Does CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser contain fragrance?

Check the exact cleanser on your bottle

CeraVe uses "Hydrating" in several cleanser names, so that word alone is doing a rather crowded job. The original UK Hydrating Cleanser is a liquid formula that does not foam. The UK Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser and the US Hydrating Cleanser Bar have separate ingredient lists; do not treat them as the same formula in different packaging.23

1. 1Read the full product name, rather than just "Hydrating" or "CeraVe".
2. 2Check the ingredient list on the bottle you are buying. CeraVe updates ingredient lists regularly and directs buyers to the package for the current formula.
3. 3For a product refilled in a store, obtain the current ingredient list at the refill location.

In Canada, CeraVe also lists Hydrating Cleanser for normal to dry skin. Use the Canadian bottle's label when checking a Canadian purchase, rather than substituting a UK ingredient list.35

Does fragrance free mean the same as unscented?

No. Fragrance free means no ingredient is added to give the product a particular smell. Unscented products can contain fragrance used to cover the smell of other ingredients. A product does not have to smell perfumed for fragrance to irritate skin, so choose by the label rather than by a sniff test. If you are avoiding fragrance because it causes a reaction, look specifically for "fragrance free", not just "unscented".6

What should you expect from the cleanser?

The original cleanser does not foam, so bubbles are not part of its job description. CeraVe designed the UK formula to remove dirt, oil and makeup without over stripping skin. It contains ceramides, which help maintain the skin's protective barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture. Its stated skin type is normal to dry.1

How do you use it?

1. 1Wet your skin with lukewarm water.
2. 2Massage the cleanser gently into your skin using circular movements.
3. 3Rinse it off.

For dry skin, make gentle cleansing part of your daily routine. Avoid hot water and harsh scrubbing, pat dry with a soft towel, and apply moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp. Fragrance chemicals can worsen dryness or cause irritation in some people, which makes a fragrance free cleanser a useful choice when dryness is the concern.4

Can it still irritate sensitive skin?

Yes. Fragrance is not the only possible trigger: other skincare ingredients, including preservatives, can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction with redness, itching and swelling. Before using a new cleanser across your face, test it on a small area.7

1. 1Choose a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow.
2. 2Apply your usual amount twice daily for seven to 10 days.
3. 3For a cleanser, leave it on for five minutes or for the time specified in its instructions, then rinse.
4. 4If no redness, itching or swelling develops, begin using the product normally.

If a reaction develops, gently wash the cleanser off and stop using it. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve the skin. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe and those measures do not help. If you cannot identify the trigger, a dermatologist can use medical patch testing to investigate.7