A CeraVe review based on my own experience with CeraVe skincare products, what I’ve tried and recommend.
Starting the series of me reviewing each product I’ve tried from a brand in a single post (no. 1), I thought it would be a great idea to begin with CeraVe, as it has been my most repurchased skincare brand lately, along with La Roche Posay.
*** This post is not sponsored by CeraVe.
CeraVe for me, is a no-nonsense skincare brand I always come back to when I need simple, durable and affordable products that work.
In this post, I will cover the products I’ve tried so far from CeraVe skincare and share my experience. If you are interested in trying out their products, check out my reviews below.
✨ MY 35+ SKIN PROFILE AND SKINCARE ROUTINE ✨ Skin Type: Combination skin prone to dryness, sensitivity, texture and a bit of T-zone oiliness, especially in the summer. Light skin with a cool undertone. Goals: Increasing hydration, minimizing irritations, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and texture + preventing sun damage. Skincare Routine: Love rotating skincare products, favoring retinoids for their anti-aging benefits and adjusting my routine based on the needs of my skin. Typically a maximum of 5-steps skincare routine. ✨In my skincare routine for combination skin, I go over my routine in more depth, including top product recommendations and tips. Challenges: Finding products to meet all my skin goals and needs without feeling greasy or irritating.
About CeraVe
CeraVe is a skincare brand known for its dermatologist-developed products that focus on providing simple, yet effective and affordable skincare solutions. The brand is recognised for its commitment to formulating products with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other essential ingredients that help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
Key characteristics of CeraVe as a skincare brand include: dermatologist-developed, ceramides, fragrance-free, simplicity, effectiveness, affordability, availability, wide range of products, different skin concerns and skin types, non-comedogenic, scientific approach.
CeraVe Review Shortcut
✨ February 2024 Reviews
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Review
- CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion Review
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream Review
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Review
Price Guide
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20 – $50
- $$$ = over $50
DISCLAIMER At El Beauty Finder, I strive to feature products that I personally test and recommend. However, I am not a licensed professional and cannot guarantee specific results nor the prevention or cure of any condition or disease. The information provided on www (dot) elbeautyfinder (dot) com is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. Prices, availability, and product formulations may change over time, so it's advisable to verify product details and conduct your own research before making any purchasing decision or using any highlighted product, as well as look for professional guidance for personalized advice whenever needed.
1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Review
Price: $ | Size: 12 fL. oZ/ 340 g the jar, 6 fL. oZ/ 177 mL the tube | Best: Hydrating, Barrier Repairing, Rich Texture, For Dry and Very Dry Skin.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, petrolatum, 3 types of ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid; fragrance-free.
The first product on my CeraVe review is the famous CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It’s the first product I’ve ever purchased from them, captivated by the social media dermatologist recommendations ”the best affordable fragrance-free moisturizer”.
When I first started using it, I was dealing with a lot of excess dryness due to my stubbornness in making tretinoin part of my daily skincare routine. The cream not only helped me to bring my skin to normal, but also to manage the long-term dryness. It’s a thick but non-greasy, non-sticky cream with a silky matte finish that it absorbs and spreads well.
As someone with combination to dry, sensitive skin, I found it to be well-balanced in terms of hydration without feeling heavy or clogging on the skin.
On the face, it moisturizes dry areas without causing excess oiliness on the T-zone. The key is to apply a little on the oily areas. For the body, it works best on towel-dried skin as it absorbs and spreads better without leaving a sticky residue, allowing putting clothes on immediately.
Even though is thick, a little goes long way, making it incredibly cost effective. Especially if you intend to use it exclusively on the face. Plus, the hydration lasts throughout the day.
The packaging. I find the tube be more practical and hygienic than the jar as it’s smaller, portable, and does not require you to dip your fingers into the cream to get it out. However, both are okay for application at home.
For the ingredients, I love that is has ceramides and is completely scentless. It also contains glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone and hyaluronic acid. I would describe it as a well-balanced formula combining occlusives, humectants, emollients and barrier repairing ingredients.
Really an amazing hydrating cream for dry and very dry skin. A product that I always keep on hand to repair my skin after trying out different skincare products (and failing, obviously😊).
It’s simple, effective, fragrance-free and intensely hydrating. Perfect for use on both face and body. The tube is super convenient to carry as a hand moisturizer. Multiple uses. Great quantity for the money. Affordable. With ceramides. For a reason, it’s a best seller.
2. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion Review
Price: $ | Size: 16 fL. oZ/ 473 mL | Best: Hydrating, Barrier Repairing, Lightweight.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, 3 types of ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid; fragrance-free.
The second product on my CeraVe review is the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion.
