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Verdict: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream earns its reputation. It’s a simple, fragrance-free cream with three ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and a little petrolatum, which is exactly what a dry, irritated or weakened skin barrier needs. It works on the face and body, it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association, it’s affordable, and it pairs well with retinol. It’s not a treatment: it won’t fade spots or firm skin. Very oily or acne-prone faces may find it heavy, and the tub isn’t the most hygienic packaging.
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The Real Problem
Most people with dry skin don’t need a more expensive moisturizer; they need one that actually repairs the barrier without fragrance or fuss. Many luxury creams add perfume and trendy extracts but skip the basics. CeraVe does the opposite: no extras, just barrier lipids and humectants. The question is whether that’s enough for your skin.
Short Answer
Buy it if: you have dry, normal-to-dry, sensitive, eczema-prone or retinol-irritated skin, or you want one cream for face, hands and body. Skip it if: your face is very oily or breakout-prone (try a lighter lotion), or you want a cream that also targets wrinkles or spots (pair it with a separate treatment).
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The Formula, Explained
From CeraVe’s published ingredient list:
| Ingredient | Role | Why it matters for dry skin |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramide NP, AP, EOP | Barrier lipids | Dry, damaged skin is often low in ceramides; these help refill the barrier |
| Cholesterol, phytosphingosine | Barrier support | Work with ceramides in the skin’s natural lipid mix |
| Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate | Humectants | Pull water into dry, dehydrated skin |
| Petrolatum, dimethicone | Occlusives | Slow water loss so skin stays hydrated |
| MVE delivery technology | Time release | CeraVe says it releases ingredients gradually for long-lasting hydration |
It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic according to the brand, and carries the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three ceramides + cholesterol for barrier repair | Can feel heavy on oily or acne-prone faces |
| Fragrance-free, gentle, NEA-accepted | Tub packaging (dip with clean fingers or a spatula) |
| Face and body, one product | No actives for wrinkles, spots or firmness |
| Excellent retinol “buffer” | Slightly tacky for a minute after applying |
| Very affordable per ounce in the big tub | Not rich enough alone for severely cracked skin |
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Fragrance-free barrier cream for face and body. The pump bottle is available if you prefer it to the tub.
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| Skin | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Dry or very dry (face and body) | Excellent |
| Sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone | Very good (fragrance-free); patch test as always |
| Eczema-prone | Very good (NEA-accepted) |
| Using retinol or tretinoin | Excellent buffer and barrier support |
| Very dry, tight, itchy skin | Excellent, especially after showers |
| Normal skin | Good, especially in winter |
| Oily or acne-prone face | May feel heavy; try CeraVe PM or a gel moisturizer |
How to Use It
On the face
- After cleansing and any serum, apply a nickel-sized amount to slightly damp skin, morning and night.
- In the morning, follow with sunscreen. See our sunscreen guide.
With retinol
- “Sandwich” method: a thin layer of CeraVe, then retinol, then more CeraVe. It reduces dryness and peeling.
- Or apply retinol first and CeraVe on top once it absorbs.
- Retinoids aren’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. New to retinol? Start with our beginner routine.
On the body
- Apply generously within a few minutes of a lukewarm shower, while skin is damp.
- Use extra on shins, elbows and hands.
- For itchy skin, see our guide to the best lotions for itchy, dry skin.
For slugging
Use CeraVe as the moisture layer, then seal with a thin layer of petroleum jelly on non-retinol nights. Details in our slugging for dry skin guide.
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How It Compares
| Cream | Standout | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Moisturizing Cream | 3 ceramides + hyaluronic acid | You want barrier repair for face and body |
| Vanicream Moisturizing Cream | Free of many common irritants | Your skin reacts to almost everything |
| Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream | Simple, rich, gentle | You prefer a slightly lighter feel |
| Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream | Urea + lactic acid + ceramide | Body skin is dry AND rough or flaky |
Comparing brands? See CeraVe vs Cetaphil and our Eucerin Advanced Repair review.
Cream vs Lotion vs PM
- Moisturizing Cream (tub or pump): the richest; best for dry face and body.
- Daily Moisturizing Lotion: lighter; good for normal skin and warmer months.
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: lightweight with niacinamide; better for oily or combination faces.
Is CeraVe Cream Right for You?
- Skin is dry, sensitive or retinol-irritated
- You want fragrance-free
- You’ll apply it to damp skin
- You’re pairing it with SPF (and a treatment, if you are targeting fine lines)
- Oily or acne-prone face? Try the PM lotion instead
- Use clean fingers or a spatula for the tub
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream good for dry, thinning skin?
Yes, especially if your skin is dry or sensitive. Its ceramides, cholesterol and hyaluronic acid support the barrier, which can weaken over time. Pair it with sunscreen and a retinoid to target fine lines.
Can I use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream on my face?
Yes. CeraVe says it’s for face and body. Oily or acne-prone faces may prefer a lighter lotion.
Does CeraVe Moisturizing Cream have fragrance?
No, it’s fragrance-free.
Does it clog pores?
CeraVe describes it as non-comedogenic. Some people with very oily or acne-prone skin still find it heavy on the face.
Is it good to use with retinol?
Yes. It’s one of the most common creams dermatologists suggest for reducing retinol dryness and irritation.
Sources: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream product page and ingredient list; American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists’ tips to relieve dry skin. Formulas can change; check the label.
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