Which CeraVe cleanser is best? I tested 4 bestsellers to find out

I put four of CeraVe’s bestselling facial cleansers to the test side by side because I wanted to know which one actually deserved a permanent spot in my routine.

I’ve used CeraVe products for years, but I’ve always found the cleanser lineup a little tricky to navigate. The bottles can look similar, while the formulas are designed to do very different things, from removing excess oil to gently cleansing dry skin or helping with breakouts. Rather than picking one based on the label alone, I decided to use the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Renewing SA Cleanser and Acne Control Cleanser and compare how each felt on my skin.

I paid attention to the things I notice every day: how well each cleanser washed away sunscreen and oil, whether my skin felt tight afterward, how much lather I got, and whether the formula felt comfortable enough to use regularly. I also looked at the ingredients and the specific skin concerns each cleanser is meant to address. That made the differences between the four much easier to spot.

After testing them side by side, I found that there isn’t one CeraVe cleanser that does everything perfectly. My favorite depends on what I want from my routine, and some formulas stood out much more clearly for specific skin types and concerns. Here’s how I’d rank each one.

Best for Most Skin Types: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Amazon

I liked this cleanser most when I wanted a fresh, thoroughly cleansed feeling without reaching for something overly aggressive. The foaming texture makes it especially satisfying for removing excess oil, dirt and everyday buildup. I also liked that my skin felt clean without the stripped feeling I sometimes get from stronger foaming cleansers.

My main drawback is that I wouldn’t choose it over the Hydrating Facial Cleanser on days when my skin feels particularly dry or tight.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Amino Acids, Surfactants

Best Hydrating: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Amazon

This was my pick whenever I wanted cleansing to feel like the gentlest step in my routine. I liked its creamy, non-foaming texture and the fact that my skin felt comfortable rather than squeaky-clean afterward. It makes the most sense for dry or normal-to-dry skin, especially when I don’t want to disrupt that comfortable, hydrated feeling.

I didn’t love it as much when I wanted a more substantial cleanse after a long day or heavier sunscreen application.

Key ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin

Best Gentle Exfoliating: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Amazon

I reached for this one when I wanted cleansing plus a little exfoliating action. Salicylic acid makes it a better fit for skin that feels rough, congested, or prone to clogged pores, and I liked how smooth my skin felt after using it. I also liked that I could work it into my routine without adding a separate exfoliating cleanser.

The downside is that it isn’t the one I’d pick when my skin is feeling dry or sensitive.

Key ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Vitamin D

Best for Breakout-Prone Skin: CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Amazon

This was the cleanser I liked most when breakouts and clogged pores were my main concern. I liked that it contains acne-fighting salicylic acid and is designed specifically for blemish-prone skin, making its purpose very clear. It gave me that deeper-clean feeling I wanted when my skin was congested.

I wouldn’t make it my everyday choice if my skin were already feeling dry, though, since an acne-focused cleanser can feel more drying than CeraVe’s simpler formulas.

Key ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid

How I tested

Victoria McDonnell

To compare the four cleansers fairly, I used the same criteria for each one and paid attention to how they performed in my everyday routine. I focused on the details that made the biggest difference in how much I enjoyed using each formula.

• Cleansing power: I looked at how well each cleanser removed oil, dirt, sunscreen and everyday buildup without leaving my skin feeling stripped.
• Skin feel: I paid attention to how my skin felt immediately after rinsing, especially whether it felt comfortable, tight, dry or hydrated.
• Texture and lather: I compared the formulas based on how they felt while applying them, including how much they foamed and how easy they were to rinse away.
• Skin concerns: I considered what each cleanser was designed to address, from dryness and excess oil to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Everyday usability: I thought about how easily each formula fit into my routine and whether I would genuinely want to use it consistently.

Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.