My skin felt tight. Not “clean” tight — weird, thirsty tight.
The bottle looked identical, but the formula didn’t feel it. CeraVe updated their Hydrating Cleanser and didn’t make a peep.
That classic drugstore lotion-cleanser. About $16. The claim? Cleanse without stripping. A no-thought staple.
Texture Shift
It’s thinner now — more runny milk than creamy lotion.
Foam Factor
Still non-foaming, but slips through your fingers faster.
Scent (or lack thereof)
Same fragrance-free, dermatologist-bland vibe.
Photo: Rebecca Aldama / Unsplash
They kept the big names — ceramides, hyaluronic acid. But the supporting cast changed. The feel comes from the base, and that’s where reformulations live or die.
- Ceramides: Still there to support skin barrier
- Hyaluronic Acid: For surface hydration
- Glycerin: A classic humectant
- New Emulsifiers: The likely culprit for the thinner feel
Photo: Vedansh Agrawal / Unsplash
First wash — it felt… fine. Not luxurious, just efficient. Gone in a flash with water.
After two weeks, my dry patches were louder. The old formula left a whisper of moisture; this one feels like it takes more than it leaves behind.
It still cleanses. But that borderline-moisturizing finish is muted. For oily or combo skin, it’s probably a non-issue. For my dry winter skin? A step back.
It’s not ruined — but it’s neutered. The magic was in that unique, lotion-like texture, and they diluted it.