CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Review: Why I Always Come Back to It

I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic lately and wanted to bring back something I genuinely love writing, honest beauty reviews. If I’m completely honest, I don’t buy anything without reading reviews first, so I have no idea why I ever stopped sharing mine properly.

I made a promise to myself to bring them back, starting with one product I’ve used on and off for years: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

I’ve repurchased this cleanser more times than I can count, through cold Highland winters, intense mountain-bike trips, and long travel days. Somehow, I’d never given it a full review until now.

I am going to start with a CeraVe Hydrating cleanser I have been using this gentle cleanser on and off for years and I have no idea why I have never done a full review of it.

Quick Take: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Review

If you want a gentle, non-foaming cleanser that actually respects your skin barrier, this is one of the best affordable options out there. It cleans effectively without stripping, works brilliantly for dry and sensitive skin, and is reliable enough to use every single day, even in harsh climates.

I’ve used it consistently for years, including during extreme cold, long outdoor training days, and travel, and it’s one of the few cleansers my skin never reacts to.

Updated January 2026: This review has been refreshed to reflect long-term use, current skincare guidance, and how CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser performs across different climates and seasons.

My skin

I have combination skin that leans dry, especially in winter, with occasional blackheads and visible fine lines. Because I spend so much time outdoors mountain biking in extreme cold and heat, my skin barrier is constantly challenged.

I wear make-up on occasion and I try to stay make-up-free at home. I am a mountain biker so I spend a lot of time outdoors and in extreme temperatures here in the Scottish highlands. As I write this, it is -7 outside.

I also travel a lot to warmer countries to cycle so you could say my skin is never in a stable climate for long. This leaves me with a lot of problems. As soon as my skin gets better off I go somewhere to give it more challenges.

When I am looking for a cleanser, I am looking for something gentle but effective. I have also been blogging for a long time and with this been able to try wonderful products from super expensive to affordable. This has also given me a fair amount of knowledge when it comes to skincare and what I should and shouldn't put on my skin. You could say I am fussy.

Why CeraVe hydrating cleanser?

It’s formulated specifically for normal to dry skin and focuses on hydration and barrier support rather than aggressive cleansing.

CeraVe has a strong range of cleansers available from hydrating to oil cleansers I have tried most of them but time and time again I come back to CeraVe hydrating cleanser.

It is formulated for normal to dry skin it is super gentle on my skin. Which is really important to my ageing skin. The cleanser has a white cream/liquid consistency, not foaming which I prefer. I have never been into the foam hype. This Hydrating cleanser has a massive online following and can be used on any skin type and I agree with this. My friends have tried this and it has worked for all of them no matter their skin type.

This cleanser comes in a range of sizes from 236ml to 1litre. With prices starting at £10.99. So a relatively affordable option. My 236ml bottle normally lasts me about 3 months. So the price per use is relatively low as well.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Benefits for Dry & Sensitive Skin

Developed and tested by dermatologists
Ceramides to help maintain a healthy skin barrier
Super gentle it removes dirt, makeup and oil without any dryness.
Hyaluronic acid We all know how wonderful this is as a moisturiser
Non-comedogenic meaning it can not cause blackheads by blocking pores
Non-irritating
Fragrance free you wouldn't believe how many cleansers have fragrances in them.
MVE Technology is a patented technology within the cleanser which releases moisture all day to the skin

What does CeraVe hydrating cleanser do?

It cleanses the skin from dirt, oil and make-up. It can be safely used daily or even twice daily if needed. It is non-pore clogging and helps to protect the skin's natural barrier instead of stripping it like other cleansers. This is perfect for people like me with dry skin or blackheads as it will not block pores or over-dry the skin. I use this are part of my daily skincare regime and I love it.

Who is it Best For?

Perfect for normal, dry, or sensitive skin, and especially good for anyone dealing with a compromised skin barrier, tightness, or winter dryness. If you’re using actives like retinol or tretinoin, this cleanser pairs beautifully because it doesn’t disrupt the skin barrier.

