a complete guide to cerave

A Complete Guide to CeraVe Skincare

If you haven’t already heard of CeraVe, then now is the time to tune in. In the last two or three years, this skincare brand has not only become a household name, but also found itself paving the way for new (and old) drugstore labels. Whilst we’re pretty sure influencers and viral TikTok vids have played a part in their sudden sky-rocketing success, we simply cannot deny the fact that CeraVe products are *chefs kiss* – even dermatologists and skin experts highly recommend the stuff.

From the ceramide-powered formulas to the affordable price tags, CeraVe’s extensive line-up ticks all the boxes when it comes to simple but effective skincare solutions. But, with so many products to choose from – their cleansers being the favourite of many – it can be hard to figure out how to incorporate CeraVe into your regime.

That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to CeraVe skincare, so that you can get to know the ins-and-outs and craft a personalised CeraVe skincare routine that works for you.


‘Which CeraVe Cleanser Should I Use?’

Cleansers are undoubtedly CeraVe’s area of expertise. They’re bursting with the brand’s exclusive ceramide complex along with other skin-perfecting ingredients, like niacinamide. CeraVe has six best-selling cleansers to pick from, with each working for a specific skin type. Keep scrolling to discover the best CeraVe cleanser for you.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser 236ml

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

£10.34 £12.86 (20% off)

Best for: normal to dry skin types

What is it? A hydrating gel-cream cleanser

The benefits: provides a gentle, hydrating cleanse without causing irritation

If you have normal, dry or sensitive skin, this is the CeraVe cleanser for you. A holy grail product for a reason; this formula is both hydrating and gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin types, even those that are eczema-prone. As well as washing away the day’s dirt and impurities, it utilises Cerave’s iconic ceramide trio to restore your skin’s natural barrier. Hyaluronic acid also locks in hydration for a complexion that’s clear, comfortable and full of radiance.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 236ml

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

£11.46 £12.50 (9% off)

Best for: normal to oily skin types

What is it? A gel-to-foam cleanser

The benefits: removes excess sebum to leave the skin clean, clear and clarified

If you struggle with the midday slick, then give the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser a go. Made for oilier skin types, this gel-to-foam cleanser soaks up the oils on the surface of skin without stripping natural goodness. Again, it features the ceramide complex as well as the hero ingredient niacinamide, which is renowned for its ability to regulate oil, blackheads and breakouts.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Cream To Foam Cleanser 236ml

CeraVe Cream To Foam Cleanser

£11.50 £14.50 (21% off)

Best for: normal to dry skin types

What is it? A cream-to-foam cleanser

The benefits: cleanses skin and removes makeup without stripping the skin

This cream-to-foam cleanser is one of CeraVe’s newer innovations and is formulated to suit all skin types, but mostly dry. If you love a foam texture but also want a super hydrating formula, then this is a must-grab. It cleanses without leaving the face feeling tight, thanks to a blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and amino acids.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser 236ml

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

£11.55 £14.50 (21% off)

Best for: acne-prone and textured skin

What is it? A salicylic acid-infused gel cleanser

The benefits: retexturises rough, dry and bumpy skin

Dry, acne-prone and problematic skin types can all benefit from this CeraVe face wash. Supercharged with salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates and resurfaces skin for a smoother, fresher appearance. Use it on the face to target rough, bumpy texture or all over the body to treat scaly patches and skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 236ml

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

£13.72 £14.50 (6% off)

Best for: normal to very dry skin, plus baby and atopic-prone skin

What is it? An oil-to-foam cleanser

The benefits: delivers a deep cleanse of the face and body with long-lasting comfort for the skin

CeraVe mix their infamous trio of ceramides with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and squalane to create the ultimate skin-comforting cleanser. Suitable for daily use on the face and body, this foam-to-oil formula provides a gentle cleanse that also hydrates, soothes and nourishes sensitive skin. Dirt, oils and impurities are rinsed away at the optimal pH so that the skin barrier is left healthy, refreshed and comfortable, never dry or greasy.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser 236ml

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

£12.35 £13.78 (11% off)

Best for: blemish-prone skin

What is it? A gel-to-foam cleansing treatment for blemish-prone skin

The benefits: helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes and blackheads, plus removes excess oil to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Enriched with 2% salicylic acid and niacinamide, this cleanser is the perfect remedy for skin types that are prone to blemishes, blackheads and breakouts. The gentle formula effectively removes dirt, impurities and excess oils from skin without stripping natural moisture or upsetting the skin barrier. The result? A comfortable, refreshed and healthy-looking complexion.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water 295ml

CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water

£12.08 £13.00 (8% off)

Best for: sensitive skin types

What is it? An ultra-gentle, hydrating micellar cleansing water

The benefits: effectively cleanses skin and removes makeup without disrupting the protective skin barrier

Designed to remove dirt, pollution and stubborn makeup (including waterproof mascara), this micellar water makes the perfect first step in a double cleansing routine. The ultra-gentle, no-rinse formula utilises three ceramides and niacinamide to soothe and smooth skin, so it’s ideal for sensitive complexions. Simply soak a cotton pad and swipe over skin for instant refreshment.ADD TO BAG


‘Which CeraVe Moisturiser Should I Use?’

