Head to head

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream.

The bottom line

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream does the same job for less.

Cetaphil Moisturizing CreamCetaphilMoisturizing CreamMoisturizer · ~€13See every ingredient in Moisturizing Cream, decoded
Cetaphil Moisturizing LotionCetaphilMoisturizing LotionMoisturizer · ~€17See every ingredient in Moisturizing Lotion, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Moisturizing Cream if

  • you want the more affordable option

Pick Moisturizing Lotion if

  • it is the one you can get most easily or already trust

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Moisturizing CreamMoisturizing Lotion
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    109
  • Brightening / tone
    77
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    88
  • Anti-aging
    66

Side by side

Moisturizing CreamMoisturizing Lotion
TypeMoisturizerMoisturizer
Key activesGlycerin, Petrolatum, NiacinamideGlycerin, Niacinamide, Pro-vitamin B5
TextureA rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly.A smooth, silky lotion that spreads easily and leaves a soft, near-blurred finish.
FragranceNone detectedNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesNo flagged actives
Ingredients25 listed16 listed
Price~€13~€17

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Moisturizing CreamGlycerin
Moisturizing LotionGlycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneEither works
  • Breakouts & congestionEither works
  • Dryness & dehydrationEither works
  • Sensitive, reactive skinMoisturizing Cream

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the cheaper of the two (~€13 vs ~€17).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream or Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion better for sensitive, reactive skin?

For sensitive, reactive skin, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion land in much the same place on performance, so value decides it: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream does the same job for less.

Which is cheaper, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream or Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion?

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the cheaper of the two (~€13 vs ~€17).

Can I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion together?

They are both moisturizers, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

Compare it with…

All 18 comparisons
Chemical structure of GlycerinChemical structure of Glycerin