If your bathroom cabinet is stocked with gentle cleansers and no-fuss moisturizers, you're likely already a fan of CeraVe. This dermatologist-recommended brand is a holy grail for its affordable, effective formulas that focus on restoring the skin's barrier with essentials like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
For those who love CeraVe's straightforward and science-backed approach to skincare, there are plenty of other brands that share a similar philosophy. Whether you're looking for something to calm sensitive skin or just want simple, reliable products that work, here are 19 amazing skincare brands to check out.
Often found right next to CeraVe in the drugstore aisle, La Roche-Posay is like its sophisticated French cousin. This brand is a go-to for sensitive and reactive skin, with hero products like the Toleriane cleansers and hydrating sunscreens. Their standout ingredient is a unique thermal spring water, known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
While CeraVe is known for its ceramide-rich formulas, La Roche-Posay focuses on minimalist, allergy-tested products that calm and protect. Expect prices to be a bit more premium, generally between $15 and $40, for that extra touch of French pharmacy care. If your skin is easily irritated, this brand is a must-try.
Shop now at laroche-posay.us
Vanicream takes the term "gentle" to a whole new level. Developed for the most sensitive skin types imaginable, their products are free from common irritants like dyes, fragrance, parabens, and formaldehyde. This is the brand dermatologists recommend when you have eczema, dermatitis, or severe allergies.
Compared to CeraVe, Vanicream's formulas are even more stripped-down, focusing purely on safe, effective hydration without any extra actives. If your skin reacts to everything, Vanicream is a safe bet for cleansers and moisturizers that will calm and protect your skin barrier. Prices are comparable to CeraVe, typically falling in the $10-$20 range.
Shop now at vanicream.com
Aveeno has built its reputation on the soothing power of oats, a natural ingredient known for calming irritated and itchy skin. From their popular Daily Moisturizing Lotion to their Skin Relief line, Aveeno's products are all about gentle hydration and comfort, making them a fantastic alternative for those with dry or eczema-prone skin.
Like CeraVe, Aveeno is a widely available and affordable drugstore favorite, with most products priced between $8 and $20. The primary difference is Aveeno's focus on oat-based formulas, which offers a nature-inspired approach to skin barrier repair that many people love.
Shop now at aveeno.com
Known for its rich, therapeutic formulas, Eucerin is a top contender for anyone dealing with extremely dry or compromised skin. Its Advanced Repair line is famous for providing intensive, long-lasting moisture, while the Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a must-have for repairing cracked, irritated skin. Eucerin takes a clinical approach, focusing on deeply nourishing and healing formulas.
Both Eucerin and CeraVe are rooted in dermatological science, offering fragrance-free and effective solutions. However, Eucerin’s textures are often thicker and more emollient, making them ideal for those needing serious hydration. With prices ranging from $10 to $30, it’s a trusted choice for serious skin repair.
Shop now at eucerin-us.com
Neutrogena is a drugstore icon, famous for its dermatologist-recommended products that cater to a huge range of skin types. The Hydro Boost line, packed with hyaluronic acid, is a great parallel to CeraVe's hydrating formulas, offering lightweight yet powerful moisture that sinks in beautifully. They are also known for their effective acne treatments and best-selling sunscreens.
While CeraVe focuses heavily on ceramides for barrier repair, Neutrogena is all about accessible innovation, especially with its hyaluronic acid and sun protection technologies. It’s an easy, reliable, and affordable (under $20) choice that delivers consistent results.
Shop now at neutrogena.com
The Ordinary changed the skincare game with its no-frills, ingredient-focused formulas at shockingly low prices. If you love CeraVe's science-backed approach, you'll appreciate how The Ordinary breaks down skincare into its active components. You can find ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide in their lineup to support your skin barrier.
Unlike CeraVe's all-in-one moisturizers and cleansers, The Ordinary encourages you to build your own routine with targeted serums. This is the brand for you if you enjoy experimenting and want to address specific concerns like texture or hyperpigmentation on a budget, as most products cost less than $15.
Shop now at theordinary.com
If you're looking to graduate from drugstore basics to something a bit more advanced, Paula's Choice is the perfect next step. The brand is famous for its powerful, research-backed exfoliants (like the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant) and transparent formulas that are free of fragrance and irritants. They also offer excellent barrier-repairing moisturizers and cleansers.
Similar to CeraVe, everything is designed to be gentle and effective, but Paula's Choice incorporates more potent active ingredients to target signs of aging, acne, and discoloration. It’s a step up in price, typically $20-$40, for those who want CeraVe's gentleness combined with targeted results.
Shop now at paulaschoice.com
If CeraVe is the go-to in your friend group, Cetaphil is likely a close second. It’s the other OG of gentle skincare, praised for generations for its incredibly mild cleansers and moisturizers. Cetaphil products are famously non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, making them safe for sensitive, acne-prone, and even baby skin.
Cetaphil and CeraVe share the same shelf space and philosophy: simple, effective skincare approved by dermatologists. The main difference is that CeraVe's formulas feature ceramides, while Cetaphil’s often focus on a blend of hydrating ingredients like glycerin and panthenol. Both are fantastic, affordable (under $15) options for daily use.
Shop now at cetaphil.com
Home of the iconic Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, Bioderma is another French pharmacy brand that excels at caring for sensitive skin. Their approach is rooted in biology, creating formulas that mimic the skin’s natural mechanisms to restore and maintain its health. The Sensibio and Hydrabio lines are wonderful for soothing redness and boosting hydration.
Like La Roche-Posay, Bioderma feels a touch more luxurious than CeraVe but shares the same dermatologist-led ethos. It's an excellent choice if your primary concerns are sensitivity and dehydration. Prices feel more premium, generally in the $20-$40 range.
