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A Complete Guide to CeraVe Skincare

By Carly Cochrane - 2 years ago | Updated
a complete guide to cerave


If you haven’t already heard of CeraVe, then now is the time to tune in. In the last two or three years, this skincare brand has not only become a household name, but also found itself paving the way for new (and old) drugstore labels. Whilst we’re pretty sure influencers and viral TikTok vids have played a part in their sudden sky-rocketing success, we simply cannot deny the fact that CeraVe products are *chefs kiss* - even dermatologists and skin experts highly recommend the stuff.

From the ceramide-powered formulas to the affordable price tags, CeraVe’s extensive line-up ticks all the boxes when it comes to simple but effective skincare solutions. But, with so many products to choose from - their cleansers being the favorite of many – it can be hard to figure out how to incorporate CeraVe into your regime.

That's why we've created this complete guide to CeraVe skincare, so that you can get to know the ins-and-outs and create a routine that works for you.


The Cleansers

Cleansers are undoubtedly CeraVe’s area of expertise. They’re bursting with the brand’s exclusive ceramide complex along with other skin-perfecting ingredients, like niacinamide. CeraVe has five best-selling cleansers to pick from, with each working for a specific skin type. Keep scrolling to discover the best CeraVe cleanser for you.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

$11.88 $13.98 (16% off)

Best for: normal to dry skin types

What is it? A hydrating gel-cream cleanser

The benefits: provides a gentle, hydrating cleanse without causing irritation

If you have normal, dry or sensitive skin, this is the CeraVe cleanser for you. A holy grail product for a reason; this formula is both hydrating and gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin types, even those that are eczema-prone. As well as washing away the day’s dirt and impurities, it utilizes Cerave’s iconic ceramide trio to restore your skin’s natural barrier. Hyaluronic acid also locks in hydration for a complexion that’s clear, comfortable and full of radiance.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

$11.88 $13.98 (16% off)

Best for: normal to oily skin types

What is it? A gel-to-foam cleanser

The benefits: removes excess sebum to leave the skin clean, clear and clarified

If you struggle with the midday slick, then give the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser a go. Made for oilier skin types, this gel-to-foam cleanser soaks up the oils on the surface of skin without stripping natural goodness. Again, it features the ceramide complex as well as the hero ingredient niacinamide, which is renowned for its ability to regulate oil, blackheads and breakouts.

CeraVe Cream To Foam Cleanser

$14.22 $16.74 (16% off)

Best for: normal to dry skin types

What is it? A cream-to-foam cleanser

The benefits: cleanses skin and removes makeup without stripping the skin

This cream-to-foam cleanser is one of CeraVe’s newer innovations and is formulated to suit all skin types, but mostly dry. If you love a foam texture but also want a super hydrating formula, then this is a must-grab. It cleanses without leaving the face feeling tight, thanks to a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and amino acids.

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

$14.22 $16.74 (16% off)

Best for: acne-prone and textured skin

What is it? A salicylic acid-infused gel cleanser

The benefits: retexturizes rough, dry and bumpy skin

Dry, acne-prone and problematic skin types can all benefit from this CeraVe face wash. Supercharged with salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates and resurfaces skin for a smoother, fresher appearance. Use it on the face to target rough, bumpy texture or all over the body to treat scaly patches and skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris.

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

$12.80 $15.06 (16% off)

Best for: blemish and acne-prone skin

What is it? A gel-to-foam cleanser

The benefits: clears acne, pimples and blackheads, heals skin to prevent future breakouts

Take back control over angry, stressed-out skin with CeraVe’s first blemish treatment. Designed to clear acne breakouts and prevent new blemishes from forming, the Blemish Control Cleanser is your fast-pass to a clear, calm and comfortable complexion. A cocktail of ceramides, salicylic acid and niacinamide work together to heal skin and reduce acne, pimples and blackheads, without dryness or flaking.


The Moisturizers

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

$5.96 $7.02 (16% off)

Best for: dry to very dry skin

What is it? An ultra-rich moisturizing cream for the face and body

The benefits: moisturizes and helps restore the protective skin barrier

Be sure to follow your cleansing routine with a moisturizing cream. Not only does it help to smooth and soothe skin, but it locks in that all-important hydration for a healthier-looking complexion. The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is enriched with those three essential ceramides, as well as hyaluronic acid and a MVE Delivery Technology to repair, replenish and comfort skin over 24 hours. The formula is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, making it ideal for everyday use.

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

$11.88 $13.98 (16% off)

Best for: dry to very dry skin

What is it? A lightweight lotion for the face and body

The benefits: locks in moisture, repairs and replenishes skin

If you’re looking for a CeraVe cream that’s a little more lightweight, then be sure to check out the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion. It’s packed with the same good-for-skin ingredients as the Moisturizing Cream, just boasts a lighter, milkier texture.

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream

$15.14 $17.82 (16% off)

Best for: dry, rough, bumpy skin

What is it? A gentle smoothing cream

The benefits: exfoliates, softens and smooths rough skin while improving the skin barrier

If tackling skin texture is your main concern, then this is the CeraVe moisturizer for you. Tailor-made for dry, rough and bumpy skin, the fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream works around the clock to soothe, smooth and retexturize skin. A blend of ceramides, salicylic acid and lactic acid provide gentle exfoliation, as well as much-needed moisture for a cashmere-soft finish. Suitable for all skin types, but especially acne, psoriasis and eczema-prone, it pairs perfectly with the SA Smoothing Cleanser.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 25

$13.37 $17.82 (25% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? An SPF moisturizer

The benefits: moisturizes skin throughout the day whilst also providing sun protection

SPF is an essential in every skincare routine, even when it’s cold and grey. This dual-action lotion from CeraVe works as both a moisturizer and a sunscreen for the face, supplying all-day hydration and UV protection. The lotion itself spreads easily, is non-pore-clogging and dries with a clear finish, making it the perfect day cream for all skin tones and types.

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

$16.06 $18.90 (16% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? A lightweight, oil-free night cream

The benefits: hydrates and restores your skin’s natural barrier while you sleep

Don’t forget to snap up the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, too. Feeding skin with essential moisture, this lightweight, oil-free night cream is the best way to hydrate skin whilst you catch that all-important beauty sleep. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and the ceramide mix deliver around-the-clock hydration and repair the skin’s protective barrier for the morning ahead.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

$14.22 $16.74 (16% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? A hydrating eye cream

The benefits: moisturizes and repairs the under-eye by reducing the look of dark circles and puffiness

One too many late nights? Fear not, as this CeraVe eye cream can fix tired peepers in an instant. Specifically developed to hydrate and protect the delicate eye area, this lightweight cream utilizes marine and botanical extracts to brighten under-eyes and reduce puffiness. Delivering 24-hour hydration and a cooling sensation, it’s the perfect remedy for tired eyes.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$23.70 $25.86 (9% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? A lightweight hydrating serum

The benefits: replenishes hydration for instantly smoother, softer skin; locks in moisture to restore and reinforce the protective skin barrier

Take on a different style of moisturizer with the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum - you won't be disappointed! As the first serum from Cerave, this daily gel-cream serum can be worn alone, layered under moisturizer or used as a makeup base. Much like the brand’s creams and lotions, it offers long-lasting, 24-hour hydration and ensures a revitalized and revived complexion.

And that’s a wrap. Now that you have a fool-proof guide to all things CeraVe, you can create a tailored skincare routine and tackle all of your concerns with confidence.

Want to discover more skincare brands like CeraVe? Try the likes of Cetaphil and Aveeno, or check out our The Ordinary Skincare Guide for Beginners.

Carly Cochrane

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. 

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