Head to head

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream vs La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream.

The bottom line

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.

CetaphilMoisturizing CreamMoisturizer · ~€13See every ingredient in Moisturizing Cream, decoded
La Roche-PosayEffaclar Duo+ MMoisturizer · ~€20See every ingredient in Effaclar Duo+ M, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Moisturizing Cream if

  • your skin is sensitive or reacts to fragrance
  • you want the more affordable option

Pick Effaclar Duo+ M if

  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Moisturizing CreamEffaclar Duo+ M
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    109
  • Brightening / tone
    77
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    810
  • Anti-aging
    66

Side by side

Moisturizing CreamEffaclar Duo+ M
TypeMoisturizerMoisturizer
Key activesGlycerin, Petrolatum, NiacinamideGlycerin, Niacinamide, Salicylic acid (BHA)
TextureA rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly.A smooth, silky lotion that spreads easily and leaves a soft, near-blurred finish.
FragranceNone detectedContains fragrance
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesNo flagged actives
Ingredients25 listed35 listed
Price~€13~€20

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Moisturizing CreamGlycerin
Effaclar Duo+ MGlycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven toneEither works
  • Breakouts & congestionEffaclar Duo+ M
  • Dryness & dehydrationEither works
  • Sensitive, reactive skinMoisturizing Cream

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the cheaper of the two (~€13 vs ~€20).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M better for breakouts & congestion?

For breakouts & congestion, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M are close on what they deliver, so it comes down to your skin: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the kinder pick for sensitive or reactive skin since it is fragrance-free.

Which is cheaper, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M?

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is the cheaper of the two (~€13 vs ~€20).

Can I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M together?

They are both moisturizers, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

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Chemical structure of GlycerinChemical structure of Glycerin