So CeraVe quietly changed their Hydrating Cleanser. The internet is in shambles.
The real issue? It went from a creamy lotion to a runny gel-milk. People are mad about the slip — or lack of it.
It’s still the basic, no-frills cleanser from CeraVe. About $16 for the giant pump. They claim it’s “non-foaming” and “gentle.” I had to see if the soul was still there.
The New Pump
It’s shorter and wider — feels cheaper, honestly.
Non-Foaming Claim
True. It creates zero lather, just a slick film.
Ceramide Promise
Still in there. The formula’s heart is supposedly the same.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It’s a cocktail of skin-identical lipids and humectants. The goal is to clean without stripping. No actives here — it’s purely maintenance.
- Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II: Rebuilds your skin’s barrier glue
- Hyaluronic Acid: Holds water at the surface
- Glycerin: The OG humectant, pulls in moisture
- Cholesterol: Helps ceramides do their job better
It feels like slightly thickened water. The old one had a comforting, creamy drag. This new one? Slides right off your wet hands if you’re not careful.
After two weeks, I realized it doesn’t *feel* as cleansing. That’s the mental hurdle. My skin wasn’t tighter, but I missed the ritual of the thicker formula.
My barrier stayed intact. No new redness. But it doesn’t remove a full face of sunscreen alone — you’ll need a first cleanse.
They fixed a cost, not a problem. It still does the job, but the experience got downgraded.