You may have heard a lot about ceramides in skincare lately, but one brand has made the skin-barrier-strengthening ingredient its entire M.O.: CeraVe. The best CeraVe products each contain the brand’s signature trio of ceramides, from their gentle cleansers and brightening serums to their white cast-free sunscreens. And even better? CeraVe’s popular products are all available at your local drugstore and come dermatologist-approved.
Shop the Best CeraVe Products
- A Moisture-Boosting CleanserCeraVe Hydrating Facial CleanserRead more
- A Moisturizer with SPFCeraVe AM Lotion Face Moisturizer with SPF 50Read more
- A Brightening SerumCeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C SerumRead more
“They have products available for various skin types, so it’s a brand I can recommend regardless of the patient,” Jeremy Brauer, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York, tells Bazaar. “CeraVe is also heavily backed by science and fellow dermatologists, putting pressure on the ingredients and functionality of the products, rather than trendiness or making the product fun.”
Read on for our list of the best CeraVe products for just about every skincare need, including the brand’s viral best-sellers and a few of Brauer’s top picks.
A Moisture-Boosting Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$17 at Ulta Beauty$12 at Amazon$17 at DermstoreCredit: Florence Sullivan
Pros
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- May not be ideal for those who prefer a rich lather
If you need a simple, does-it-all face wash, “This gentle cleanser contains emollient-rich surfactants, meaning that it retains the skin’s protective barrier while cleansing it,” says Brauer. This helps your skin maintain moisture and hydration while refraining from irritating more sensitive skin.”
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, MVE Technology
Best for: those looking for a daily gentle face cleanser that washes away makeup, sunscreen, and more without over-stripping skin.
Customer review: “This is and always will be my holy grail cleanser and moisturizer combo. My skin had a glow up within days after I first started using this, and it nourishes my skin in a way that no other cleanser has. One bottle lasts a long time. Definitely worth every penny!”—boogal
A Moisturizer with SPF
CeraVe AM Lotion Face Moisturizer with SPF 50
$20 at Ulta Beauty$14 at Amazon$16 at WalmartCredit: Florence Sullivan
Pros
- High SPF
Cons
- Some reviewers found it a bit greasy
The brand recently launched a new daytime moisturizer with beefed-up sun protection. Even though it has mineral SPF 50, it still blends in shockingly well.
Key ingredients: micro-fine zinc oxide sunscreen, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Best for: those looking to combine two steps in one and need a higher level of SPF.
Customer review: “I love this sunscreen lotion! I’ve used Cerave cream for years and started to use this as my morning sun protection. It is not heavy at all. I’m on my second bottle. CeraVe is a trusted product in my book.” —Irishgirl
A Brightening Serum
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Now 19% Off
$24 at Amazon$30 at Ulta Beauty$29 at DermstoreCredit: Florence Sullivan
Pros
- Features 10% l-ascorbic acid
Cons
- Some reviewers complained of product pilling
This lightweight serum is made with the purest form of vitamin C to help brighten and even the skin tone. Plus, reviewers love the refreshing gel-cream texture, especially as part of their AM routines.
Key ingredients: 10 percent l-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid
Best for: Those looking to add a boost of brightness and anti-aging antioxidants to their skincare routine.
Customer Review: “I have used this most mornings and evenings for the last month. I definitely notice a difference in the brightness of my face and also how tired I was looking. I will 100% be purchasing again.”—Kate
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A Face and Body Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
$20 at Ulta Beauty$17 at WalmartCredit: Ulta
Pros
- Large size
Cons
- May be too heavy for oily skin types
Brauer also recommends this moisturizer, which is packed with skin-strengthening ceramides and can be used head to toe. “It supports your skin’s microbiome without appearing greasy or shiny, and it is gentle enough for most skin types, with a thicker consistency,” he says. “By locking in your skin’s natural moisture, it supports your skin’s ability to keep moisture in and irritants out.”
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, MVE technology
Best for: those looking for an ultra-rich and thick head-to-toe moisturizer that won’t irritate skin and is eczema safe.
Customer review: “This has helped with my eczema on my hands from frequent washing. I use it everyday and the redness and irritation has faded.”
An Exfoliating Cleanser
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
$17 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Florence Sullivan
Pros
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Salicylic acid formula may be drying for some skin types
This cleanser offers gentle exfoliation with each wash courtesy of salicylic acid. “It’s an effective exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and promotes clear, bright skin,” says the dermatologist, adding that the salicylic acid “acts as a chemical exfoliant so it feels less harsh than physical ones (e.g. face scrubs).”
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin D
Best for: Those looking to gently exfoliate their skin each time they cleanse, as well as those with acne-prone or oily skin.
Customer review: “This is my favorite cleanser! It can be slightly drying when it’s colder and dryer out, but that’s easily remedied with a good moisturizer. A couple times a week, I’ll do a 15-minute ‘scrub’ like oil pulling, focusing around my nose specifically, and it’s so satisfying seeing all the gunk/built-up sebum coming out.”—JavaLover91
A Powerful Retinol Serum
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Now 27% Off
$16 at Amazon$22 at Dermstore$22 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Amazon
Pros
- Helps fade dark spots
- Great for oily and acne-prone skin
Cons
- Some reviewers found it drying, so be sure to use with a good moisturizer
Regarding over-the-counter retinol serums, it’s hard to find one with better reviews at a better price than CeraVe’s. The addition of licorice root extract also brightens skin, while niacinamide calms.
Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, licorice root extract
Best for: those seeking the pore-minimizing and wrinkle-reducing results of retinol in a gentle formula.
Customer review: “This works so well. Proof you don’t have to spend 100s of $ for a good skin product. I love that it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. It’s lightweight and gives me a nice youthful glow.”—laurie
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A Rebalancing Moisturizer
CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream Face Moisturizer
$20 at Ulta Beauty$19 at AmazonCredit: Ulta
Pros
- Won’t pill under makeup
Cons
- Some reviewers find its finish stickier than other moisturizers
Don’t sleep on the CeraVe products made specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. This beloved gel-cream keeps skin hydrated yet balanced thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and oil-absorbing powders.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Best for: those looking for light hydration that leaves a matte finish and won’t clog pores.
Customer review: “I have oily skin, I just started menopause so my face gets really sweaty especially in this heat. This is the best oil control face cream I have ever used. My face is not oily at the end of the day. Love it!” —Doreen
An Exfoliating Body Cream
CeraVe SA Cream
$32 at Ulta Beauty$18 at Amazon$26 at DermstoreCredit: Florence Sullivan
Pros
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some reviewers wish the cream featured a light fragrance
This popular body cream from the brand does double duty in that it helps exfoliate the skin, thanks to its salicylic acid blend, and deeply moisturizes. Use it on typically scaly areas like your elbows and knees, or even to help treat conditions like keratosis pilaris.
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Best for: those with KP, extra-dry, or scaly skin.
Customer review: “This cream is great for reducing my redness and bumps on my arms and legs and is moisturizing as well. This tub also lasts forever and I’m liberal with my application.”—anitag81
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A De-Puffing Eye Cream
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
$20 at Ulta Beauty$11 at AmazonCredit: Ulta
Pros
- Hydrates, brightens, and soothes
Cons
- Some reviewers were disappointed with results for dark circles
Often, eye creams are often used to target dark circles or puffiness, but this $15 formula helps with both. And in addition to having the derm seal of approval, it’s also ophthalmologist-tested.
Key ingredients: marine and botanical complex, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Best for: those looking to add a multitasking yet no-frills eye cream to their routine.
Customer review: “This stuff is so good as soon as i started using it my under eye dark circles got way better, they didn’t go away but obviously it’s not magic. Overall i think these brightened my under eyes better then anything else I’ve used.”—Avery
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A Sheer Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Face and Body Lotion with SPF 30
$18 at Ulta Beauty$14 at AmazonCredit: Florence Sullivan
Pros
- Works for face and body
Cons
- Texture may be better for body than face
CeraVe has several sunscreens, but this sheer lotion is our go-to. It combines mineral and chemical filters to fight UV rays two ways without leaving a white cast. Above all, it feels great on skin and can also be used on both the face and body.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Best for: those in search of a white-cast-free sunscreen that’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Customer review: “I have used this under foundation, by itself and on my daughter and it’s so wonderful. Not to thick but covers great!”—Johnson73738
A Makeup Melting Balm
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
$14 at Ulta Beauty$13 at Dermstore$10 at AmazonCredit: Ulta
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some reviewers were displeased with its smell
Wearing intense makeup doesn’t necessarily mean you have to use intense skincare. This cleansing balm is proof; it removes every speck of makeup, sunscreen, and everything else while leaving skin hydrated and soothed.
Key Ingredients: jojoba oil, vitamin E
Best for: those who double cleanse, frequent makeup-wearers, and anyone with dry skin.
Customer Review: “This product has been a go to for a couple months now. It really does help melt away make up (even waterproof mascara) and lash glue. Like seriously the lash glue just melts off your lashes.”—Caroline
A Soothing Hand Cream
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
$12 at Dermstore$10 at AmazonCredit: Florence Sullivan
Pros
- Not overly greasy
Cons
- While the small size is good for travel, some reviewers wish there was a larger size
A lot of hand creams are essentially just body lotions in a tube, but this one has the right cushioning ingredients and texture to actually save your dry, chapped hands.
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone
Best for: those with dry hands (so, everyone!)
Customer Review: “This is by far the best hand cream I’ve ever used! It works really well even when my hands are super dry, and doesn’t leave them feeling oily.”—Melissa
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Meet the Experts
- Dr. Jeremy Brauer is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser.
What does the name CeraVe stand for?
The name “CeraVe” combines the brand’s signature ceramide use with their proprietary delivery system, the Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE).
According to the brand, MVE “consists of a series of multi-layer concentric spheres containing moisturizing ingredients released as each layer dissolves to provide long-lasting hydration.” In other words, it is designed to help the skin barrier maintain hydration over a longer period.
Which skin types is CeraVe most suitable for?
As Brauer notes, the nice thing about CeraVe products is that they can be used on all skin types. Some products—such as the Hydrating Face Cleanser—are universal, while others are more targeted to specific concerns, such as dryness, acne, or bumpy skin.
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Looking for more skincare favorites?
- The Best Skincare Brands Worth Adding to Your Beauty Lineup
- The Best Drugstore Eye Creams, Ranked by Dermatologists
- The Best Gentle Retinols for Sensitive Skin
- The Best Eye Creams That Actually Brighten, According To Dermatologists
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