CeraVe
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CeraVe

CeraVe offers a complete line of cleansers, moisturizers and more that contain three essential ceramides to help restore the skin's protective barrier.

CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand. Whether you need products for your sensitive, oily, acne-prone, combination or normal skin.

CeraVe Review – A Closer Look at CeraVe Skincare Products

CeraVe is a brand of skincare products developed with dermatologists and designed for acne-prone, sensitive, oily, or combination skin types.

Disclosure:Every product is independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn Health Insiders a commission. Learn more about our review process here.

 

About CeraVe

CeraVe is a line of skincare products that manufacture facial cleansers, moisturizers, body cleansers, facial serums, ointments, sunscreens, and products for babies. CeraVe products are designed to tackle acne, aging skin, itchy skin, chapped and dry skin, psoriasis, diabetic skin, eczema, and other skin conditions.

Every CeraVe product contains three essential ceramides that help restore the skin’s protective barrier and lock in moisture. Ceramides also help prevent impurities from getting into the skin. CeraVe is the #1dermatologist recommended skincare brand.

 

Fast Fact Table:

The Brand’s Background: The CeraVe skincare brand was established in the year 2005, when experts came together to find a solution to skin conditions. The brand was developed by dermatologists in the United States. The official website does not provide information whether the brand is GMP-certified
Best for: CeraVe is a line of skincare products designed to repair and strengthen the skin barrier and it best for acne, aging skin, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Retinol, Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid, Niacinamide.
Price Range CeraVe products range from $12.00 – $36.00
CeraVe

CeraVe – Health Insiders Images

 

What Are the Best Selling CeraVe Products?

  1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  2. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
  3. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
  4. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  5. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
  6. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

 

CeraVe Pros & Cons

Pros

  • CeraVe skincare products contain 3 essential ceramides that protect and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
  • CeraVe acne cleansers contain acne treatment formulation to help clear acne, pimple, blackheads, and allow the skin to heal.
  • CeraVe serums including CeraVe Retinol Serum and CeraVe Vitamin C serum help fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and even out skin complexion.
  • CeraVe Sunscreens help protect the skin against damage by UVA/UVB rays
  • CeraVe face moisturizers restore the skin’s natural barrier and keep the skin hydrated throughout the day and night.
  • CeraVe eyes cream helps get rid of under eye dark circles and wrinkles
  • Consistent application of the products enhances overall skin health

Cons

  • Since people have different skin types and conditions, results will vary
  • Some products contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol that may irritate the skin

 

How Does It Work? | The Science Behind CeraVe

CeraVe uses Multi-Vesicular Emulsion Technology to develop its skincare products. CeraVe boasts to be the only brand that incorporates three essential ceramides in all its products. The ceramide-enriched formula helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and keep it moisturized.

The brand also includes other ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinol, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin C that helps with various skin conditions.

CeraVe lotions, CeraVe moisturizers, and CeraVe creams help keep the skin moisturized and smooth throughout the day and night.

 

CeraVe Ingredients – The Evidence

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound that is used as medication in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Topical application of benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria and causes the skin to dry and peel off. However, you should consult your doctor before using it since it may cause allergic reactions.

According to the StatPearls journal, topical application of products that contain benzoyl peroxide helps in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Ceramides

Ceramides help create a barrier on the skin to prevent permeability. They naturally moisturize the skin by creating a barrier that protects the skin and prevents moisture loss. Ceramides play an essential role in fighting skin aging, dehydration, and dryness. They also protect the skin against environmental aggressors.

A publication in the National Library of Medicine claims that ceramides are epidermal lipids that help improve the skin’s barrier.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is beneficial to individuals with acne-prone or oily skin. It reduces blemishes, improves skin appearance, and prevents further breakouts. CeraVe acne cleansers contain salicylic acid that deeply penetrates the skin, clears clogged pores, loosens dead skin cells, reduces sebum secretion, and calms inflammation.

According to the journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, salicylic acid is used as a peeling agent for people with acne vulgaris and improves skin texture.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a moisturizing agent that keeps the skin hydrated, plump, and radiant. Because of its capacity to retain moisture, hyaluronic acid prevents the formation of wrinkles and protects the skin from damage, as you can read in our Vibriance Super C Serum Review.

According to Dermato Endocrinology journal, hyaluronic acid plays a major role in preventing skin aging because of its water retaining capacity.

 

How Does Brand Rate?

Feature Rating Comments
Safety 10 /10 Uses dermatologically tested ingredients. The products are non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and vegan-friendly. CeraVe do not test their products on animals.
Performance 7 / 10 CeraVe products are meant for different skin types. Therefore, individual results will vary.
Customer Reviews 4 /5 stars Most users are happy with the product because it delivered noticeable results.

 

CeraVe – Questions and Answers

Q: CeraVe Cruelty Free?
A: Yes, the brand is cruelty-free.

Q: Does CeraVe Test on Animals?
A: No, the manufacture claims that they do not perform any product tests on animals.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Q: Is CeraVe Good for Acne?
A: Yes, some CeraVe products are good for acne. CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser and CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that help fight acne.

Q: Can You use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on Your Face?
A: Yes, the cream is good for the face. It contains ceramides, sodium hyaluronate that helps restore and retain the skin’s natural moisture. The moisturizer is ideal for dry to normal skin and provides 24-hour nourishment.

