CeraVe

Generic name: topical emollients [ TOP-i-kal-ee-MOL-i-ents ]
Brand names: CeraVe, CeraVe Face Wash, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, CeraVe Face Moisturizer, ... show all 8 brands CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash
Dosage form: cream, lotion, gel
Drug class: Topical emollients

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 19, 2024.

What is CeraVe?

CeraVe is a range of skincare products, including CeraVe face wash products (CeraVe cleansers), CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, CeraVe Face Moisturizer, gels, eye cream and foams which have been developed for a range of skin types and skin concerns. CeraVe products contain three ceramides, the same as the ceramides in the skin; this helps the skin’s natural barrier to keep moisture in and prevent irritation by helping maintain the skin’s protective barrier.

CeraVe products contain a range of active ingredients depending on the skin concern and skin type.

CeraVe was developed with dermatologists. Not Michael Cera. He's not a dermatologist.

CeraVe Products

CeraVe Moisturizers

CeraVe Moisturising Cream is used to help hydrate normal to dry skin; it is a a rich yet non-greasy cream texture. CeraVe Moisturising Cream contains three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone, which help maintain the skin’s moisture levels and improve the softness and skin texture.

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing lotion is suitable for normal to oily skin; it is a lighter-weight moisturizer that is oil-free and contains three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and dimethicone. 

CeraVe Face Wash products

CeraVe cleansers are gentle cleansers that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid and may include other active ingredients to help restore your skin's protective barrier without the skin feeling stripped. Other CeraVe cleansing products may contain niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, which help manage clogged pores, excess oil, or uneven texture.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is designed for normal to dry skin and contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and 3 ceramides to help lock in moisture and help the skin's protective barrier. 

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is used for normal to oily skin to help cleanse and remove oil without disrupting the the skin barrier. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, ceramide and niacinamide to help calm your lock in moisture and maintain the skin's protective barrier. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is a gel that forms a light, airy foam to gently clean the skin, leaving the skin soft and clean.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash is a face and body acne treatment wash made for acne-prone skin to help with active acne breakouts. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash contains benzoyl peroxide 10% to help clear, treat, and helps to prevent acne pimples and blackheads on the face and body without causing dryness. The Acne Foaming Cream wash also contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and three ceramides, so it effectively cleanses without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier.

CeraVe has many other skin care products in its range.

Related/similar drugs

ammonium lactate topical, urea topical, dimethicone topical, AmLactin

CeraVe side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using the product and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where the product was applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your product label and instructions. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using this medicine

You should not use a CeraVe product if you are allergic to any ingredients in it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use a product if you have:

• deep wounds or open sores;
• swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, or bleeding;
• large areas of skin irritation;
• any type of allergy; or
• if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use these products?

Use exactly as directed on the label. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

CeraVe cleansers

Cleansers are available in a number of forms, including cream cleansers, cream-to-foam cleansers, foam cleansers, hydrating micellar water, cleansing bars, eye makeup removers, and makeup-removing cleanser balm. Read and follow the instructions on the label.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser instructions. Wet your face and massage the foaming facial cleanser onto your skin in gentle, circular motions, then rinse. Your skin will be left feeling clean and refreshed.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleaners instructions. Apply this cleanser using gentle, circular motions before rinsing and patting dry with a clean towel.

CeraVe moisturizers

CeraVe Moisturizing creams and lotions instructions. These can be applied as a face cream twice daily (morning and night) or as needed when your skin is feeling dry. For your body, apply liberally as often as needed. 

Store as directed away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle, tube, or other container tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this product is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Seek medical advice if your condition does not improve after using a topical emollient.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking topical emollients?

Avoid getting topical emollients in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Some topical emollients can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight or UV rays.

What other drugs will affect topical emollients?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied emollients. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Company

CeraVe 

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer