They did it. CeraVe reformulated the Hydrating Cleanser — and didn’t make a peep.
The real issue? The texture. It went from a creamy lotion to something thinner, almost slippery. That’s the first clue something’s off.
A $16 drugstore cleanser. The claim? “Non-foaming” and “maintains skin’s natural barrier.” A classic for dry, sensitive types.
Size
The 16oz pump is the only size that makes financial sense.
Feel
No foam, no suds — just a slip.
Scent
Truly fragrance-free. Smells like… nothing.
Photo: Lora Seis / Unsplash
The ceramide trio and hyaluronic acid are still there. But the feel change comes from the base formula tweaks — different emulsifiers and thickeners.
- Ceramides NP, AP, EOP: Still the barrier-repair stars
- Hyaluronic Acid: For a surface hydration hit
- Glycerin: The old-school humectant workhorse
- Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate: The new-ish emulsifier making it slick
Photo: Kaeme / Unsplash
It feels like a lightweight lotion that never quite rinses clean. You get that faint film — not heavy, but present.
After two weeks, my skin felt… fine. Not better. Not worse. Just neutral. The surprise? It started to feel boring.
Photo: Felipe Vieira / Unsplash
Zero irritation. Zero tightness. But also zero of that “my skin feels fortified” vibe the old one had. It’s become maintenance, not a treatment.
It’s not a disaster, but it’s a downgrade. They fixed what wasn’t broken and made it forgettable.