Cetaphil and Aveeno are both widely known, big-name brands, especially for people with sensitive skin. Both brands have been around for decades and have gained a reputation for being gentle on the skin. Moreover, the two brands have an extensive line of products to choose from, ranging from moisturizers, shampoos, and lotions to cleansers.
Many products in these two brands share similar ingredients but also differ in some ways. Products from these brands also differ in price and functionality. This article compares the Aveeno and Cetaphil brands of skincare products to help you determine which is better for your skin needs and body.
Cetaphil
Cetaphil is a brand name for products that are manufactured by Galderma Laboratories, a company based in Texas. Established in 1981, this brand has beaten all odds to become one of the best pharmaceutical companies in the world. Cetaphil products are formulated to gently cleanse and moisturize without causing irritation.
Some of the most popular products from this brand include Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, Cetaphil moisturizing lotion, and Cetaphil daily facial moisturizer with SPF 15.
Primary Ingredients in Cetaphil Products
Most Cetaphil products contain the following primary ingredients;
Panthenol/Pro-Vitamin B5
Panthenol is one of the ingredients found in almost all Cetaphil products. Its main work is to soothe and minimize skin irritation in all types of sensitive skin. This ingredient also has moisturizing properties that help in moisture retention.
Glycerin
Glycerin is another primary ingredient in Cetaphil products. Glycerin works as an emollient and helps attract water to the skin improving moisture retention.
Hyaluronic Acid
Cetaphil understands the vital role played by hyaluronic acid in hydrating the skin to keep it young and glowing. This brand adds hyaluronic acid to all its products to replenish its diminishing levels of it as people age.
Niacinamide
To help lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated, Cetaphil adds Niacinamide in most of its skincare and hair products. Besides the moisturizing benefits, this ingredient also has powerful antioxidant properties that help heal and protect the skin.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is an essential ingredient found in Cetaphil products. This component helps in repairing the skin barrier and moisture retention.
Aveeno
Aveeno was established in 1945 by brothers Albert and Sidney Musher, who sold it to its current owner, Johnson & Johnson, in 1999. This company focuses on creating products that utilize natural ingredients to help people care for their skin, body, and hair.
Aveeno offers a wide range of products, including baby care items, hair care, and skincare products for both men and women. Some of its popular baby products include diaper rash cream, moisturizers, sunscreens, conditioners, and baby wash shampoo.
Aveeno skincare products are designed for all skin types, from sensitive to oily or acne-prone skins. Some of the most popular products from this brand include daily moisturizing body lotion, clear complexion foaming cleanser for acne-prone skin, and active natural’s positively radiant daily moisturizer with sunscreen SPF 15. All Aveeno products are dye and soap-free. They are also dermatologists and pediatricians tested.
Aveeno active naturals products contain ingredients that are sourced naturally from plants or food sources such as soybeans and oatmeal. Many of these ingredients have been used for centuries to treat dry skin or skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Primary Ingredients in Aveeno Products
Oat Oil
Oat oil extracted from oat grain contains useful lipids that help in protecting and nourishing the skin barrier.
Feverfew
feverfew is another composition found in Aveeno products. This ingredient has anti-irritant and antioxidant benefits that help in soothing and nourishing the skin.
Oat Extract
Most if not all Aveeno products will contain oat extract that’s rich in Avenanthramides that help in soothing and repairing the skin.
Ceramides
Aveeno products contain ceramides that help in moisture retention and skin barrier protection.
Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is another powder-foam ingredient found in Aveeno products. This ingredient works to keep the skin moisturized by foaming a barrier over it to prevent moisture loss.
Soy
Soy is another primary ingredient in Aveeno products. This ingredient is a rich source of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and vitamins that help in hydrating and nourishing the skin.
Critical Ingredients to Watch out for in Cetaphil and Aveeno Brands
Cetaphil and Aveeno brands are top producers of skincare, baby care, and hair care products in the cosmetic industry today.
Recognizable safety bodies such as EWG and FDA consider products from these two brands safe for human use. Two of their most common moisturizers, the Aveeno moisturizing cream and Cetaphil daily moisturizer, received a rating of 2 from EWG in a recent study.
Though safe for human application, some products from these brands contain ‘sensitive’ ingredients that may negatively react with your skin.
Some ingredients to watch out for in Aveeno and Cetaphil products include;
Benzyl Alcohol
Benzyl alcohol is a primary ingredient in most lotions due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Despite its benefits, benzyl alcohol is an irritant that may cause a burning sensation on your skin. As such, you must be careful when using benzoyl alcohol-based products from these two brands, especially if you suffer from eczema, which may worsen the condition.
Petrolatum
Petrolatum is another common ingredient in some products offered by these two brands. This ingredient is mostly common in Aveeno products.
It serves as an emollient to help trap moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated. The main shortcoming of petrolatum is that it may irritate your skin and cause a burning sensation.
Differences Between Cetaphil and Aveeno
Products offered by these two brands differ in a number of ways, including;
Aveeno is a drugstore brand, which typically means it’s more affordable than a high-end brand like Cetaphil. Furthermore, Aveeno offers larger packaging in most of its products compared to Cetaphil, which means you get more products per ounce in Aveeno than in Cetaphil.
Cetaphil offers a wide range of products for all different skin types, whereas Aveeno has a narrower selection.
Although these two brands offer gentle formulas that work well with sensitive skins, Cetaphil has fragrance-free options, unlike Aveeno. Cetaphil does not have as many options for natural or organic skincare as Aveeno does.
So, Which One is Better?
Cetaphil and Aveeno brands have over the years established themselves as top offers of cosmetic products in the sensitive skin industry.
In addition to undertaking in-depth research to produce safe and relevant products, these brands have the best customer service. To them, the end-user of their products comes first.
There is no doubt that any product from these two brands will serve its intended purpose. You, however, need to do thorough background research on the ingredients to ensure none is allergic to you as they may cause regrettable side effects.
If unsure about your skin type, consult with your dermatologist before using any of the above products.
