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CeraVe for Dry Skin User Reviews

CeraVe has an average rating of 1.8 out of 10 from a total of 53 reviews for the treatment of Dry Skin. 4% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 89% reported a negative experience.

CeraVe rating summary

1.8/10 average rating

53 ratings from 55 user reviews.

Compare all 70 medications used in the treatment of Dry Skin.

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Reviews for CeraVe

  • RobK
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 28, 2020

"I used CeraVe moisturizers for 8 months to treat dryness on my face. In that time, my skin became increasingly red, inflamed, itchy, and dry—so dry in fact, that it would crack and bleed at times. I'm over 40 and I have never had eczema, but now I had it all over my face and soon spots were popping up all over my back, arms, and legs. CeraVe was always recommended as being "safe" so I trusted it, but the day I stopped using CeraVe products completely, my symptoms improved. In lieu of a patch test, I have reason to believe I am allergic to "tocopherol" (Vitamin E) found in every CeraVe product I used. (Not surprisingly, many foods that caused marked flare-ups also contained tocopherols) I am now using another moisturizer that does not contain tocopherol but uses oatmeal instead. My skin is slowly getting better but it will be weeks if not months before I am fully recovered. I hope this information can help someone."

1 / 10
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104 Report
  • Dryskin
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 24, 2020

"I was told to use this by my dermatologist. It’s been about a month and it was working great! The last couple days my cheeks have been red and splotchy, my chin is getting eczema spots and tonight my cheeks felt like they were on fire. I thought it was because I was in the cold today, so I put more on, it was instant stinging and heat on my cheeks. I washed it off and it relieved the feeling almost 99%. So disappointed!"

1 / 10
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49 Report
  • Darlene
  • April 24, 2019

"I used Cerave lotion all over my body and broke out in hives! Every where I scratch there were lines raised definitely an allergic reaction they should put something on the bottle saying that there is a chance that you could be allergic to this type of lotion. But they make it sound so benign. I'm absolutely miserable and it's been 4 days since I applied the Cerave lotion. Still have hives. 5 showers later!"

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48 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Linn
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 2, 2020

"Started using CeraVe Facial Moisturizer as I had been using their under eye cream and had gotten good results with it. But what a surprise that after only 3 days of using it twice a day, the skin around my cheeks, nose and mouth developed a horrible and itchy rash, which my dermatologist later confirmed was contact dermatitis. Wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who has very sensitive skin."

1 / 10
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39 Report
  • Jean
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 15, 2023

"Experienced bad facial redness and itching 2 days after CeraVe products. This product may be advertised as developed with Dermatologists but it doesn't mean it is any good! I have written to the company and asked for a refund. I will wait and see if they reply."

1 / 10
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12 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Patti
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 26, 2019

"I used CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser on/off for a week. After a week of FINALLY figuring out why my neck was BURNING and prickly itchy it dawned on me. I just started using CeraVe. DO NOT BUY if you have sensitive skin. This stuff basically just burned my skin. I have huge patches of what looks like I burned my skin with scalding water on both sides of my neck. The only thing now that releases it is cool water. If not better in a week I'll have to go to the doctor. This is awful stuff"

1 / 10
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36 Report
  • Bella
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 22, 2019

"Used CeraVe as I heard it was good for sensitive/dry/eczema prone skin.. after a couple days of using the cleanser and moisturiser my face and neck broke out in tiny red itchy bumps ALL OVER. It wasn't patches, it was a rash completely covering my skin - never had anything like it before. I stopped using immediately. Solved it by washing my skin with only water for the next week or so and used hydrocortisone cream mixed in with my Aveeno moisturiser all over the affected area :( So disappointed but obviously some products don't work for everyone. I suggest you take care and patch test if you're considering buying ! :)"

1 / 10
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30 Report
  • Lynn
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 12, 2020

"Found several CeraVe products in a rarely used cabinet and called to inquire about viability. Had the original boxes and stamped codes. The products were Vitamin C and Resurfacing Retinol which contain active ingredients. I was informed they only give out beauty advice and no expiration info. Really???? Active ingredients don’t last forever and never had a company refuse that info. Told me to call corporate and gave me a number which connected to L’Oreal. No answer. Even after several tries. So that is my recent experience with CeraVe which I have used faithfully for many years. No more. And I will spread the word."

5 / 10
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23 Report
  • Nick
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2021

"I have used CeraVe for my diabetics dry skin only once and it was a disaster . The dry skin began to peel off and my leg began to bleed and it was painful.....never again. The tube of Cera Ve has no warning of these conditions and the matter should be reported."

1 / 10
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20 Report
  • Margo
  • February 18, 2020

"Bought CeraVe moisturizing cream at Costco after my dermatologist told me I have very dry skin. I’ve been using it pretty much everywhere including my face. After a week of using daily I woke up with hives showing up everywhere! Didn’t even think the hives were related to the new cream. Had hives again today so I have to admit it is the culprit! Took Benadryl and will have to take another."

2 / 10
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24 Report
  • Mev
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 1, 2022

"I am a 53-year-old with fair skin and I'm starting to notice more dark circles and dry skin and puffiness under my eyes. I did a search online and found good reviews for CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, but after using it for two nights, I noticed a HORRIBLE reaction. It made my under eyes all puffy and red, with elephant-like wrinkles and flaking. Clearly, I was having a bad reaction and stopped use of this product immediately. Days later, I am using a hydrocortisone topical cream and taking an antihistamine I usually start taking around this time of year anyway for seasonal allergies. So far, I'm only noticing a minor improvement. I found it both heartening and disturbing to see so many people have had the same reaction I experienced. I will be reporting this product to the FDA. I can't understand how it is still on the market! Avoid it!"