This is basically the lighter version of the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It’s lightweight, thinner in texture and does not contain petrolatum. Non-greasy, non-sticky, silky, matte and hydrating. But not as hydrating as the moisturizing cream.
The lotion absorbs really well into the skin, and it leaves a velvety, matte finish without a sticky residue, pretty similar to moisturizing cream. Body and face use.
The only thing with it is that the hydration does not last throughout the day. It’s helpful upon application and a while after in combating dry patches, but if your skin is drier, you may need to reapply.
For my combination to dry, sensitive skin, I found it to be really perfect for summer. For the body, it works better on wet skin, making it ideal for use immediately after shower.
I would describe it as a straightforward light lotion for the body and face that works as advertised.
Personally will not be repurchasing because I prefer its thicker sister for the use on body (CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream) as it’s both hydrating and smoothing. But if your skin is more on the normal side and you are looking for something simple, lightweight and affordable, you may find this lotion great and useful.
3. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream Review
Price: $ | Size: 12 fL. oZ/ 340 g | Best: Hydrating, Smoothing, Rough Dry & Very Dry Skin.
Key Ingredients: 10% urea, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone, 3 types of ceramides, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid; fragrance-free.
The third product on my CeraVe review is the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream.
Have they reformulated the US version of this cream?! Because the SA Cream listed on their .com US website shows different ingredients. Where there is no urea. Such a shame!!!!🤦♀️
Luckily, I see that it’s still available on their European website. Yay!!
Straightforwardly, I love the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream with 10% urea. It’s rich and thick in texture. Same as the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Non-greasy, non-sticky with a matte – silky finish, extremely hydrating and smoothing. It does have a slight chemical scent though, but nothing overpowering.
Key ingredients include 10% urea, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone, 3 types of ceramides, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate, gently exfoliate and smooth the skin.
For body use only. Great for dry, rough, and bumpy skin on the legs. I’m seeing results from it. My skin has become significantly smoother since I started using it. Arms chicken skin? You need to try this one!
I also tried it on my face once. I do not recommend you doing it as it can be too harsh. My face was on fire. Not the most intelligent move. 🙂
Overall, an amazing body moisturizer with smoothing properties. I enjoy it and have repurchased it because it’s reasonably priced for the amount of cream you get, especially for daily use on the body where more cream is required to cover all areas.
4. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Review
Price: $ | Size: 8 fL. oZ/ 236 mL | Best: Hydrating, Barrier Repairing, Dry and Very Dry Sensitive Skin, Non-Foaming.
Key Ingredients: glycerin, 3 types of ceramides, hyaluronic acid; fragrance-free.
The next and final product on my CeraVe review is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.
I’ve tried this one out of pure curiosity. Not for my skin type and needs, honestly. It feels like washing your face with lightweight body lotion. Having combination skin with some oiliness and some sebaceous filaments here an there, I do need some foam in my cleansers.
It works as intended, though. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, thin in texture with minimal ingredients. It contains glycerin, 3 types of ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry, sensitive skin while washing. But it’s not for all skin types. If you have extremely dry and sensitive skin, this product can be a good fit for you. It delivers.
For the rest of us, there are better alternatives available. La Roche Posay AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash and Purito From Green Deep Foaming Cleanser are two of my favorite best face washes for combination skin.
CeraVe Products I Recommend
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream are my top recommendations from CeraVe. Both creams provide excellent hydration and visible results after use. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is incredibly hydrating and long-lasting for body and face use, while CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream is both hydrating and smoothing for body use. Moreover, they are affordable and come in generous quantities, which means they will last you a long time and save you money in the long run.
Also, CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion is worth considering if you simply want to hydrate your skin and you are not especially dry.
Where To Buy CeraVe Skincare
CeraVe skincare products are available for sale via various retailers, both online and in-store. Here are some common places where you can buy CeraVe products:
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Ulta Beauty
- Sephora
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Ulta
- iHerb (my favorite as I can see the packaging on both sides and read the ingredients and details before buying)
- Kroger
- Rite Aid
You can also buy CeraVe skincare directly from their official website: https://www.cerave.com.
✨ Pro Tip for Online Shopping: Maximize savings by writing any product name into Google's Search Bar. Quickly compare prices across retailers for the best deal. Additionally, scroll down and let Google find the best discounts available. Happy shopping! 🛍️💻📱
With CeraVe skincare, the packaging can vary depending on where you shop. Pretty much the same as with the La Roche Posay skincare reviewed here.
Coming Next
I do plan on trying their CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, Cerave Makeup Remover Balm, Cerave Vitamin C Serum and Cerave Retinol Serum. With anything new, I will update here.
- Related
- Purito Skincare One Brand Review
Have you tried any CeraVe products? If so, which ones and what was your experience with them? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!