Hydrating Cleanser
cerave Hydrating Cleanser scores 7.5/9.8 overall. It ranks highest in low irritation risk (9.5) and formulation safety (9.0).
✶ Hero ingredients
One of the most effective humectants
Fatty alcohol blend — emollient and emulsifier
PEG-based emulsifier
Score breakdown
Estimated — based on ingredient analysis. Scores refine as user reviews are added.
Scores last verified: July 2026
What makes cerave Hydrating Cleanser stand out
cerave Hydrating Cleanser is a solid cleanser with an overall score of 7.5/9.8. it delivers a well-rounded formulation that balances efficacy with gentleness. The formula leads with Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol — ingredients that support the skin barrier and moisture levels.
It performs well on low irritation risk (9.5).
Is this right for you?
Great for
- ✓Sensitive skin — low irritation risk with a gentle formulation
- ✓Safety-conscious shoppers — clean formulation with minimal flags
- ✓Ingredient-aware buyers — transparent, well-documented formula
Key ingredients
- ✶Glycerin
Draws in moisture — #3 in the INCI list
- ✶Cetearyl Alcohol
Softens and smooths — #4 in the INCI list
- ✶Stearyl Alcohol
Softens and smooths — #6 in the INCI list
- ✶Ceramide Np
Works on your skin — #8 in the INCI list
- ✶Ceramide Ap
Works on your skin — #9 in the INCI list
What creators are saying
TikTokTikTok reviewers love the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for its gentle formula that effectively cleanses while protecting the skin barrier, making it especially great for people with sensitive or easily irritated skin and those prone to breakouts. They particularly appreciate it as a reliable water-based option that thoroughly removes dirt without causing damage. While no significant drawbacks are mentioned, reviewers recommend it across various skin types, from combination skin to those with a compromised moisture barrier.
Based on 4 creator reviewsFull ingredient list
25 ingredients — listed in INCI order (highest concentration first)
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Ingredient breakdown
- Holds the formula together7
- Works on your skin4
- Other ingredient3
- Draws in moisture3
- Softens and smooths3
- Keeps the product fresh3
- Formula balancers2