They did it. CeraVe reformulated the Hydrating Cleanser and didn’t make a peep.
The real issue? That iconic milky slip is gone — it rinses too clean now, leaving a whisper of tightness behind.
Still a drugstore staple at ~$15. The claim? Gentle, non-foaming cleansing for dry skin. The reality? More complicated.
Texture Shift
It’s thinner, less lotion-like — pours fast.
Lather (Lack Of)
Still non-foaming, but feels more watery on the skin.
Packaging
Same boring pump — at least that’s consistent.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
They kept the ceramide and hyaluronic acid trio. But the feel comes from the base formula — and that’s what shifted.
- Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II: Still repair the skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid: Binds water to skin
- Glycerin: The main humectant draw
- Carbomer: The thickener that got dialed back — this is the key.
Photo: Renaldo Matamoro / Unsplash
First wash — it spreads easily but disappears faster. That cushiony veil the old one left? Missing.
By week two, my combo-dry cheeks felt… fine. Not better. Just fine. The surprise? My T-zone liked it more — less residue.
Zero irritation. Solid makeup removal. But that post-wash “hydrated” feeling? Reduced by half. It’s a competent cleaner, not a treatment.
It’s not a disaster — but it’s a step toward generic. The old formula was special. This one is just… another cleanser.