CeraVe Moisturising Cream 340g Tub

CeraVe Moisturising Cream

£13.50 £16.91 (21% off)

Best for: dry to very dry skin

What is it? An ultra-rich moisturising cream for the face and body

The benefits: moisturises and helps restore the protective skin barrier

Be sure to follow your cleansing routine with a moisturising cream. Not only does it help to smooth and soothe skin, but it locks in that all-important hydration for a healthier-looking complexion. The CeraVe Moisturising Cream is enriched with those three essential ceramides, as well as hyaluronic acid and a MVE Delivery Technology to repair, replenish and comfort skin over 24 hours. The formula is non-greasy and fast-absorbing, making it ideal for everyday use.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Moisturising Lotion 236ml

CeraVe Moisturising Lotion

£11.46 £13.65 (17% off)

Best for: dry to very dry skin

What is it? A lightweight lotion for the face and body

The benefits: locks in moisture, repairs and replenishes skin

If you’re looking for a CeraVe cream that’s a little more lightweight, then be sure to check out the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion. It’s packed with the same good-for-skin ingredients as the Moisturising Cream, just boasts a lighter, milkier texture.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream 340g Tub

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream

£19.27 £22.50 (15% off)

Best for: dry, rough, bumpy skin

What is it? A gentle smoothing cream

The benefits: exfoliates, softens and smooths rough skin while improving the skin barrier

If tackling skin texture is your main concern, then this is the CeraVe moisturiser for you. Tailor-made for dry, rough and bumpy skin, the fragrance-freehypoallergenic cream works around the clock to soothe, smooth and retexturise skin. A blend of ceramides, salicylic acid and lactic acid provide gentle exfoliation, as well as much-needed moisture for a cashmere-soft finish. Suitable for all skin types, but especially acne, psoriasis and eczema-prone, it pairs perfectly with the SA Smoothing Cleanser.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50 52ml

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50

£13.13 £16.50 (21% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? An SPF moisturiser

The benefits: moisturises skin throughout the day whilst also providing sun protection

SPF is an essential in every skincare routine, even when it’s cold and grey. This dual-action lotion from CeraVe works as both a moisturiser and a sunscreen for the face, supplying all-day hydration and UV protection. The lotion itself spreads easily, is non-pore-clogging and dries with a clear finish, making it the perfect day cream for all skin tones and types.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion 52ml

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion

£14.65 £16.50 (12% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? A lightweight, oil-free night cream

The benefits: hydrates and restores your skin’s natural barrier while you sleep

Don’t forget to snap up the PM Facial Moisturising Lotion, too. Feeding skin with essential moisture, this lightweight, oil-free night cream is the best way to hydrate skin whilst you catch that all-important beauty sleep. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and the ceramide mix deliver around-the-clock hydration and repair the skin’s protective barrier for the morning ahead.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser

£14.12 £21.63 (35% off)

Best for: blemish-prone skin and blackheads

What is it? A facial moisturiser that targets blemishes, blackheads, breakouts and enlarged pores

The benefits: helps congested, problem skin look noticeably clearer.

Target the appearance of blemishes, blackheads and pores with this exfoliating moisturiser. Designed to eliminate dirt, impurities and excess oil from the surface of skin, this moisturiser keeps your complexion clear, calm and comfortable, as well as soft and hydrated.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

£13.72 £14.50 (6% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? A hydrating eye cream

The benefits: moisturises and repairs the under-eye by reducing the look of dark circles and puffiness

One too many late nights? Fear not, as this CeraVe eye cream can fix tired peepers in an instant. Specifically developed to hydrate and protect the delicate eye area, this lightweight cream utilises marine and botanical extracts to brighten under-eyes and reduce puffiness. Delivering 24-hour hydration and a cooling sensation, it’s the perfect remedy for tired eyes.ADD TO BAG

The Treatments

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

£21.00 £23.00 (9% off)

Best for: all skin types

What is it? A lightweight hydrating serum

The benefits: replenishes hydration for instantly smoother, softer skin; locks in moisture to restore and reinforce the protective skin barrier

Take on a different style of moisturiser with the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum – you won’t be disappointed! As the first serum from Cerave, this daily gel-cream serum can be worn alone, layered under moisturiser or used as a makeup base. Much like the brand’s creams and lotions, it offers long-lasting, 24-hour hydration and ensures a revitalised and revived complexion.ADD TO BAG

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

£21.19 £23.00 (8% off)

Best for: acne marks and enlarged pores

What is it? an encapsulated retinol serum

The benefits: smooths skin’s texture by minimising the appearance of post-acne marks and scars, shrinking the look of pores and improving your skin’s surface.

Powered with encapsulated retinol, this lightweight, fast-absorbing serum resurfaces skin and reduces the appearance of acne scars, blemishes and enlarged pores. Licorice root extract is also utilised to brighten skin, whilst CeraVe’s three essential ceramides work with niacinamide to soothe and hydrate skin.ADD TO BAG

The CeraVe Skincare Sets

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser & AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 Set

£19.95 £21.00 (5% off)

Start your day off right with this Hydrating Cleanser & SPF Moisturiser Duo that work together to clarify, hydrate and nourish skin, leaving it healthy and glowing throughout the day.SOLD OUT

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser & PM Facial Moisturising Lotion Set

£19.95 £21.00 (5% off)

This Hydrating Cleanser and PM Moisturising Duo combines a skin rejuvenating cleanser and a replenishing lotion that works to leave complexion feeling smooth, hydrated and comfortable.SOLD OUT

And that’s a wrap. Now that you have a fool-proof guide to all things CeraVe, you can create a tailored skincare routine and tackle all of your concerns with confidence.

Want to discover more skincare brands like CeraVe? Try the likes of Cetaphil and Aveeno, or check out our The Ordinary Skincare Guide for Beginner