Cerave • Foaming Facial Cleanser • Cleansers

rated 4.1(164 reviews)

Average Rating.4.1
Would buy this product again.75%
Package Quality4.2
Price2.7
Ingredients

rated 3 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* AuNatural716 on 12/25/2011 9:23:00 PM more reviews by AuNatural716

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Although this was a step up from the Cerave hydrating cleanser, I still found this to not meet up to my expectations. This is a gel cleanser that suds up really well and leaves your skin a tad dry. I used this for awhile and everything was fine with it, but for some reason, I felt like it was a tad irritating towards my blemishes and found that in general I do not like Cerave products because many of the ingredients can be pore-clogging, even if they intend to help improve skin texture. Either way, this just wasn't worth buying again for me.

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rated 1 of 5 ashestoamour on 11/30/2011 12:20:00 PM more reviews by ashestoamour

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This product left a horrible firm on my skin. It also caused me to get whiteheads all over my skin. For a product continually touted as gentle, that was not my experience at all. I have had much better success with other drugstore cleanser, like Purpose or Cetaphil. I would recommend those over this cleanser any day.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 maquin22 on 11/21/2011 1:19:00 AM more reviews by maquin22

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I want to add to all the accolades here. Although this is geared towards oily skin, I find this cleanser is fantastic even for my dryish skin. While I do like Cerave moisturizing cleanser, it would not fully remove all my make up. I need something with some foaming action, yet prefer SLS free. This is a basic, SLS, scent and dye free formula. I find it less drying than Avene Cleanance soapless gel cleanser. The price is great for such a large bottle.

I have used it as body wash on occasion. Almost done with my 1st bottle and going to buy a 2nd

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 3 of 5 Leajer424 on 11/18/2011 12:17:00 AM more reviews by Leajer424

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I have problem acne prone skin and I'm trying to minimize what I do/apply to my skin, hoping that now, at the age of 30, my skin can balance itself out (b/c at this point, even though I've been using acne products regularly for years and am past the 'initial breakout' stage, it seems like the acne products make my acne worse).
I liked the idea of this brand b/c it contains ingredients that help your skin retain it's natural moisture. I figured if it helped my skin do that, my skin wouldn't feel as much need to pump out as much oil as it has in the past. I also like it's 'noncomedogenic' claim, and the fact that there's no SLS in it). It is pretty pricy, but it's fragrance and dye free, and comes in a pretty big bottle--and you don't need much at a time.
I've been using it for a couple weeks, and my skin has been doing better acne-wise. However, this may be b/c what I was using to wash before this was breaking me out, and I may just be improving from discontinuing use of that. Anyway, it cleanses great...removes my mascara (for the most part), and my skin makeup. It doesn't make my skin feel tight or feel like it's stripped. It does seem like my face has not been as oily since I started using this. I will edit if things change.

--Okie Dokie, so Update: It started breaking me out in whiteheads and clogging my pores. I know it was this cleanser as I stopped using it, and they went away. My guy friend used it twice and it broke him out too. Too bad.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 slightlystarry on 11/11/2011 1:26:00 PM more reviews by slightlystarry

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is AMAZING. I have combination sensitive skin, so it is very difficult to find good cleansers that will keep my oily areas clear but at the same time be delicate enough to prevent irritation to my dry/sensitive areas. Cerave's foaming facial cleanser does both. It leaves the face clean and oil-free, but is not astringent/stressful to the skin. After about 2 months of consistent use, my skin is clearer and softer and has never once had a bad reaction (which is really saying something, as I have experienced skin reactions to MANY different products marketed for "sensitive skin").

I would say there are only two cons to this product. One is the fact that it is on the pricey side for a drugstore product (be prepared to spend 5-6 dollars extra than you would on a different cleanser). The other is the packaging is kind of bland and the labels peel off/rip pretty easily if you get it wet. These are both minor concerns in my opinion.