Shop now at bioderma.us
First Aid Beauty (or FAB) creates skincare for everyone, but it’s a true hero for those with distressed, sensitive skin. The brand’s best-selling Ultra Repair Cream is a savior for dry, itchy skin and eczema, delivering intense hydration without feeling greasy. Their philosophy is all about clean ingredients and delivering immediate relief.
FAB shares a similar mission with CeraVe: providing safe, effective solutions for skin sensitivities. However, FAB uses soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and allantoin, and their formulas feel a little more plush and luxurious. With prices around $20-$30, it sits comfortably between drugstore and high-end.
Shop now at firstaidbeauty.com
For those who love CeraVe's use of ceramides, meet Dr. Jart+'s Ceramidin collection. This K-beauty brand merges dermatological science with fun, innovative products. The Ceramidin line is specifically formulated to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, featuring products like a liquid toner, serum, and rich cream that leave skin feeling bouncy and deeply hydrated.
While CeraVe is all about simplicity, Dr. Jart+ adds a creative spin to its formulas with unique textures and ingredient complexes. It's a bit of a splurge, typically $20 to $50, but perfect if you want the barrier-repairing benefits of CeraVe with a K-beauty flair.
Shop now at drjart.com
Another superstar from the French pharmacy, Eau Thermale Avène bases its entire line on the healing properties of its signature thermal spring water. This ingredient is clinically shown to soothe, soften, and calm sensitive or allergy-prone skin. The brand's products are fantastic for restoring a compromised skin barrier and addressing issues like redness and irritation.
Avène shares CeraVe’s dedication to gentle care but with a specific focus on its mineral-rich thermal water. The Hydrance and Cicalfate+ lines are excellent for barrier protection and deep hydration. You can expect to pay around $20-$40 for their clinically proven formulas.
Shop now at aveneusa.com
Simple but powerful, Klairs is a Korean skincare brand beloved for its gentle, effective formulas designed for sensitive skin. They focus on high-quality, cruelty-free ingredients without unnecessary additives. Their Supple Preparation Unscented Toner and Rich Moist Soothing Cream are cult favorites for delivering layers of calm, comfortable hydration.
Klairs gives the CeraVe vibe a K-beauty and "clean" twist. If you appreciate minimalist essentials and natural ingredients that support skin health, you’ll love their philosophy. The price point is slightly higher, typically $20-$30 per product.
Shop now at klairs.com
The name says it all. This UK-based brand is all about being kind to skin. Simple offers a lineup of straightforward, effective products that are free from artificial perfumes, dyes, and harsh chemicals that can cause irritation. Their micellar water, cleansers, and hydrating, lightweight moisturizers are perfect for everyday use.
Much like CeraVe, Simple is designed to be accessible, safe for sensitive skin, and incredibly affordable. You won't find lots of active ingredients here, just solid, reliable basics that get the job done without any fuss. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options, with prices usually under $15.
Shop now at simple.co.uk
Cosrx is another K-beauty powerhouse known for affordable, highly effective products. While it’s famous for its quirky Snail Mucin Power Essence, the brand also excels at creating gentle, barrier-supporting formulas targeting concerns like acne, dehydration, and sensitivity. Their Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream is a fantastic CeraVe alternative.
Compared to CeraVe, Cosrx is a bit more adventurous with ingredients, but shares the same commitment to gentle, minimalist formulations. With most products costing between $10 and $20, it’s an awesome and accessible way to see what the K-beauty hype is all about.
Shop now at cosrx.com
Similar to The Ordinary, The Inkey List's mission is to make skincare simple and accessible. They offer ingredient-led products with clear, easy-to-understand explanations of what each one does. For CeraVe fans, their Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Ceramide Night Treatment are perfect for boosting hydration and strengthening the skin barrier.
If you love the concept of building a customized routine without the guesswork, The Inkey List is for you. They offer straightforward solutions to complex skin concerns at an incredibly low price - almost everything is under $15.
Shop now at theinkeylist.com
A new, exciting brand in the gentle skincare space, Evelyn & Bobbie offers clean, dermatologist-developed formulas focused on solving skin issues at their root. With products like their Barrier Repair Cream and Hydrating Cleanser, the brand is centered on bringing balance back to the skin by supporting its natural functions.
This brand feels like a modern, mindful version of CeraVe, offering gentle yet high-performing products without any harmful or questionable ingredients. The price reflects its clean credentials, with most items ranging from $20 to $35, making it a great choice for the conscious beauty shopper.
Shop now at evelynandbobbie.com
Founded by an influencer who wanted people to stop overdoing their routines, KraveBeauty is all about "pressing reset" on your skin. The core idea is to protect the skin barrier and give it only what it truly needs. Their cult-favorite serum, Great Barrier Relief, does exactly that - it's a creamy, soothing blend that calms sensitivity and repairs damage.
KraveBeauty shares CeraVe's ethos of skin health first, but it takes a strong stance against trends and overwhelming routines. With a very limited, curated line of essentials priced around $20-$30, it’s perfect for anyone looking to simplify their routine with truly gentle, effective products.
Shop now at kravebeauty.com
Stratia is another science-first indie brand that built its reputation on one hero product: Liquid Gold. This bright yellow moisturizer is packed with ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids - the exact components of your skin's natural moisture barrier. It’s formulated to mimic and reinforce your skin’s structure, making it ideal for healing a compromised or dehydrated barrier.
If the reason you love CeraVe is specifically for its barrier-repairing powers, then Stratia is your perfect match. It's a small brand passionately dedicated to formulation science and skin health, and a bottle of Liquid Gold sits in the sweet spot price-wise at around $27.
Shop now at stratiaskin.com
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