CeraVe Review

About CeraVe

CeraVe is one of the top names in skincare, known for its affordable and effective products. In its collection, you’ll find all of the essentials, from oil-fighting cleansers to nourishing creams and exfoliating treatments.

This powerhouse brand took Tik Tok-famous to a new level with its viral ads, resulting in its products temporarily selling out pretty much everywhere. Tik Tok “Skinfluencers” (yes—apparently that’s a thing) such as Hyram Yarbro (who has 7 million followers on the platform) swear by CeraVe for its no-nonsense advertising and high-quality ingredients.

In addition to features in magazines like Marie Claire and Allure, CeraVe boasts over 1.2 million followers across Instagram and Facebook. Its collection has won too many awards to list here, but some highlights include multiple Bazaar Beauty Best of the Best and Marie Claire Skin Award titles, as well as the honor of Best Skincare Brand of 2021 from The Times.

This all sounds super intriguing, but before shelling out your hard-earned coin, read this CeraVe review. In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into the brand and its collection, cover customer testimonials, and answer FAQs, all to help you decide whether or not its products are worth adding to your collection.

Overview of CeraVe

CeraVe was born in 2005 when American researchers partnered with leading dermatologists. Their first goal? To make dermatologist-recommended products more accessible to consumers at a lower cost and without a prescription. Now that’s a mission we can get behind.

The brand’s second focus was to develop a new skincare line that would help repair and strengthen the skin barrier. By taking a unique angle—providing three essential ceramides in each product to restore the skin’s natural barrier—CeraVe quickly took off.

Ceramides are the key component here. These lipids make up 50% of the skin composition to form the barrier. In other words, they essentially make up the glue that holds our skin cells together. CeraVe has a proprietary blend of three natural ceramides that are identical to those found in your skin, helping to keep the bad stuff out and the good stuff in.

The company boasts that it offers the only line of skincare products with a unique blend of three essential ceramides. Today, its product line has expanded to include more than 50 well-loved formulas that are sold at most major retail stores.

We’ll soon dive into some of the brand’s most-loved products. Before we get there, this CeraVe review will quickly cover the highlights:

Highlights

• Wide range of skincare products, including moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and more
• Affordably priced items
• Specific formulas for acne-prone, aging, dry, uneven, and/or sensitive skin types
• Helpful quiz and articles on the website
• Most products are non-comedogenic
• Cruelty-free
• Non-irritating and fragrance-free
• Positive customer reviews

In the next section of this CeraVe review, you’ll learn all about the bestsellers, from cleansers to sunscreens and other essentials like moisturizers. If you aren’t sure what your skin needs, head to the brand’s quiz. After answering a couple of questions, the company will put together an entire routine for your unique skincare concerns.

You can’t shop directly from CeraVe’s website, so it doesn’t list any prices there. We’ve included cost estimates from sites like Walmart, Target, and Amazon to make things easier for you.

CeraVe Cleansers Review

CeraVe is known for its line of cleansers that gently wash the skin without leaving your face feeling stripped. Each of these cleansers also features three essential ceramides that effectively cleanse the skin without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier.

This CeraVe review will delve into three of the most popular formulas. Whether you have oily, dry, dehydrated, sensitive, and/or aging skin, there’s an option for you.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser Review

Crafted for normal-to-oily skin, the CeraVe Foaming Gel Cleanser removes the day’s dirt, oil, makeup, and debris with ease. It’ll help hydrate and calm your skin without over-stripping it.

Along with ceramides, this cleanser features hyaluronic acid, an ingredient crucial to smoothing out the skin and creating a plump, hydrated appearance. You’ll also find niacinamide on the ingredient list, also known as Vitamin B3, which strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier.

This powerful yet gentle cleanser is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and unscented. It foams as you lather it, leaving a refreshingly clean feeling in its wake. Simply wet your face with lukewarm water, massage the cleanser onto your skin in a circular motion, then rinse.

Add the Foaming Gel Cleanser to your daily routine for roughly $11 (12 fl oz).

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser Review

The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser helps acne-prone skin thrive. It offers all the benefits of the brand’s regular line of cleansers, but with the added dose of 4% benzoyl peroxide to help combat pimples and blackheads. The best part? It’s still gentle.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common ingredients for treating acne. This superstar helps your skin ditch the dead cells that lead to clogged pores and breakouts. CeraVe pairs this ingredient with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to promote healing and hydration at the same time.

In addition to not drying out your face, this cleanser is non-comedogenic and was developed by dermatologists. It’s safe to use morning and night, but if your skin reacts to it, lessen the use to once a day. It’s also important to wear sunscreen after using this product—which hopefully you’re already doing!

The Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser usually sells for $12 (5 fl oz).

CeraVe SA Cleanser Review

Using the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is like taking a trip to the spa without having to leave your bathroom. Providing gentle exfoliation for normal skin types, this formula features salicylic acid instead of harsh microbeads—which, as you probably know by now, are both bad for your skin and the environment.

