Skincare is super important, and it feels as though people are just recently getting on the wave. Due to the massive popularity that is the app TikTok, everyone is recently getting more interested in what works best for their skin. Two skincare brands have gained the most popularity: Cerave and Cetaphil. If you’re wondering what products to use for clear skin, these are two mainstream brands on social media that dermatologists recommend that aim to deliver just that. But, creating a solid overall routine is going to make the biggest difference when it comes to clearing up acne and revealing glowing skin. Today, I will be going over just facial cleansers and moisturizers, since those are the key items for a skincare routine. Now, once and for all, let’s settle the debate of which is best for you.
It’s not one size fits all, folks.
One thing to know about skin is that everyone is different. This topic is more in-depth in my other article, “Understanding your Skin”. There are five types of skin types: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive. Some people have dry skin, some have oily skin (like yours truly), and others have combination skin, which is a mixture of dry and oily skin. A lot of people also suffer from sensitive skin, so they have to be extra careful with what they put on it. Understanding that everyone is different and there’s no one true answer can drastically help oneself in finding the perfect skincare fit.
The similarity between the two: Cerave and Cetaphil.
Although both brands are different, they are also really similar. Both brands offer simple, odorless creams and facial washes. They are well-known and relatively inexpensive, with most products ranging from $10-$20. They typically get four to five-star reviews where customers rave about their ability to moisturize or cleanse without irritating the skin. These cleansers and moisturizers are known for removing excess oil and moisturizing skin, respectively, without causing inflammation or allergic reactions.
Facial Cleansers
Cleansers are super important and should be used in every skin routine due to their ability to eliminate excess oil, makeup, sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells. For example, “Cleansers are products we use to remove the normal accumulation of dirt and oils, makeup, sunscreen, remains of pollution, and dead skin cells,” explains Garnier consulting dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes. “They aid in unclogging pores and exfoliation of the top skin cells. Their main role is to clean our skin without stripping the top layer”. Finding the right cleanser for your skin is easier said than done. Everyone has different skin, so it’s super important that you have a good understanding of your skin before you blindly go in and choose one.
Cerave is my personal choice. I began with the Foaming Facial Cleanser, which sells for 15 dollars, and I love it. My skin feels so smooth. From someone who suffers from oily skin and little pimples that randomly like to bother me, this is great. Cerave has an odorless, kind of clear gel consistency. You can just do one pump of it in your palm, rub it together, and apply it to your face.
Reminder, the link to this cleanser is generally used for people with oily skin. There is also a Hydrating Facial Cleanser that works for people with dry skin. If you believe you have normal skin, there is also an SA Cleanser for you.
Compared to Cerave, Cetaphil tends to be lacking. Cerave has three different types of cleansers while Cetaphil only has the two: Gentle Skin Cleanser and Daily Skin Cleanser. Cetaphil also sets themselves apart by claiming on the bottle that you can use these cleansers on your face and your body.
Cetaphil’s foam dispenser doesn’t dispense very much with one pump, so two pumps may be needed to lather your entire face. Cerave applies seamlessly, you may only need half a pump to cover your entire face thoroughly. Cetaphil has a softer feel than Cerave, since the foam isn’t as thick as the slippery liquid that Cerave gives, you can wash Cetaphil off your face much more easily. Bother cleansers leave the skin feeling soft and clean immediately after application. Neither dry up the skin, which is rather uncommon in a cleanser formula.
Facial Moisturizers
Facial moisturizers typically come after cleansers and serums (if you use them). Moisturizers help in keeping your skin moisturized of course, but also, some come with some SPF to help protect against the sun’s UV rays. UV rays can age your skin and in severe cases can cause skin cancer. You aren’t just impacted by UV rays on vacation when it’s nice and sunny. Even on cloudy days, the rains can go through the clouds and still land on your skin. It is extremely important for everyone, especially those with a family history of skin cancer, to apply SPF moisturizer.
I use Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. It has a lightweight, odorless sensation and keeps the skin hydrated. It is at a reasonable price of about $19, and it’s simple to use. The pump will give you a little bit of lotion, but that’s fine for moisturizers since you don’t want to be lathering in it.
Cerave comes with a lot of different types of facial moisturizers. Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion, for those with normal to dry skin. Cerave SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin, which exfoliated and moisturized, while helping to restore the protective skin barrier. They also have Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM, which helps moisturize throughout the night. Lastly, they have the popular Cerave Eye Repair Cream, which helps reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness.
Cetaphil has two facial moisturizers. One, Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen, and the other Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer. They look the same, but the first one has a broad spectrum of SPF 15, while the second one has an SPF of 50. They are both fragrance-free, and non-irritating.
Cerave has an odorless and slight lotion smell, which can be found more pleasurable than Cetaphil, which smells a little like chemical sunscreen, though it has a lower SPF rating than the CeraVe facial moisturizing lotion. CeraVe has a relatively thick consistency, while Cetaphil was much thinner, which felt more immediately moisturizing upon application. Although, since Cerave has a thicker consistency, it may leave the individual feeling moisturized for long.
In Conclusion
Ceraves’ facts are that they have advanced ingredients, they have zero fragrance, and have an emphasis on dry skin (but their oily skin products are nothing to sneeze at). Cetaphil’s facts are that they contain basic ingredients, may contain some fragrance and have an emphasis on sensitive skin. This goes to show that not one brand is better than the other, but both emphasize different needs for different people. Instead of just telling you which is best for people, we as individuals must take the time to understand our skin and make the decision that is right for us.