I’m a beauty writer and I use this pharmacy cleanser from head to toe every day

Anyone who knows me, knows that I rarely shut up about the fact that I have dry, sensitive skin. 

In winter, I had the chance to sample the CeraVe Moisturising Cream and subsequently fell madly in love with the hydrating formula.

So, when I was asked to trial the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser this summer, I naturally jumped at the opportunity.

What’s the deal with the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser?

No doubt you’ve heard countless beauty TikTokers (such as Hyram Yarbro) confess their love (often like a Shakespearean sonnet) for CeraVe.  

And there’s a good reason for that.

You see, CeraVe products are packed with a triple blend of essential ceramides (plus a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid). Ceramides are lipids in your skin which act as ‘cement’ to the ‘bricks’ that are your skin cells, so integrating skincare with ceramides is a great way to help support your skin’s protective barrier.

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is no different in this regard. But what really makes it special is that unlike countless traditional cleansers that I’ve tried, this gentle purifier can be used over and over again without stripping or drying the skin.

If you have dry skin like me, then you know how important it is to have a cleanser in your arsenal that can be used on a daily basis without threatening moisture levels in the skin. 

Because when it comes to hydration, I need all I can get. 

What was my experience like using the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser?

When I first introduced this Internet famous formula into my daily routine, I’d actually just run out of body wash. And after reading the multi-purpose claim on the bottle, I ended up reaching for this stuff in the interim.

When I tell you my skin has never felt so soft in all my life, know that I say that with all sincerity.

The other bonus? My limbs were hydrated post-shower, meaning I could get a little lax with body moisturiser application on especially warm days. Admittedly, my moisturiser-free days weren’t necessary because CeraVe’s Moisturising Lotion takes pride of place on my dresser, but I certainly enjoyed the novelty.

And as a daily face cleanser? Sublime. 

Honestly, I usually wash my face with the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser anyway, so I was pretty sure I was going to get along with the brand’s more hydrating option just fine. 

And boy, was I right.  

Unlike the foamy finish of my usual go-to CeraVe cleanser, the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser effectively toed the line between a moisturiser and a cream cleanser. This meant it washed away dirt, oil and the like with ease, while simultaneously imparting my complexion with a layer of moisture. 

So much so, that it made my hurried dash to my sink-side can of hydrating face mist almost unnecessary. I certainly wasn’t experiencing the level of post-cleanse dryness I usually do after hopping out of the shower. 

My skin felt plump, soft, smooth and moisturised – no doubt a pleasant side effect of the hyaluronic acid and ceramides present in the formula. Usually I would’ve had to slather on multiple serums to experience this kind of post-cleanse hydration.

Now, I could cruise out of the shower in the morning feeling fresh-faced and hydrated. So I guess you could say I’m singing the same tune as all those CeraVe converts over on TikTok...  

Brought to you by CeraVe.

Want to know how other folks rate the budget-friendly cleanser? Read more CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser reviews.