It’s also a brilliant option for combination skin if you like something non-foaming and fragrance-free. It’s not ideal for very oily or acne-prone skin (CeraVe’s Foaming or SA Cleanser would suit better).

How to use CeraVe hydrating cleanser

First I run the hot water tap and warm up my washcloth. I wet my face then I use one pump of CeraVe hydrating cleanser. I spread this all over my face in circular motions. Then I rinse with the warm water. I use another pump and massage this in a little longer than I use the warm wash clothes to remove the cleanser. I do a final rinse of my face with warm water and a towel to try my face. Then I can start my skincare.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser vs Other CeraVe Cleansers

If you prefer a creamy, non-foaming cleanse, this is the best option in the range. The Foaming Cleanser is better suited to oily skin, while the SA Cleanser targets breakouts and texture. I always come back to the Hydrating Cleanser because it’s the least reactive and most consistent for my skin.

Where to Buy CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

You can find CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser easily in most UK beauty stores and online. I usually grab mine from:

• LookFantastic – often has bundle discounts and travel sizes
• Boots – great for Advantage Card points
• Amazon UK – handy for the 1 L family-size bottle

Prices generally start around £10.99 for 236 ml, and a bottle lasts me about three months, so it’s brilliant value for money. But as I always say, look for a sale or a discount code.

Final Verdict: Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Worth It?

I am pretty judgmental when it comes to skincare that comes with the job right. So for me to keep repurchasing a product that must speak volumes. I was a real lover of Liz Earls hot cloth cleanser it was my go-to for years and then I discovered CeraVe hydrating cleanser and I stopped reaching for it and would reach for this instead. I love that this is a no-fuss product.

I wear thick mascara and foundation sometimes and this removes it so quickly. Even the dreaded waterproof mascara can be removed with CeraVe hydrating cleanser. This in itself is a wonderful feat. Whilst using this product there are no tightness or uncomfortable feelings that you can get with some cleanser with added skincare like ceramides. It just does the job. It cleans my skin and leaves it looking healthy and dirt-free.

I have a bit of a story about the CeraVe hydrating cleanser I was taking part in a very hard mountain bike race in the Himalayas and I grabbed this instead of my moisturiser one day and popped it on my skin added my makeup and off I went. 12 hours outside competing in 30° heat cycling like mad and my skin did not reach at all. It actually felt hydrated. That alone is a testament to how hydrating and gentle the CeraVe hydrating cleanser is. For the price of these cleaners, I do not think it can be beaten on effectiveness and affordability.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Gentle, non-stripping formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Excellent value for money (lasts ages)
Works across multiple skin types
Dermatologist-developed, barrier-safe

Cons

Doesn’t remove heavy makeup as easily as a balm or oil
May feel too mild for oily or acne-prone skin
Plain packaging (not that we mind function over flash!)

Long-Term Results One Year Later

More than a year on, this cleanser is still a firm favourite in my daily routine. I’ve tried plenty of new launches this year, but I always end up back with CeraVe. My skin barrier feels calmer, my dry patches are almost gone, and it just works, quietly, effectively, and without fuss. It’s that rare product that deserves its cult status. I just reach for it more than any other, and I have plenty of options. I have also shared it with my husband as it's so gentle.

If you love this kind of skincare chat, you might also enjoy my Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Review or my Fenty Skin Total Cleanser Review both are gentle, barrier-boosting staples that pair beautifully with CeraVe.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser FAQs

Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser good for sensitive skin?Yes — it’s fragrance-free, non-foaming, and formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which make it ideal for sensitive or easily-irritated skin.

Can you use CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser every day?

Absolutely. It’s gentle enough for daily or twice-daily use, morning and night. I’ve used it for years without any dryness or tightness.

Does CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser remove makeup?
Yes, it removes everyday makeup and even waterproof mascara surprisingly well. For very heavy makeup, I sometimes double cleanse, but most days this alone is enough.

Is CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser good for mature skin?
Absolutely. Because it supports the skin barrier and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it works particularly well for ageing skin that needs hydration without irritation.

Can CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser clog pores?
No. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores or contribute to blackheads.

MissLJBeauty