CeraVe Product Ranking: A Beauty Editor's 13-Year Review

Sarah Williams · 2026-01-27

Let's talk about CeraVe. I've spent over a decade in beauty editing, and I've tried every single product in their lineup. That's not an exaggeration—I've tested cleansers, moisturizers, treatments, the whole skincare arsenal. After thirteen years of putting these products through their paces, I've developed some strong opinions about what works and what doesn't. You know how it goes. You stand in the drugstore aisle, staring at rows of nearly identical bottles. They all promise hydration, barrier repair, and that coveted 'glow.' But which ones actually deliver? That's where my experience comes in. I've seen formulations change, watched new products launch, and observed how different skin types respond. ### The Methodology Behind My Rankings First, let's get one thing straight. This isn't about quick impressions or one-time use. My ranking comes from consistent, long-term testing across different seasons and skin conditions. Dry winter months? Check. Humid summer days? Absolutely. I've even tested products during stressful periods when my skin decided to rebel completely. I evaluate based on several factors: - How well the product performs its stated purpose - Texture and application experience - How it plays with other products in a routine - Value for money (because let's be real, budget matters) - Consistency across different batches over time  ### The Standout Winners Some CeraVe products have earned permanent spots in my bathroom cabinet. The Hydrating Facial Cleanser, for instance, is what I'd call a 'non-negotiable' for dry or sensitive skin. It cleanses without stripping, which is harder to achieve than most people realize. Then there's the Moisturizing Cream—the one in the big tub. It's become my go-to recommendation for anyone dealing with extremely dry skin or conditions like eczema. What makes these products special isn't just their ingredient lists (though the ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide combinations are impressive). It's how they feel during use. There's no heavy residue, no unpleasant scent, just straightforward effectiveness. As one dermatologist friend told me, 'Sometimes the simplest formulations are the hardest to get right.' ### Products That Surprised Me Here's where things get interesting. Some products I initially dismissed ended up becoming favorites after giving them a proper chance. The Renewing SA Cleanser, for example, seemed too basic at first glance. But its gentle exfoliation proved perfect for maintaining smooth texture without irritation. It taught me that sometimes 'boring' in skincare is actually 'brilliant.' Then there are the products that fill very specific niches. The Healing Ointment isn't something you'd use daily, but when you need it—for cracked heels, dry cuticles, or protecting sensitive areas—nothing else compares. It's the skincare equivalent of having a reliable first-aid kit in your cabinet. ### Honest Assessments of Popular Picks Now, let's address some popular products that didn't quite make my top tier. The Foaming Facial Cleanser works well for oily skin types, but I found it could be slightly drying for combination skin. The AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF is convenient, but the sunscreen protection could be higher for daily use in sunny climates. This doesn't mean these are 'bad' products—far from it. They simply have specific applications where they shine brightest. The key is matching the product to your skin's actual needs rather than following trends. ### Building Your Ideal CeraVe Routine Based on my testing, here's how I'd approach building a CeraVe routine for different concerns: For dry/sensitive skin: - Hydrating Facial Cleanser (morning and evening) - Moisturizing Cream (as needed throughout day) - Healing Ointment (spot treatment for extra dry areas) For combination/acne-prone skin: - Renewing SA Cleanser (evening) - Foaming Facial Cleanser (morning) - PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (evening) For anti-aging focus: - Hydrating Facial Cleanser - Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum - Moisturizing Cream with a few drops of facial oil mixed in The beauty of CeraVe's lineup is its flexibility. You can mix and match based on what your skin needs that particular day or season. After thirteen years, that's what keeps me coming back—products that adapt rather than dictate. ### Final Thoughts After Years of Testing What I've learned through all this testing is that consistency matters more than chasing the next big thing. The best CeraVe products provide reliable performance day after day, year after year. They don't promise miracles overnight, but they deliver steady improvement that adds up significantly over time. If you're new to the brand or considering trying more products, my advice is simple: start with one product that addresses your primary concern. Use it consistently for at least a month before adding anything else. Skincare is a marathon, not a sprint, and the products that earn long-term loyalty are those that prove themselves through consistent, gentle effectiveness. Thirteen years might seem like a long time to test skincare, but in the beauty world, it's what separates fleeting trends from genuine staples. CeraVe has earned its place as the latter through formulations that respect both skin science and real-world use.