CeraVe facial washes are popping up all over Instagram reels and TikTok videos for the facial wash step. With this in mind, let’s take a deep dive into all 3 popular CeraVe Facial Cleansers, as our Editor, Emma, reviews:
Finding the perfect facial cleanser can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With a myriad of options promising various benefits, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, one brand that consistently stands out for its gentle yet effective formulations is CeraVe. It first stood out because it wasn’t a ridiculously expensive choice – and I am a firm believer that your facial wash shouldn’t cost a bomb.
For me personally, if I have makeup on, I like to remove with a balm or oil cleanser first, and then finish with a facial wash. CeraVe has been on my radar for a long time, as the brand is renowned for its dermatologist-recommended products. It’s also gained a loyal following for its commitment to simplicity and science-backed ingredients.
I’ve tried all three of the cleansers, over the space of 12 months. My skin is dry but I am prone to acne occasionally, so I switch between the foaming and the hydrating most often, and tried out the salicylic acid last year after I had my baby boy (and my skin went through an outbreak stage!).
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser:
Let’s kick things off with CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser. Formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this cleanser is designed to gently cleanse the skin without disrupting its natural barrier. The foaming action effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and balanced. What sets this cleanser apart is its non-irritating formula, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
It was a delight to use, for me I do like a foaming cleaner to remove a lot of heavy makeup, without leaving my skin feeling stripped or tight.
Niacinamide is a very good ingredient for so many things, from fading dark marks, hydrating the skin and reducing pores, so this one is a great all rounder.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser:
Next up, we have CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a favorite among those with dry or sensitive skin. This is my skin type currently, it’s been very dry for a few years now. This cleanser is infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, working to replenish and retain the skin’s moisture levels while gently removing impurities. My skin felt nourished and soft after every wash, it has a real creamy texture that felt lovely for each wash.
They say that those with eczema or rosacea appreciate its soothing properties, noting a visible improvement in their skin’s texture and hydration levels over time. For me, this is my favourite of all 3, and the most suited to my skin.
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser:
For those dealing with acne or rough, bumpy skin, CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser may be the solution. Powered by salicylic acid, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, this cleanser exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and smooths rough skin texture. It’s a gentle yet effective option for combating acne and improving overall skin clarity. I used this last year at a time when I had just given birth and my skin went havoc – lots of jaw line bumps and I knew I needed that salicylic acid boost.
It is gentle to the skin, as the amounts of SA aren’t too strong (0.5%) but strong enough to speed up the reduction of breakouts and minimize the appearance of pores without causing irritation or dryness.
Final thoughts:
For around £13-£14.50, these cleansers last ages because you literally need a tiny bit massaged into the skin to work the entire face and leave it super clean. They are fuss-free, maybe a little too fuss-free in terms of the packaging (which isn’t the prettiest, but looks are deceiving remember!) but they are brilliant for catering for all skin types.
If you’re looking for a gentle everyday cleanser, a hydrating formula for dry skin, or a solution for acne-prone skin, CeraVe has you covered. Affordable, with science-backed ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid, and they just work to do the job. Cleansing effectively without compromising the skin barrier.
They even do a Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide which is the next step up from the other SA cleanser. This has 2% and the other has 0.5%. I haven’t tried this one yet, but would say if you have the more stubborn breakouts and continuously are battling with acne, this one would then be worth it.
