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An unlabeled white pump bottle beside a running tap, foam on a washcloth in a white sink, generated illustration
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CeraVe · Skin · Cleansers

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

A lotion cleanser with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. No foam and no tight feeling, which is also why some owners feel it never quite washes off.

16 ozLotionCeramidesHyaluronic acidGlycerinFragrance-free
$15.99 MSRP for the 12 ozAmazon price not shown
Check price on Amazon →

Amazon link · we earn a commission if you buy · $15.99 MSRP for the 12 oz · Amazon price not shown · verified Nov 1, 2026. More stores appear here as each affiliate program approves the site.

Buy it if

  • You have normal to dry skin and hate the tight feeling after washing
  • You use retinol or acids and want a plain cleanser
  • You want no added fragrance

Walk past if

  • You wear heavy sunscreen or makeup and want it off in one step
  • You want foam or suds
  • You want your face to feel squeaky after rinsing

What's in it

The ingredients that do the work, from the maker’s label.

CeramidesHyaluronic acidGlycerin

Ceramides guide →Sulfate-free →Fragrance-free →

Not in it: fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohol, sulfates. Nothing on our flag list.

Full ingredient list, from the maker

Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Peg-40 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin

Where it goes in a routine

Morning for dry skin
1 RinseThis one
2 MoisturizeCeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
3 ProtectTwo fingers' worth, every day, even indoors.
4 ReapplyAgain at lunch if you are outside.
Night for dry skin
1 CleanseThis one
2 TreatCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
3 MoisturizeCeraVe Moisturizing Cream
4 SealAquaphor Healing Ointment

Known issue

Owners say it does not lather, feels like rubbing lotion on the face, and leaves makeup behind after rinsing.Sam's Club and Walmart reviews

What owners say

Filled by the research pass: two or three owner reports from named venues, each linked, each with the date it was read.

If it's not right

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser$15.99 MSRP for the 12 ozThe gel version for normal to oily skin, with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Takes off oil and everyday makeup, and drier skin tends to object.CeraVe Moisturizing CreamNo maker list price for this sizeThree ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid and petrolatum in a thick cream for face and body. The plain standard for dry skin, developed with dermatologists according to the maker.

Sources

  1. Maker page: ingredient list, list price, skin type, added fragrance statement.
  2. Sam's Club reviews, 12 fl oz twin pack: no suds, lotion feel, makeup left after a double cleanse, and redness for a few owners.
  3. Walmart reviews, 16 fl oz: no lather, feels like washing with lotion, makeup residue, and some redness or breakouts.

Ingredient lists from the maker's label, not our measurements.