They changed the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. No fanfare, no announcement — just a new bottle on the shelf.
The real issue? The texture. It went from a creamy lotion to something thinner, almost slippery. The internet is in shambles.
It’s still that drugstore staple — around $15. CeraVe says it’s “gentle, non-foaming” and maintains the barrier. But does it?
New Pump
Tighter, requires more force. Annoying with wet hands.
Non-Foaming Claim
True. It still doesn’t lather — feels like washing with a light conditioner.
Fragrance-Free
Thankfully, yes. Still that classic, clinical “nothing” scent.
Photo: Nora Topicals / Unsplash
They kept the big three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The formula is still packed with goodies meant to clean without stripping.
- Ceramides NP, AP, EOP: Still the star trio for skin barrier support
- Hyaluronic Acid: Binds water to skin during cleansing
- Glycerin: Major humectant pulling in moisture
- Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Succinate: The new-ish emulsifier that changes the feel
First wash: it slips. The old version had a creamy grip; this one slides right off your face if you’re not careful. Leaves a faint, slick film.
After two weeks: that film feeling faded. My skin didn’t feel tight, but it also didn’t feel as *nourished* post-cleanse. Just…neutral.
It cleanses light makeup and sunscreen fine. No new breakouts. But my skin felt less plump in the minute after washing compared to the old formula.
It’s fine. It works. But the magic is dimmed. They fixed what wasn’t broken and lost a bit of the comforting, lotion-like soul.