The ingredient names below refer to the US formula; CeraVe also describes the ceramide, hyaluronic acid and amino acid combination on its UK and Africa pages. Check your own bottle for the current ingredient list, especially if you are buying in another country or checking for a particular ingredient.123
Which ingredients do what?
| Ingredient group | What to look for | What it contributes |
|---|---|---|
| Three ceramides | Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP and Ceramide EOP | Help protect and maintain the skin's natural barrier. |
| Hyaluronic acid | Listed as sodium hyaluronate | Helps retain the skin's natural moisture. |
| Amino acids | Examples include glycine, alanine, serine and arginine | The amino acid blend helps attract and hold water on the skin. |
| Glycerin | Near the beginning of the list, after water | A moisturising ingredient used in cleansers for dry or sensitive skin. |
The US list starts with water, glycerin, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, coco betaine and sodium cocoyl isethionate. Foaming cleansers use surfactants, meaning cleansing ingredients that help lift away dirt, oil and makeup. CeraVe describes this product as containing an amino acid based surfactant that cleanses while replenishing the skin's natural moisturising factor, the substances that help skin hold moisture.14
There is more in the formula than the ingredients highlighted on the front. The US list also includes cholesterol, phytosphingosine, cetearyl alcohol, sodium chloride, citric acid, phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. If you need to check an ingredient for personal suitability, read the complete list on the package rather than relying on the headline ingredients alone.1
Does it contain salicylic acid or niacinamide?
Yes, salicylic acid appears in the US ingredient list. Its percentage is not specified there, so do not choose this cleanser as a particular strength of salicylic acid treatment. CeraVe presents Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser as a daily cleanser for normal to dry skin, with makeup removal and hydration as its main uses.12
Niacinamide is not listed in this US formula. It is listed in CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, which is a separate product. The shared brand name does not mean the bottles share an ingredient list.1
What does it feel like, and who is it for?
The cream becomes a soft foam with water, so the name is unusually willing to do its own explaining. CeraVe positions the cleanser for normal to dry skin and describes it as removing dirt and makeup without stripping natural moisture or leaving skin feeling tight and dry. The UK description also calls it pH balanced and noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores.456
Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a different product, because the words on these bottles do not leave much room for improvisation. The Canadian Hydrating Facial Cleanser has a lotion like texture and does not foam. Choose Cream to Foam if you want the cream changing into lather; do not use the other cleanser's ingredient list to check this bottle.6
How do you use it?
- 1Wet your skin with lukewarm water.
- 2Massage the cleanser gently onto wet skin, allowing the cream to form a foam. Use gentle circular movements rather than vigorous scrubbing.
- 3Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a clean, dry towel.
- 4Follow with your usual serum and moisturiser. Apply sunscreen in your morning routine.
CeraVe's UK directions specify morning and evening use. Keep the water lukewarm rather than hot: hot water can strip natural oils and cause dryness and redness. More forceful washing is not necessary for this foaming texture, and vigorous rubbing can irritate skin and damage its barrier.34
Where this answer comes from
- 1Foaming Facial Cleansers for Oily & Acne-Prone Skincerave.com
- 2NEW Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser | Cleanserafrica.cerave.com
- 3Gentle Facial Cleansing for Hydrated Skin Guidecerave.co.uk
- 4All-in-One Foaming Cleanser Your Dry Skin Cravescerave.co.uk
- 5Cleanse Like a Dermcerave.com
- 6Hydrating Cleanser | Normal to Dry Skincerave.ca
