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How to Use CeraVe Products: The Complete Cerave Guide
By Carly Cochrane
-
3 years ago | Updated
Wondering how to use CeraVe products to get the most out of your skincare? You’re in the right place. This CeraVe guide breaks down what each product does, how to use them properly, and which ones work best for your skin type. Whether your skin’s feeling dry, breaking out, or you just want a fuss-free routine that *actually* works, CeraVe’s a winner.
Why is CeraVe So Popular?
CeraVe has blown up in the beauty world over the years—and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Created with dermatologists, it’s built around simple, science-backed formulas that focus on repairing and maintaining the skin barrier. Every product is packed with ceramides, which are essential lipids naturally found in your skin. These help lock in moisture and keep irritants out.
It’s also a favourite because it’s affordable, widely available, and suitable for all skin types—from oily to dry, sensitive, or acne-prone. Plus, most of the products are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough to use every day. Long story short? It does the job, keeps your skin happy, and doesn’t break the bank.
How to Build Your CeraVe Skincare Routine
Building a skincare routine with CeraVe is super easy, thanks to how versatile the range is. Whether you’re going for a basic three-step routine or something a bit more targeted, there’s a product to fit every step. Here’s a simple (and super doable) way to get going:
- Cleanse: Choose a CeraVe cleanser based on your skin type.
2. Moisturise: Hydration is key—CeraVe moisturisers work for both day and night.
3. Protect: In the morning, always finish with a product containing SPF.
4. Targeted treatments: Add in extras like the SA Cleanser or Eye Repair Cream if needed.
Top tip: stick with it! Skin takes time to show off, so give it a few weeks and you’ll start seeing that glow up.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
£7.74 £13.00 (41% off)Best for: Normal to oily skin
What is it? This gel-based face wash lathers up nicely and removes dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving your skin dry or tight.
How to use:
- Splash your face with warm water.
- Massage a small amount into your skin.
- Rinse off and pat your face dry.
- Use it in the morning and evening.
The benefits:
- Deeply cleanses without drying out your skin.
- Helps reduce oil and shine.
- Keeps skin feeling clean, fresh, and balanced.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
£7.74 £13.00 (41% off)Best for: Normal to dry skin types.
What is it? A gentle, creamy cleanser that doesn't foam but still gets the job done. It removes dirt and makeup while boosting hydration—ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
How to use:
- Apply to damp skin.
- Massage gently and rinse or wipe off.
- Use it twice a day.
The benefits:
- Hydrates while cleansing.
- Doesn’t strip natural oils.
- Great for redness-prone or tight-feeling skin.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
£4.65 £7.00 (34% off)Best for: Dry to very dry skin (face and body).
What is it? A rich, nourishing cream packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate deeply and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
How to use:
- Apply after cleansing, ideally while the skin’s still a bit damp.
- Use as often as needed, day or night.
The benefits:
- Long-lasting hydration.
- Repairs dry, flaky skin.
- Leaves skin soft without feeling greasy.et rough, bumpy texture or all over the body to treat scaly patches and skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 30
£10.45 £17.00 (39% off)Best for: All skin types during the day.
What is it? This multitasking morning moisturiser combines broad-spectrum SPF 30 with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
How to use:
- Apply to clean skin every morning.
- Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours if you're out in the sun.
The benefits:
- Daily hydration plus sun protection.
- Light texture that doesn’t clog pores.
- Wears well under makeup.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion
£10.46 £17.00 (39% off)Best for: All skin types at night.
What is it? A lightweight night cream that helps restore the skin overnight. It’s packed with niacinamide to calm irritation and ceramides to rebuild the skin barrier.
How to use:
- Apply after cleansing in the evening.
- Can be layered over serums or treatments.
The benefits:
- Calms, soothes, and hydrates overnight.
- Helps with redness and uneven texture.
- Lightweight, non-comedogenic, and effective.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
£9.26 £16.50 (44% off)Best for: Bumpy skin or breakouts.
What is it? This one’s for when your skin’s feeling rough or congested. It’s got salicylic acid to exfoliate, plus ceramides to keep things gentle.
How to use:
- Use once a day to start, then build up if needed.
The benefits:
- Smooths out rough skin.
- Helps clear up spots without irritation.
- No physical exfoliants—just gentle, effective acids. Gently massage onto wet skin, then rinse well.
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
£9.26 £15.00 (39% off)Best for: Dark circles and puffiness.
What is it? A small but mighty eye cream that tackles under-eye dryness, puffiness, and dark circles.
How to use:
- Dab a small amount around the eye with your ring finger.
- Gently pat it in—don’t rub.
The benefits:
- Hydrates and brightens the under-eye area.
- Helps reduce puffiness.
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive eyes.
FAQs about Cerave Skincare
Is CeraVe cruelty-free?
Not entirely. While CeraVe doesn’t test on animals themselves, they do sell in places where animal testing is required by law—so they’re not considered fully cruelty-free.
Is CeraVe non-comedogenic?
Yes, most of CeraVe’s products are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block your pores. That makes them a great option for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin.
Which CeraVe cleanser should I use?
If you’ve got oily or spot-prone skin, go for the Foaming Cleanser or SA Smoothing Cleanser. Dry or sensitive skin? Stick with the Hydrating Cleanser—it’s super gentle and won’t strip your skin.
Is CeraVe safe during pregnancy?
Most CeraVe products are safe to use while pregnant, especially the moisturisers and basic cleansers. Just double-check anything with salicylic acid (like the SA range) with your midwife or GP.
Final Thoughts
Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, and CeraVe proves that. Whether you're just starting out or levelling up your routine, these products are reliable, fuss-free, and actually deliver. Think of this guide as your skincare starter pack—mix, match and see what works for you. And remember, we’re always here at Cosmetify to help you find products that really get your skin. Go forth and glow! ✨
Written by Carly Cochrane
As the Senior Content Editor for Cosmetify, Carly is the go-to for all the latest (and greatest) beauty tips, tricks and trends. With over six years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins-and-outs when it comes to health, beauty and wellbeing.
