CeraVe Products Ranked: A Beauty Editor's 13-Year Review

Sarah Williams · 2026-01-27

Let's be real for a second. When you're standing in the skincare aisle, staring at rows of CeraVe products, it can feel overwhelming. I've been there. Actually, I've been there professionally for over a decade. After 13 years as a beauty editor, I've tested every single CeraVe product on the market. Not just once, but through seasons, skin changes, and countless routines. Today, I'm sharing my definitive ranking. Think of this as that honest chat with a friend who's done all the trial and error so you don't have to. ### Why CeraVe Earned Its Spot It didn't happen overnight. CeraVe's rise from a dermatologist-recommended brand to a cult favorite is a story of consistency. Their whole thing is ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and that MultiVesicular Emulsion technology. Sounds fancy, right? But it's not about being fancy. It's about being effective. They focus on repairing and maintaining your skin barrier. That's the foundation of everything. When your barrier is happy, everything else works better. It's simple, but that's the beauty of it.  ### The Methodology Behind the Madness How did I rank them? It wasn't just about a quick try. I considered long-term results, value for money, and versatility. Does it do what it promises? Is it a staple or a situational product? I also thought about who it's for. A product can be amazing, but if it's only for a very specific skin type, it won't rank as high as a universally loved hero. My skin has been through it all—dry patches, occasional breakouts, sensitivity—so I've seen how these formulas perform under pressure. ### The Top Tier: Can't-Live-Without Heroes These are the products I repurchase without a second thought. They're the backbone of a solid routine. - **CeraVe Moisturizing Cream**: The heavyweight champion. This is the one I recommend to literally everyone. It's thick but not greasy, absorbs beautifully, and saves dry, flaky skin overnight. I use it on my face and body. It's that good. - **CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser**: A gentle giant. It cleanses without stripping, which is a rare feat. If your skin feels tight or squeaky after washing, you're using the wrong cleanser. This one never does that. It's perfect for mornings or as a second cleanse. - **CeraVe Healing Ointment**: Don't sleep on this. It's not just for lips. I use it on dry cuticles, rough elbows, and as an occlusive layer over serums on extra-dry nights. It's a multi-tasking miracle in a tube. As one dermatologist I interviewed put it, "CeraVe succeeds by focusing on skin health first, trends second." That philosophy really shows in their core products. ### The Solid Middle Ground: Worth Your Money These are excellent products that might be more specific. They're fantastic at their jobs. - **CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream**: A game-changer for bumpy skin on arms or legs (keratosis pilaris). The salicylic acid and urea work gently but effectively. It's a targeted treatment that delivers. - **CeraVe Vitamin C Serum**: A reliable, stable option. It's not the most potent serum out there, but it's a great introductory vitamin C. It's gentle, plays well with other products, and the packaging protects the formula from light and air. ### The Niche Players: Good, But Specific These have their place, but they won't be for everyone. - **CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser**: Great for oily or acne-prone skin types that want a deeper clean. It has benzoyl peroxide, so it's effective but can be drying for some. It's a tool, not a daily driver for most. - **CeraVe Eye Repair Cream**: A simple, no-frills eye cream. It hydrates well and is fragrance-free. It's a safe choice, but it doesn't have the extra bells and whistles of some high-end eye creams. ### Building Your Routine So where do you start? Don't feel you need to buy it all. My advice is always to begin with the basics: a gentle cleanser and a good moisturizer. The Hydrating Cleanser and the Moisturizing Cream are a powerhouse duo for most people. From there, you can add based on your concerns—the SA Cream for texture, the Healing Ointment for extra-dry spots. The best routine is the one you'll actually use consistently. And with CeraVe, consistency is where the magic happens. Your skin will thank you for the simple, steady care.