Q: Is CeraVe Vegan?
A: Majority of CeraVe products are vegan

Q: Who Owns CeraVe?
A: CeraVe as a brand was developed with dermatologists after they noticed that many skin conditions had something in common: a compromised skin barrier.

Q: How to Use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum?
A: The directions for using CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum are as follows;

  • Apply an even layer to the face every day
  • Avoid contact with lips and eyes, and if it occurs rinse with plain water
  • If you experience any discomfort, apply the serum every other day until the skin adjusts
  • Use CeraVe tinted sunscreen during the day

Q: Which CeraVe Cleanser is Best for Acne?
A: CeraVe acne foaming cleanser contains 4% benzoyl peroxide. It helps remove excess oil and dirt while clearing acne. The product also contains niacinamide that naturally soothes the skin and allows it to heal.

Q: Does CeraVe have Parabens?
A: The official website does not provide any information whether CeraVe products are paraben-free.

Q: How to Use CeraVe?
A: CeraVe has a variety of products, including CeraVe cleanser, CeraVe face wash, CeraVe night cream, and CeraVe eye repair cream. Each product is used differently. The official website gives information on how to use each of their products.

Q: Does CeraVe Have Any Side Effects?
A: CeraVe products do not pose any severe side effects, and no customer has complained about anything serious yet. However, products like CeraVe Retinol or products containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may cause irritation and skin dryness.

Q: What Is CeraVe Money-back Guarantee, Return & Refund Policy?
A: The official website does not provide information on the products’ money-back guarantee, return and refund policy. In case you make your purchases from other online retailers, you may refer to their return and refund policies.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

 

CeraVe Alternatives – Compare Products

Brand Price Active Ingredients
DRMTLGY $27 – $69 Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide, Shea Butter, Ferulic Acid
Perricone MD $30 – $290 Beta Glucan, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Astaxanthin, Sucrose, Omega 3s, Vitamins C and E, Jojoba Seed Oil, Ferulic Acid,
Skinception $39.95 – $59.95 Bilberry, Rosacea, Marine Pine Bark Extract, Green Tea, Milk Thistle, Gingo Biloba, Beta Glucan, Iron Oxide, Collagen
Beverly Hills MD $39.95 – $125 Saw Palmetto, MSM, Vitamin A
No7 $18 – $100 Retinyl palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E,

 

Is CeraVe Safe? – Warnings & Complaints

Yes, CeraVe products are safe to use on the skin. CeraVe manufactures products for facial and body care. Each product contains ingredients that have been dermatologically tested and are, therefore, safe for the skin. CeraVe products are non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free.

Always check the ingredients list before you begin using a product. In case you experience any negative reactions, please consult your dermatologist.

 

CeraVe Customer Reviews & Results – What Users Are Saying

CeraVe’s official website has numerous positive reviews for different products, indicating that customers love their products. CeraVe hydrating cleanser reviewers claim that the cleanser is gentle on the skin and leaves the skin feeling clean and soft. One reviewer claims that CeraVe acne control gel cleared out his acne in three weeks.

People who have used CeraVe Healing Ointment reveal that the oil helped moisturize dry skin and lips especially during winter months.

However, some users claim that the cleansers do not have enough foam to wash the face.

 

CeraVe: Packages, Deals, Prices & Where to Buy It

You can purchase CeraVe products from their official website or other authorized online retailers, including Amazon, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and Kroger. You can also sign up to the official website and save up to $4.00 on every product.

The prices of some of the products are as follows;

  1. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser – $9.87
  2. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – $14.99
  3. CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum -$18.98
  4. CeraVe SA Cream for Rough and Bumpy skin – $19.97

 

The Bottom Line on CeraVe

CeraVe was developed with dermatologists whose mission was to create skincare products that helped protect the skin’s natural barrier. It is the only brand that includes three essential ceramides in each product. The products contain active ingredients that penetrate the skin, hydrate it, and lock in the moisture for beautiful and healthy-looking skin.

CeraVe products can be used on the face and body. You can consult your dermatologist to find the best product for your skin type. Consistent use of a product delivers dramatic results.

Is There Anything Else You Should Know About CeraVe?

CeraVe offers free samples for each of its products. Their samples are distributed through their physicians’ offices (pediatricians, dermatologists, and general practitioners). You can request a sample through the link below; https://cloud.mail.cerave.com/MoisturizingCreamSamples.

Only US customers have access to the free samples.

 

5 sources

Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

[1] Skin Manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK481900/

[2] Benzoyl peroxide: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/

[3] Meckfessel MH, Brandt S. The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jul;71(1):177-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.01.891. Epub 2014 Mar 20. PMID: 24656726.

[4] Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015 Aug 26;8:455-61. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S84765. PMID: 26347269; PMCID: PMC4554394.

[5] Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):253-8. doi: 10.4161/derm.21923. PMID: 23467280; PMCID: PMC3583886.

HealthInsiders Team
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CeraVe Customer Reviews and Complaints

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Average Customer Rating:3.0 
1 Customer Reviews

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Bottom Line: 0% would recommend it to a friend
    By Diann 

    CeraVe review of CeraVe Eye Repair Cream product. Just OK cream, wouldn't recommend

    I’ve had better eye creams which were way cheaper than CeraVe Eye Repair Cream and those brands were more worth than CeraVe. 3 stars because it goes on nice but I still won’t recommend CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, you should try other brands.

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