Opened my usual bottle last week. Something was off immediately.
The texture was thinner — slid right through my fingers. The new formula from CeraVe is here, and they didn’t exactly shout it from the rooftops.
Still ~$16 for the massive pump bottle. They call it “improved.” My job: to see if that’s true or just marketing fluff.
New Texture
Feels more like a serum than a creamy lotion now.
Foam Factor
Still non-foaming, but spreads with less slip.
Post-Wash Feel
The “hydrated” claim is put to the test — no more protective film.
Photo: Wilian de Oliveira / Unsplash
They kept the ceramide trio and hyaluronic acid. But the base formula got a shake-up — that’s where the real difference lives.
- Ceramides NP, AP, EOP: Still repairing your skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid: Pulls water in
- Glycerin: The classic humectant
- Carbomer: The new thickener that feels less substantial
It’s cooler to the touch — almost watery. The old one had a comforting, milky weight. This disappears faster on your face.
After two weeks, my dry patches felt… fine. Not better. Just fine. The surprise? It rinses too clean — that signature veil of moisture is gone.
My barrier stayed intact. Zero irritation. But it’s a maintenance cleanser now, not a treatment step.
They fixed a problem nobody had. It’s still a good, basic cleanser — but the soul of the original is dimmed.