CeraVe vs Vaseline Comparison | Which Skincare Brand Is Better For Slugging In 2025
by Shopify API on Dec 22, 2024
Are you looking to compare CeraVe Vs Vaseline to find out which one is better? If yes, we got you! Here is a detailed comparison between the two top and most recommended skincare brands. Read further to know more.
Winter is coming and it's the season where our skin turns dry, rough, flaky and cracked. During the course of time, I’ve tried and tested so many different moisturiser brands but CeraVe and Vaseline are the two brands that’re stuck with me since years now.
But since these are two different brands, there are a few similarities and differences between them and you might want to opt for any one. If that’s the case, let’s review both the brands in detail and understand which one’s better.
CeraVe vs Vaseline
The top difference between Cerave and Vaseline lies in the formula. Vaseline is made up of 100% petrolatum, which is why Vaseline is also called a "petroleum jelly". Cerave on the other hand is a cream-based product that contains about 46.5% of petrolatum and the rest are other ingredients like ceramides, fragrances, silicones, etc. as usual with moisturizers.
Who is CeraVe?
CeraVe is one of the most known skincare brands that’s developed with the proficiency of dermatologists. The brand includes various products like moisturiser, face wash, cream, for different skin types.
CeraVe was developed in 2005 by Tom Allison in the United States for people with skin conditons like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin who’s skin barriers were compromised. Today CeraVe’s parent company is L’oreal and is sold in more than 40 countries in the world.
The brand also includes skincare products for babies. Most skincare products don’t suit sensitive skin types but CeraVe has made sure that their product reaches people with skin sensitivities as well. It’s no. #1 recommended by dermatologists for its formulation and results.
CeraVe products are formulated with unique blend of ceramides that’s patented MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE), vitamin C, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide that help increase skin hydration, replenish skin barriers, reduce the loss of moisture.
Who is Vaseline?
Vaseline is one of the most popular and the oldest brands that was founded in 1870 by Robert Chesebrough who was a chemist in the United States. It’s now owned by Uniliver, a transnational company famous worldwide.
Vaseline is petroleum jelly based products that help in keeping the skin hydrated, maintain skin barrier and suit individuals even with skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Since Vaseline consists of petroleum jelly, it is bound to sit and retain skin’s water without evaporating from the skin's outer layer and seal the hydration. Vaseline jelly contains 100% petroleum however, the lotion, cream soaps etc. are formulated with ingredients like green tea, coconut oil, almond oil etc.
Related: Is The Vaseline Spray Lotion Discontinued
Comparing The Two Brands: CeraVe Vs Vaseline
Both CeraVe and Vaseline are extremely good brands for moisturisation for dry skin and individuals with skin sensitivities like eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis etc. Both the brands are made with skin-benefitting ingredients that are responsible to lock in moisture and provide maximum hydration.
However, CeraVe as well as Vaseline have differences and similarities that you should know in order to understand which one’s better for your skin type. Let’s delve further to decode how similar yet different both the brands are.
Similarities Between CeraVe and Vaseline:
- CeraVe and Vaseline are both skincare brands that are highly recommended by dermatologists. Some products of both the companies are even formed with the expertise of the dermatologists.
- Both brands cater to protect skin’s barrier especially for those who have dry skin conditions, psoriasis, eczema, xerosis etc. Vaseline as well as CeraVe hydrates the outer layer of the skin by locking in moisture and further reducing the conditions.
- Both the brands have shown 100% results on what they’ve promised. The ingredients are simple, non-comedogenic, and fragrance free.
- Some products of CeraVe as well as Vaseline contain petroleum jelly as an active ingredient which is responsible for healing the skin. For example: Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and CeraVe ointments.
Differences Between CeraVe and Vaseline:
- Even though CeraVe and Vaseline use ingredients that benefit the skin, the ingredients are far different from each other. CeraVe is formulated with ceramides that’s patented MVE technology, vitamin C, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide while Vaseline contains petroleum jelly, and plant-based ingredients.
- Vaseline is more popular than CeraVe and is easily available anywhere in the world. CeraVe is only sold in 40 countries around the world. One can find Vaseline online as well as in drugstores.
- Vaseline is also more affordable as compared to CeraVe. For example: A 300ml CeraVe moisturiser will cost around US $7.59 whereas a 300ml bottle of Vaseline moisturiser will only cost about US $2.99 at maximum.
