You probably already know that some skincare brands can cost a lot of money. As a beauty director, I really believe in brands that make effective products. But to be honest, I’m tired of dancing around the fact that we’re often being charged way too much. Brands know how much money we’re willing to spend on a perfect skincare routine, and sadly, some of them aren’t afraid to take advantage of that.

When a skincare brand comes along that doesn’t have a gimmicky name, comes in bottles that don’t look good on Instagram, and doesn’t have all the fancy extras that are standard these days, it can be easy to miss it. And, in my opinion, that’s exactly what happened to CeraVe. British beauty editors had been talking about CeraVe for years as one of the few U.S. skincare brands they couldn’t wait to get their hands on. So, when it finally came out in the UK, I bought almost everything in the range in 2018, and a lot of these products are still a big part of my beauty routine today.

A picture of CeraVe products

So, what makes CeraVe so great? As a beauty director, I talk to a dermatologist almost every day about something. Over the years, I’ve heard that CeraVe is one of the most highly recommended brands.

Not only do skin experts love it, but so do some famous people. People say that Emily Ratajkowski loves the ointment, Blake Lively loves the SPF, Poppy Delevingne swears by the Hydrating Cleanser, and Olivia Wilde swears by the CeraVe moisturiser. All of the products are under £30, and to be honest, I can’t find a single thing wrong with any of them.

CeraVe Micellar Water for Cleaning

CeraVe products may not be the most beautiful or luxurious to use, but they work, and that’s what matters most to me. CeraVe products are made to protect and repair the skin’s natural barrier using a mix of three essential ceramides (lipids that hold moisture and are naturally found in skin). They work to stop irritation, dryness, and even breakouts. That’s why I always turn to them when my skin doesn’t want to cooperate. I might not wake up with a whole new glowing face in the morning, but these are some of the only products I really trust to bring back moisture, calm breakouts, and generally get my skin back on track. CeraVe has my back with everything from cleansers and moisturisers to serums and eye creams.

If your skin is dry, breaks out, or just won’t behave, keep reading to find the best CeraVe products.

Editors’ Picks: The Best CeraVe Products

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is the best CeraVe cleanser at £12.50.

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion is the best CeraVe moisturiser. It costs £16.50.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, £14.50, is the best CeraVe eye cream.

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is the best CeraVe serum. It costs £23.

1. CeraVe Cleanser for Hydration

CeraVe + Hydrating Cleanser is the best daily cleanser.

CeraVe

Cleanser that adds moisture

£13

Why It’s the Best: This hydrating cleanser is one of CeraVe’s best-selling products and has gained a cult following in the last few years, going viral on TikTok and other social media sites. This is because its light, creamy formula cleans the skin deeply without making it feel dry or stripped. In addition to CeraVe’s three important ceramides, it also has hyaluronic acid and patented MVE technology, which helps keep skin hydrated for a long time so it feels soft and calm after use.

“This was the first CeraVe product I tried, and it’s still the one I go back to over and over again. It’s a no-frills cleanser that does what it says on the tin. After using it, my skin feels clean but not tight or dry, and there’s no residue left behind. Whether you’re a skincare addict or just want to change up your routine without any fuss, trust me, you’ll love this.” – Jazzria Harris, freelance beauty editor

Benefits

• Formula for Hydration
• Easily takes off makeup

Cons

• Not as fancy as some other formulas

2. CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 50

Best Facial SPF: CeraVe + AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50

CeraVe

AM Facial Moisturiser with SPF50

£17

Why It’s the Best: This SPF is great for people with normal to dry skin because it is light and deeply moisturising. It has niacinamide to balance, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and CeraVe’s famous ceramide complex to nourish and calm skin. After using it, your skin will look and feel smoother and softer. It also has SPF50 to protect against UV rays, so you can skip a separate moisturiser and use this two-in-one formula instead.

Review from a fellow beauty editor: “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

Pros

• Has SPF
• Formula that adds moisture

Things that are bad

• It might not be rich enough for skin that is very dry.

3. Hyaluronic Acid Serum from CeraVe

CeraVe + Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the best serum for hydration.

