Why is there no expiry date on my CeraVe?
In the United States, ordinary cosmetics do not legally need an expiry date. Their usable life depends on the formula, use and storage. A missing date is not a lifetime membership for the contents of the bottle.1
How do I check whether to keep it?
- 1Read the individual container for an expiry date and follow any storage instructions.
- 2Check for changes in smell, colour or texture, including separation, drying or hardening.
- 3If an ordinary cleanser or moisturizer has no clear shelf life information, contact CeraVe about that exact product rather than assigning it a guessed expiry date.
Cosmetics can separate or change smell and texture as they age. Preservatives can also break down, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow. Treat a changed product as a reason to replace it, not something to keep using until the bottle is empty.1
Does CeraVe sunscreen expire?
Yes. For US sunscreen products, including moisturizers with SPF, stop using the product after its printed expiry date. Expired sunscreen might no longer be safe and effective, so a normal appearance is not a reason to keep relying on it.2
A US sunscreen can omit an expiry date when stability testing shows it remains stable for at least three years. If yours has no date, consider it expired three years after purchase. Discard sunscreen if you do not know how old it is. This three year rule is for sunscreen, not every CeraVe cleanser, cream or serum.2
How should I store CeraVe products?
Keep containers clean and avoid heat, such as a hot car. Heat can weaken preservatives and speed microbial growth. Dipping fingers into a jar introduces microorganisms, and bathroom moisture can encourage their growth. Storage matters even when a product has not reached its printed date.1
Protect sunscreen containers from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Outside, keep the container in the shade or wrap it in a towel. For sunscreen bought outside the United States, read the local label because regulations and directions can differ.2
Are CeraVe products good?
CeraVe develops its skincare products with dermatologists. Choose the individual formula for your needs rather than treating the brand name as the deciding factor. Moisturizer choice depends on skin type and dryness, which is more useful information than the logo doing all the interviewing.34
For dry skin, a cream or ointment generally provides more moisture than a lotion. For acne prone skin, look for a moisturizer labelled "noncomedogenic", "oil free" or "won't clog pores". Daily moisturizing can help skin tolerate drying acne medicines such as benzoyl peroxide or prescription retinoids. These are general selection principles, not reasons to assume every CeraVe formula suits the same person.45