- Vaseline products contain more petroleum than CeraVe products. For example: CeraVe ointments only have 46.5% of petroleum against Vaseline’s 100% petroleum jelly content.
- CeraVe products have a thin, and clear consistency while Vaseline products are thicker, creamier and have a waxy consistency.
- In terms of moisture protection, Vaseline lies a little above CeraVe because of its thick, sticky texture of the product that is hard to evaporate.
Quick Comparison Products from the Brands
CeraVe and Vaseline Moisturizer Comparison :
| Feature | Vaseline Moisturizer | CeraVe Moisturiser |
| Ingredients | Glycerin, Vaseline Jelly, Hylauronic acid | Ceramides packed with MVE technology, Hylauronic acid |
| Effectiveness on skin | Retains moisture, fast absorbing and seeps 5 layers deep in skin | Doesn’t clog pores, protects skin barriers, 24 hours hydration |
| Skin type suitable for | Dry, dull and rough skin | Dry, sensitive, oily, acne prone skin |
| Item form | Thick and creamy formula | Lightweight, non-greasy, thin formula |
| Free from toxic ingredients | No, contains mineral oils and alcohol | No, contains alcohol |
| Fragrance | Unscented | Unscented |
| Quantity | 400 ml | 355 ml |
| Price | US $6.54 | US $11.62 |
Both CeraVe and Vaseline are great brands known to retain moisture and perfect for cold weather conditions as it protects the skin’s layers and provides optimum amount of hydration.
But in my opinion, CeraVe is better if we ignore the price factor and consider other important factors like ingredients, suitability, toxic ingredients etc. When I bought Vaseline moistuirser, I was quite disappointed to find that they use mineral oil and alcohol that can potentially harm the skin.
I also found that CeraVe provides 24 hours moisturisation whereas Vaseline vanishes in 6-7 hours. CeraVe moisturiser’s consistency was thin and it felt non-greasy on my skin while the Vaseline moisturiser didn’t suit my oily skin. If you have oily skin, Vaseline might not be the right choice for you.
Even Vaseline is really good for moisturising and perfect for winters. It comes in 5 sizes which makes it perfect for travel purposes as well.
Is Cerave or Vaseline Better For Slugging Skin?
Before I tell you which brand is better for slugging, let's first talk about what this is. Slugging is a type of face treatment where you cover your entire face with a thick layer or cream or moisturizer to prevent moisture from your face escaping the skin barrier and leaving skin dry. This is supposed to help make skin more hydrated and protect it from cellular damage.
Vaseline is a better choice for slugging rather than Cerave cream. Vaseline is a occlusive, which means it covers your face with a barrier that prevents moisture from escaping, whereas Cerave is more of a moisturizing agent, that ADDS hydration to face due to it's ceramide content.
You can layer your face with a layer or Cerave and then a layer of Vaseline, but ultimately a petroleum jelly is better for slugging.
Why Is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly So Popular For Skin
Petroleum jelly is a great ingredient for skin that relieves and heals dry skin especially during the winter season. This ingredient moistens the surface of the skin and protects the inner layers. It’s thick, waxy and sticky in texture.
You can apply Vaseline petroleum jelly on your lips so keep it hydrated. It can be used as a cure to diaper or underwear caused rashes on private areas. You can also apply Vaseline petroleum jelly on your cuticles so that it doesn’t rip apart and keep your nails hydrated.
One can use Vaseline as a part of their daily skincare routine as it keeps the skin healthy. It’s advisable to use Vaseline after washing your face thoroughly with a face wash or cleaner because that will stop the face from producing excessive oily and won’t make your skin greasy as well.
Conclusion: So Is Cerave Better Than Vaseline?
In my opinion, CeraVe has a little edge over vaseline overall considering different factors like moisturisation, effectiveness, ingredients, toxic content etc.
However, if you’re more concerned about your budget then you should definitely go for Vaseline as it’s a decent product that wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Vaseline has a thick and waxy texture which is not suitable for acne prone skin as it might lead to excessive oil secretion in the face. CeraVe is lightweight and non-greasy. It also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that can help in minimising acne problems.
If you have dry and sensitive skin, you should opt for CeraVe as it provides 24 hours moisturisation, heals sensitive and other skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema etc. and also is lightweight. CeraVe is also dermatologically tested and safe to use for all skin types.
Vaseline is also an effective option to go for in case CeraVe is not available at your location or is out of your budget.
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