Two highly recommended brands for sensitive and dry skin users, but which reigns supreme? Both critically acclaimed by the Eczema industry, what are the differences between the two?
Who are CeraVe and Eucerin?
CeraVe was founded in 2005 and launched their three core products, Moisturizing Cream, Moisturizing Lotion, and Hydrating Cleanser. A relatively new brand on the block that has received more Seal of Acceptance awards from the National Eczema Association than any other brand in the market.
Eucerin is the dermatologist-recommended skin care brand based on honest skin science. It sustains and restores skin’s health and gives you the confidence of a healthy radiant skin. The Eucerin brand is a leading skin care product provider, offering a wide variety of skin care systems and treatments for different skin types. Paul C. Beiersdorf founded Beiersdorf in 1882 in a 19th century pharmacy and was able to patent a new approach to medical dressing.
Product Descriptions
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that helps hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier. Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this moisturizing lotion features patented MVE Technology for long-lasting hydration and a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores. Hypoallergenic and non-irritating, this daily moisturizer is gentle on the skin as it provides a steady stream of 24-hour hydration.
Reference: CeraVe
Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion
Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion is a breakthrough in repairing very dry skin and provides 48 hour moisture, for skin that looks and feels healthy.
- Ceramide 3 enriched; strengthens skin’s protective moisture barrier.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors enriched; a combination of moisturizing ingredients naturally found in the skin that hydrates to help prevent dryness.
- Fragrance, dye, and paraben free for sensitive skin
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion Analysis
CeraVe has one single ingredient that stands out and can be problematic, Phenoxyethanol. It has been reported as harmful if absorbed through skin, causing irritation and blistering. This makes Phenoxyethanol a potential health concern for Eczema sufferers like ourselves. Another ingredient in some versions of the moisturizing lotion that needs to be highlighted is Methylparaben and Propylparaben. They can cause serious skin irritation, especially for the eyes!
Phenoxyethanol is an interesting ingredient as it is now banned in Palau due to the damages it can cause to coral reefs. If it can cause long lasting damages to the aquatic wildlife, the question is, what kind of damage can do to our skin?
According to 1Source, there were 24 identifiable ingredients in the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. 22 out of the 24 were deemed to be safe and acceptable ingredients.
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion: Ingredient Concerns
Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion Analysis
Eucerin has Phenoxyethanol just like CeraVe but has one ingredient that poses a great concern, Cyclomethicone. It is a substance that is prohibited in cosmetic products according to the EU Cosling Annex II. The Hong Kong Consumer Council has also labelled Cyclomethicone as an endocrine disrupting chemical. The ingredient can cause skin irritation and serious eye irritation. Just like Phenoxyethanol, it can be harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
It should be noted that Cyclomethicone was not found in the tub version of the cream. According to 1Source, there were 37 identifiable ingredients in the Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion. 35 out of the 37 ingredients were deemed as safe and acceptable.
CeraVe vs Eucerin: Which is better?
Both products use different ingredients but have the same problematic ingredient in Phenoxyethanol (some CeraVe Moitusrizing Lotion versions do not contain them but do have parabens). It is impossible to determine which is better for your skin, as they both have generally safe recipes that can make a difference to your skin. It depends on your skin type and your compatibility with the lotion. CeraVe uses less ingredients, so it is probably a better cream to start off with. More ingredients doesn’t necessarily mean a better cream.
One big selling point of CeraVe is that it has Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, a humectant that draws moisture from their surroundings. It has the ability to help boost hydration for all skin types, especially for dry and dehydrated skin. When applied to the surface to the surface of your skin, it can reduce redness, wrinkles and even dermatitis!
From my past experiences with CeraVe, I have had positive results. I have not tried out Eucerin, but from the ingredient list it is something I will be trying in the future if CeraVe doesn’t do the job anymore.
References
- 1Source.com: Ingredient Decoder
- PubChem
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Originally posted on Eczema Feed