CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin – my honest review on oily skin

I’ve never used a cleanser – previously before bed, I’d splash water over my face to ‘clean’ it, or if I’d worn makeup during the day, I’d use my Face Halo with Body Shop camomile cleansing butter to get rid of all the crap that had built up. I never realised that dirt built up on my face during the day that would take more than water to remove.

Developed with dermatologists, this non-drying face wash for normal to oily skin deeply cleanses, removes excess oil, and refreshes your skin without disrupting the skin barrier. This gel-based facial cleanser is an effective, yet gentle way to cleanse and care for your normal to oily skin.

From cerave.com

I started seeing ads for CeraVe foaming cleanser and decided to do some research. I have sensitive skin on my face – acne-prone, oily T zone, normal and sensitive bits, so I’m always careful what I put on it. I’ve tried lotions including moisturisers for oily skin have completely dried out my skin – or made the oiliness worse.

It’s gel-based and foams when you run it underwater.

What are the ingredients?

It’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores and contains niacinamide that’s great for skin – it calms it down.

When do you use the cleanser?

I tend to use it at night once I’ve washed my face and taken any make-up off. I use it as a last defence to make sure I’ve taken off every last bit of dirt, after removing makeup with The Body Shop camomile butter.

I also use the cleanser in the morning maybe once or twice a week, when I want an extra clean, as well as at night. I prefer to use it when in the shower, as the constant stream of water helps increase the amount of foam – using it in the sink, sometimes I really struggle to get a good foam going if I don’t add enough water at the right time (it’s a bit fiddly but it’s probably just me).

How much is it?

I bought the 236ml size for £9.50 from boots.com. It’s a medium-sized bottle and has lasted me since mid-December 2021 (3.5 months) and there’s plenty left too, even after using it at least once a day.

Buy the larger bottle (473ml) from Amazon for just over £12 here.

Are they an ethical brand?

No – they test on animals as they sell in China where animal testing is required by law. However, on their website, they say they don’t test on animals:

No, CeraVe products are not tested on animals and they are cruelty free. 

This is in their FAQs but unfortunately they do test when required to by law – e.g. in China

Some of their products are vegan, so they don’t include animal products – but it’s not clear from cerave.com which products are and which aren’t vegan.

Would you recommend it?

I will recommend this cleanser as soon as the company becomes a cruelty-free brand.