They changed the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. No fanfare, no announcement — just a new bottle on the shelf.
The real issue? The texture. The old one was a creamy, milky gel. The new one feels like a different product entirely.
It’s still that $16 drugstore staple from CeraVe. The claim is a non-foaming, hydrating cleanse that won’t strip your skin. Let’s see.
New Pump
It’s stiffer. Less of a gentle dispense, more of a hard click.
The Feel
Leaves a distinct, slick film. Not the ‘soft’ residue of before.
Scent Shift
Still fragrance-free, but has a faint, almost chemical smell fresh from the pump.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
They kept the ceramide trio and hyaluronic acid. But the texture change comes from the thickening system.
It’s less about adding new actives, more about changing the base feel.
- Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II: Still there to support skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid: For surface hydration
- Glycerin: A classic humectant
- Carbomer: Thickening agent — likely the texture culprit
Photo: Christin Hume / Unsplash
It’s thinner. Spreads like a lotion, not a cream. That slick film? It doesn’t rinse clean — you need a cloth.
After two weeks, my skin felt… fine. Not drier, not more hydrated. Just neutral. The surprise? It removed light makeup better than the old formula.
Photo: Lucas Sankey / Unsplash
My barrier didn’t revolt. But I didn’t get that “plush” post-cleanse feel. It’s functional.
Photo: Valerie Elash / Unsplash
They fixed nothing — they just made it different. And not for the better. It’s a downgrade in experience.