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- Vanicream is made by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. of Rochester, Minnesota, a company whose founders were hospital pharmacists in 1974.
- Its products leave out dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers, and several hold the NEA seal.
- Best buys: Gentle Facial Cleanser ($9.99), Daily Facial Moisturizer with five ceramides ($13.99) and Moisturizing Cream ($13.19 for 16 oz) at Target, November 2026.
- The SPF 30 uses 19.5% zinc oxide and may leave a white cast; the Moisturizing Ointment is out of stock while it is reformulated.
Vanicream is a Minnesota skincare brand made by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. for very sensitive skin. Its formulas leave out dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers, and several hold the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. The best buys are the Gentle Facial Cleanser ($9.99), the Daily Facial Moisturizer ($13.99) and the Moisturizing Cream ($13.19 for 16 oz), all at Target as of November 2026.
If you react to a lot of products, you can scan a barcode or label with the ingredient scanner in Pori to check the formula against your skin type before you buy. Pori reads ingredients; it does not diagnose skin conditions.
This guide covers who makes Vanicream, what it leaves out, which products suit which skin, what to skip, and how it compares with CeraVe, Cetaphil and La Roche-Posay. We compared published ingredient lists, brand claims and listed prices; we did not test these products on skin. Prices are Target listings as of November 2026 unless we say otherwise.
Who makes Vanicream?
Vanicream is made by Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc., whose mailing address is in Rochester, Minnesota. The company's own history begins in 1974, when, in its words, "we were both pharmacists working in a local hospital." It describes itself as a local manufacturing company licensed by the Minnesota State Board of Pharmacy. We found no sign that Vanicream belongs to a large beauty group like L'Oréal, Beiersdorf or Galderma, the owners of CeraVe, Eucerin and Cetaphil.
That small-company background shows in the range. There are no trend serums or scented sub-lines. Most products are plain cleansers and moisturizers for the face, body, hair and babies, and the line has been reshaped over time: the Free & Clear hair and body products were renamed Vanicream, and the Z-Bar medicated cleansing bar has been discontinued.
What is Vanicream known for?
Leaving things out. Vanicream says its products are free of "dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers." Its product pages add more free-of tags, such as sulfates, botanical extracts and essential oils. For people with allergic contact dermatitis, who may have to avoid a specific preservative or fragrance chemical, that short and predictable ingredient list is the main appeal.
One caution: some free-of tags use narrow definitions. The Moisturizing Cream page tags the product "oil free" and "preservative free," yet its ingredient list includes petrolatum and sorbic acid, which acts as a preservative. Read the full list on the label if you are avoiding something specific. Our guide to reading ingredient labels explains how.
What are the best Vanicream products?
| Product | Best for | Key ingredients | Price (Target, November 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle Facial Cleanser | Dry, sensitive or reactive skin | Glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate | $9.99 for 8 fl oz |
| Daily Facial Moisturizer | All skin types, including oily | Squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, five ceramides | $13.99 for 3 fl oz |
| Moisturizing Cream | Very dry face and body, eczema-prone skin | Petrolatum, sorbitol, cetearyl alcohol | $13.19 for 16 oz ($13.59 with pump) |
| Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 | Sensitive skin that wants mineral SPF | Zinc oxide 19.5%, five ceramides, squalane | $13.99 for 2.5 oz |
Gentle Facial Cleanser
This low-foam wash has a twelve-ingredient list led by water and glycerin, with two mild surfactants, coco-glucoside and sodium cocoyl glycinate. It holds the NEA seal, is labeled soap-free, sulfate-free and non-comedogenic, and Vanicream says it removes makeup, though waterproof makeup may need a second cleanse. The brand calls it ideal for dry skin. It also suits most oily skin that dislikes stronger foams. See how it stacks up in our roundup of the best cleansers for sensitive skin.
Daily Facial Moisturizer
The most modern formula in the range. It lists squalane second, then glycerin, hyaluronic acid and five ceramides (EOP, NG, NP, AS and AP), plus phytosterols. It is lightweight, non-comedogenic and NEA-accepted, and Vanicream says it suits sensitive, oily, dry or combination skin and can be worn under makeup. If you want the barrier benefits of ceramides without fragrance or plant extracts, this is the one to buy.
Moisturizing Cream
The classic tub or pump bottle is a ten-ingredient cream with petrolatum second, for very dry skin on the face, hands, feet and body. It carries the NEA seal and is labeled non-comedogenic and suitable for the whole family. It has no ceramides or humectant actives beyond sorbitol and propylene glycol; it works by sealing in water. At $13.19 for 16 oz, it works out to about 82 cents an ounce.
Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
A mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide 19.5% as its only filter, in the same ceramide and squalane base as the Daily Facial Moisturizer. It is water resistant for 40 minutes. The catch, which Vanicream states itself, is that it may leave a white cast on some complexions, and it has no tint. SPF 30 meets the American Academy of Dermatology's minimum for daily use. Our guide to mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin has tinted alternatives.
Is Vanicream good for eczema, acne or rosacea?
For eczema-prone skin, it is one of the safest bets on the shelf: the cleanser, Daily Facial Moisturizer, Moisturizing Cream and Moisturizing Ointment all carry the NEA Seal of Acceptance. The NEA seal means the association reviewed the ingredients for known irritants; it does not mean a product treats eczema. Our facial eczema basics explain when to see a doctor.
