Aveeno Clear Complexion vs. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer | The Pros and Cons of Each Product | My Comparison

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer has been a go-to in my skincare routine for almost a year now. Having combination skin, (meaning my skin is both oily and dry), past struggles to control breakouts, and dealing with my skin being sensitive, finding an effective moisturizer seemed like a tall order. I have experimented with numerous different products over the years, most recently before relying on CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. Read my review below to see if I would recommend Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer, and how it measured up to CeraVe’s formula. 

No Breakouts

I was initially drawn to the Aveeno Clear Complexion line because it is stated to be for breakout prone skin. Although I have not recently suffered from acne (aside from occasional breakouts which I have deemed inevitable), it is still the number one factor I take into consideration when buying new skincare products. As much as I don’t like dealing with dry patches or an oily T-zone, acne has to date been my hardest skin condition to manage. At the height of my acne a few years ago, it took me months of constant dermatologist visits and overly extensive nightly routines to finally put a lid on my breakouts. This is something I fear having to deal with again, thus the reassurance of no breakouts is still my top priority when it comes to skincare. 

The Formula

When I first began using the Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer, it was the dead of winter which is when I tend to get more dry spots on my face. I was worried about this moisturizer being able to combat this issue, as the lotion itself seemed to be a rather light formula. However, I was pleasantly surprised when after a week or so, these patches disappeared. Additionally, because the formula was not heavy, the moisturizer did not irritate my skin and simultaneously kept my oily T-zone at bay. I also did not experience an increase in breakouts once I switched to using this moisturizer. This could be attributed to the fact that it is oil-free, among other benefits. 

The Ingredients

As just previously mentioned, Aveeno’s moisturizer did not cause me any additional noticeable breakouts. Another key factor attributed to this (besides the fact that it is oil-free) could be that the formula of the Clear Complexion Moisturizer contains salycilic acid. Salycilic acid is known for eliminating acne, and has even been referred to as one of it’s biggest enemies. Not only that, but it is also beneficial for promoting exfoliation, as it unclogs pores and breaks down skin cells. Overall, this is a key ingredient to have in your daily moisturizer, and I attribute much of what I love about Aveeno’s moisturizer to it’s inclusion of salycilic acid. 

CeraVe Comparison 

Before I began using Aveeno’s moisturizer, CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion was an integral part of my skincare regimen. Upon my first few uses, I liked that it had a thicker consistency, as after repeated use I felt a noticeable difference in the softness of my overall skin. I also enjoyed the fact that it contained SPF. However, because of the consistency, I soon realized the lotion seemed to also emphasize the oiler parts of my skin, and I felt as though I was noticing more breakouts than usual. Furthermore, if I wanted a complimenting moisturizer at night, I had to make another purchase of the PM version of the product. 

The Prices

Although I purchased the Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer for $18.99 from Ulta Beauty, upon a quick Google search I found that it is available for lower prices at other locations. Most notably, it retails at Target for $13.99. Interestingly, almost the same can be said about CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, with the same retail price at Ulta and a slightly lower price at Target for $13.49. Both bottles of moisturizer lasted me the same amount of time at about three months each, and I believe purchasing these moisturizers for around $13 is a reasonable price for the amount of use one can get out of each product. 

Conclusion

Although both moisturizers effectively hydrated my dry skin, I believe Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer ultimately has more pros than CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. I have condensed the pros and cons of both products here:

Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer

Pros:

• Restores dry skin

• Keeps oily areas at bay

• Doesn’t cause breakouts

• Light formula leaves skin feeling clean and fresh

Cons:

• Takes longer to see results

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Pros:

• Restores dry skin

• Results can be seen quickly

• Leaves skin noticeably more soft

• Contains SPF

Cons:

• Thicker consistency feels heavier on skin

• Doesn’t help oily areas

• May cause breakouts 

• Is not intended for nighttime use 

Based on this list, the one edge CeraVe’s product seemed to have over Aveeno’s was the speed at which it eliminated my skin’s dry flakiness- I noticed that with the same consistent use, the CeraVe lotion was able to eliminate my dry patches within days, whereas the Aveeno moisturizer took closer to a week or so to see results. Another factor worth mentioning is the consistency of each formula- due to its thicker consistency, I found applying makeup to be more difficult after I put CeraVe’s moisturizer on each morning. The lighter consistency of Aveeno’s product made the application easier and gave the end result a smoother, cleaner finish. Because of these factors, Aveeno’s Clear Complexion Moisturizer seems to be the overall better option, and I would recommend this product over CeraVe’s alternative to anyone looking for a reliable daily moisturizer.  

Have you used either Aveeno's or CeraVe's products before, and are there any skincare products you want to try out? I personally have been wanting to experiment with The Ordinary and found Julia's review of their products helpful. Hopefully my review did the same and helped you decide which moisturizer would work best for you, and let me know if you end up trying either one!