They did it. CeraVe reformulated the Hydrating Cleanser and didn’t make a peep.
The real issue? It now contains niacinamide — a great ingredient, but not what sensitive, dry skin signed up for.
Still $16. Still claims to cleanse without stripping. The promise is the same — the execution is not.
Niacinamide Added
Now includes 2% for barrier support — and potential irritation for some.
Texture Shift
Feels slightly more “clean” — less of that signature lotion-like slip.
Packaging Same
Identical bottle. You have to check the ingredient list to know.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It’s still packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The niacinamide is the new star — or villain, depending on your skin.
- Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II: Repair the skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid: Holds onto water
- Niacinamide: The new addition — calms *or* triggers
- Glycerin: Classic, reliable humectant
It still feels like a creamy gel — but rinses with a whisper of tightness the old formula never had. Less residual slip.
By week two, my compromised barrier skin felt a tiny bit… annoyed. Not a full revolt, but a whisper of discontent.
My skin felt clean, yes. But that perfect “no-feel” cleanse was gone. A step towards universal appeal, a step away from its dry-skin devotees.
It’s a decent cleanser now, not a special one. They fixed what wasn’t broken for their core user.