So, you've decided you want to try one of CeraVe's cult-favorite, best-selling cleansers, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!
Come with us as we compare the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
With both cleansers appearing practically identical on the shelf with their signature blue/green CeraVe branding, we're going to have to dive straight into their formulas to find any differences of note.
First and foremost, it's worth highlighting the fact that the Hydrating Facial Cleanser and the Foaming Facial Cleanser are formulated for completely different skin types.
Though both cleansers boast the same nourishing base of essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, the Foaming Facial Cleanser also contains:
- Niacinamide: a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimise enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface.
Whereas the Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains:
- Vitamin E: a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage as well as stopping skin from losing moisture.
Immediately we can begin to see the contrast, with the Hydrating Facial Cleanser clearly being more suited to drier skin types and the Foaming Facial Cleanser more suited to oilier skin types.
Left: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser texture. Right: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser texture.
This fact is further reinforced when we compare their textures: the Foaming Facial Cleanser is a gel that lathers into a foam, making it ideal for the deep cleansing of pores (making it great for oily skin types). The Hydrating Facial Cleanser on the other hand is a non-foaming cream, thus making it less likely to strip the moisture barrier (making it great for normal-to-dry/sensitive skin types).
Looking for a hydrating cleanser for normal/dry skin?
Try the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Looking for a daily cleanser for oily/combination skin?
Try the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Other points of note include: price, in which they are practically the same per fluid ounce, and both are indeed free from fragrance and nasties.
Pros
Doesn't disrupt barrier
Cons
Limited to dry skin
What makes it special? A cleanser can remove dirt, makeup and other debris, but a hydrating cleanser, like CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, can do all that without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier or stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Created with dermatologists, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a gentle face wash with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that work to restore the skin’s natural barrier to help the skin lock in moisture.
Pros
- Deep cleans pores
Cons
- May over-strip skin
What makes it special? CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser was developed with dermatologists to deeply cleanse, remove excess oil and refresh the skin without over-stripping it or leaving it feeling tight and dry. Featuring three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this gel-based foaming cleanser is an effective yet non-irritating way to cleanse and care for your normal to oily skin.
Calum Torrington is the founder of FEMMENORDIC. He has worked as a beauty editor since 2020 and employs his analytical background in mathematics to thoroughly scrutinize complex INCI lists. Now, he helps over 1 million people per year to find the best beauty products.
