Cerave Hydrating Cleanser review
Written By Jenny Wu on
- What is it
- A non-foaming cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and makeup while moisturizing, softening, and repairing the skin barrier.
- How to use
- Apply to wet skin and massage gently in circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with water and pat dry.
- First Impression
- Fragrance-free and has a light milky texture that feels lovely on the skin. Cleanses without irritating or drying, but I’m doubtful of its ability to remove makeup.
- Best suited for
- Normal to dry skin, or those with damaged skin barriers (tretface anyone?)
- Size & Price
- 3oz – $5; 8oz – $6.34; 12oz – $7 (no these prices don’t make sense)
- Where to buy
- Amazon, DermStore, Ulta
Ingredients
Purified Water, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phytosphingosine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum
full analysis on CosDNA
Look at all those ceramides at the top of the list, followed by hyaluronic acid and cholesterol! Honestly I doubt if these lovely ingredients will have a huge impact on your skin, considering how long the cleanser actually sits on your face for (30 seconds? 1 minute?), but every little bit helps right?
Depending on your stance on parabens, you may hate this cleanser as it contains 2 types, with propylparaben having a 7 on EWG. But again, the cleanser is only on your face for so long, and with the parabens near the end of the ingredient list, I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
PS: I don’t know why Behentrimonium Methosulfate is listed as a preservative in CosDNA, but it’s not. It’s actually a gentle emulsifying agent that’s extracted from canola oil and gives skin a soft powdery touch.
Overall Experience
The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser pretty much checks off everything I look for in a cleanser, and then some. It’s affordable, pH balanced, gentle, non-stripping, and has lovely skin repairing ingredients. I wouldn’t count on this (or any non-oil cleanser really) to remove makeup, but since I double cleanse anyway, it actually works out really well as a second cleanser.
Some people breakout from using this cleanser, probably due to its various fatty alcohol (cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol). So if your skin doesn’t like fatty alcohol, I would avoid this cleanser. Personally I’ve had no problems whatsoever, but YMMV.
Final Verdict
-
Packaging
6
-
Ingredients
9
-
Texture/Application
8.5
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Performance
9
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Price
10
If you can get past its overall basicness, this is an excellent cleanser for normal/dry skin types. If you find your current cleanser too drying or stripping, this is an great option to look into, and it comes in various sizes so you don't need to commit to the 12oz bottle immediately. For me, this is my go-to cleanser when my face is on the dry side or irritated, and is definitely a staple in my skincare wardrobe.
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Shireen L. Platt
How did I miss this review? Thank you so much for this, Jenny! I will pick up one the next time I'm at work.
Jenny Wu
No problem! I'd recommend trying out the smaller bottle first as some people do break out from the ingredients (I personally haven't though).