For acne and rosacea, Vanicream is a gentle base and contains no acne medicines. People using strong treatments such as adapalene, tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide often pair them with a plain cleanser and moisturizer like these to limit dryness. For rosacea, the lack of fragrance, alcohol and essential oils helps, since those commonly sting. See rosacea triggers to avoid.
What should I skip from Vanicream?
- The Moisturizing Cream on an oily, breakout-prone face. It is non-comedogenic, but its petrolatum base is heavy. The Daily Facial Moisturizer is the better face product.
- The SPF 30 if zinc leaves you gray. On medium to deep skin, a tinted mineral or a chemical sunscreen may look better. See best sunscreen for dark skin.
- The Moisturizing Ointment, for now. Vanicream lists it as out of stock while it is reformulated.
- Cream and lotion together. The Moisturizing Lotion ($13.59 for 16 oz) is a thinner version of the same idea. Pick one by how dry you are.
- Old Z-Bar or Free & Clear stock. The Z-Bar is discontinued and Free & Clear products now carry the Vanicream name, so check dates on third-party listings.
How does Vanicream compare with CeraVe, Cetaphil and La Roche-Posay?
| Brand | Owner | Fragrance-free core range | Signature extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanicream | Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. | Yes | Very short ingredient lists; free of lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers |
| CeraVe | L'Oréal | Mostly | Three ceramides plus cholesterol, niacinamide, MVE emulsion |
| Cetaphil | Galderma | Mostly | Niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin in the reformulated classics |
| La Roche-Posay | L'Oréal | Toleriane line yes | Thermal spring water, ceramide 3, niacinamide |
CeraVe is the most common alternative. Its Hydrating Facial Cleanser lists at $15.99 and Moisturizing Cream at $14.99 on cerave.com, and both add three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Vanicream's cleanser has fewer ingredients and costs less; CeraVe gives you more barrier ingredients per product. If you react to CeraVe, Vanicream is a logical next step. Our CeraVe guide covers its range.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a creamy, low-foam alternative listed at $12.59 for 16 oz in our Cetaphil guide. It adds niacinamide and panthenol, which most people tolerate well.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane is the pricier, more elegant option for sensitive skin, with niacinamide and ceramide 3. See the La Roche-Posay guide. For the full list of brands that skip fragrance, read fragrance-free skincare brands.
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Creamy non-foaming wash that leaves the moisture barrier intact.
Suits: Dry, Normal, Sensitive, Combination skin
Gentle Skin Cleanser
The default gentle cleanser most dermatologists start people on.
Suits: Dry, Normal, Sensitive skin
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Milky cleanser built for reactive, tight-feeling skin.
Suits: Dry, Sensitive, Normal skin
Moisturizing Cream
Thick ceramide cream for skin that dries out by midday.
Suits: Dry, Normal, Sensitive skin
From Pori's catalogue. Amazon links carry our Associates tag: Pori earns from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you. No brand pays to be listed. Photos: Open Beauty Facts contributors, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Where can I buy Vanicream in the US?
Target stocks most of the range, including the Gentle Facial Cleanser at $9.99 for 8 fl oz and a $13.99 Daily Facial Moisturizer, and the brand is also sold at Walmart, H-E-B, Vitacost and other drugstores and grocers. Multipacks at Target and Walmart can bring the per-bottle price lower. Compare it with other gentle formulas in our cleansers and moisturizers catalogue.
Is Vanicream worth it?
For sensitive, allergy-prone or eczema-prone skin, yes. It is cheap, it is boring in a good way, and its ingredient lists are short enough to check line by line. If your skin is not reactive, you will get more active ingredients for similar money elsewhere. If a rash or itch keeps coming back even with gentle products, a dermatologist can patch test for specific allergens; you can find a dermatologist near you.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Vanicream?
Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc., a company with a Rochester, Minnesota address. Its history starts with two hospital pharmacists in 1974, and it describes itself as a local manufacturer licensed by the Minnesota State Board of Pharmacy.
Is Vanicream fragrance-free?
Yes. Vanicream says its products are free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens and formaldehyde releasers.
Is Vanicream good for eczema?
Its Gentle Facial Cleanser, Daily Facial Moisturizer, Moisturizing Cream and Moisturizing Ointment carry the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. That means the ingredients were reviewed for known irritants. It does not mean the products treat eczema.
Can I use Vanicream Moisturizing Cream on my face?
Yes, the directions include the face, and it is labeled non-comedogenic. It is heavy, so oily or breakout-prone skin usually does better with the lighter Daily Facial Moisturizer.
Does Vanicream have ceramides?
The Daily Facial Moisturizer and Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 list five ceramides: EOP, NG, NP, AS and AP. The classic Moisturizing Cream has none.
Is Vanicream better than CeraVe?
Neither is better for everyone. Vanicream has shorter ingredient lists and suits allergy-prone skin; CeraVe adds ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to more of its range. Both cleanse and moisturize gently.
Sources
- Vanicream: About us
- Vanicream: Contact us (company address)
- Vanicream: All products
- Vanicream: Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Vanicream: Daily Facial Moisturizer
- Vanicream: Moisturizing Cream
- Vanicream: Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- Vanicream: Moisturizing Ointment (reformulation notice)
- Target: Vanicream products and prices
- American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs
Pori is a wellness and skincare education app, not a medical device. This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. For anything that worries you, see a dermatologist.
