Dry, irritated skin? Make skincare brand CeraVe your go-to
Jump to Products
As skincare enthusiasts, we love an indulgent, aromatic face cream as much as the next person, but on days when our complexions feel irritated and parched, going back to basics is often the best course of action.
That's where CeraVe comes in. The no-frills, results-driven brand is built around three essential ceramides, which work to bolster the skin's natural barrier and provide relief from conditions such acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Backed by dermatologists, CeraVe's straightforward formulas slot easily into any skincare routine to help boost hydration and repair a compromised barrier, leading to healthier, smoother skin in the long-term.
Whether you're shopping for a teenager or prefer to stick to simple, reliable and cost-effective skincare, CeraVe provides effective solutions at an accessible price point. Plus, if you're using more potent serums or prescription creams, simplifying the rest of your routine with CeraVe's gentle formulas will help minimise sensitivity and keep skin in balance.
The brand has a multitude of products to choose from and is available at a wide range of stockists, from Boots to LookFantastic, so you won't have any issues keeping your skincare stash up to date.
To help you get back to basics, we've rounded up our must-try picks below, from lotions and cleansers to creams and moisturisers. Each one is a bestseller and a favourite with beauty editors and industry insiders.
Here are the best CeraVe products to add to your skincare routine...
1
Good for combination skin
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50
Lightweight and silky, this moisturiser with SPF50 wears nicely under makeup and is a great option for reactive complexions in need of an extra hydration boost.
Expect to find barrier-building ceramides and hydrators such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, alongside niacinamide to keep skin bright and clear.
Combining the ultra-clean feel of a foam with the silky texture of an oil cleanser, this latest launch, which is packed with ceramides, squalane and glycerin, was an instant hit with the GH beauty team.
"I have really sensitive skin but I still like cleansers that foam up, which a lot of sensitive skin products don’t," says Beauty Editor Fleur Fruzza. "This one not only goes from a really nourishing oil consistency into a lovely lather, it also feels very gentle and non-drying, without leaving any residual oiliness."
Created for both face and body, this brilliant cleanser is safe for babies (from one month up) and atopic-prone skin.
3
Good for removing makeup
CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water
When is a micellar water not just a micellar water? CeraVe's offering successfully removes every trace of makeup, as you would want, but it's also loaded with the brand's signature fortifying ceramides.
The gentle formula doesn't sting sensitive eyes, and leaves skin feeling clean without any filmy residue. It's the best way to kickstart your skincare routine.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Formulated with salicylic acid, this cleanser is made for those with bumpy, congested skin.
"Salicylic acid acts as a gentle exfoliant, sloughing away dead skin cells on the surface while unclogging pores to prevent breakouts," explains Lynne Hyland, Senior Beauty Editor.
"Combined with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this refreshing cleanser leaves my skin feeling conditioned and plump, rather than stripped dry. It's a great option for those with body acne too."
5
Good for oily or combination skin
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Not all foaming cleansers are created equal. This smart formula removes makeup, grime and excess oil without leaving the skin feeling stripped and tight, thanks to the inclusion of hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. A dream cleanser for oily skin types.
Most skincare routines can benefit from a hyaluronic acid serum. This powerful hydrator is known to plump out fine lines and add a youthful bounce to the complexion.
"I find hyaluronic acid serums to be quite hit and miss," explains Beauty Writer, Phoebe Lee. "Too often, they're sticky and make my skin feel drier than it was to begin with. However, I find this one not only comfortable to wear (it has a plush gel texture that absorbs beautifully), but it actually gives my skin enough hydration to last all day. I know too that it's full with ceramides, so will nurture my (easily sensitised!) skin barrier."
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Good for blemish-prone skin
CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser
This cleanser combines ceramides, salicyclic acid and niacinamide for a formula that targets blemish-prone skin.
"I often suffer with hormonal blemish flare-ups at certain times of the month," says Senior Beauty Writer, Florence Reeves-White. "I love this cleanser as it's effective but gentle; targeting oily areas without making my face feel stripped of moisture."
Similar to the SA cleanser, this moisturiser is perfect for rough, sandpaper skin.
It can be used on the face, but we find it comes into its own on the body, especially if you suffer from keratosis pilaris (aka the tiny red bumps that resemble goosebumps), as it contains salicylic and lactic acid to exfoliate, while urea acts as a humectant that draws moisture from the environment and into the skin for an extra dose of long-lasting hydration.
9
Good for dry hands
CeraVe Soothing and Repairing Hand Cream
This hand cream ticks all the right boxes: non-greasy, hydrating, and it nourishes the cuticles. It's great to use all year round, but particularly during seasonal shifts when hands are especially cracked and parched. Apply a thick layer before bed and slip on some gloves for the ultimate overnight treatment.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Good overnight treatment for blemish-prone skin
CeraVe Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser
“Anyone that suffers with blemishes will know that overnight treatments are a great way to help clear-up your skin,” says Susanne Norris, Deputy Digital Editor. “I use this formula as a targeted treatment when I go to bed; I apply it directly to my blemishes and find that they're noticeably less red in the morning.”
