Dermatologists and Celebrities Swear By These Exact CeraVe Products
Delivering hardworking formulas for under £30? It's no surprise CeraVe has racked up an impressive following over the years.

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that some skincare brands can be really expensive. While as a beauty editor, I'm a big advocate for brands that deliver on efficacious formulas, I'll be honest, I’m kind of fed up with tiptoeing around the fact that in so many cases, we’re being painfully overcharged. After all, brands know all too well the money we're willing to put into a perfect skincare routine, and sadly, there are those that are not afraid to take advantage of it.
So, when a no-frills, affordable skincare brand comes along that doesn’t have a gimmicky name, doesn’t come housed in Instagram-worthy bottles and generally lacks the fancy frills that are now a standard, it can be very easy for it to be overlooked. And, if you ask me, that is exactly what happened to CeraVe. For years, CeraVe had been heralded as one of the few U.S. skincare brands that British beauty editors couldn’t wait to get their hands on. So when it finally launched in the U.K. back in 2018, I bought almost everything in the range, and many of these products are still a stalwart in my beauty routine today.
So, what's so good about CeraVe? Well, as a beauty editor, barely a day goes by when I don’t talk to a dermatologist about one thing or another, and over the years, I’d go as far as to say that CeraVe has been one of the most highly recommended brands.
And it’s not just skin experts who love it—it also has some celebrity fans. Rumour has it that Emily Ratajkowski adores the ointment, Blake Lively loves the SPF, Poppy Delevingne relies on the Hydrating Cleanser and Olivia Wilde swears by CeraVe moisturiser. Above all of that, every product comes in at under £30, and honestly, there isn’t a single product in the lineup that I can fault.
Sure, CeraVe products might not be the prettiest to look at or even the most luxurious to use, but they work, and for me, that's the most important thing. Designed to protect and restore the natural skin barrier using a blend of three essential ceramides (moisture-retaining lipids that are naturally found in skin), CeraVe products work to prevent irritation, combat dryness and even breakouts. It's for this reason that they've become my go-to when my skin doesn’t want to play ball. I might not wake up in the morning with a whole new glowing complexion, but they are among the only products I really trust to restore moisture, calm breakouts and generally get my complexion back on track. From moisturisers and cleansers to serums and eye creams, CeraVe has my back.
So if your skin is prone to dryness, breakouts or just simply struggles to behave itself, keep scrolling for the very best CeraVe products out there.
The Best CeraVe Products, Tried and Tested by Editors
- Best CeraVe cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, £12.50
- Best CeraVe moisturiser: CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion, £16.50
- Best CeraVe eye cream: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, £14.50
- Best CeraVe serum: CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, £23
1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Why It's the Best: Easily one of CeraVe's bestselling products, this hydrating cleanser has earned a cult following in recent years, regularly going viral on TikTok and social media. It owes this to its lightweight, creamy formula, which deeply cleanses the skin without leaving it feeling dry or stripped. Alongside CeraVe's three essential ceramides, it also contains hyaluronic acid and patented MVE technology, which helps provide long-lasting hydration so skin feels soft and soothed after use.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "This was actually the first product I tried from CeraVe, and it's still the one I return to time and time again. Simple in its execution, it's a no-frills cleanser that simply does what it says on the tin. After use, my skin feels clean yet not tight or dry and without any unwanted residue. Whether you're a skincare devotee or looking for a fuss-free way to switch up your routine, trust me, you'll be hard pressed not to like this." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Hydrating Formula
- Removes makeup easily
Cons
- Not as luxurious as some formulas
2. CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
Why It's the Best: Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this SPF is ideal for those with normal to dry skin. Made with niacinamide to balance, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and CeraVe’s famous ceramide complex, it works to nourish and soothe skin so it looks smoother and feels softer after use. Plus, alongside these skin-loving ingredients, it also contains SPF50, to protect against UV rays, meaning you can skip a separate moisturiser and opt for this two-pronged formula instead.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "I've tried both the SPF50 and SPF30 versions of this lotion, and I have to say both are seriously impressive. Although they're described as best suited for normal to dry skin, as someone with dehydrated skin, which is prone to oiliness, I'd argue this is a great formula for all skin types. It's lightweight with an almost velvety texture, which sinks in quickly to leave my skin feeling soft and supple. I also love that it contains SPF, meaning I can skip a step in my skincare routine and just slather this on without worrying about leaving my skin unprotected." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Contains SPF
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- May not be rich enough for very dry skin
3. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why It's the Best: You may have noticed that CeraVe doesn't have many serums in its line-up of products. The reason for this, I assume, is that serums tend to be packed with active ingredients, many of which are known to act against the skin barrier. This stuff, however, sits somewhere between a serum and a moisturiser. With a lightweight, creamy texture, this hyaluronic acid serum really helps to hydrate, plump and soothe the skin. Personally, I'd recommend this for those with very dry skin who want their hydrating serums to work a little harder. Alternatively, I recommend it as a makeup primer for those with oily skin who want to reduce the appearance of pores. (It contains silicone/dimethicone, which gives skin that blurring, silky finish.)
