Quick Verdict
| Rating | 4.5/5 (1,500+ reviews) |
| Price | $15.99 (16 oz) |
| Best For | Dry skin, sensitive skin, normal skin |
| Skip If | Oily/acne-prone skin, need makeup removal |
What Is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser?
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming face wash developed with dermatologists for normal to dry skin. Unlike many cleansers that leave your face feeling tight and stripped, this one has a lotion-like consistency that actually hydrates while it cleans.
The formula centers around three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that help restore your skin's natural barrier - the same barrier that harsh cleansers often damage. It's also packed with hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and glycerin for additional hydration.
This cleanser has earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which speaks to how gentle it truly is. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic.
Key Ingredients
- Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II): Restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Glycerin: Draws water into the skin for lasting hydration
- MVE Technology: Controlled-release system for 24-hour hydration
The Real Reviews
Across Ulta, Amazon, and Sephora, this cleanser consistently earns 4.5+ stars. Users love that it removes dirt and daily grime without that squeaky-clean (read: stripped) feeling.
What People Love
- Doesn't dry out or irritate sensitive skin
- Affordable drugstore price for a quality formula
- The lotion-like texture feels nourishing
- Dermatologist-developed and fragrance-free
- A little goes a long way
Common Complaints
- Won't remove heavy makeup or sunscreen - need a double cleanse
- Some oily skin types find it too mild
- Pump bottles can stop working before product is finished
- Texture takes getting used to if you prefer foaming cleansers
Who Should Buy This
- Dry or dehydrated skin - the hydrating formula won't strip natural oils
- Sensitive skin or eczema - fragrance-free and barrier-supporting
- Anyone new to skincare - gentle, affordable, hard to mess up
- Looking for a morning cleanser - perfect for when skin isn't very dirty
Who Should Skip This
- Oily or acne-prone skin that needs deeper cleansing
- Anyone wearing heavy makeup (you'll need a first cleanser)
- People who prefer the squeaky-clean foaming feeling
- Those with fungal acne (contains fatty acids)
The Bottom Line
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is an excellent everyday cleanser for normal to dry skin. At around $16 for 16 oz, it's incredibly affordable and will last months. It won't wow you with fancy textures or scents, but it does exactly what a good cleanser should: clean your face without causing problems.
If you have dry or sensitive skin and want a no-fuss, dermatologist-approved option that actually supports your skin barrier, this is it. Just know that you'll need a separate product for makeup removal.
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