Which One Is Higher? [2025]

If you happen to’ve been across the skincare block, you’ve in all probability heard the identify Cetaphil thrown round prefer it’s gospel. Dermatologist-recommended. Non-irritating. Perfume-free. Mainly 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 ceaselessly, usually sitting quietly in the identical aisle as the large names like Cetaphil and CeraVe, however one way or the other it not often will get the highlight. So why is that?

Properly, for starters, Lubriderm doesn’t have the identical advertising and marketing muscle. It doesn’t associate with influencers, doesn’t have shiny packaging, and it’s not consistently 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 medical doctors earlier than that turned a buzzword. So we’ve bought two dermatologist-approved manufacturers, each fragrance-free (relying on the model), each sitting beneath $15, each claiming to offer you clean, 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 often known as Cetaphil Mild Pores and skin Cleanser) for sufferers with delicate pores and skin. Since then, it’s constructed a full-on empire round being the “protected” selection, particularly for pores and skin situations 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 so on.)
• 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 gentle, fragrance-free (more often than not), and non-irritating – even when it’s not at all times 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. In contrast to Cetaphil, Lubriderm doesn’t actually do facial skincare. Its focus is, and at all times 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: easy, no-BS physique care that hydrates quick and sinks in clear.

Cease losing your money and time on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on on the picture under to obtain “Skincare That Works” and at last get your greatest pores and skin day – each day.

Lubriderm VS Cetaphil Key Elements

Each Lubriderm and Cetaphil concentrate on mild, non-irritating formulation, and their formulation present it. Each manufacturers use:

• Glycerin: A standard 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 settle down 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 involved with the pores and skin and aggravating it.
• Dimethicone: A silicone that creates a breathable (sure actually!) barrier on the pores and skin to scale back transepidermal water loss. It additionally fills in high quality traces and wrinkles, so they give the impression of being smaller.
• Petrolatum (in richer formulation) – For long-lasting safety

The distinction? In Lubriderm, you received’t discover: plant oils, antioxidants, or any extracts. At most, merchandise include oat extract to scale back 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 usually provides in just a few mild emollients or antioxidants for further 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 every part from moisturising pores and skin, soothing irritations, fading away darkish spots, and it even helps to deal with zits.

The consequence? Cetaphil feels a bit richer, however it’s constructed on the very same basis as Lubriderm.

Associated: Why You Want 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 considering. And truthfully? They appear 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 obvious.

Lubriderm Each day Moisture Lotion ($10.12) is a thicker system and higher for the winter months. It sinks in quick, doesn’t depart any residue, and feels prefer it vanishes the second you rub it in. Glycerin attracts further 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. Research present  it has anti-inflammatory properties that may restore the pores and skin’s personal pure barrier and settle down redness and irritation. It’s a very good moisturiser for dry, delicate, and easily-irritated pores and skin. Obtainable at: Goal and Walmart

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($15.97), then again, is thinner and higher for summer time months. A fundamental system, it accommodates glycerin, a hydrating ingredient, and Isopropyl Palmitate, an artificial emollient to moisturise it. (FYI, Isopropyl Palmitate IS comedogenic – hold that in thoughts you probably have acne-prone pores and skin. All the nice elements, like moisturising avocado oil and skin-soothing niacinamide, are additional down the ingredient listing. Translation: there’s not a lot of them right here. They do one thing, however not the heavy lifting, if you realize what I imply. Obtainable at: Goal and Walmart

Personally, I want Lubriderm. They each have very fundamental formulation, however to me Lubriderm is a extra nourishing and soothing physique moisturizer, and a fantastic possibility for tough pores and skin too.

