CeraVe reviews and discussion

4.6

89% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Gentle, fragrance-free formulations
  • Dermatologist-recommended credibility
  • Effective, hydrating cleansers
  • Barrier-supporting ceramide blends
  • Occasional spf-induced irritation
  • Heavy, occlusive moisturizer texture
  • Inconsistent product-to-product performance
  • Mineral sunscreen visible white cast

CeraVe earns strong reviews for gentle, dermatologist-recommended formulas that reliably calm eczema, support sensitive and acne‑prone skin, and leave faces clean but not stripped—especially the Hydrating Cleanser, Foaming Cleanser, SA Cleanser, Moisturizing Cream, and Healing Ointment. Reviews also flag drawbacks: uninspiring packaging, occasional breakouts or irritation from certain moisturizers or AM SPF, heavy textures or oily finish for some, and mixed performance across products, so patch-testing and product selection by skin type matter.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

288 reviews and posts

  • I have sensitive skin and I love CeraVe products because they are effective without being harsh. I like the face wash and love that they have a travel version, which I have taken on many trips with me worldwide. Their Moisturizing Cream is also a lifesaver in the cold, dry winters.

  • I’ve been using the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Eye Cream for a few weeks now and I’m impressed with how lightweight and hydrating it feels. The formula absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue, and I like that it has 5% pure vitamin C for brightening. I’ve noticed my under-eye area looking more awake and smoother, especially on mornings after little sleep. It layers well under makeup too, which is a huge plus. Definitely a solid option if you want a gentle but effective eye cream that also supports long-term skin health.

  • I applied CeraVe blemish patches overnight and was amazed by results! It sucked out all the gunk reducing the blemish in just a few hours. The redness and painful bump were gone! I love that it makes me less tempted to pick on it.

    Received a free product from CeraVe
  • Another great product from Cerave! This cleanser lathers easily transforming into a nice foam and rinses well. It removes makeup and dirt without stripping off my skin. It feels clean, smooth and refreshing. I see that my complexion improved over time, and my skin tone looks more even! I love instant brightening effect with some glow!

    Received a free product from CeraVe
  • I'm in love with Cerave moisurizer! Its gel texture is runny and feels so lightweight and soothing on my skin. The formula quickly absorbs, almost melts into my skin leaving it hydrated?and smooth. My skin is acne prone so thick creams usually cause breakouts. Not with this gel! I apply it overnight and noticed that my skin looks refreshed and hydrated in the morning.

    Received a free product from CeraVe
  • Estou muito satisfeita com este protetor solar CeraVe FPS 50+ transparente. Tem uma textura leve, espalha-se facilmente e não deixa resíduos brancos nem sensação pesada na pele. Absorve rapidamente, hidrata sem ficar oleoso e funciona muito bem por baixo da maquilhagem. A pele fica confortável durante todo o dia e a proteção contra o sol é excelente. É uma ótima opção para uso diário, especialmente para quem procura um protetor eficaz, discreto e adequado para peles sensíveis. Recomendo vivamente!

    Received a free product from CeraVe
  • I have been using the Cera Va cream-to-foam-cleanser for a little while and it works about as well as every other cleanser and is actually for a fairly reasonable price so I think it is worth purchasing and I would recommend it.

  • some of the products make my sensitive skin break out, but this healing ointment is great as an occlusive in the winter, especially for the lips. locks in hydration without being too slippery for overnight.

  • This cleanser works really well for me. It smooths and softens my skin without leaving it dry, and I like that it’s fragrance free and gentle. The salicylic acid is great for keeping my skin clear. The only thing is sometimes I wish it foamed up a little more it feels a bit flat compared to other cleansers. Still, it’s definitely a solid product that I keep using.

  • I tried their Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser because I have very dry, sensitive skin so I was in a market for something gentle and hydrating. Suffice to say that the product was exactly what I was looking for.

  • The hydrating facial cleanser was a game changer for my skin. It gets it super clean without stripping it. I struggled for so long with cleansers that wrecked my skin barrier and made my sensitivity and acne worse (including others from this same brand). This one is great though! For how much I love it, I expected to love the moisturizers as well, but the PM one just isn't moisturizing enough and the sunscreen in the AM one is just... yucky. I prefer Vanicream, which is just as light but more moisturizing & cheaper. Would love to see more sustainable packaging on their products!

  • Most of my daily routine is cerave products. I love the moisturizing cream, night face lotion, and oil based cleanser. My face get very dry in the winter in the Midwest and these products are perfect.

  • Not all their products are good. Generally, I try not to purchase because they’re not cruelty free and it goes against my beliefs. The formulations are okay but could also damage your skin when misused.

  • Some products are great and others are meh. If you do want to shop something from the brand don’t play the lottery, research the product, ingredients and how it may compliment your skin type. My faves are SA wash (maximum 3x week) and the facial moisturizing lotion.

  • This is my favorite brand of drugstore style skin care products I think if you want a quality product that consistently delivers a great experience Cerave is a terrific brand. Of course you should not expect unique or differentiated formulations but rather baseline offerings done well

  • My face is a combo of dry and oily. It is starting to get drier as I age, but I still need to make sure I use a cleanser that doesn't break me out. This is my go to. It is gentle and moisturizing, but doesn't lead to acne flares.

  • this brand is magic in bottles. i am very surprised by the quality and the price point! i keep buying from them and they never disappoint. i’m new to skincare and i’m so glad I didn’t waste my money on the modern “genz” skincare ad products. this is a REAL skincare brand and company.

  • A dependable drug store option for moisturizers, nothing fancy but completely suitable for every day use. Sometimes some of the scents can lean towards medicinal but I prefer that to being overly scented

  • **What works well** CeraVe is built around a dermatologist-backed formula philosophy, notably featuring three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that help restore the skin’s barrier. ([Good Housekeeping][1]) The brand also uses “MVE” (MultiVesicular Emulsion) technology for sustained release of ingredients throughout the day. ([Good Housekeeping][2]) Products tend to be fragrance-free, reasonably priced for what you get, and widely available. Many users with sensitive, dry or compromised skin report positive results, especially with cleansers and moisturisers. ([Consumer Health Digest][3]) **What doesn’t always hit the mark** However, not every user has a perfect experience. Some with oily or breakout-prone skin report that certain CeraVe moisturisers felt heavy or caused closed comedones. For example: > “It either breaks me out or dries me out.” ([Reddit][4]) > Also, while many products are well-formulated, others (especially sunscreens or hybrid combos) may have texture or finish issues for some users. Handling counterfeits is another risk — users on Reddit warn of fake bottles sold via third parties. ([Reddit][5]) **Bottom line** If you’re looking for reliable, science-leaning skincare with barrier-repair in mind, CeraVe is a solid option — especially for dry, sensitive or “reactive” skin. That said, don’t assume every product will suit *your* skin type, especially if you’re very oily, breakout-prone or needing high-end luxe results. Patch-testing is still wise.

    Received a free product from CeraVe
  • CeraVe moisturizer is definitely my go to! I have somewhat sensitive skin and prefer not to use scented moisturizers on my face, especially after acne treatment, and I always use CeraVe moisturizer - As opposed to other moisturizers it's never caused irritation for me, and generally works pretty well!