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "As I mentioned earlier, I have dehydrated skin, and so for that reason, you'll always find a hyaluronic acid serum in my regimen. So, how does CeraVe's formula compare to the more expensive ones I've tried in the past? Well, first up, the texture is slightly heavier—it feels more like a cream than a traditional serum. Yet, it still sinks in quickly, leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated and doesn't feel sticky or greasy. I'd suggest oily skin types could probably wear it alone and get all the hydration they need; however, I like to follow with a lightweight moisturiser for added hydration." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated
Cons
- Slightly thicker than other hyaluronic acid serums
4. CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
Why It's the Best: The entire Blemish Control range is formulated for blemish-prone and acneic skin, working to treat breakouts without disrupting the skin's moisture barrier. This cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and unclog pores. Unlike the brand's SA Cleanser, this stuff also contains niacinamide to reduce the appearance of active breakouts and hectorite clay to absorb spot-inducing oil.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "While I very luckily don't often suffer from blemishes or breakouts, when I do, they tend to come full force, and so I like to switch up my beauty routine to combat it. This cleanser is often my first step as I like to ensure my skin is adequately cleansed to prevent further breakouts from appearing. It's hardworking yet doesn't feel drying or aggravate any redness or irritation. When used alongside the blemish moisturiser (more on that later), the two work in tandem to get my skin back in check in no time." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Very hardworking
- Contains salicylic acid to unclog pores
Cons
- Might be drying for those with easily irritated skin
5. CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream
Why It's the Best: CeraVe currently has two eye creams in its offering, one formulated to hydrate and de-puff, and this one, designed to combat dark circles and fine lines. It does this through a combination of niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides and caffeine, which all get to work to make the eye area look brighter, more radiant and with a little added lift.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "I must start this by saying I am an eye cream sceptic. While I understand the importance of using a different formula for the delicate area around the eyes, I find they rarely deliver on the claims they promise when it comes to dark circles and fine lines. What I will say, however, is that CeraVe's Skin Renewing Eye Cream is a joy to wear and apply. It leaves my under-eyes looking hydrated and ever so slightly smoother. Will your dark circles disappear overnight? Sadly, no, but it will ensure your under eyes are nourished without any irritation at a great price point." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Feels slightly thicker than some eye creams
6. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Why It's the Best: Again within the Blemish Control range, this retinol serum is great for those battling leftover scarring and more visible pores from breakouts. With encapsulated retinol, it helps to boost the skin's cell turnover, minimising the appearance of scarring and pores while it works. And it does all of that while putting the skin barrier first, meaning any risk of that infamous retinol irritation is massively reduced.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "Honestly, this is probably one of the best retinol products I have tried. The first thing that blew me away was that I experienced no irritation whatsoever. Unlike other retinol products, my skin never felt dry and never looked red after using (however, I still made sure to use lots of hydrating products just in case). The second thing that impressed me was how good my skin looked after a month of using this. It can definitely take a while to see results from retinol, and although I know that I need to use this for longer in order to improve my skin texture, I already feel like my skin looks smoother and more radiant." - Grace Lindsay, Who What Wear UK Junior Beauty Editor
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Non-drying
Cons
- Takes time to see results
7. CeraVe Blemish Control Gel
Why It's the Best: Another staple in the brand's blemish control offering, this lightweight gel moisturiser works to hydrate and care for the skin as it treats. Created specifically for spot-prone skin, this clever formula contains the brand's moisture-restoring ceramide concoction as well as a powerhouse blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to penetrate pores and rid them of blemish-causing dirt and sebum.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "Remember earlier when I told you about the moisturiser I used alongside CeraVe's hardworking Blemish Control Cleanser? Well, this is it. A lightweight gel formula, it glides on easily, treating blemishes with a blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid. What I love most about this moisturiser, however, is that it feels slightly cooling on the skin before absorbing quickly to leave my base plump and dewy." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Lightweight gel formula
- Cooling sensation
Cons
- Adds an extra step to your routine
8. CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water
Why It's the Best: CeraVe describes this formula as a gentle micellar water designed to sweep away impurities, pollution and makeup, while respecting the skin’s natural barrier. That means it's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and infused with CeraVe's signature ceramides, which work to cleanse the skin without stripping or causing irritation. While you can use this formula alone, it works most effectively when used ahead of a traditional gel or cream formula to lift the first layer of dirt or makeup before following with a deeper cleanse.
