They messed with a good thing. The new CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is not the same.
The real betrayal? It now leaves a faint, slick film that the old formula never did. My dry skin felt confused.
Still ~$15. Still claims to cleanse without stripping. But the texture and finish are off.
New Texture
Thinner, almost watery — slips through your fingers.
New Lather
Zero lather, which is fine, but it feels less substantial.
New Finish
That residue. It’s subtle, but you’ll feel it.
They kept the ceramides and hyaluronic acid. But the sensory experience — that’s where the magic was — is gone.
- Ceramides: Still repair the skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid: Still holds water
- Glycerin: Still a humectant
- The New Base: Feels cheaper, leaves film
It pours out like slightly thickened water. Spreads easily, but disappears too fast — like it’s not really *cleansing*.
After two weeks, my skin wasn’t tighter, but it also never felt truly clean. The old one left skin soft; this one leaves it… unresolved.
No breakouts. No extra dryness. But also no “wow, my skin feels nourished.” It’s just… there.
It’s a downgrade. A classic made mediocre by a needless tweak. Stock up on the old version if you can find it.