Welcome to another beauty brand showdown, this time spotlighting two well-loved brands in the world of skincare - First Aid Beauty and CeraVe. From their best-selling moisturizers to their coveted cleansers, we're here to help you navigate through their standout products.
Each of these brands has garnered a dedicated following, with products promising to deliver hydration, fortification, and gentle care. First Aid Beauty is renowned for its clean ingredients and targeted solutions, catering to various skin concerns, including sensitivity and eczema. On the other side, we have CeraVe, the dermatologist-developed brand celebrated for its barrier-supporting formulas and skin-friendly price point.
So let's begin, shall we?
First Aid Beauty vs CeraVe Moisturizer
Today we're focusing on moisture. Yes, that ever-critical step in our skincare routine. Now, let's dive into two very popular products on the beauty scene – the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration and the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
On one hand, we have First Aid Beauty's (FAB) Ultra Repair Cream. It's not just a moisturizer, it's a bona fide skin savior, especially for those struggling with dryness, redness, and even eczema. Formulated with the calming powers of colloidal oatmeal and the barrier-boosting benefits of shea butter, it promises to quench thirsty skin and bring it back to its happy place.
Now, FAB isn't playing around when it comes to their commitment. Not only is this cream dermatologist tested, but it's also free from a long list of undesirables like artificial fragrances, sulfates, parabens...you name it! And it's suitable for all skin types, making it a great pick for the entire family.
Swinging over to the other corner of the ring, we've got the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This wonder cream is all about restoring and protecting your skin's barrier. Formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it's like a protective shield and a water reservoir all in one.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is known for its unique MVE Delivery Technology, which ensures that your skin stays hydrated for up to 48 hours after applying. It's non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and it's got the stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. Just like FAB, it can be used by the whole family and is especially loved by those with normal to dry skin.
Now for the comparison. Both products are fantastic at delivering hydration, with FAB focusing more on immediate relief and CeraVe offering extended hydration thanks to its MVE Technology. If you're battling redness or eczema, FAB's Ultra Repair Cream, with its colloidal oatmeal and allantoin, might be more up your alley.
The choice between First Aid Beauty and CeraVe isn't a matter of good or bad – they're both impressive moisturizers. It really boils down to your skin’s individual needs. For those who are super conscious about ingredients (i.e. if you have particularly sensitive skin or if you're struggling with eczema), you might gravitate more towards FAB with its longer 'free from' list.
On the flip side, if you're just trying to ward off dryness and maintain a healthy skin barrier, CeraVe's three ceramides and hyaluronic acid formula is a true standout.
Pros
Soothes eczema
Cons
Higher price
What makes it special? This fast-absorbing, rich hydrating moisturizer provides instant and long-term relief for dry, distressed skin, even eczema. Good for face and body.
Pros
- Long-lasting hydration
Cons
- Thick texture
What makes it special? CeraVe Moisturizing Cream includes 3 essential ceramides that work together to lock in skin's moisture and help restore your skin’s protective barrier. MVE technology encapsulates ceramides to ensure efficient delivery within the skin’s barrier and slow release over time, supporting your protective skin barrier long after you’ve finish applying.
First Aid Beauty vs CeraVe Cleanser
Next up, we're chatting about another crucial step in your daily routine, the face cleanse. We're putting two fan favorites head-to-head - the First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser and the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.
Let's start with First Aid Beauty's Face Cleanser, a fragrance-free formula that is gentle yet efficient in sweeping away the day's grime without leaving your skin crying out for moisture. With star ingredients like aloe for calming and soothing, allantoin to help ease any discomfort, and glycerin, a natural humectant that draws in moisture, this cleanser is like a comforting hug for your face.
What's more, First Aid Beauty maintains their commendable dedication to clean ingredients. This cleanser is not only dermatologist tested, but it also avoids any nasties like artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates and the list goes on. Suitable for sensitive skin, and vegan-friendly, it's a comforting choice for the conscious consumer.
Switching gears, let's look at the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Designed for normal to dry skin, this cleanser is all about maintaining your skin's natural barrier while delivering a dose of hydration. It's infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, a dynamic duo for locking in moisture and keeping your skin feeling plump and fresh.
The magic behind this cleanser lies in its patented MVE Delivery Technology that gradually releases hydrating ingredients throughout the day. Just like its competitor, it's non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and fragrance-free. The cherry on top? It's been developed with dermatologists and is accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Now, let's compare. Both of these cleansers are kind to the skin, avoiding harsh stripping effects. If you're seeking a cleanser with more naturally soothing elements, First Aid Beauty's aloe and allantoin enriched formula could be your go-to.
For those on the hunt for a cleanser that focuses on strengthening the skin's barrier and locking in moisture, CeraVe's ceramides and hyaluronic acid infusion will be your skin's new best friend.
Both brands have well and truly earned their stellar reputations, and just as with the moisturizers, choosing between First Aid Beauty and CeraVe when it comes to cleansers isn't about good versus bad. It's about your skin's unique needs and preferences. So, beautiful people, make the choice that suits your skin the best.
Pros
- pH-balanced formula
Cons
- Premium pricing
What makes it special? This non-stripping, pH-balanced daily face wash helps maintain skin’s natural acidity to keep sensitive skin happy. With it’s sumptuous, creamy texture, this FAB cleanser won’t leave skin tight or dry.
Pros
- Barrier protection
Cons
- Basic packaging
What makes it special? A cleanser can remove dirt, makeup and other debris, but a hydrating cleanser, like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, can do all that without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier or stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Created with dermatologists, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a gentle face wash with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that work to restore the skin’s natural barrier to help the skin lock in moisture.
Calum Torrington is the founder of FEMMENORDIC. He has worked as a beauty editor since 2020 and employs his analytical background in mathematics to thoroughly scrutinize complex INCI lists. Now, he helps over 1 million people per year to find the best beauty products.