Salicylic acid has been long used as a remedy for a variety of skin concerns. Revealing fresh, healthy-looking skin, this cleanser gently exfoliates the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds cells together.

This formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Grab the CeraVe SA Cleanser for roughly $10 (8 fl oz).

CeraVe Sunscreen Review

As a leading skincare brand, it only makes sense that CeraVe has a line of amazing sunscreens. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the first step for fostering healthy skin. Let’s examine the best-selling options.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen Review

One part moisturizer, one part sunscreen—the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen provides double the support in one convenient bottle.

This non-comedogenic moisturizer provides ample hydration without clogging pores. It includes ceramics, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide as well as…well, sunscreen! It’s ideal for all skin types and won’t cause acne flare-ups.

The sun protection comes from zinc oxide, a mineral-derived ingredient that provides a physical shield-like barrier to the sun. It reflects UV rays away from the skin, so you can rest easy knowing your face is well-protected.

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen was developed with dermatologists and was even recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. Get your hands on a 3 fl oz container for $13.

CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick Review

Small but mighty, the CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick packs a broad spectrum SPF of 50 in a 0.5 fl oz balm container. This mineral sunscreen is lightweight and convenient, perfect for taking on the go and reapplying as needed.

This sunscreen has a powerful base of zinc and titanium dioxide, both derived from minerals that effectively reflect the sun away from your face. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and spreads evenly and easily.

The best part? It leaves a clear, clean finish. The key is to apply 15 minutes before sun exposure so that everything has time to settle. Reapply at least every 2 hours or immediately after swimming to ensure constant protection.

It’s suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin, and is fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. Add it to your beach bag for $9.

CeraVe Moisturizer Review

Up next, this CeraVe review will introduce you to the brand’s best-selling moisturizer. Offering formulas for every skin type, the products in this category are perhaps what the company is best known for—and they’ve each won numerous awards.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Review

You’ve probably caught on that CeraVe products are all about restoring your skin’s natural barrier. Of course, the Moisturizing Cream does that, but it also does so much more.

This formula specifically combats compromised skin barriers with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Think of it as your helpline to restoring even uber-dry skin back to its natural softness and smoothness.

This cream is rich but non-greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin. It features CeraVe’s patented MVE Delivery Technology to release a steady stream of moisture over the course of 24 hours.

It’s suitable for dry skin on the face and body and is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. You can use it as little or as often as your skin needs it. It’s also accepted by the National Eczema Association, so you know you’re in good hands (no pun intended).

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream comes in 12 fl oz containers and is usually listed for about $13.

CeraVe Lotion Review

A true crowd-pleaser, the CeraVe Lotion is formulated for those with normal to oily skin. It’s lightweight, oil-free, and features the patented MVE Technology that releases hydration for 24 hours.

Like CeraVe’s other products, ceramides and hyaluronic acid help restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier. This lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association and is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free

Add the Lotion to your daily routine for $13 (12 fl oz).

CeraVe Healing Ointment Review

Whether you suffer from dry, cracked skin year-round or you live somewhere with tough winters that leave your skin feeling more parched than usual, the CeraVe Healing Ointment is a good product to keep on hand. It offers special care to the skin and is designed for those times when your usual moisturizer just isn’t enough.

Ingredients like petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides all come together to help hydrate and soothe the surface layers of your skin. Importantly, it’s free from lanolin, an animal-based irritant that is common in balms to treat compromised skin. It’s also fragrance-free, which makes it perfect for those who have sensitivities.

Lightweight yet extremely hydrating, think of the Healing Ointment as an anti-dry skin superhero. A 12 fl oz container can be yours for about $17.

CeraVe Serum Review

It’s time for treatments and serums. From the brand’s collection of products formulated to combat acne, aging, dry, and uneven skin, this CeraVe review will just cover one best-seller.

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Review

It’s now 2022 and retinol seems to be the “it” ingredient in the skincare world. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum harnesses this superstar ingredient to aid in reducing pigmentation and uneven tones.

This formula is especially effective for people who have finally overcome their acne struggle, only to find acne scars. Retinol helps to resurface your skin and licorice root helps brighten your skin’s appearance.

This formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and safe to use every day. Sometimes your skin can take a couple of days to adjust to retinol, so be mindful of this when you start using any product that contains the ingredient.

As with many of CeraVe’s products, this serum is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, making it good for people with sensitive skin. Get the Resurfacing Retinol Serum for $16 (1 fl oz).

Who Is CeraVe For?

CeraVe offers many different kinds of skincare products that cover a variety of concerns, but who would benefit most from its collection? We think if you fit into any of these three categories, then you should definitely check out the brand:

• You have sensitive, or acne-prone skin: CeraVe claims to be the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand for acne-prone skin, and the best part is you don’t even need a prescription
• You’re aging-conscious and want to take care of your skin as you grow older: Fostering healthy skin is the best defense against premature aging—that and sunscreen
• You want a low-cost, easily-accessible skincare brand that stands behind its promises: CeraVe is one of the most accessible brands on the market, making its products easy additions to your daily routine

CeraVe Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Now that you’ve read about the products, it’s time to find out what customers are saying. Below, this CeraVe review has pulled comments and ratings from around the web that offer insight into the band’s formulas, practices, and policies.

