CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

A non-foaming, lotion-based cleanser formulated with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to gently cleanse without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula represents a gold standard for gentle, hydrating cleansing, specifically designed for normal to dry skin types. It distinguishes itself with a skin-identical lipid complex containing Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP, alongside Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, which work synergistically to repair and maintain the skin barrier. The base of Glycerin and Fatty Alcohols (Cetearyl, Stearyl, Cetyl) creates a non-stripping, creamy texture that cleanses without disrupting the acid mantle. The addition of Sodium Hyaluronate ensures moisture retention. While it is exceptional for daily gentle cleansing, it may struggle with heavy waterproof makeup or excessive oil due to the lack of harsh surfactants.

Safety Rating: 4.7

The safety profile is excellent, making it suitable for sensitive and reactive skin. It is fragrance-free, eliminating a primary cause of contact dermatitis. The formulation avoids harsh sulfates (like SLS/SLES), utilizing mild emulsifiers like PEG-40 Stearate and Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate instead. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin) is robust yet generally well-tolerated. While Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a gentle surfactant, the overall ingredient list is low-risk and non-comedogenic.

Final Rating: 4.6

This cleanser is a highly effective, dermatologist-favored product that excels in balancing cleansing efficacy with barrier protection. The inclusion of high-quality actives like Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid in a wash-off product adds significant value. It delivers on its promise to hydrate and cleanse without irritation, making it a staple recommendation for maintaining healthy skin physiology.

Verdict

This formulation is widely considered a benchmark for gentle, barrier-supporting cleansing. Unlike traditional soaps or high-foaming washes that rely on harsh sulfates, this product uses a sophisticated blend of fatty alcohols and mild surfactants to clean the skin. The texture is that of a lightweight cream, driven by ingredients like Cetearyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol. While these are technically alcohols, they are emollients that condition and soften the skin rather than drying it out, ensuring the face feels hydrated immediately after rinsing.

The ingredient list is impressive for its focus on skin-identical lipids. The inclusion of Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP, alongside Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, mimics the natural structure of the skin barrier. This is critical for repairing the stratum corneum and retaining moisture, making the product a holy grail for those with compromised or sensitized skin. Furthermore, Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin act as potent humectants, drawing water into the skin to prevent the tight feeling often associated with facial washing.

Because it utilizes very mild emulsifiers like PEG-40 Stearate and Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, the cleansing action is non-stripping. However, this creates a trade-off regarding efficacy against heavy debris. This cleanser is not designed to dissolve waterproof makeup or heavy silicone-based sunscreens on its own. It functions best as a morning cleanser or as the second step in a double-cleansing routine after an oil balm.

The formula is also notable for what it lacks: it is fragrance-free and free from drying alcohols. The preservation system, utilizing Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, is modern and generally well-tolerated. Overall, this is an excellent, no-nonsense product for maintaining skin health, specifically designed to comfort the skin rather than aggressively purify it.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvents / 溶剂

🧪 Aqua / Water / Eau / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the product, dissolving other ingredients.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin Barrier Repair / 保湿与皮肤屏障修复

🧪 Glycerin / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin; very common and safe.

🧪 Ceramide NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential for a healthy skin barrier.

🧪 Ceramide AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps retain moisture and fortify the barrier.

🧪 Ceramide EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides.

🧪 Sodium Hyaluronate / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: The salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds massive amounts of water.

🧪 Cholesterol / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient / Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the skin barrier structure alongside ceramides.

🧪 Phytosphingosine / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: A lipid that supports the barrier and has antimicrobial properties.

📁 Emollients & Thickeners / 润肤剂与增稠剂

🧪 Cetearyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and thickens the formula; non-drying.

🧪 Stearyl Alcohol / 硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol that gives the product body.

🧪 Cetyl Alcohol / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil.

🧪 Glyceryl Stearate / 甘油硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient / Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps skin feel soft and smooth.

🧪 Carbomer / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates a gel-like texture and stabilizes the emulsion.

🧪 Xanthan Gum / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.

📁 Surfactants & Emulsifiers / 表面活性剂与乳化剂

🧪 Peg-40 Stearate / PEG-40 硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emulsifier / Surfactant

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient

Notes: Helps mix oil and water; generally safe but some prefer to avoid PEGs.

🧪 Behentrimonium Methosulfate / 山嵛基三甲基硫酸甲酯铵

Purpose: Surfactant / Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A very mild cationic surfactant that cleanses without stripping; common in conditioners.

🧪 Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps delivery of ceramides into the skin.

🧪 Polysorbate 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier / Solubilizer

Concerns: Ethoxylated ingredient

Notes: Helps dissolve ingredients into the water base.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 Phenoxyethanol / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Potential irritant for very sensitive skin

Notes: One of the most common preservatives used to prevent bacterial growth.

🧪 Disodium EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelator

Concerns: None

Notes: Binds to metal ions to keep the formula stable.

🧪 Potassium Phosphate / 磷酸钾

Purpose: pH Adjuster / Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains the pH balance of the product.

🧪 Dipotassium Phosphate / 磷酸氢二钾

Purpose: pH Adjuster / Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Buffers the acidity/alkalinity.

🧪 Tocopherol / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Vitamin E; preserves the product fats and benefits skin.

🧪 Ethylhexylglycerin / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with Phenoxyethanol to boost efficacy.