If you’re searching for the best face wash for dry and sensitive skin, chances are you’ve heard of and tried the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. But does it deliver the goods, as they say? Now, let’s deep into this detailed review!
If you have dry and sensitive skin, finding the right face wash can be truly a needle-in-the-haystack effort. You prefer something that effectively cleanses your skin without robbing it of its natural moisture. Enter the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser — chatter surrounding its gentle yet effective formula has hit a fever pitch.
This cleanser from CeraVe is formulated for normal to dry skin types. It helps the skin to cleanse itself while preserving its natural moisture barrier and is the ideal option for people with dry and sensitive skin.
This comprehensive review covers its ingredients, my experience, and alternatives if it’s not for you. So grab a cup of tea, and let’s jump right in this journey to find out whether or not the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is truly the best face wash for dry skin!
Did You Know?
Our largest organ is our skin and it can absorb up to 60% of anything we we slather on! This means that keeping your skin in shape is very important, and it all comes down to the skincare products you choose.
At a Glance: What You Need to Know
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Product Name | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser |
Best For | Dry and sensitive skin |
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin |
Texture | Creamy, non-foaming |
pH Level | 5.5 – 6.5 |
Price Range | Affordable |
Availability | Drugstores, online retailers |
A Closer Look: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a fan-favorite facial cleanser that gently removes dirt and excess oil while hydrating the skin and helping maintain its barrier. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Formulated with hyaluronic acid to help retain skin’s natural moisture.
- Formulated with ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, to help restore the protective skin barrier.
- This cleanser is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores, it is recommended for use on a normal to oily skin types.
- This patented delivery system continually releases moisturizing ingredients for 24-hour hydration.
- It doesn’t wash off skin’s own natural protection.
But it’s a good, dermatologist-recommended choice for dry or sensitive skin in general. Find it online here.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser has unique ingredients that work together to hydrate and cleanse. Here are some of the main ingredients:
- Ceramides: Important for the skin barrier and moisture retention.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A strong humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.
- Glycerin: Helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
- Gentle & Non-Irritating: Infused with no fragrances or sulfates.
First Look: My Thoughts on the Packaging
The packaging of the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is very basic but functional. It comes in both a pump bottle and a squeeze tube, making dispensing the right amount of product easy. The clean, clinical design is in line with the brand’s dermatologist-backed ethos, and the labeling details how the product works and what it contains.
Who Should Try this Cleanser?
The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is perfect for dry and sensitive skin types in need of a gentle yet effective cleansing option. This wouldn’t be recognizable as a traditional face wash in a store but If you typically feel tight, irritated, or flaky after cleansing your face, this might be a game changer for you. And if you’re somebody who loves a dermatologist approved cleanser, this one checks all those boxes, too.
How I Use It for Best Results

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is easy to use. Here’s a simple guide:
- Splash your face with lukewarm water.
- Dispense a small amount of the cleanser into your palm.
- Massage the cleanser onto your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds.
- Wash off with plenty of lukewarm water and pat your face dry with a towel.
Pair It With
After a cleansing use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for seal the hydration and use CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum for additional hydration.
User Reviews: What People Are Saying
The user experience is most valuable in skincare. Here’s what a few other users had to say about the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser:
Its hydrating efficacy is widely appreciated by many users, who enjoy it for its ability to soften and moisturize the skin without any discomfort. The fragrance-free formula is also celebrated for being gentle on sensitive skin with many reviewers noting less irritations and breakouts.
Some users like the hydration but feel that it works less well over heavy makeup. Some have said the creamy consistency is a bit heavy on oily skin and they would prefer a lighter cleanser.
A few users with very sensitive skin reported redness or irritation following a shave. Unfortunately, on the whole, these types of experiences are not typical.
Editor’s Note: My Skin Type & Experience
As a person with combination skin, I was excited to try the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. I tested the oil for a few weeks and thought it also did a good job of cleaning my skin. Love the hydrating and it is now part of my daily regimen.
How It Stacks Up Against Other Gentle Cleansers
Is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser worth it? When comparing the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, it’s helpful to know how this product stacks up to other cleansers on the market. Here’s a mini face-off:
Feature | CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser | Neutrogena Hydro Boost | La Roche-Posay Toleriane |
---|---|---|---|
Best For | Dry and sensitive skin | Dry skin | Sensitive skin |
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Hyaluronic Acid | Glycerin, Niacinamide |
Texture | Creamy | Gel | Creamy |
Price Range | Affordable | Affordable | Mid-range |
Mini Cleanser Face-Off
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is great for dry, sensitive skin and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a nonfoaming lotion format. This gel cleanser is formulated to instantly remove impurities and provide an immediate hydration to dry skin. It is known for excellent hydration, while others are targeted at different skin needs and all have various preferences.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cushions during cleanse to keep skin hydrated.
- Ideal for sensitive skin types.
- Minimizes the potential of irritation.
- Dermatologist recommended, trusted by professionals.
- Suitable for morning and evening routines.
Cons
- Foamy exist some prefer a foaming cleanser it feels more traditional.
- It is a creamy product which means it may not be for everyone, might be unsuitable for people who prefer gel cleansers.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Adding to Your Routine?
Having used the product regularly myself, I can confidently say that the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser delivers on its hype. If you’ve worked searching high and low for the best face wash for dry and sensitive skin, this gentle, non-stripping formula is certainly worth a try. It doesn’t merely cleanse — it nourishes your skin barrier, replenishes moisture and actually leaves your face feeling soft and soothed instead of tight or irritated.
Find out why this ceraVe hydrating cleanser review claims the product is a game changer for anyone who struggles with dryness, sensitivity, or a compromised skin barrier. It’s no surprise that it is a dermatologist recommended cleanser because it is formulated with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and a non-foaming creamy texture that works miracles without any drama.
Would you use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser? Tell us in the comments! And share this article on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram to help someone else find their ideal cleanser!
FAQs
The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is good for acne?
Yes, it’s gentle and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. It doesn’t treat acne directly, but by helping maintain the skin barrier and decrease irritation, it can benefit clearer skin when used along with acne treatments.
Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser good for oily skin?
Yes, and even though it’s marketed for normal to dry skin, a lot of people with oilier or combination skin can use it successfully because it cleanses without stripping natural moisture. For a foaming version, try CeraVe Foaming Cleanser instead.
Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser fragrance free and great for sensitive skin?
Absolutely. It’s fragrance-free and non-irritating, and has hyaluronic acid and ceramides to moisturize and protect sensitive skin. It’s even accepted by the National Eczema Association.