The Drugstore Skin Care Brand That Nearly Every Dermatologist Recommends

Amazon
CeraVe’s collection of skin care products include everything from retinol serums to cleansers and targeted body creams.

To say that our skin care coverage is substantial would be an understatement, considering the reality is that we talk about skin care products on a near-daily basis and often with the help of of board-certified dermatologists. Throughout this extensive reporting, one ubiquitous drugstore brand is mentioned frequently enough to deserve our undivided attention: CeraVe.

As a longtime user of several of CeraVe’s products, the ongoing recommendation on behalf of experts comes as little surprise. The brand’s incredibly high-rate creams, cleansers and other topicals have consistently been the only formulations that hydrate and improve my parched and eczema-prone skin. And it’s not just myself who will die on CeraVe’s hill of moisture — plenty of HuffPost editors are also dedicated fans.

If you don’t already know, there are a few ingredients in every CeraVe product across the board that make the fragrance-free formulas such consistent winners: hyaluronic acid, a reliable humectant that draws moisture into the skin; niacinamide, a versatile antioxidant that can protect skin from the environmental stressors responsible for causing premature aging and three essential ceramides, which are key to a properly functioning skin barrier and sealing in moisture.

Whether you’re a CeraVe newbie or just want to peruse the brand’s lineup, take a peek at the following collection of old faithful moisturizers, dermatologist-recommended cleansers, personal favorites among myself and other CeraVe users as well as a brand new addition to the ceramide-filled family.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change. The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

1
Amazon
A brightening and protective vitamin C serum

This targeted daily treatment uses a 10% concentration of l-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant capable of addressing several skin concerns related to premature skin aging. Delivered in a thin and non-greasy serum, it can brighten skin, lighten dark spots and protect skin from environmental stressors.

2
Amazon
A lightweight lotion that I think is the perfect facial day cream

I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it’s the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skin care products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.

3
Amazon
A resurfacing retinol serum for acne-prone skin

Here is another retinol serum from CeraVe, except this formula contains ingredients that strategically minimize the appearance of pores, post-acne marks and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

In addition to encapsulated retinol, this resurfacing treatment uses licorice root extract to help brighten complexion, target acne and make skin look smoother and more refined. Reviewers tout this solution as “gentle on skin, yet effective” and the reason why “skin looks younger and smoother.”

4
Amazon
A skin-plumping peptide night cream

In addition to CeraVe’s signature ceramide-filled formula aimed at strengthening the skin’s barrier, the Skin-Renewing night cream is enriched with a peptide complex. Dermatologists previously told HuffPost that certain peptides can help boost collagen production and elastin, which can result in skin that’s firmer, plumper and with fewer fine lines. Even though this skin-softening formula boasts a thick and velvety texture, it claims to be fast-absorbing, residue-free and has won over reviewers for its ability to deeply hydrate.

5
Amazon
A new itch-relief dandruff shampoo

CeraVe’s anti-dandruff hydrating shampoo is a brand-new addition to the brand’s assembly of goods and is set to launch on Feb. 10 for itchy scalp sufferers to try. You can still expect this medicated formula to help hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier (your scalp is still skin after all) by using ceramides and moisturizers, but it also contains a 1% concentration of pyrithione zinc to rid the scalp completely of flakes and relieve itchiness and irritation. It’s also sulfate-free so it promises to be safe for all hair types, including color-treated.

6
Amazon
An ultra-lightweight night lotion that’s magically moisturizing

If you want a night cream but are not a fan of thicker, creamier textures, CeraVe’s PM moisturizing night lotion is a magically thin and lightweight texture that’s earned 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and the favor of senior HuffPost Life editor Jillian Wilson, who said that it’s super moisturizing despite its feather-like feel.

Part of the lotion’s hydrating powers lies in its delivery system which offers a controlled release of its targeted moisturizing ingredients (hyaluronic acid and glycerin) throughout the night. Like all CeraVe products, this lotion is non-comedogenic so it can be a great option for acne-prone skin plus, it’s been previously recommended to HuffPost as one of the best all-purpose face moisturizers.

7
Amazon
An eye cream that addresses puffiness and

Eye creams are one of those products that can have sneakily high price points, but CeraVe’s Eye Repair is one budget-friendly option that’s a top-seller at Amazon with plenty of endorsements from reviewers. Aside from the ceramide-rich formula, this particular cream contains a marine botanical complex that’s meant to reduce puffiness, while the niacinamide reduces dark circles for a more bright-eyed appearance.

I have used this eye cream myself and I like that it layers seamlessly under makeup and actually prevents concealer from settling into fine lines caused by dryness. Plus, as a contact lens wearer, I appreciate that it’s been ophthalmologist-tested, according to the brand.

(Heads up: This eye cream does not address fine lines and wrinkles. You’ll need CeraVe’s Skin Renewing eye cream for that which is a few dollar extra.)

8
Amazon
An encapsulated retinol serum for fine lines

Retinol is one ingredient that most dermatologists will say is most effective at targeting collagen loss, refining uneven skin texture and addressing other signs of skin aging. It’s also notorious for causing irritation, which makes formulations such as CeraVe’s all the more valuable. Thoughtfully balanced with the brand’s trinity of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this skin-renewing serum uses encapsulated retinol, which means the active ingredient is slowly released long after application to ensure optimal absorption while reducing the chance of skin sensitivity.

