If you happen to’ve been across the skincare block, you’ve in all probability heard the title Cetaphil thrown round prefer it’s gospel. Dermatologist-recommended. Non-irritating. Perfume-free. Principally the face of “protected” skincare. However Lubriderm? Not fairly as loud. It’s a type of merchandise you may need noticed in somebody’s drugs cupboard and gone, Wait, what’s that once more? It’s been round endlessly, typically sitting quietly in the identical aisle as the massive names like Cetaphil and CeraVe, however one way or the other it hardly ever will get the highlight. So why is that?
Nicely, for starters, Lubriderm doesn’t have the identical advertising and marketing muscle. It doesn’t companion with influencers, doesn’t have shiny packaging, and it’s not always being pushed in your Instagram feed. However right here’s the kicker: Lubriderm was really developed by dermatologists. Like, actually created by pores and skin docs earlier than that grew to become a buzzword. So we’ve obtained two dermatologist-approved manufacturers, each fragrance-free (relying on the model), each sitting below $15, each claiming to offer you easy, wholesome pores and skin. However if you even have to decide on one, what do you have to go for? Which one has one of the best physique lotions? Let’s break all of it down.
Lubriderm VS Cetaphil Model Overview
CETAPHIL
Cetaphil has been round since 1947, when a pharmacist created the model’s iconic Cetaphil Cleaning Lotion (now referred to as Cetaphil Light Pores and skin Cleanser) for sufferers with delicate pores and skin. Since then, it’s constructed a full-on empire round being the “protected” alternative, particularly for pores and skin circumstances like eczema, rosacea, or post-procedure pores and skin.
Over time, Cetaphil expanded into a variety of merchandise:
- Facial moisturizers (light-weight, wealthy, oil-free, and many others.)
- Physique lotions and lotions
- Cleansers (from creamy to foaming to acne-prone)
- SPF-infused skincare
- Child line and eczema vary
- “Professional” line focusing on redness, oil management, and ultra-sensitive pores and skin
It’s a go-to for dermatologists as a result of it’s delicate, fragrance-free (more often than not), and non-irritating – even when it’s not all the time the sexiest possibility in your skincare routine.
LUBRIDERM
Lubriderm got here onto the scene in 1945 when pharmacist Louis Schleuse created a light-weight lotion. For the primary few many years, the model was used solely by dermatologists, hospitals, and pharmacists to deal with tough or itchy, dry pores and skin. It will definitely went OTC and have become a drugstore staple for easy, efficient physique care. Not like Cetaphil, Lubriderm doesn’t actually do facial skincare. Its focus is, and all the time has been, physique moisturizers for on a regular basis use. Whereas Cetaphil branched out right into a full skincare wardrobe, Lubriderm caught to what it does greatest: simple, no-BS physique care that hydrates quick and sinks in clear.
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Lubriderm VS Cetaphil Key Substances
Each Lubriderm and Cetaphil deal with mild, non-irritating formulation, and their formulation present it. Each manufacturers use:
- Glycerin: A typical humectant that pulls and binds water to the pores and skin, to maintain it hydrated for longer.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): It’s one other humectant with soothing properties. It could relax redness and irritations.
- Mineral Oil: It creates a barrier on the pores and skin that stops moisture loss. It additionally prevents germs and irritants from coming in touch with the pores and skin and worsening it.
- Dimethicone: A silicone that creates a breathable (yes really!) barrier on the pores and skin to cut back transepidermal water loss. It additionally fills in superb traces and wrinkles, so they give the impression of being smaller.
- Petrolatum (in richer formulation) – For long-lasting safety
The distinction? In Lubriderm, you gained’t discover: plant oils, antioxidants, or any extracts. At most, merchandise comprise oat extract to reduce itchy and irritations and shea butter to moisturise pores and skin. However you get the purpose. Solely what’s wanted to get dry pores and skin in prime form is right here.
Cetaphil makes use of virtually all the identical core elements, however typically provides in a number of mild emollients or antioxidants for additional skin-soothing advantages. Relying on the product, you’ll additionally discover:
- Candy Almond Oil / Avocado Oil: A light-weight oil that makes pores and skin softer and smoother.
- Vitamin E: A robust antioxidant that stops wrinkles
- Niacinamide: Present in particular traces like Cetaphil Professional, it does everything from moisturising skin, soothing irritations, fading away darkish spots, and it even helps to deal with zits.
The outcome? Cetaphil feels a bit richer, but it surely’s constructed on the very same basis as Lubriderm.
