Head to head

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

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

The bottom line

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

CetaphilMoisturizing LotionMoisturizer · ~€17See every ingredient in Moisturizing Lotion, decoded
La Roche-PosayEffaclar Duo+ MMoisturizer · ~€20See every ingredient in Effaclar Duo+ M, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Moisturizing Lotion 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 LotionEffaclar Duo+ M
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    99
  • Brightening / tone
    77
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    810
  • Anti-aging
    66

Side by side

Moisturizing LotionEffaclar Duo+ M
TypeMoisturizerMoisturizer
Key activesGlycerin, Niacinamide, Pro-vitamin B5Glycerin, Niacinamide, Salicylic acid (BHA)
TextureA smooth, silky lotion that spreads easily and leaves a soft, near-blurred finish.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
Ingredients16 listed35 listed
Price~€17~€20

What's in one but not the other

The molecule doing the work

Moisturizing LotionGlycerin
Effaclar Duo+ MGlycerin

Better for…

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

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is the cheaper of the two (~€17 vs ~€20).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

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

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

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is the cheaper of the two (~€17 vs ~€20).

Can I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion 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.

Compare it with…

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Chemical structure of GlycerinChemical structure of Glycerin