9
Amazon
An SPF 30 day lotion

This popular AM daily moisturizing lotion is a recognizable favorite that packs in not just hydration and antioxidant protection, but also SPF 30. This oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer happens to be loved by HuffPost editorial director Kristen Aiken who had this to say about its formula:

“I’ve tried tens of sunscreens to wear on my face (usually under a little bit of makeup), and I didn’t like the way most of them made me break out. A few years ago I discovered this CeraVe SPF moisturizer and I haven’t gone back. It somehow doesn’t make me break out, it allows makeup to blend seamlessly and you won’t find a single freckle or sunspot on my face because I’ve been using this so religiously. The price point is also refreshingly low, especially compared to fancy face sunscreens you’ll find from elite brands. And because it’s so cheap, I’m not afraid to really load it on — most people don’t realize that they’re not even using enough SPF to protect their skin!”

Check the product page for additional coupons and promo codes.

10
Amazon
A therapeutic hand cream and protectant

Fellow shopping writer Erica Kam previously wrote about CeraVe’s therapeutic hand cream touting it as a year-round essential for managing eczema flare-ups on the backs of her hands. According to Kam, this stuff is basically a miracle product hiding in plain sight. in addition to the regular nourishing suspects (ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid) it contains dimethicone to protect the skin even more.

“When I apply the Therapeutic Hand Cream to my hands during a flare-up, I feel immediate relief from the constant itching sensation I’d been stuck with,” Kam wrote of this non-greasy and National Eczema Association-approved hand lotion.

11
Amazon
A tinted hydrating mineral SPF 30 sunscreen

Board-certified dermatologists previously told HuffPost that tinted mineral sunscreens offer the best melasma-specific sun protection since only tinted sunscreens can also shield skin from visible UV rays in overhead lighting that could potentially contribute to melasma.

More recognizable tinted sunscreen options like Elta MD run into the $40 range, but CeraVe’s version is more affordable and contains those same helpful skin-protective ingredients. Think hydrating hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide, which can help boost the SPF’s sun-blocking power. It comes in three sheer flexible shades.

12
Amazon
A bump-erasing body cream with salicylic acid

I’ve lamented ad nauseam about my struggle with keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition that results in rough and bumpy texture on areas like the arms and legs. This thick salicylic acid body cream is truly the best of its kind (trust me, I’ve tried tons), and, with the help of First Aid Beauty’s KP body scrub, it has genuinely helped me manage my KP long-term. Its active ingredient is delivered in the same rich and luscious creamed texture as the famous (and later mentioned) original formula. This means it sloughs away dead skin cells while deeply hydrating my skin all day long.

13
Amazon
A gentle exfoliating salicylic acid cleanser

This sensitive skin-friendly exfoliating acid cleanser has amassed 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and enthusiastic recommendations from both board-certified dermatologists and HuffPost editors alike.

In fact, one HuffPost reporter claimed it completely cleared her acne. The gentle, yet effective formula starts as a gel and then transforms into a rich foaming lather that contains salicylic acid to help slough away dead skin cells revealing brighter, smoother and clearer skin.

14
Amazon
A residue-free oil-based cleansing balm

I first wrote about this hydrating and non-comedogenic cleansing balm a few years ago when the brand had freshly launched it as a more effective alternative to abrasive makeup-removing wipes. Like other balms, this solid-to-oil formula contains plant-based jojoba oil to help skin retain moisture and leave it feeling smooth as it dissolves makeup, sunscreen and surface debris. It’ll even work on waterproof mascara.

I exclusively use cleansing balms as the first step in my face-washing routine so I’m pretty experienced with the current market options out there and this is one of my recurring favorites. It emulsifies down to a milky texture that melts away my foundation, but completely rinses away, leaving no greasy or scummy residue behind.

15
Sephora
A creamy hydrating cleanser

The CeraVe hydrating cream cleanser may be one of the most recommended cleansers at HuffPost and, as someone with extremely dry who can’t handle the oil-stripping effects of most foaming washes, it’s my sole cleanser of choice. One board-certified dermatologist previously nominated it as one of the best all-purpose face washes, claiming that this non-foaming, fragrance-free and milky cleanser effectively gets rid of dirt and buildup without leaving the skin feeling dry and without the use of any harsh surfactants. It has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon and close to 100,000 enthusiastic reviews.

There’s also a cream-to-foam formula for those who prefer their cleansers to work into a rich lather.

16
Amazon
CeraVe’s iconic and top-recommended cream

Last year we dubbed this all-purpose moisturizing cream the highest-rated product that we’d ever seen and possibly the best moisturizer to date. One dermatologist that we interviewed even said that the CeraVe cream was one of their “favorite moisturizers in the entire world.” It’s a rich, non-greasy and fast-absorbing cream that releases a steady stream of targeted moisturizing ingredients in an emollient-rich formula, which can be great for managing crepey skin or conditions like eczema.

I can personally attest to how beneficial the CeraVe moisturizing cream has been to managing any skin irritation, redness and flaking caused by eczema. In fact, it’s the only moisturizer I’ve continuously used on my body for the past decade because I know it won’t exacerbate my incredibly dry and finicky epidermis.

Related Posts


This will close in 0 seconds