1 / 10
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14 Report
  • jenna
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 28, 2019

"I used CeraVe for two days and my face looks horrible !! I've never seen my face the way it looks. Theres a rash all over and I'm so insecure now. I feel like everyone keeps looking at me. I don't know what to do"

1 / 10
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26 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 13, 2023

"I have never had a reaction to a body cream or facial cleanser before. However, for 8 months after using CeraVe I have had hives and carry an Epi-Pen for throat closures that I now get. I have seen multiple specialists and had multiple blood and allergy tests and nothing has come up as a reason for the reactions. I have read some of the reviews for CeraVe and I think my symptoms may be related to its use. If you are going to use this medication, be aware of the side effects before using it."

1 / 10
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9 Report
  • Itchy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • April 20, 2019

"I used Cerave Moisurizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin on my face on the 18th of April and by the 19th I had dry itchy red patches all over my face. It is now the 20th and the red rash has calmed somewhat but is still there and its still ITCHY. Taking Benadryl until I can see my doctor. I had heard great things about this cream and am extremely disappointed. Hoping the drug store I bought it at will take it back. I USED IT ONCE!"

1 / 10
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24 Report
  • Marsh...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 26, 2020

"I used CeraVe on my skin and it broke me out with hives my entire body itched like crazy I ended up taking 3 showers to feel better never will I use it again I also had red spots on my body horrible product!"

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Ash
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 12, 2021

"I decided to invest in more expensive skin care products. I don’t have problem skin but I’m turning 40 next year and wanted to level up my skin care regimen. I bought cerave hydrating cleanser and then after 2 weeks I broke out in a rash all over my face. After 2 weeks I’m still suffering and will be seeing a doctor tomorrow. I have zero issues with my skin. I just wanted to maintain my nice skin. I can’t believe I used this product that ruined my skin. I’m itchy all over my face!!"

1 / 10
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11 Report
  • lol
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 5, 2021

"I have used cerave for both my hands and my face. I had no problems applying it on my face, and there was no reaction. however when I put it on my hands (which are currently very irritated) they began to burn..."

3 / 10
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12 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 9, 2021

"Used CeraVe Daily PM moisturiser. Beyond Terrible!!!!!!!!! Its crazy after reading so many negative reviews that this is still recommended as a "low allergen" "non commodegenic" product. A bit of back story- I'm 34 years old, have mildly sensitive skin but never suffer from pimples or pigmentation issues as am very strict with my diet:i.e no sugar, no vegetable oils, no grains, no dairy etc. Have been using this product for 3 weeks and every day my skin is getting worse and worse! My face has become incredibly red on forehead and cheeks and have developed quite severe pimples all over forehead. Absolute disaster of a product"

1 / 10
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9 Report
  • caro
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 11, 2023

"I have sensitive skin and thought I would try CeraVe moisturizing lotion as I had read good things about the brand. It didn't seem to cause any problems initially but I have now developed an itchy, inflamed red rash over my entire face. There is nothing on the packaging to suggest it could be irritating to some people. I will not use it again."

1 / 10
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5 Report
  • Nate
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 7, 2022

"For years I've tried to use Cerave cream because it's reccomemded by dermatologists, but every single time I apply it, it burns and turns my face red. I've tried the moisturising cream, the lotion and the hydrating cleanser too. They all burn and sting horribly, leaving my face red, sore and splotchy. I also end up with more clogged pores and uneven skin texture too. I am surprised at how many other people have noticed these horrible effects, I thought it was only me."

1 / 10
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6 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 14, 2018

"I tried CeraVe at the urging of my mother who felt that it was a good lotion for hydration, however, my personal experience was that it was a bit greasy and did not soak into the skin well and definitely didn't last very long before needing to be reapplied. I bought it and used it once. I only kept the bottle in case my mother comes over and requests it. Otherwise I would have just thrown it away. Deeply disappointed."

2 / 10
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14 Report
  • RMano
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 14, 2020

"I had non-infected, red spots as well as uncolored bumps on my thighs and back of arms I thought might be from clogged pores or hair follicles. I tried CeraVe with salicylic acid, applying after showering. After third application, I awoke with what others described: elephant skin with large raised portions of skin that seemed like water was pooling under the surface, hundreds of red spots that were not there before, and a mild tingling I associate with too much sun. My first thought was to take Benadryl, but the symptoms reduced significantly after my next shower. I chalk the whole experience up to my sensitive skin, plus an obvious reaction to the ingredients in the product."

1 / 10
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10 Report
  • Sally
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 24, 2021

"I have been using CeraVe for almost 3 weeks. I liked it the first few days and then I got some dry patches on my cheeks and forehead. I kept using the moisturizing creme thinking it would help. A few days ago my eyes got puffy and the dry spots worse and today my face felt like it was on fire. I was miserable and made a trip to a First Care Clinic since it is Saturday. I got a steroid shot and am feeling better. She thought it was the CeraVe moisturizer."

1 / 10
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7 Report
  • Bruce
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 21, 2020

"My cheeks became puffy and bright red. Maybe it was the hyaluronic acid. Checked out online ratings, this produce is very low. 1.4/10. Disappointing that CeraVe would put this product on the market. Look for something else to use on my face after shaving and shower to keep face from drying out."

1 / 10
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9 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 1, 2020

"Absolutely horrible. On the second week of using Skin Renewing Retinol Serum around my eye area, my skin began to burn when I applied it. I woke up one morning with huge scaly patches all over my eyes. My under eyes now look and feels like elephant skin! This has been the worst experience I have ever had with a “beauty product”."

1 / 10
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9 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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