Is the New CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Formula a Step Back?

Reformulation Alert
The drugstore holy grail cleanser everyone trusts just changed its formula, and skinfluencers are divided.
Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results
1.🧴They Changed the Grail

Opened the new bottle. Knew instantly.

The texture is thinner — slips right through your fingers. Feels cheaper.

2.⚠️The Reformulation Facts

Still under $15. CeraVe says it’s “improved.” I’m skeptical.

1

New Pump

Takes 3 pumps to get the old formula’s one-pump amount.

2

Foam Claim

They say it lathers slightly now. It doesn’t. It’s just runnier.

3

Fragrance-Free

Okay, they kept this. Thank god.

black plastic bottle and two canisters

Photo: Rebecca Aldama / Unsplash

3.🤔What’s Actually In It

Still has the three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The backbone is the same.

The real change? The feel. They tweaked the thickening agents — that’s why it’s so watery.

  • Ceramides NP, AP, EOP: Still repair your skin barrier
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Still pulls in water
  • Glycerin: Still the humectant hero
  • Carbomer: Thickener they likely reduced — explains everything
woman wearing holding her head

Photo: Ayo Ogunseinde / Unsplash

4.🔍On My Skin

It feels like washing with a lightweight lotion that can’t decide if it wants to cleanse. Zero slip.

After two weeks, my skin felt fine — but not *better*. The magic was the old texture that felt protective. This just feels… absent.

💡

One Thing: Don’t use it in the shower. The thinner formula rinses off your face before you’re done.
a jar of peanut butter

Photo: Felipe Vieira / Unsplash

5.👍Who It’s For Now

It still cleanses without stripping. That’s the baseline. But the sensory experience is a downgrade.

Buy if
Your skin is ultra-sensitive and you hated any trace of residue.
⏭️

Skip if
You have dry skin and loved the creamy, cushiony feel of the original.
💰

Worth it?
For the price, it’s fine. But the value dropped with the texture.
6.👎My Take

It’s not a disaster. But it’s a clear step back. They fixed what wasn’t broken.

6.5/10
A downgrade in sensory satisfaction.
🛍️

Where to Buy: Check smaller drugstores for old stock. Or buy the travel size first to test.