum (which enhances the smoothness of the cream)—all of which contribute towards a much richer texture, making it even more ideal for drier skin types.

Results-wise, they are both equally impressive in their own domains. Online customer reviews (on the brands' own websites) for both products average out to a rating of 4.7/5 with regards to quality and value, and both have been certified by a board of dermatologists for their efficacy and suitability for sensitive skin. What's more is the fact that CeraVe's Daily Moisturizing Lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association, which is how you know just how gentle it really is.

2024 update: Now that we've had a bit of extra time to test these lotions, the differences are less apparent than at first glance. Bizarrely, Curel is thinner than you'd expect given the inclusion of Petrolatum, but not unpleasantly-so. In fact, the consistency and feel is pretty similar to CeraVe.

Synopsis: if you're looking for a daily moisturizer for normal to dry skin, the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is definitely the one for you thanks to its lightweight, hydrating formula. If you're looking for a more of a treatment-like lotion for extremely dry skin, then the richer Curel Ultra Healing Lotion will be far better suited with it being densely formulated with soothing ingredients.

Ultra Healing Lotion by Curel

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Provides instant relief and protects the skin from dryness.

What makes it special? Ideal for dry or severely dry skin, this intensive formula provides instant relief and protects skin from dryness for over 24 hours. Curel Ultra Healing Lotion, with Advanced Ceramide Complex, restores skin's ceramide levels to help retain moisture and prevent symptoms of dry, tight skin from returning. This dermatologist tested formula leaves skin healed and healthy-looking.

Which skin types? For extra dry skin.

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Daily Moisturizing Lotion by CeraVe

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Our rating: ★★★★★

Price: $$$$

Oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid.

What makes it special? CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier. Formulated with 3 essential ceramides that work together to lock in skins moisture and help restore your skin’s protective barrier. MVE technology encapsulates ceramides to ensure efficient delivery within the skin’s barrier and slow release over time. It leaves the skin feeling comfortable, and is gentle on the skin as it provides 24-hour hydration.

Which skin types? For normal to dry skin.

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This article was originally published on July 12th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 7th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.