While polling dermatologists for a fragrance-free skin-care story, this blue and white tub of rich white cream, aka CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, received so much praise, it needed its own separate story. What I learned from the esteemed group of doctors is that if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop moisturizer that is suitable for both the face and body, doesn’t have a potentially irritating fragrance and actually leaves skin hydrated for hours after you slather it on, this $15 cult-classic is your winner.
The secret sauce lies in the key ingredient, ceramides, which not only hydrate the skin, but also help restore its natural barrier, which can be damaged by external aggressors, exfoliants, and the like. The formula also contains super buzzy hydrator hyaluronic acid, and when combined with the ceramides, it makes the cream the ultimate remedy for dry skin—something many of us are beginning to experience now as we head into winter months.
Here’s what eight dermatologists have to say about this drugstore wonder-worker:
“CeraVe is my go-to skin-care line for all skin types, even for the most sensitive. CeraVe contains ceramides for hydration and is free of irritating ingredients. I especially love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for any part of the body, even under the eyes.”
—Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda C. Honet, MD
“I love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and it’s a great fragrance-free moisturizer for both face and body. It’s also oil-free and noncomedogenic, so it’s an excellent moisturizer for my acne-prone patients, as well as those who suffer from eczema.”
—Flushing, NY dermatologist Dr. Winifred Chu
“CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser followed by CeraVe Moisturizing Cream keeps your skin barrier in optimum health, as it’s not stripping of your natural oils and repairs the skin with ceramides.”
—Newport Beach, CA dermatologist Robin Lewallen, MD
“CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. As someone who has both acne and eczema, these are favorites of mine, as they are also noncomedogenic.”
—New York dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD
“CeraVe for the win. Gentle, fragrance-free and super affordable.”
—Fort Lauderdale, FL dermatologist Dr. Matthew Elias
“CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is an amazing choice, not just because it is fragrance-free, but because it also contains ceramides, which are an essential protein for maintaining healthy skin.”
—Boston dermatologist Dennis Porto, MD
“Cerave Cream in a tub…I use it everywhere and anytime it’s needed.”
—Columbus, OH dermatologist George Skandamis, MD
“My favorite is the CeraVe cream that comes in the tub. Thicker emollients are better for dry sensitive skin over lotions.”
—Wilmington, NC dermtologist Kendall Egan, MD