CeraVe

Hyaluronic Acid Serum that Moisturises

£23

Why It’s the Best: You might have noticed that CeraVe doesn’t have a lot of serums in its product line. I think this is because serums tend to have a lot of active ingredients, and many of them are known to break down the skin barrier. But this stuff is more like a serum than a moisturiser. This hyaluronic acid serum has a light, creamy texture that really helps to hydrate, plump, and calm the skin. I would suggest this for people with very dry skin who want their hydrating serums to do a better job. If you have oily skin and want to make your pores look smaller, I also recommend it as a makeup primer. It has silicone/dimethicone in it, which gives skin that soft, blurred look.

Fellow Beauty Editor Review: “As I said before, my skin is dry, so I always use a hyaluronic acid serum. How does CeraVe’s formula compare to the more expensive ones I’ve tried in the past? Well, first of all, it feels a little heavier—more like a cream than a traditional serum. But it still sinks in quickly, makes my skin feel plump and hydrated, and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy. I think 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 extra hydration.” – Jazzria

Pros

• Quickly absorbs
• Makes skin feel soft and hydrated.

Disadvantages

• A little thicker than other serums with hyaluronic acid

4. CeraVe Cleanser for Blemish Control

CeraVe + Blemish Control Face Cleanser is the best way to clean your face if you have acne.

CeraVe

Blemish Control Face Cleanser

£15

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

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

CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye CreamBest Eye Cream

CeraVe

Skin Renewing Eye Cream

£23

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

Pros

• Hydrating formula

Cons

• Feels slightly thicker than some eye creams

6. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe + Resurfacing Retinol SerumBest Retinol Serum

CeraVe

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

£23

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. Encapsulated retinol 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

CeraVe + Blemish Control Gel MoisturiserBest Breakout Treatment

CeraVe

Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser

£15

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

Pros

• Lightweight gel formula
• Cooling sensation

Cons

• Adds an extra step to your routine

8. CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water

CeraVe + Micellar Cleansing WaterBest Makeup Remover

CeraVe

Micellar Cleansing Water

£14

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.

Fellow Beauty Editor Review: “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.” – Jazzria

Pros

• Great for sensitive skin

Cons

• May not effectively remove stubborn makeup

9. CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment

Cerave Advanced Repair OintmentBest for Cracked Skin

CeraVe

Advanced Repair Ointment

£14

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, the CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment 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 that 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

Pros

• Thick texture
• Non-greasy

Cons

• Best for targeted use rather than all over application

10. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe + Foaming Facial CleanserBest Cleanser for Oily Skin

CeraVe

Foaming Facial Cleanser

£13

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

Pros

• Great for sensitive skin

Cons

• Foaming texture may not be to all tastes

11. Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C SerumBest Vitamin C Serum

CeraVe

Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum

£29

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

Pros

• Contains 10% pure vitamin C
• Hydrating formula

Cons

• More expensive than other CeraVe products

12. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

CeraVe + Hydrating Foaming Oil CleanserBest Cleansing Oil

CeraVe

Foaming oil cleanser that hydrates

£15

Why It’s the Best: This cleansing oil has hyaluronic acid in it and works best on normal to very dry skin. As it emulsifies, it turns into a very soft foam. This means it easily removes oil, dirt, and other impurities while also protecting the skin’s barrier. It’s a hard-working cleanse that won’t strip the skin.

Review from a fellow Beauty editor: “At first, I wasn’t sure how to fit this cleanser into my skincare routine. It wasn’t quite an oil or a foam, so I couldn’t decide whether to use it as a first cleanse, a second cleanse, or let it stand alone. But after a few weeks of use, I can say that its hybrid nature makes it a great formula that works well on its own when you want a quick cleanse that still removes all traces of dirt and makeup. Just apply, lather, and wipe away with a cloth or face halo for soft, supple skin.” – Jazzria

Pros

• Good for skin that is dry to very dry
• Formula that keeps you hydrated

Disadvantages

• Some skin types may find it too oily.

13. CeraVe Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen with SPF 50

CeraVe Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen with SPF 50

CeraVe

SPF 50 Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen

£18

Invisible Dry Touch Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 is a new product from CeraVe. It’s great for oily or combination skin because it dries to a non-sticky finish and absorbs quickly. But if you want more moisture, it also comes in the Invisible Hydrating Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 (£18) formula, which is great for skin that is normal to dry. Dermatologists will tell you that wearing SPF every day, even in the winter and on cloudy days, is the best way to protect your skin. So, the best thing you can do is find a formula that you want to wear every day.