Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Pros
- Great for all skin types
If you're in need of 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."
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
Moisturizer for Dry Skin
CeraVe Face and Body Moisturizing Cream
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."
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."
Exfoliating Face Wash
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Pros
- Also suitable for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Salicylic acid can be drying
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)."
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
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Acne Cleanser
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Gentle for an acne wash
A lot of acne cleansers can feel drying, but that's not the case with this creamy formula. "This is a great option for acne-prone skin and works well for both the face & body," says Brauer. "It’s clinically tested and contains maximum strength benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, so it leaves skin feeling clean, not stripped of moisture."
Customer Review:
"After about 2-3 weeks of using this product and have already notice improvement in my mild acne, combination skin. It has smoothed out my previously bumpy skin and I notice this product gradually strengthening my skin barrier. I have also noticed a small amount goes a long way!"—prismic
Vitamin C Serum
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Now 32% Off
Pros
- Brightening
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.
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
Retinol Serum
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Now 52% Off
Pros
- Helps fade dark spots
As far as over-the-counter retinol serums go, 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.
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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Exfoliating Body Cream
CeraVe SA Cream
Pros
- Large size
This body cream does double duty in that it helps exfoliate with salicylic acid as it moisturizes. Use it on scaly areas like elbows and knees or even keratosis pilaris for super smooth 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
Face Lotion with Sunscreen
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Great under makeup
Not everyone can handle a heavy moisturizer in the morning, but everyone does need to use a sunscreen. This lightweight lotion has SPF 30, feels lightweight, and combines two steps in one.
Customer Review:
"I was hesitant because I've always been a face cream snob. After having a baby and needing to save money, and one day I was just out and used this…I've never looked back! Between this, and the ordinary serums, my face looks great! And I'm no longer breaking the bank."—Rose
Eye Cream
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Pros
- Hydrates, brightens, and soothes
Often, eye creams are either 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.
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 its not magic. Overall i think these brightened my under eyes better then anything else I've used."—Avery
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Face and Body Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Face and Body Lotion with SPF 30
Pros
- Sheer finish
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.
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
Face Cleansing Balm
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
Pros
- Won't dry out skin
Wearing intense makeup doesn't necessarily mean you have to use intense skincare. This cleansing balm is proof; made with jojoba oil and vitamin E, it removes every speck of makeup, sunscreen, and everything else while leaving skin hydrated and soothed.
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
Hand Cream
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
Pros
- Not overly greasy
A lot of hand creams are essentially just body lotions in a tube, but this one has the right ingredients (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone) and texture to actually save your dry, chapped hands.
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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What Does CeraVe Stand For?
The name "CeraVe" combines the brand's signature ceramides and delivery system, called Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE). According to the brand, MVE "consists of a series of multi-layer concentric spheres containing moisturizing ingredients that are 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.
What Skin Types Are CeraVe Products 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 Wash—are universal, while others are more targeted to specific concerns, such as dryness, acne, or bumpy skin.
Meet the Expert
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Why Trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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