Oily skin is a tricky skin type to deal with, and finding products that deliver results without making your skin even oilier is a challenge. Fortunately, CeraVe has a few products that were formulated with this skin type in mind.
If you’re looking to build a skincare routine for your skin type, here are the best CeraVe products for oily skin.
The Best CeraVe Products for Oily Skin
Best Overall Cleanser
Best CeraVe Cleanser for Oily Skin
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
This foaming cleanser is gentle and non-irritating on the skin. However, it still effectively removes dirt, debris, and excess oil without stripping the skin.
This cleanser is one of the best CeraVe products for oily skin, because it cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Maintaining moisture is vital, because products that dry out the skin can actually trigger it to produce more oil[1]. This cleanser protects the skin, but still cleanses away excess oil, dirt, and debris.
Pros
- Gentle on the skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- If you’re acne-prone, this cleanser doesn’t contain any active acne-fighting ingredients
This daily foaming gel cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and three essential ceramides. These ingredients help ensure the cleanser doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. They also help calm and soothe the skin.
Best Exfoliating Cleanser
Best CeraVe Exfoliating Cleanser for Oily Skin
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
This cleanser contains salicylic acid, a skincare ingredient that effectively exfoliates away dead skin cells[2]. It also contains restoring and hydrating ingredients for a smooth and soft complexion.
Exfoliation is an important part of any skincare routine. This is because it limits breakouts and reveals smoother skin. This cleanser provides gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid, which is a chemical exfoliator. While it does exfoliate and cleanse, it is still gentle on the skin. It’s a great product to alternate with the Foaming Facial Cleanser.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Allergy tested
- Enriched with vitamin D (an antioxidant)
Cons
- May be irritating for more sensitive skin types
If you’re prone to acne, this cleanser is a great choice, because salicylic acid works to minimize breakouts. In addition to the salicylic acid, this cleanser also contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These ingredients restore and soften the skin while protecting its natural barrier.
Best Moisturizer
Best CeraVe Moisturizer for Oily Skin
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
The non-comedogenic PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains a blend of powerful active ingredients that hydrate, calm, and soothe the skin. It is one of the best CeraVe products for oily skin, because it's lightweight but moisturizing.
Many with oily skin worry about using a moisturizer, because they’re concerned it will make their skin even oilier. However, it’s crucial that you regularly moisturize, since dehydrated skin can trigger an increase in oil production. Since this lotion is lightweight and oil-free, it is a great option for those with oily skin.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be moisturizing enough for cold or dry weather
This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which lock in moisture. It also contains niacinamide, which calms the skin. This moisturizer is marketed for nighttime use, but it is lightweight and can easily be used in the morning, as well. If you choose to wear this in the morning, be sure to also apply a sunscreen.
Best Moisturizer with SPF
Best CeraVe Moisturizer with SPF for Oily Skin
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
This mattifying and oil-free moisturizer hydrates the skin while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays. It also contains ingredients that restore and hydrate the skin.
SPF is vital, but many people with oily skin avoid sunscreen. This is because they’re worried it will make their skin oilier. This is one of the best CeraVe products for oily skin, because it was created with those concerns in mind. It is lightweight and leaves a matte finish.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Cons
- Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate more sensitive skin types[3]
Along with the SPF, this daily lotion also contains hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides. These ingredients help hydrate and restore the skin, but don’t leave behind a greasy feeling.
Best Hydrating Serum
Best CeraVe Hydrating Serum for Oily Skin
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
This hydrating serum contains hyaluronic acid, which is an effective skincare ingredient that delivers intense hydration to the skin. It also contains ingredients that soothe and protect the skin’s barrier.
As mentioned, dehydrated skin can produce more oil, which means it is important to keep your oily skin hydrated. This serum delivers extra moisturization, but sinks in quickly so that there is no greasy feeling.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the serum sometimes pills on the skin
Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture to the skin, which makes it an excellent ingredient for maintaining hydrated skin. This serum also contains three essential ceramides, which further hydrate, and vitamin B5, which soothes.
FAQs
What CeraVe products are best for acne-prone oily skin?
All of the products on this list are suitable for oily skin that is also prone to acne, because they don't contain ingredients known to clog pores. The Renewing SA Cleanser is a particularly great face wash for acne-prone skin, because it contains salicylic acid, which helps unclog pores.
Which CeraVe moisturizer is best for acne?
If you are prone to breakouts, the Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 and the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion are both excellent options. These moisturizers are both oil-free and non-comedogenic, so they are unlikely to contribute to breakouts.
Is salicylic acid good for oily skin?
Yes, salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid) is great for oily skin. This BHA is oil-soluble and works deep in the pores to unclog excess sebum and debris.
The Bottom Line
CeraVe is an excellent skincare brand because there are a variety of products that serve all different skin types. If you’re looking for effective products that fit your skin’s needs, the options above are the best CeraVe products for oily skin.
It is important to note that these are great products, but everyone’s skin is different. For the best results, add only one new product to your routine at a time. From there, you can then determine whether each product is the right fit for you.
Sources
[1]How to control oily skin. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
[2] Decker, A., & Graber, E. (2012, May). Over-the-counter Acne Treatments: A Review. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/
[3] Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. (2017, July 20). from https://www.pihhealth.org/wellness/blog/sunscreen-for-sensitive-skin/