Lubriderm Each day Moisture Physique Wash Frivolously Scented VS Cetaphil Mild Pores and skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Mild Pores and skin Cleanser is, maybe, one of the crucial well-known cleansers on the drugstore. Lubriderm Each day Moisture Physique Wash Frivolously Scented is likely one of 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 Frivolously Scented ($7.99) is simply what the physician ordered for delicate pores and skin sorts. 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 at all times have the potential to annoy pores and skin. However then, once more, this one is so gentle, you might not even really feel it. Do a patch take a look at, simply in case. Obtainable at: Goal and Walmart

Cetaphil Mild Pores and skin Cleanser ($11.99) has gently been reformulated. Out are the tough surfactants of all. Now, the system embrace fatty alcohols and the gentlest cleaning agent to soften away filth and impurities whereas holding 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 at all times a bonus for delicate pores and skin. It’s a really fundamental system 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: Goal 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 in search of a very good moisturizer for dry pores and skin, I’d go together with Lubriderm. The mixture of mineral oil and glycerin in Each day Moisture Lotion is sufficient to make even the driest of pores and skin sorts softer and smoother once more. Plus, I’m an enormous fan of oats in skincare. They’re so soothing! Their physique wash is calmly 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 an enormous danger for dry pores and skin. Plus, it’s much less hydrating. And that does make a special for dry pores and skin.

Associated: The Finest Skincare Routine For Dry Pores and 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 day by day moisturizer in your physique, however vote goes as soon as once more to Lubriderm. Adore it or hate it, mineral oil creates a barrier that protects pores and skin from all its enemies. Nothing will get by means of! Plus, it’s all in regards to the oats for me. When your pores and skin’s itchy or pink or is recovering from an allergic response, they’ll soothe it again to well being. Cetaphil lotions are good, simply… extra fundamental. They moisturise and have some soothing powers, simply lower than Lubriderm.

Relating to a cleanser, the tables flip. Lubriderm physique + face cleansers are nice, however include perfume. And irrespective of how refined the perfume is, it at all times has the potential to be irritating for delicate pores and skin. Cetaphil Mild Cleanser doesn’t cleanse as effectively, however it’s filled with moisturising elements and freed from perfume, making it a very good possibility for delicate pores and skin.

Lubriderm VS Cetaphil: Which Is Higher For Completely different Pores and skin Varieties?

This one is simple. Cetaphil wins palms down. If you happen to’ve learn this far, you’ve in all probability discovered I’ve a slight bias in the direction of Lubriderm. BUT Lubriderm is a one-trick pony. Their product line solely consists of physique lotions (that may be typically used on the face) and the off physique wash for dry and delicate pores and skin. That’s it.

Cetaphil, then again, has private care merchandise that focus on quite a lot of pores and skin sorts. Pimples-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 situations? After all not! As soon as once more, it is advisable have a look at it product by merchandise. Some are wonderful, others are higher left on the cabinets. All I’m saying is, you probably have a special 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 referred to as PRO Itch Susceptible Moisturising Physique Lotion, formulated particularly for eczema-prone pores and skin. You’d suppose 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, however it’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 received’t do a lot. It’s a pleasant possibility for regular to dry pores and skin. It’s simply not my first selection for eczema-prone pores and skin, if know what I imply.

Most Lubriderm dry pores and skin moisturisers include a mix of mineral oil and colloidal oatmeal. And that’s a significantly better bland for eczema-prone pores and skin. Mineral oil has a nasty rep, however it 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 in regards to 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 Pimples-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 hold a watch out for that. 

Lubriderm dry pores and skin moisturizers are loaded with occlusive elements like mineral oil. You’d suppose they clogged your pores like loopy! In actuality, mineral oil itself isn’t comedogenic. However, it may well entice comedogenic elements beneath 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 you then later mineral oil on prime, you’ll expertise breakouts.

The Backside Line

When you’ve got dry or delicate pores and skin and desire a no-fuss, efficient physique moisturizer, Lubriderm wins. It will not be stylish, however it delivers. The formulation are easy, barrier-supporting, and quietly extra nourishing than most of what Cetaphil presents – particularly for the value. Cetaphil, then again, 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 in search of a full routine and need every part 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 issues or want extra selection – go Cetaphil.

Simply don’t purchase into the hype. Each manufacturers are easy, stable, 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 – each day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising and marketing jargon that will help you work out what’s definitely 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 in your distinctive wants.