They changed the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and didn’t tell anyone. Classic.
The real issue? The texture. Went from a creamy lotion to something… slicker. People with dry skin are panicking in the reviews.
It’s the $16 drugstore workhorse. CeraVe claims it “hydrates” while it cleanses — a rare feat.
Ceramides
Repairs your skin barrier with every wash.
Hyaluronic Acid
Pulls water into your skin instead of stripping it out.
No-Foam Formula
It will never lather — that’s the point.
Photo: Birgith Roosipuu / Unsplash
It’s a cocktail of skin-identical lipids. The boring science is what makes it work. The new formula swapped some emollients — that’s the texture change.
- Ceramide NP: Rebuilds your protective wall
- Hyaluronic Acid: Holds 1000x its weight in water
- Glycerin: The OG humectant
- Cholesterol: Helps ceramides do their job better
Photo: Sonia Roselli / Unsplash
It’s thinner. Slides on like a serum, not a cream. Still leaves that signature non-stripped feel — but it rinses cleaner. Almost too clean.
After two weeks, my skin didn’t feel tighter. But it also didn’t feel *more* hydrated. The magic “moisturizer in a cleanser” vibe? Diminished.
My barrier stayed intact. Zero irritation. But that plush, comforted feeling post-cleanse? Gone. It’s now just… fine.
They fixed it for a broader audience and ruined it for their original devotees. A calculated, boring move.