CeraVe SA Smoothing vs. Renewing vs. Foaming vs. Hydrating Cleansers: Differences and Reviews 2025

• About CeraVe

You'd be hard-pressed to consult a dermatologist for 20 minutes without them bringing up CeraVe, a dermatologist-developed brand founded in 2005 that focuses on a simple routine that strengthens the skin's barrier. The reputation of CeraVe products is based on its formulas, which combine three ceramides (1, 3 and 6II) required for optimal skin hydration. People with skin problems often have insufficient ceramide levels. Thanks to their patented MVE  technology, which ensures the controlled release of active ingredients, CeraVe products restore the skin barrier and provide optimal hydration all day long. 

CeraVe currently offers over 70 products delivering skincare products for all, developed with the expertise of dermatologists. As the affordable, accessible, dermatologist-recommended solution to hydrate, restore, and replenish skin, CeraVe has won more seals of approval from the Nation Eczema Association than any other brand.

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• The Difference & Reviews

| CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

($13.40/236ml at Amazon)

What Does It Do? 

This cleanser helps to alleviate rough and bumpy skin texture, leaving skin feeling smoother. The Salicyclic Acid in the formula gently exfoliates the skin, without compromising the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, this daily foaming cleanser helps protect the skin's natural barrier with three essential ceramides and hydrates the skin with Hyaluronic Acid.

Key Ingredients:

- Salicylic Acid: Oil-soluble exfoliant that helps clear blocked pores and refines texture.

- Essential Ceramides (1,3 &6-II): help restore the skin's natural protective barrier that can become depleted with age, helping to retain moisture and prevent irritants or external aggressors from damaging the skin.

- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that retains moisture to hydrate the skin.

- Niacinamide: Helps calm the skin.

Right for: Suitable for rough and bumpy skin. Also suitable for skin prone to Keratosis Piliaris.

Review: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is a clear gel cleanser. It is quite runny and foams nicely. It works well at minimizing skin congestion without irritating or drying out the sensitive skin.

Just because it is a mild cleanser doesn't mean you should use it every day. It is also an exfoliant that can potentially irritate your skin if it is used too frequently. Between 2 – 3 times a week is appropriate depending on how often you break out.

| CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

($14.99/237ml, up to 2% cashback at CVS)

What Does It Do? 

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser provides gentle, non-irritating exfoliation without harsh microbeads that can scratch your skin. Suitable for use on your face and body as well as acne-prone skin, this salicylic acid cleanser not only exfoliates the skin, but with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it also helps soften and smooth the skin without disrupting its protective barrier. This formula is also non-comedogenic, fragrance-free and enriched with antioxidant vitamin D.

Key Ingredients:

- Salicylic Acid: Oil-soluble exfoliant that helps clear blocked pores and refines texture.

- Essential Ceramides (1,3 &6-II): help restore the skin's natural protective barrier that can become depleted with age, helping to retain moisture and prevent irritants or external aggressors from damaging the skin.

- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that retains moisture to hydrate the skin.

- Niacinamide: Helps calm the skin.

Right for: Suitable for acne prone, oily skin and even those with psoriasis.

Review:  CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser has a lightweight gel-like texture that spreads easily and lathers into a light foam. Thankfully, it doesn't have any harsh microbeads so it won't damage your skin barrier.

CeraVe SA Renewing Cleanser also includes sodium hydroxide. If your skin does not get along with sodium hydroxide, this SA Renewing Cleanser may not be right for you.

It also might be a good option for anyone who has some minor acne but finds normal salicylic acid-based acne face washes to be too harsh and drying.

SA Smoothing vs. Renewing SA:

Based on the ingredient list, they are pretty much the same product. The only difference is some filler ingredients which are not identical. Other than that, they are the same product with different labels because they are sold in different markets. The former is sold in the UK/Europe while the latter is in the US.

If you want to have an even skin texture, the SA Renewing Cleanser is excellent. It's also useful for scar repair. If you've ever suffered acne scars, this is a perfect option. If your skin is delicate and easily irritated, SA Smoothing Cleanser may be better.

| CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

($12.37/237ml, up to 4% cashback at Walmart)

What Does It Do? 

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser features ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, and is formulated to help to maintain your skin's protective barrier, lock in moisture, and calm your skin. 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.

Key Ingredients:

- Essential Ceramides (1,3 &6-II): help restore the skin's natural protective barrier that can become depleted with age, helping to retain moisture and prevent irritants or external aggressors from damaging the skin.

- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that retains moisture to hydrate the skin.

- Niacinamide: Helps calm the skin.

Right for: Suitable for normal to oily skin.

Review: This has a gel texture that is not too thick or watery. The gel lathers enough to remove sunscreen and residues of makeup as long as you have oil cleansed beforehand.

If you're prone to excess oil or blemishes, try the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser. Dermatologically developed, the foaming gel cleanser helps to deeply clean the pores and remove excess oil, dirt and makeup to purify the skin.

| CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

($16.99/355ml, up to 7% cashback at Dermstore)

What Does It Do? 

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser was designed to cleanse and refresh the skin without over-stripping it or leaving it feeling tight and dry. Featuring hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin and 3 essential ceramides that work together to lock in skins moisture and help restore your skin's protective barrier. MVE Delivery Technology encapsulates ceramides to ensure efficient delivery within the skin's barrier and slow release over time. Supporting your protective skin barrier, long after you've finish applying. This non-comedogenic face wash is an effective yet non-irritating way to start off any skincare regimen.

Key Ingredients:

- Essential Ceramides (1,3 &6-II): help restore the skin's natural protective barrier that can become depleted with age, helping to retain moisture and prevent irritants or external aggressors from damaging the skin.

- Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that retains moisture to hydrate the skin.

Right for: Suitable for normal to dry skin.

Review: This Cerave dry skin cleanser has a creamy texture, feels nourishing and gentle, doesn't lather at all and never strips your skin.

You have dry and/or dehydrated skin, or prefer gentler cleansers - this one's especially good as a morning cleanser. It will also be a good choice for you if you have any skin sensitivities, rosacea, skin irritations, or an impaired skin barrier.

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