CeraVe is a brand, not one cleanser, so the surname does not settle the argument. The comparison below separates its Hydrating and Foaming cleansers. The Hydrating texture and directions here refer to the Africa market Hydrating Cleanser; the Foaming details refer to the US product. Check your bottle's ingredient list because CeraVe updates formulas.25

What actually differs between the cleansers?

DetailCeraVe Hydrating CleanserCeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserVanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Skin typeNormal to dryNormal to oilyDry and sensitive
Texture and cleansingSoap free, nonfoaming lotionFoaming gelSoap free facial cleanser
Formula detailsGlycerin, three ceramides and sodium hyaluronateGlycerin, three ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamideFull ingredient list not available here
DirectionsMorning and evening; massage with wet hands and rinse thoroughlyWet skin with lukewarm water, massage gently, rinse and pat dryDesigned for daily facial use
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Which should you choose?

Choose CeraVe Hydrating if you want a nonfoaming cleansing lotion for normal to dry skin. Choose Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser if you want a soap free option designed for daily facial cleansing and dry skin. Vanicream calls Gentle Facial Cleanser its mildest cleanser, which is a more useful distinction than a bathroom shelf rivalry. Choose CeraVe Foaming if excess oil is your main cleansing concern and your skin is normal to oily.234

Do not assume every CeraVe cleanser contains niacinamide. The US Foaming Facial Cleanser lists it; the US Hydrating Facial Cleanser ingredient list does not. If you are avoiding a particular ingredient, check the exact bottle rather than treating the brand as one formula. There is not enough ingredient detail here to make the same comparison for Vanicream.5

How should you wash while using tretinoin?

  1. 1Choose a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser. For acne care, wash up to twice daily and after sweating rather than repeatedly washing to remove every trace of oil.
  2. 2Apply cleanser with your fingertips. Avoid washcloths, sponges and scrubbing tools, which can irritate skin.
  3. 3Follow your cleanser's rinsing directions. For CeraVe Foaming, use lukewarm water, massage gently in circular motions, rinse well and pat dry.
  4. 4Apply moisturizer after cleansing. CeraVe places cleansing before treatment and moisturizing in its routine order; follow your prescription instructions for the tretinoin application itself.
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Keep exfoliation out of the cleanser decision if irritation is the concern. General acne care guidance advises avoiding irritating toners, astringents and exfoliants. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains salicylic acid, so it is a different choice from the Hydrating and Foaming cleansers compared here, not merely another bottle with the same logo.15

What should you expect, and when should you get help?

Judge cleansing separately from acne improvement. Acne treatment can take several weeks to a few months to show a difference, and frequently changing treatments can irritate skin. Redness, itching, burning or stinging after applying skincare are signs of sensitivity, not reasons to scrub harder. If breakouts continue despite gentle care and treatment, see a dermatologist. For daytime acne care, use broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher outdoors.15

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Acne: Tips for managingaad.org
  2. 2CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | Cleansersafrica.cerave.com
  3. 3What is a Soap-Free Cleanser? Gentler on Skin & pH Balancedvanicream.com
  4. 4Foaming Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin| CeraVecerave.com
  5. 5Face Wash & Facial Cleansers for Sensitive Skincerave.com
  6. 6Searchvanicream.com