CeraVe foaming face wash ingredients

What is the full ingredient list?

Water, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, glycerin, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, PEG 150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, niacinamide, PEG 6 caprylic/capric glycerides, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, propylene glycol, ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, carbomer, methylparaben, sodium chloride, sodium lauroyl lactylate, cholesterol, disodium EDTA, propylparaben, citric acid, tetrasodium EDTA, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, phytosphingosine and xanthan gum.2

Check your own package before buying if you are looking for or avoiding a particular ingredient. CeraVe updates ingredient lists regularly, so the bottle gets the final word, an unusually useful contribution from packaging.1

What do the key ingredients do?

• Ceramide NP, ceramide AP and ceramide EOP are the three ceramides in the formula. Ceramides help maintain the skin's natural protective barrier.
• Hyaluronic acid helps retain the skin's natural moisture. In this ingredient list, the name is hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid.
• Niacinamide helps calm the skin. CeraVe's Canadian product description specifies 2% niacinamide; the US and UK ingredient lists do not give its percentage.

The gel cleanser foams to remove excess oil, dirt and makeup. Foaming cleansers help lift oils and dirt from the skin's surface. Its job is cleansing while supporting moisture balance, rather than delivering a separate treatment for every skin concern.56

Does it contain fragrance, parabens or salicylic acid?

The regular formula is fragrance free and contains methylparaben and propylparaben. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are not listed in this formula. The regular Foaming Facial Cleanser removes oil, dirt and makeup; the word 'foaming' has not quietly enrolled it in exfoliation duty.24

For an exfoliating cleanser, CeraVe's SA Cleanser contains salicylic acid. The US Acne Control Cleanser has 2% salicylic acid, while the US Acne Foaming Cream Wash has 10% benzoyl peroxide. Those are separate products with separate formulas, not stronger sizes of the regular face wash.1

How do you use it?

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Use one pump and massage gently with your fingertips in circular motions for about 20 seconds.
3. 3Rinse well and pat dry.
4. 4Follow with your treatments and moisturizer, then sunscreen during the day.

CeraVe's Canadian directions place it morning and night before serums, treatments and moisturizer. For evening makeup or sunscreen removal, CeraVe advises using a makeup remover or micellar water first. A cleansing brush or washcloth is unnecessary and can be too abrasive for daily use.4

Who should choose a different cleanser?

Normal, oily and combination skin are the main fit. Dry or sensitive skin tends to prefer CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser; dry skin that uses the Foaming Facial Cleanser should follow with a rich moisturizer. If cleansing leaves skin stripped, tight or uncomfortable, choose a less drying cleanser rather than washing more often. Overcleansing and drying formulas can irritate skin and disrupt its protective barrier.47