Associated: Why You Need To Add Niacinamide To Your Skincare Routine
Lubriderm Each day Moisture Lotion VS Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
These are the best-sellers. Those most individuals attain for with out pondering. And actually? They give the impression of being virtually interchangeable on the shelf. Related no-frills packaging, identical guarantees of light-weight hydration, identical “for delicate pores and skin” label. However if you really use them, the distinction is evident.
Lubriderm Each day Moisture Lotion ($10.12) is a thicker components and higher for the winter months. It sinks in quick, doesn’t go away any residue, and feels prefer it vanishes the second you rub it in. Glycerin attracts additional moisture to the pores and skin, whereas the mix of mineral oil and shea butter create a protecting barrier that seals all of it in, so your pores and skin stays hydrated for hours. However the star of the present is avena sativa kernel oil. Studies show it has anti-inflammatory properties that may restore the pores and skin’s personal pure barrier and relax redness and irritation. It’s a superb moisturiser for dry, delicate, and easily-irritated pores and skin. Obtainable at: Target and Walmart
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($15.97), alternatively, is thinner and higher for summer season months. A primary components, it accommodates glycerin, a hydrating ingredient, and Isopropyl Palmitate, an artificial emollient to moisturise it. (FYI, Isopropyl Palmitate IS comedogenic – maintain that in thoughts in case you have acne-prone pores and skin. All the great elements, like moisturising avocado oil and skin-soothing niacinamide, are additional down the ingredient record. Translation: there’s not a lot of them right here. They do one thing, however not the heavy lifting, if what I imply. Obtainable at: Target and Walmart
Personally, I choose Lubriderm. They each have very primary formulation, however to me Lubriderm is a extra nourishing and soothing physique moisturizer, and a terrific possibility for tough pores and skin too.
Lubriderm Each day Moisture Physique Wash Flippantly Scented VS Cetaphil Light Pores and skin Cleanser
Cetaphil Light Pores and skin Cleanser is, maybe, probably the most well-known cleansers on the drugstore. Lubriderm Each day Moisture Physique Wash Flippantly Scented is among the solely two cleansers Lubriderm makes. And technically, it’s not even a face cleanser – although it may be used there. So, which one is healthier?
Lubriderm Each day Moisture Physique Wash Flippantly Scented ($7.99) is simply what the physician ordered for delicate pores and skin varieties. It makes use of the gentler cleaning brokers in the marketplace and pairs them with shea butter to moisturise pores and skin whereas impurities and dirt are washed away down the drain. Plus, a beneficiant dollop of avena sativa to make the cleaning course of much more soothing. The one con is the scent – it all the time have the potential to annoy pores and skin. However then, once more, this one is so delicate, you could not even really feel it. Do a patch check, simply in case. Obtainable at: Target and Walmart
Cetaphil Light Pores and skin Cleanser ($11.99) has gently been reformulated. Out are the cruel surfactants of all. Now, the components embrace fatty alcohols and the gentlest cleaning agent to soften away grime and impurities whereas protecting pores and skin moisturised. It additionally has a dollop of niacinamide to nourish pores and skin because the cleaning job is underway. It’s fragrance-free, which is all the time a bonus for delicate pores and skin. It’s a really primary components that doesn’t disrupt the pores and skin’s pure moisture barrier. I solely advocate it to delicate pores and skin that may’t tolerate anything. Obtainable at: Target and Walmart
As soon as once more, my private vote goes to Lubriderm. It’s true it has perfume (and perfume has no place in skincare), but when your pores and skin’s not bothered by it, it does the cleaning job higher.
Which Is Higher For Dry Pores and skin: Lubriderm Or Cetaphil?
It actually is dependent upon the product. However, I’ll say this. If I’m at Ulta and on the lookout for a superb moisturizer for dry pores and skin, I’d go together with Lubriderm. The mix of mineral oil and glycerin in Each day Moisture Lotion is sufficient to make even the driest of pores and skin varieties softer and smoother once more. Plus, I’m an enormous fan of oats in skincare. They’re so soothing! Their physique wash is evenly perfume, but when your pores and skin isn’t bothered by that, it does cleanse higher.
Cetaphil has good formulation, however the bulk of their moisturising lotions is artificial emollients with the potential to clog pores. I do know, not a giant danger for dry pores and skin. Plus, it’s much less hydrating. And that does make a distinct for dry pores and skin.
Associated: The Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
Which Is Safer For Delicate Pores and skin: Lubriderm Or Cetaphil?
Once more, we will’t generalise. You may’t actually evaluate manufacturers. It’s about evaluating product to product. When it accommodates to a every day moisturizer to your physique, however vote goes as soon as once more to Lubriderm. Find it irresistible or hate it, mineral oil creates a barrier that protects pores and skin from all its enemies. Nothing will get by way of! Plus, it’s all concerning the oats for me. When your pores and skin’s itchy or purple or is recovering from an allergic response, they’ll soothe it again to well being. Cetaphil lotions are good, simply… extra primary. They moisturise and have some soothing powers, simply lower than Lubriderm.