I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of micellar waters. I think they encourage laziness with cleansing and lead people to think that a swipe of micellar water over the skin is sufficient enough to keep skin healthy, but it isn't. Having said that, I do understand that in some cases, micellar water is necessary. Whether you're at a festival and don't have access to a tap or have stubborn waterproof makeup on that requires some extra elbow grease during a first cleanse, micellar water can help. This particular formula is great. It doesn't leave skin feeling dry and actually helps restore lost moisture. If you're particularly stubborn and are only going to ever cleanse with micellar water, I'd make it this one.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not effectively remove stubborn makeup
9. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
Why It's the Best: If your dry skin has become cracked and flaky, a generous layer of this moisturising cream will do the job. Designed for use on the face, body and even the lips, it delivers deep hydration while also protecting the skin and restoring the skin barrier to prevent further moisture loss.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "While day to day my skin tends to sit on the relatively normal end of the spectrum, every now and then, usually in a period of stress, I find myself hit with a bout of eczema. It's at this time, I reach for this ointment. I use it on my body, my face and even on my eyelids to soothe and repair the skin. It's thick, unctuous and deeply hydrating, so don't expect it to disappear quickly. Instead, it creates a sort of barrier over the area, protecting and soothing as it treats." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Thick texture
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Best for targeted use rather than all over application
10. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Why It's the Best: Caring for skin that sits somewhere between oily and sensitive can be really tricky, with most products catering to one or the other. This ever-so-light gel-to-foam cleanser is a great option, however, as it fights excess oil while also delivering hydration. My favourite bit? Like many of CeraVe's products, it is also formulated with niacinamide to reduce irritation.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "You'll have noticed by now that there are a number of cleansers on this list, and that's because, in my opinion, this is where Cerave truly excels. The Foaming Cleanser is no different—light, hydrating and suitable for sensitive skin, it effortlessly removes grime and makeup. Plus, there's something so satisfying about a foaming product, and this one suds up perfectly." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Foaming texture may not be to all tastes
11. Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum
Why It's the Best: One of the brand's newer products to launch, CeraVe's Vitamin C serum is a powerhouse formula priced at under £30. Formulated with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid, the purest form of vitamin C, it works hard to brighten skin, fight dullness and improve fine lines. Plus, it also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and vitamin B5 to soothe and nourish.
Fellow Beauty Editor Review: "I can't believe I am saying this, but I have finally found a vitamin C serum that works for me. From the very first day that I started using this product, I have experienced no irritation whatsoever. Instead, my skin is glowing like never before. Yes, the packaging might not look as luxurious as other vitamin C serums on the market, but the formula speaks for itself." - Grace Lindsay, Who What Wear UK Junior Beauty Editor
Pros
- Contains 10% pure vitamin C
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- More expensive than other CeraVe products
12. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
Why It's the Best: Ideal for normal to very dry skin, this hyaluronic acid-infused cleansing oil transforms into an ultra-mild foam as it emulsifies. This means it makes super light work of removing oil, dirt and impurities, as well as supporting the skin’s protective barrier for a hardworking cleanse that won't strip the skin.
Fellow Beauty editor Review: "On first use, I'll admit I wasn't actually sure how to fit this cleanser into my skincare routine. Not quite an oil, not quite a foam, I couldn't decide whether to use it as a first cleanse, a second or to let it stand solo on its own. After a few weeks of use, however, I can say it's this hybridity that makes it a great formula, perfect for use alone when you want a speedy cleanse that still removes all traces of grime and makeup. Simply apply and lather before wiping away with a cloth or face halo for soft, supple skin." - Jazzria Harris, Freelance Beauty Editor
Pros
- Great for dry to very dry skin
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- May be too oily for some skin types
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Shannon Lawlor is the beauty director at Who What Wear UK. With over a decade of experience working for some of the beauty industry’s most esteemed titles, including Marie Claire, Glamour UK, Stylist and Refinery29, Shannon’s aim is to make the conversation around beauty as open, relatable and honest as possible. As a self-confessed lazy girl, Shannon has an affinity for hard-working perfumes, fool-proof makeup products and does-it-all skincare.
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