Best Cerave Cleanser for Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin

I know a lot of us learned about CeraVe because of Tiktok. And just like you, I got really curious because of the hype and I am not that happy with my previous skincare routine anymore. So yep, I gave in and changed almost my whole skincare routine.

After a few research and watching more Tiktok derma stuff, I have decided to get the CeraVe Renewing SA (Salicylic Acid) Cleanser since it is recommended for acne-prone and sensitive skin by dermatologists. I was able to buy one from an online seller on Instagram. CeraVe is an American brand and I don't think they are officially selling it here in the Philippines. The only way you can get one is from online sellers which is pretty expensive because of the extra charges just to ship it here.

I also bought a few other stuff but let's start with this one. I'll make individual reviews for the new products that I bought. Will be posting more reviews soon!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Exfoliation is key for healthy, smooth skin. We recommend a salicylic acid cleanser as a gentle way to exfoliate. In addition to effectively cleansing the skin to remove oil, dirt, and makeup, this multi-tasking product also helps sweep away dead cells, improves dryness, and softens rough skin. A salicylic acid cleanser enhanced with barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides such as CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser can yield even better benefits by helping keep moisture in the skin while keeping irritants out.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser provides gentle, non-irritating exfoliation without harsh microbeads or grains that can scratch or injure the skin. Suitable for the face and body as well as acne-prone and psoriasis-prone skin, this salicylic acid cleanser does more than just exfoliate skin—it softens and helps restore the skin’s natural barrier with three essential ceramides, hydrates with hyaluronic acid, and soothes the skin with niacinamide. This formula is also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and enriched with vitamin D for extra antioxidant protection. (from cerave.com)

Key Points

• Ceramides: Essential for healthy skin, ceramides help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
• Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient attracts hydration to the skin’s surface and helps the skin retain moisture
• Niacinamide: Helps repair a compromised skin barrier while improving the appearance of the skin
• Non-comedogenic, non-irritating and fragrance-free
• Developed with dermatologists

INGREDIENTS

Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium, Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Zea Mays Oil/Corn Oil, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholecalciferol, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Tetrasodium Edta, Hydrolyzed, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin

HOW TO USE

• Wet skin with lukewarm water
• Massage cleanser into the skin in a gentle, circular motion
• Rinse
• Use it twice a day for best results

TEXTURE

The product is clear like water but the consistency is a bit viscous but not gel type. A little goes a long way. I've been using this for almost a month now (twice a day) and so far I already consumed 1/4 of it. Maybe this can last long up to 3-4 months. 

It is not heavy on the skin when used since it is not foamy. It is also easy to rinse and doesn't leave my skin dry after use. 

PACKAGING

Like most CeraVe products, their packaging is very simple and straightforward. I like the packaging of this. Since the product is transparent, it goes well on the matte plastic rectangular bottle with a pump. You can see clearly what's inside. The tube has blue, light blue, white, and gray details/labels. This ain't a travel-friendly size though. I am not sure if they have a smaller version of this. 

THE SKINCARE JOURNEY

I had two reasons why I decided to change almost my whole skincare routine. First, I feel like my skin is drying than usual. Second, my aloe vera gel is expiring and I learned that it has alcohol (Again, thanks to Tiktok. Lol). I don't really like to use products with alcohol because of my sensitive skin. My initial plan was just to get a new moisturizer. But as I research more, I got curious about CeraVe. 

My order arrived last July 12, 2020, and I started using the CeraVe Renewing Cleanser and CeraVe PM Moisturizing Lotion at that very night. My skin had a fast reaction after using the cleanser which is very unusual as I haven't experienced this one. I admit I got kinda scared. I was able to try the Cosrx Salicylic Acid Cleanser before but my skin didn't react using that. So after washing my face with the cleanser, I felt a tingling sensation especially on my cheeks and my skin turned red especially on my T-zone. 

On the second use, the tingling sensation was gone but my skin still turns a little bit red. And after a few more wash, my T-zone especially my nose got red and tiny pimples started to come out. I feel like my nose is the most problematic part of my face since I have blackheads/whiteheads all over. It is also my first time trying products with ceramides and other substances that's why my skin is reacting this way. So I still proceed and used it twice a day. 

The tiny pimples sometimes have pus and it pops but they didn't leave pimple marks which made me amazed because how in the world did that happen. And since they don't last long, I think it is just a part of my skin adjusting to the product. I also got a pimple from time to time but it easily heals.

After a week of using it and after my skin adjusted, I noticed that my skin is glowing and I don't feel the dryness anymore. My nose area looks a little lighter compared to the usual. I started using The Ordinary Niacinamide a week after. I feel like it is the one causing me pimples right now and I am now having thoughts to stop using it. My experience was smooth in the first week when I only used the CeraVe products that I bought. 

It's been almost a month since I first started using this product. I still get pimples from time to time (probably because of the TO Niacinamide or because of my hormonal imbalance or maybe both) but this product helps to easily heal the acne and leave only a few marks, apparently because of the Salicylic Acid.

REVIEW

Now, I think I get it why dermatologists recommend products with ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and many more. They really help a lot for the skin to get better without causing other damages. However, these ingredients can help you or break you so I really advise that you do your research first before you buy and use anything. Know your skin type, know the ingredients, and know what your skin needs. The reaction or outcome varies depending on your skin type.

I don't have regrets trying this one out even though it is pricey here in the Philippines. It is life-changing. I bought mine for 1,299 pesos. Prices vary in the US but it is not more than 20 USD. I think it is worth it especially if you have acne-prone/sensitive skin like me. There are a lot of good ingredients on this product which helps in treating acne and I also think that it contributes to the glow of my skin now. It also doesn't make my skin dry after use. I experienced a purging stage but my skin was able to adjust in just a week.

If you have acne-prone/sensitive skin and you have an extra budget for skincare, I highly recommend this one. If you have normal skin, you can try the Hydrating Facial Cleanser. For combination and oily skin, you can try the Foaming Facial Cleanser. 

I am not sure if you can use Vitamin C while using this product though. A lot of dermatologists don't recommend to use Vitamin C and Niacinamide at the same time. And this has Niacinamide, right? 

Have you tried CeraVe products? Did it work for you too? I'm interested to know your experience!