If you have dry skin, you know how important it is to find products that keep your skin hydrated. Luckily, drugstore brand CeraVe has a range of products specifically made to give dry skin the moisture it needs.
Below, we’ve listed the absolute best CeraVe products for dry skin's unique needs.
The Best CeraVe Products for Dry Skin
Best Cleanser
Best CeraVe Cleanser for Dry Skin
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This cleanser is gentle on the skin, but still cleanses away dirt, debris, and oil. It both cleans and hydrates, and doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture or disrupt the protective barrier.
It’s incredibly important that people with dry skin use a cleanser that strikes a balance between effectively cleansing and not stripping the skin. This is one of the best CeraVe products for dry skin, because it’s hydrating and gentle, but still actually cleanses. Since it's important to cleanse your face daily, this product makes it easy to do so without disrupting the skin’s barrier.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Fragrance-free
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Cons
- May not be be effective enough for acne-prone skin
This hydrating cleanser features glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which hydrate and lock in moisture. It also contains three essential ceramides, which restore the skin’s barrier[1].
Best Lotion
Best CeraVe Lotion for Dry Skin
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
This daily lotion is packed with ingredients that hydrate, restore, and protect dry skin. It’s a great multi-purpose product, as it can be used both on the face and body.
This daily lotion is one of the best CeraVe products for dry skin, because it restores the skin’s barrier and hydrates. It provides 24-hour hydration, which makes it an excellent choice for both the face and body.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Cons
- No SPF for daytime use
The Daily Moisturizing Lotion contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These key ingredients hydrate and soothe while restoring the skin’s natural barrier. It is also lightweight, so it won’t feel greasy on the skin.
Best Cream
Best CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Face and Body
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
This rich cream (which is often called “CeraVe in the tub”) is a cult favorite for both the face and body. It is thick and moisturizing, but doesn’t leave behind an overly greasy film.
This cream is incredibly moisturizing, making it one of the best CeraVe products for dry skin. It’s also an excellent multi-purpose product to have on hand, since it can be used on both the face and the body.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Some people with acne-prone skin have noted that this product makes them break out.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides 3, 6-II, and 1, and glycerin. These ingredients hydrate and replenish, and also restore the skin’s barrier.
Best for Extremely Dry
Best CeraVe Moisturizer for Extremely Dry and Cracked Skin
CeraVe Healing Ointment
The Healing Ointment helps hydrate and soothe areas that are cracked, chafed, and extremely dry. It is an excellent spot treatment for parched areas all over the body.
This is one of the best CeraVe products for restoring and protecting areas of the skin that need intense hydration. For dry skin types, it is a staple year-round. It may also provide relief for skin dried out by winter weather.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Lanolin-free
Cons
- Should be used with caution in acne-prone areas, because it may cause breakouts
- Greasy
This ointment contains petrolatum, which provides a physical barrier to protect the skin and prevent moisture from escaping[2]. It also contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to restore and hydrate.
Best Hydrating Serum
Best CeraVe Serum for Dry Skin
CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil
This gentle serum gives dry skin the extra hydrating boost it needs to reveal radiant, moisturized skin. It is formulated with ingredients that restore the skin’s barrier while also intensely hydrating.
Dry skin types often need an extra hydration boost, and this serum delivers. It is gentle enough for daily use, which also makes it an excellent addition to a dry skin type routine.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers have complained that the pump malfunctions
While many CeraVe products contain three essential ceramides, this serum contains five. These ceramides help restore the skin’s barrier, while also locking in hydration. This serum also contains sunflower oil, a non-comedogenic oil that moisturizes the skin. Sunflower oil is also anti-inflammatory, and is able to repair the skin's barrier[3].
The Bottom Line
Dry skin isn’t the easiest skin type to deal with, because it requires careful care and consistent hydration. However, CeraVe has a range of incredible products that will keep your skin hydrated, supple, and healthy. If you have dry skin, consider adding some (or all) of these products into your skincare routine for a healthy complexion.
Sources
[1] Spada, F., Barnes, T., & Greive, K. (2018, October 15). Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6197824/
[2] What is Petrolatum? (n.d.). from https://www.cerave.com/ingredients-in-cerave/petrolatum
[3] Lin, T., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. (2017, December 27). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