In relation to a cleanser, the tables flip. Lubriderm physique + face cleansers are nice, however comprise perfume. And regardless of how refined the perfume is, it all the time has the potential to be irritating for delicate pores and skin. Cetaphil Light Cleanser doesn’t cleanse as nicely, but it surely’s full of moisturising elements and freed from perfume, making it a superb possibility for delicate pores and skin.
Lubriderm VS Cetaphil: Which Is Higher For Totally different Pores and skin Sorts?
This one is simple. Cetaphil wins fingers down. If you happen to’ve learn this far, you’ve in all probability found out I’ve a slight bias in direction of Lubriderm. BUT Lubriderm is a one-trick pony. Their product line solely contains physique lotions (that may be generally used on the face) and the off physique wash for dry and delicate pores and skin. That’s it.
Cetaphil, alternatively, has private care merchandise that focus on quite a lot of pores and skin varieties. Zits-prone & blemished? Examine. Boring & dehydrated? Examine. Eczema-prone? Examine. Now, does that imply they make one of the best moisturisers and skincare merchandise for all these circumstances? In fact not! As soon as once more, it is advisable take a look at it product by merchandise. Some are wonderful, others are higher left on the cabinets. All I’m saying is, in case you have a distinct pores and skin kind that dry and delicate, you’ll discover one thing at Cetaphil. Lubriderm has nothing for you.
Which Is Extra Efficient For Eczema: Lubriderm Or Cetaphil?
Cetaphil has a product known as PRO Itch Prone Moisturising Body Lotion, formulated particularly for eczema-prone pores and skin. You’d assume that’s be my best choice. Not a lot. I discover this light-weight moisturizer terribly boring. It has a mixture of shea butter and sunflower oil to moisturise pores and skin, but it surely’s no more moisturising than your common lotion. As for soothing elements? It solely has the tiniest sprinkle of allantoin and panthenol. They’ve anti-inflammatory properties, however in these small quantities, they gained’t do a lot. It’s a pleasant possibility for regular to dry pores and skin. It’s simply not my first alternative for eczema-prone pores and skin, if know what I imply.
Most Lubriderm dry pores and skin moisturisers comprise a mix of mineral oil and colloidal oatmeal. And that’s a a lot better bland for eczema-prone pores and skin. Mineral oil has a nasty rep, but it surely undergoes a deeply purifying course of that removes all toxins from it. What’s left is uncontaminated by toxins, pollen, pure resins and something that might irritate pores and skin. Plus, I’ve already shared concerning the soothing properties of oats. They’re top-of-the-line issues to place in your pores and skin when’s infected.
Are Lubriderm & Cetaphil Good For Zits-Susceptible Pores and skin?
Once more, it is dependent upon the product. A few of Cetaphil moisturisers have a excessive dollop of Isopropyl Palmitate, an ingredient that by no means fails to interrupt me out (and my pores and skin isn’t even acne-prone!). So maintain an eye fixed out for that.
Lubriderm dry pores and skin moisturizers are loaded with occlusive elements like mineral oil. You’d assume they clogged your pores like loopy! In actuality, mineral oil itself isn’t comedogenic. However, it may entice comedogenic elements below the protecting barrier it creates to maintain moisture into the pores and skin and germs out of it. So, if you happen to’re utilizing a serum with, let’s say, Isopropyl Palmitate, and then you definitely later mineral oil on prime, you’ll expertise breakouts.
The Backside Line
If in case you have dry or delicate pores and skin and desire a no-fuss, efficient physique moisturizer, Lubriderm wins. It is probably not stylish, but it surely delivers. The formulation are simple, barrier-supporting, and quietly extra nourishing than most of what Cetaphil affords – particularly for the value. Cetaphil, alternatively, is the extra versatile model. It has choices for acne-prone, oily, dehydrated, and eczema-prone pores and skin. Some are nice. Some are forgettable. However if you happen to’re on the lookout for a full routine and wish all the things from cleanser to SPF in a single place, Cetaphil offers you extra to work with. So which one is healthier?
In case your pores and skin is dry and also you simply need one thing that works – go Lubriderm.
If you happen to’re coping with different pores and skin considerations or want extra selection – go Cetaphil.
Simply don’t purchase into the hype. Each manufacturers are easy, strong, and higher than half the overpriced jars on the “clear magnificence” shelf.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that will help you obtain your greatest pores and skin day ever – daily. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that will help you determine what’s well worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that will help you create one of the best skincare routine to your distinctive wants.