Let’s start with Amazon:

• Foaming Facial Cleanser: average of 5/5 stars from 35k reviews
• Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser: average of 4.5/5 stars from 17k reviews
• SA Cleanser: average of 4.5/5 stars from 26k reviews
• AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen: average of 4.5/5 from 44k reviews
• Mineral Sunscreen Stick: average of 4.5/5 stars from 1.2k reviews
• Moisturizing Cream: average of 5/5 stars from 64k reviews
• Lotion: average of 5/5 stars from 10k reviews
• Healing Ointment: average of 5/5 stars from 6.5k reviews
• Resurfacing Retinol Serum: average of 4.5/5 stars from 20k reviews

As you can see, CeraVe has received tens of thousands of ratings on the online marketplace—seriously. We chose to dive a bit deeper into the Moisturizing Cream to see what all the hype is about. This comment sums it up pretty well:

“I was suffering from itchy legs, a wintertime horrid problem, I mean a month of this was just too much. This stuff healed my dry skin in 2 days! Seriously, I haven’t itched since, amazing, and not too much impresses me. Nor do I write many reviews. I now use it on my face, ears, elbows and feet.”

Other customers share these sentiments, some going so far as to call the cream a “life saver.” Meanwhile, another user confirms that the Foaming Facial Cleanser is great for sensitive skin:

“Love this facial wash, it’s the second time I have purchased & used it. It is great for sensitive skin, foamy, cleanses well and works really well against oily skin.”

Next, we turned to Walmart, where the Resurfacing Retinol Serum scores 4.4/5 stars from 519 shoppers. One woman describes it as her “holy grail.” Here’s what she had to say:

“LOVE this serum. It has retinol AND hyaluronic acid. It’s not drying and has been my holy grail for keeping the maskne away. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated and balanced (bacteria) and this little guy does both of those things. I started using it twice a week and worked up to using it daily as a part of my nighttime regimen.”

Last but not least, we headed to Influenster. With nearly 100k ratings and a collective average score of 4.4/5 stars—it’s safe to say that CeraVe is well-loved for its effective and affordable formulas that actually do what they claim to.

All in all, the vast majority of CeraVe reviews were positive, leading us to believe it’s a brand that stands by its word.

Is CeraVe Worth It?

You can probably already guess our answer—yes, this CeraVe review thinks that the brand is worth it. From the accessibility of the products in terms of price and availability to the company’s commitment to providing high-quality skincare, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this collection.

Whether you have acne-prone, aging, dry, uneven, and/or sensitive skin, you’ll be sure to find a product for you. It’s clear that CeraVe puts a lot of effort into educating its users about how each product works, too.

CeraVe Promotions & Discounts 

The brand is currently offering a $4-off coupon if you sign up for its newsletter. Just go to CeraVe.com to sign up.

Where to Buy CeraVe 

You can’t purchase CeraVe’s products directly from its own website, but you can find them at most major retail outlets including:

• Target
• Walmart
• Ulta
• CVS
• Walgreens
• Amazon
• Many others!

Find your closest retailer at CeraVe.com.

FAQ

Who owns CeraVe?

CeraVe is owned by L’Oréal Group.

Are CeraVe products tested on animals?

No, the brand does not test its formulas on animals.

Are CeraVe products non-comedogenic?  

Most of CeraVe’s products are non-comedogenic, but make sure to check the label to confirm before buying.

Is CeraVe safe for teens?

There is no difference between acne treatment for adults versus teenagers, all that matters are the key ingredients found in acne products. Going off this logic, CeraVe is just as safe for teens as it is for adults.

Where can I buy CeraVe products? 

While CeraVe products aren’t directly available for purchase on its website, they are available through many retailers. You have two options: if you head to the specific product’s page, the brand will list other online retailers that you can order from, directing you right to the order page.

If you prefer to shop in person, head to the Store Locator tool on CeraVe’s website.

What is CeraVe’s Shipping Policy?

Each CeraVe product is subject to the partnered retailers’ shipping policy. You’ll have to check those partners’ policies, whether it be Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, or another option.

What is CeraVe’s Return Policy?

Similar to the shipping answer, each CeraVe product is subject to its retailer’s return policy. For example:

• Walmart: 90-day returns for full refund
• Target: 90-day returns for full refund
• CVS: 60-day returns for full refund
• Walgreens: 30-day returns for full refund

How to Contact CeraVe

If you have any questions after reading this CeraVe review, reach the brand via:

• Website help request: CeraVe.com/contact
• Phone: 888-768-2915
• Snail mail: 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

The team is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm EST.

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