CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser vs Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
97 facts in comparison
Based on 465 Reddit opinions. Close race—Hydrating CleanserCeraVe Hydrating Cleanser edges ahead.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
tldr; Reddit generally praises CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser as a gentle, non-stripping, and affordable option, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Check pricesVaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
tldr; Reddit highly recommends Vaseline for its exceptional healing, moisturizing, and occlusive properties, often favored by dermatologists and praised for its affordability.
Check pricesScore by Category
Why is Original Petroleum Jelly better than CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser?
- Better effectiveness (73% vs 54%)
- Better value (100% vs 67%)
- Dermatologist rec'd for healing after minor
- ⏱ Heals skin fast and effectively
- Works as an effective, affordable occlusive
Reddit prefers the Hydrating CleanserCeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Winning by 2 points (75% vs 73%)
💬Reddit Sentiment
Based on 1,229 Reddit mentionsOverall Rating
SKIN FEEL
EFFECTIVENESS
INGREDIENTS
GENTLENESS
VALUE
Head to Head
| Topic | Hydrating Cleanser | Petroleum Jelly |
|---|---|---|
Skin Feel | 57% | 50% |
Effectiveness | 54% | 73% |
Ingredients | 0% | 67% |
Gentleness | 91% | 88% |
Value | 67% | 100% |
Head to Head
Key Specs
| Spec | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Essential Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin | — |
| Skin Type | Normal to Dry, Sensitive Skin | — |
| Texture | Non-foaming, creamy lotion | — |
| Formulation | Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, allergy-tested, pH balanced | — |
| Technology | MVE Technology for 24-hour hydration | — |
Key Highlights
Topic Battles
Based on Reddit sentiment across 5 categories
📈Where They Rank
💬What Redditors Actually Say
What Redditors Say
Best praise vs top criticism for CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
“I have super sensitive skin and I love the hydrating cleanser. As you say, everyone's skin tolerates different things so it's really stupid for people to condemn the entire brand because they tried one or two products and it didn't work for them.”
“Hi there, couple of things: 1. Cerave hydrating cleanser is for dry to very dry skin. If you're true combo, then it probably wasn't right for you. 2. Cerave has niacinamide in it which roughly 20% of the people assume to not tolerate. When people don't tolerate, it causes bumps, acne and even for some people stinging. 3. The fact that you have dry patches despite combo skin may mean you're dehydrated. Signs of dehydration is dry patches, makeup looking patchy after applying, gray skin, products you apply on your skin is immediately absorbed etc. Dehydration can be targeted through hydration toners, hyaluronic acid serums followed by lightweight, oil-free, water based moisturizer. Coming to your new skincare routine. Roundlab Dokdo range is for sensitized, drier skin. It's foam cleanser is pretty mild, and it's moisturizer is more thicker with oils. Also, someone above commented on the same, but application of skincare products goes from thinner to thicker (there are some exceptions). Toner first, followed by serum, moisturizer. SPF comes last. If you're combo to oily, you might enjoy CosRx Good morning gel cleanser. If you're combo to normal/dry (please don't mix up dryness with dehydration, they're different things), you can look into Erborian Centella gel cleanser. If you think you're dehydrated, I'd strongly suggest to add a hydrating toner. Something like Round lab - birch juice moisturizing toner, or cosrx snail mucin, or jumiso waterfull hyaluronic acid toner if you're a fan of kbeauty. For moisturizer, again it depends on whether you're combo to normal/dry or combo to oily. If you're combo to dry, mixsoon bean cream or caudalie resveratrol day cream are really good options. If you're combo to oily, avene hydrance gel cream is a good option. Or neutrogena hydro boost water gel is also a good one. Hope this helps.”
What Redditors Say
Best praise vs top criticism for Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly
“My dermatologist won’t let me put anything on my face after any minor surgery by Vaseline. Not even aquapore- just Vaseline. My skin healed so fast. Supposedly to remove stitches it take 4-7bdays, but my skin healed up so fast they have to remove the stitches in 3 days tops. Any wound, dryness - this is all that doctors recommend. My mom also swears that putting light Vaseline on your face and rinsing it before you get out of the shower and applying make up after, your make up will be vibrant and last longer. She was an actress in the 70s and this is how the production make up artist does her make up.”
“I guess whoever who hasn't tried it yet, give it a go . But I've since learned during the winter trying to combat dry air, that dabbing a a little Vaseline a bit around my face, causes my face to break out like crazy the next day. Oh the night of, it is shiny and moist and lovely. But the next day, big ol bright red zits”
Sentiment Over Time
📈Historical Price Data
Which is Better?
Close race, but CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser edges ahead by 2 points based on 1,229 Reddit opinions.
- 🎯 Gentle and non-stripping
- 💰 Affordable (usually under $10)
- 🎯 Works well for sensitive skin
- Better Value for Money (100% vs 67%)
- More discussed (1,009 vs 220)
❤️The Love/Hate Breakdown
Sentiment Breakdown
Sentiment Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly?
Should I buy CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly?
What do Redditors love about CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser?
What do Redditors say about Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly?
How many Reddit reviews were analyzed?
How accurate are these ratings?
Why trust Reddit over professional reviews?
465 Reddit opinions analyzed · Last updated 6/7/2026