Aveeno vs Cetaphil: Which Lotion Is Better?

When it comes to drugstore skincare brands, two names often come to mind: Aveeno and Cetaphil. Both brands tout their products as being gentle and effective for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. But when it comes to Aveeno vs Cetaphil, which lotion is actually better?

To find out, I purchased some of their best-selling products and compared them side by side.

I looked at the ingredients, the packaging, and how they performed on my slightly dry body skin to determine whom each of the products would work best for.

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Aveeno vs Cetaphil: The Product Comparisons

I purchased a total of four products from Aveeno and Cetaphil for two comparisons:

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash vs Cetaphil Flare-Up Relief Body Wash

When dealing with dry, itchy, irritated skin, using body washes in conjunction with body lotions will give you the best results, so I compared both from each brand.

Let’s start with the two most popular products from each brand: the body lotions!

Aveeno vs Cetaphil: Body Lotion

If you have dry, itchy, or sensitive skin, you want a body lotion that soothes, moisturizes, and doesn’t feel sticky or uncomfortable on your skin.

Luckily, both Aveeno and Cetaphil have all of these qualities, but which lotion is better?

Aveeno points out that 92% of the ingredients are included in the formula to work together to benefit the skin for easy application and moisture. (The lotion contains only 10 ingredients.)

The hero ingredient in this Aveeno product is Avena sativa kernel flour, which is oat kernels that have been ground into a fine powder.

Oats and oat extract are rich in vitamins and proteins that nourish and moisturize dry skin.

Oat extract is a known skin soother and protectant, and it’s often used to relieve itchiness and irritation, making it ideal for those with dry, sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema.

It contains beta-glucan, a type of sugar that has been shown to help heal the skin and reduce inflammation.

Oat extract also has prebiotic properties to support a healthy skin microbiome, prevent moisture loss, support a healthy skin barrier and reduce skin irritation and dryness.

The other ingredients in this body lotion are designed to help the oatmeal work even better.

Dimethicone is a silicone that forms a barrier on the skin, trapping moisture in and keeping irritants out. Glycerin derived from vegetable oil is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the skin.

All of these ingredients work together to make a moisturizer that is gentle and effective for those with dry, sensitive, irritated skin.

The fragrance-free moisturizer is also non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and tackles dry patches easily. I notice the feel of silicone in this moisturizer on my skin.

It makes the lotion feel a bit heavier but creates a film that locks in moisture.

Cetaphil uses a blend of niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol, avocado oil, and sunflower seed oil to nourish, moisturize and balance the skin.

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone. It has multiple skin benefits.

Niacinamide helps boost ceramide production for a healthy skin barrier. It is also ideal for oily skin types, as it helps to regulate sebum (oil) production.

It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and redness.

Glycerin moisturizes and protects against irritation. Avocado oil is a plant oil filled with vitamins, minerals, and moisturizing fatty acids, making it ideal for dry skin.

Sunflower seed oil is also high in fatty acids and vitamins and helps to soothe and protect the skin barrier.

This moisturizing body lotion is non-greasy and quickly absorbed. The lotion is fragrance-free and safe for those with sensitive skin. It is also hypoallergenic and paraben-free, and it won’t clog pores.

This Cetaphil lotion has a lightweight feel on the skin (lighter than Aveeno). It leaves my skin soft, smooth, and nourished.

I think it would be a great daily moisturizer for sensitive, normal, and dry skin, just like it notes on the bottle.

TIP: If you have very dry to dry, sensitive skin, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream might be a better option for you, as it will provide more intense moisture than the lotion.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Aveeno and Cetaphil have formulated their best-selling moisturizers with different ingredients, but both are formulated for dry skin.

Aveeno’s lotion is based on oat extract to soothe the skin and also contains a noticeable amount of dimethicone, a type of silicone that forms a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.

Cetaphil’s lotion, on the other hand, contains plant oils and niacinamide to help replenish the skin’s barrier. While it, too, contains dimethicone, you don’t notice it as much, as the lotion is thinner than Aveeno.

Aveeno has a thicker texture that feels a little heavier on the skin.

So which one should you choose?

It depends on your skin type and skin concerns:

If you have dry, sensitive skin, I would recommend Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. The dimethicone in the formula helps to soothe and protect the skin, while the oatmeal helps to relieve itching and irritation.

If you prefer a more lightweight lotion, Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a great choice for normal to dry skin.

It contains moisturizing actives plus all-star niacinamide to help calm down redness and inflammation.

Aveeno vs Cetaphil: Body Wash

While their lotions are undoubtedly some of their most popular body products, both Aveeno and Cetaphil offer body washes that you can use in conjunction with their lotions.

I chose to compare their body washes for irritated, itchy, dry skin, which would pair perfectly with either of their body lotions. You can even mix and match brands for great results.

But which body wash is better, Aveeno or Cetaphil? Let’s take a look:

The Avena sativa kernel flour in the body wash helps to soothe irritated skin and calm itchiness. Oat extract’s anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce redness and irritation.

The body wash is also enriched with emollients and humectants, such as glycerin, that help to lock in moisture and hydrate the skin.

The body wash has a creamy lather that bubbles nicely. It gently cleanses, leaving skin soft and smooth.

It does not contain added fragrance, but I can detect a slight scent from Coriandrum sativum (coriander) fruit oil and Elettaria cardamomum seed oil in the formula.

Colloidal oatmeal is a form of oatmeal that has been finely ground and suspended in a liquid. It is often used in products to soothe dry, itchy skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cetaphil’s Filaggrin Technology is a unique formula that helps to bind moisture to the skin and prevent dryness. Filaggrin Technology contains moisturizing amino acids, which help to protect against dryness and irritation.

Cetaphil Flare-Up Relief Body Wash also contains glycerin, shea butter, and soybean oil to nourish and moisturize the skin.

This body wash is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free. It also has the NEA (National Eczema Association) Seal of Acceptance.

The non-stripping formula won’t disturb your pH levels, so it won’t disrupt your delicate moisture barrier.

The body wash creates a gentle lather that washes away easily without leaving residue behind.

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash vs Cetaphil Flare-Up Relief Body Wash

Both body washes contain oatmeal to soothe dry, itchy skin. Both are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so they are great for sensitive skin.

Aveeno provides a slightly richer lather, but Cetaphil is formulated with more actives to nourish and moisturize your skin. This gives Cetaphil a slight edge in treating dry, irritated skin.

Related Post: CeraVe Healing Ointment vs Aquaphor vs Cetaphil

Final Thoughts: Aveeno vs Cetaphil: Which Is Better?

Of course, personal preference comes into play with any skin care product when deciding which brand works best for you.

Some will find Aveeno best for their skin concerns, while others will find that Cetaphil meets their needs better.

The best body lotion for you may not be the best for me, so ultimately, it comes down to your skin type and what you want in a product.

Now that you know the main active ingredients in each product and how the products feel and perform, you can choose which lotions to try for your skin concerns.

Thanks for reading, and until next time, here’s to your good skin health!