Is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser the right face wash for you?
CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser costs about $16 for a 16 fl oz bottle. It is a fragrance-free cream wash with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and CeraVe makes it for normal to dry skin, not oily skin. Tick what fits and see which side you are on.
What is your skin type and routine?
What you get for $16.19 (16 fl oz)
| Made for | Normal to dry skin (CeraVe's listing) |
|---|---|
| Texture | Cream |
| Key ingredients | Three ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) and hyaluronic acid |
| Also in the formula | Glycerin, cholesterol, phytosphingosine |
| MVE technology | CeraVe says it releases the ceramides slowly over time |
| Fragrance | Free of added fragrance |
| Pores | Labeled non-comedogenic |
| Makeup | CeraVe says it removes dirt, oil and makeup |
| Sizes | 3, 8, 12 and 16 fl oz bottles, plus a refill pouch |
| How to use | Wet skin with lukewarm water, lather in your palms, massage on, rinse, pat dry |
| After | CeraVe suggests following with a moisturizer such as CeraVe Moisturizing Cream |
| Certification | Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver |
What to know before you buy
It is a simple, low-cost cleanser. These are the points that decide whether it is the right CeraVe for you.
Made for normal to dry skin
CeraVe lists it for normal to dry skin. For normal to oily skin, CeraVe points to its Foaming Facial Cleanser.
A cream, not a foam
You lather it between your palms, but it stays a cream texture. If you like a foam, CeraVe's Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser turns from cream to foam.
Plain by design
There is no added fragrance and no exfoliating acid in the ingredient list. CeraVe sells separate cleansers for those who want more.
Makeup is covered, within reason
CeraVe says it removes makeup. For long-wear foundation, CeraVe says its Cream-to-Foam Cleanser removes even long-wear makeup.
Check the label
CeraVe updates its ingredient lists and says the package is the most current source.
Which size?
12 fl oz
A mid-size pump bottle. A good first buy if you are trying it out.
16 fl oz
Cheaper per ounce than the 12 fl oz ($1.01 vs $1.15). The pick if you already know you like it.
2 × 16 fl oz
A two-pack for a household or for stocking up.
These are Target prices as of October 2026. CeraVe's own site lists the cleanser at $15.99, and it also comes in 3 and 8 fl oz bottles and a refill pouch. Prices move, so check today's price before you buy.
See today's price on AmazonCommon questions
Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser good for oily skin?
CeraVe makes it for normal to dry skin. Its Foaming Facial Cleanser is the version CeraVe makes for normal to oily skin.
Does CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser foam?
It is a cream that you lather between your palms. CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser and Cream-to-Foam Cleanser are the foaming options.
Does CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser remove makeup?
CeraVe says it removes dirt, oil and even makeup.
Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser fragrance-free?
Yes. CeraVe states it is free of added fragrance.
What are the main ingredients?
Three ceramides (NP, AP and EOP) and hyaluronic acid, in a formula that also contains glycerin.
What sizes does it come in?
3, 8, 12 and 16 fl oz bottles, plus a refill pouch.
How much does CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser cost?
CeraVe lists it at $15.99, and Target sells the 16 fl oz bottle for $16.19 as of October 2026.
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