Derms Don’t Go a Day Without Recommending These 8 CeraVe Products (And Not One Is Over $20)

As far as drugstore skin care brands goes, CeraVe might as well be considered the gold standard. After all, its products are affordable, effective and most importantly, derm-approved. No matter if you have acne-pone skin or eczema, its line offers something to help with every skin concern. And while it has been making the rounds on TikTok last year, CeraVe has been a staple in beauty cabinets for a while.

The brand first launched in 2005 and has been racking up praise from beauty lovers ever since. But the main reason for its household status and continuous praise from derms to this day has to do with its formulation of three “skin-identical” ceramides in every product. FYI, ceramides are lipids that are naturally found on the surface layer of the skin. They help lock in moisture and prevent germs and irritants from getting inside. But when these ceramides decrease, our skin barrier gets compromised and isn’t as effective at keeping in moisture. Thus, the addition of cermides is key for healthy looking skin. Enter CeraVe.

So, which ones are worth adding to your own skin-care arsenal? To find out, we asked board-certified dermatologists  Dustin Portela, DO and Nava Greenfield, MD, to share their favorite picks. And the best part? Not a single one of them will cost you more than $20. Keep reading to see what beauty buys derms want you to add to your beauty routine.

Best CeraVe products, according to a derm

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — $17.00

Originally $19, now $17

Dr. Portela recommends this CeraVe product more than any other, and he’s not the only one—derms love the stuff, and for good reason. “The ceramides help to repair dry cracked skin, and it is gentle enough to be used on babies,” he says. “For barrier repair, it is good for so many skin conditions, and can even safely be used on the face.” The moisturizer is oil-free and ultra-hydrating, making it a big-time win for anyone with dry skin.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser — $14.00

No matter what kind of complexion you’re working with, this cleanser will leave it feeling nourished and clean. “It’s an excellent wash that works for dry skin, but does great on oily skin too,” says Dr. Portela. “It is perfect for patients with acne, or those who want a great cleanser in their skincare routine.”

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion — $13.00

Originally $14, now $13

Don’t let the “p.m.” moniker fool you—this moisturizer can be used at all hours of the day and on any skin type. “I love the consistency of this lightweight moisturizer,” says Dr. Portela. “The niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are perfect for acne or rosacea-prone skin.” Whatever you’ve got going on with your skin, this moisturizer is always going to be a solid, surefire pick that will leave your complexion hydrated and happy.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion With Sunscreen — $13.00

Originally $19, now $13

This wouldn’t be a “derm’s faves” list without an SPF, would it? “This is the perfect morning sunscreen,” says Dr. Portela, adding this is all-around one of the best CeraVe products you can buy. “It is lightweight and provides the 30 SPF coverage that I recommend to my patients.” It’s a chemical SPF, which means it’s great for layering on under your makeup to ensure you’re protected every time you step outside.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser — $12.00

Originally $15, now $12

Unlike many of the other acne washes on the market, Dr. Portela loves Cerave’s take on the category because it’s gentle and non-drying. “It’s the perfect complement to a prescription regimen for patients in my clinic, but even without the use of added prescriptions this wash can help reduce the appearance of acne,” he says. It’s got benzoyl peroxide to help clear away pimples, plus niacinamide that will leave your skin barrier hydrated and strong.

CeraVe SA Cleanser — $10.00

Originally $19, now $10

If you’re looking for a hydrating, non-foaming cleanser to help unclog your pores, this is a safe bet. “I love this product because it is a highly moisturizing cleanser,” says board-certified dermatologist Nava  Greenfield, MD. “This past winter had been really rough and so many of my patients’ skin became very dry, even if they never suffered from dry sin. I recommended swapping out their products for ones that included more hydration and this was one product I recommended for this exact reason.” As a bonus, the formula contains salicylic acid to help slough away dead skin cells, which can often lead to blemishes and dull-looking skin.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum — $15.00

Originally $17, now $15

Looking to start using retinol? This is exactly what the doctor ordered, literally. While retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that can target a lot of skin-care concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and uneven skin tone, it can be drying and harsh on sensitive skin. That said, Dr. Greenfield recommends this serum as a way to ease retinol into your beauty routine without much risk.  “This is a basic retinol if you are only starting to introduce yourself to the retinol family of products this may be a good product to familiarize yourself with because it is gentle, light, and less likely to cause irritation than a retinoid,” Greenfield explains.

CeraVe Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream — $9.00

Originally $10, now $9

For redness and itchy skin, hydrocortisone can help offer your skin some relief. It’s a steroid that works by calming the body’s response to inflammation, which in turn helps to reduce swelling and itchiness. This formulation contains one percent of the derm-approved steroid, plus hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and calm your skin. Specifically, this treatment can be used to help ease the itchiness from eczema or minor rashes and bites. “If you have a bug bite that is causing minor itch symptoms, this can be a good product to apply twice daily for up to two weeks,” Greenfield says.

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