Cerave Skincare: What's Really Inside?

CeraVe is a skincare brand that offers a full line of products containing essential ceramides. The brand claims that its products are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. However, some CeraVe products may contain added colours, preservatives, or fragrances. For example, some of their cleansers contain sulfates, which can cause skin dryness and irritation. Additionally, CeraVe products labelled unscented may contain subtle masking fragrances.

CeraVe products are free of the most common allergy-causing preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, formaldehyde, benzophenone, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, MCI/MI and others

CeraVe products are free of the most common allergy-causing preservatives, fragrances, and botanicals. This includes preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, formaldehyde, benzophenone, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, MCI/MI and others. They are also free of fragrances like balsam of peru, cinnamic aldehyde, and propolis (bee glue).

CeraVe products are also free of allergy-causing parabens and related esters such as benzocaine, PPD and others. In addition, CeraVe products are free of lanolins, esters, waxes, and other wool-related ingredients.

While CeraVe products are labelled as "unscented", they may contain subtle masking fragrances to cover up unpleasant odours. However, CeraVe products are still considered to be fragrance-free and non-irritating.

CeraVe products are also free of potentially harmful hormone-altering chemicals and ingredients that may affect teen development. This includes phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, halogenated phenols (such as triclosan), benzophenone-3, perfluoro (PFAS) compounds, hexylresorcinol, and related ingredients.

CeraVe products are free of fragrances

Some CeraVe products may be labelled as 'unscented', but these may still contain subtle masking fragrances. However, CeraVe products are free of the most common fragrances that cause allergies, as well as other common allergy-causing ingredients such as preservatives, botanicals, parabens, lanolins, esters, waxes, and coconut derivatives.

CeraVe products are also free of potentially harmful hormone-altering chemicals and ingredients that may affect teen development, such as phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, halogenated phenols, benzophenone-3, and perfluoro compounds.

CeraVe products are free of parabens and related esters such as benzocaine, PPD and others

CeraVe products are also free of the most common fragrances, preservatives, soap and glue ingredients that cause eyelid rashes. They are also free of gold, thimerosal, soaps related to cocamidopropyl betaine, or glues/adhesives like shellac or acrylate monomers. CeraVe products are also free of Meibomian gland toxic ingredients including phenoxyethanol.

CeraVe products are also free of retinol/retinal, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide and peeling or resurfacing agents that can make your skin sensitive. They are also free of colourants and dyes that can cause skin sensitivities.

CeraVe products are also free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

CeraVe products are free of lanolins, esters, waxes and other wool-related ingredients

CeraVe products are also free of the most common fragrances, preservatives, soap and glue ingredients that cause eyelid rashes, and topical antibiotics such as neomycin and bacitracin. However, some CeraVe products may contain phthalates, which are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive problems, and some studies have suggested that they may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

CeraVe is the first and only brand to offer a full line of products containing essential ceramides that healthy skin needs. The patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology used in CeraVe products releases key ingredients slowly over time, allowing them to absorb into the skin to hydrate and nourish, as well as help repair, restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. The majority of CeraVe products are non-comedogenic, so they won’t clog pores or cause acne.

CeraVe products are free of potentially harmful hormone-altering chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenols, halogenated phenols, benzophenone-3, perfluoro (PFAS) compounds, hexylresorcinol, and related ingredients

CeraVe products are free of potentially harmful hormone-altering chemicals, including phthalates, bisphenols, halogenated phenols, benzophenone-3, perfluoro (PFAS) compounds, hexylresorcinol, and related ingredients. They are also free of the most common fragrances, preservatives, and allergy-causing ingredients.

CeraVe's patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology slowly releases key ingredients over time, allowing them to absorb into the skin to hydrate and nourish. This technology also helps repair, restore, and maintain the skin's natural barrier.

While CeraVe products are generally well-tolerated and non-irritating, some individuals may have specific sensitivities or concerns. If you have any concerns or are sensitive to a particular ingredient, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before using CeraVe or any other skincare product.

It is important to note that some CeraVe products may contain sulfates, which are used as foaming agents in skincare products. However, sulfates can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. Additionally, some CeraVe products may contain phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues. Therefore, it is always advisable to carefully review the ingredient list of any skincare product before purchasing and using it.

Frequently asked questions