Still, if you are looking for a new cleanser, please do give this a try!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 vpivoine on 11/9/2011 9:51:00 AM more reviews by vpivoine

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

It is the BEST makeup removing facial cleanser I've ever used (both Asian brands and US brands). It removes makeup really well without being irritating or over-drying. Even if you don't wear makeup, it works as a great night time cleanser, especially if you have oily or combination skin. For me, I'm dry/sensitive skin, it leaves my skin a little bit dry but definitely much better than other makeup removing cleansers.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* 4eyes on 11/2/2011 10:49:00 AM more reviews by 4eyes

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have very oily, acne prone yet sensitive skin. This is a great cleanser that cleans well yet without irritating or overly drying my skin. It's a clear liquid cleanser with some (not much) foaming action. It keeps my skin calm, which is not easy as I use a lot of acne tx. Some cleansers are mild and non-irritating but do not clean well. This manages to clean well and yet not irritate. The pump is easy to use and does not waste product. It seems the ingredients help maintain the skin barrier and condition. Overall, a great, reliable cleanser I can use day in and day out without any problems at all.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 mielr on 11/1/2011 2:12:00 AM more reviews by mielr

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Grey    

I used J&Js Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash as my PM cleanser for AGES, and I decided I wanted to change to something cruelty-free (J&J tests on animals) and something fragrance-free. I decided to try CeraVe's Foaming Cleanser since it met both of those criteria, and so far I like it. It has a similar consistency to Purpose, and it removes make-up well. It is also about the same price as the Purpose (comparing 16oz bottles- the CeraVe is just $1 more, I think). I will re-purchase! :-)
NOTE: This stuff is pretty concentrated, and you don't need to use a full pump to get your face clean. I've found that even a pea-sized amount lathers well enough. If you find your skin getting overly dry with this product, you're probably using too much.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* XoXoSinCity on 9/21/2011 11:27:00 PM more reviews by XoXoSinCity

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

FInally a simpple, basic cleanser I can use 2x a day (which is unheard of for my super clog prone easily irritated skin) that leaves my face feeling clean and doesn't dry me out over time like every single gel cleanser I have ever used does. I have to use gels as Im so clog prone, even though I like teh gentle factor of cream cleansers they all clog me. Finally giving up on the idea of wanting a cleanser to be miracle status in deep cleaning and keeping my skin clear is what has balanced out my face after years of medicated bha or aha cleansers did nothing but make me over produce more oil. This gentle cleanser plus spf anda bha is what has balanced my face. Wish it hadn't taken me years and way too much money trying everything on teh market to realize this but oh well lol. I never thought to try this cleanser even though Ive always heard good things about Cerave being recommended by dermatologists etc yet so many other supposedly gentle cleanser like Cetaphil/Purpose/everything I have tried drugstore wise all broke me out or dehydrated my skin, hence I always assumed Serave wouldn't be any different. So glad I deicded to grab this at Walgreena last desperate attempt to find a gel cleanser that left my super clog/breakotu prone skin feeling clean yet was gentle and didnt dry me out overtime. It is no frills or wow factor but simply just works (can't be picky considering how fussy my skin is), no scent imo, simple clean ingredient list, and doesn't dry or break me out. You do have to use a bit more than msot to get it to sprea/lather (odd consistancy) but considering the huge bottle you get not an issue. If all else has failed for you give this one a shot as great for all skin types! :)

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 3 of 5 marsi23 on 9/15/2011 9:10:00 AM more reviews by marsi23

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I hate to post a negative review regarding this product since everyone seems to be having luck with it. I think it cleanses pretty good, maybe too good considering it dries out my skin. I have combination/oily sensitive skin. I have had no breakouts with this cleanser, I just do not like the tight feeling this leaves. I find that most gel-like cleansers do this. Also, there really is no foaming action going on here. The price is high for a drugstore cleanser but you do end up with a lot of product. Oh ,as for the moisturizer I use the Cerave cream, which is great! I do not think its necessary to strip your skin off and use a thicker moisturizer to accommodate this cleanser.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* DragonRhia on 9/12/2011 7:31:00 PM more reviews by DragonRhia

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

I'm on my second bottle of this. I've used the high end facial cleansers and for what I need my cleanser to do - this works great. PROS: easy to find (Walgreens carries it), inexpensive, pump is sanitary, cleans the make-up off my face w/o problems, isn't drying to my combination skin, no scent. CONS: doesn't always foam and I have to wash 2x to get foaming action.

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rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* lotusfairy on 8/24/2011 6:04:00 PM more reviews by lotusfairy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I just had a baby last month and my face was very reactive because of the extra hormones. I was experiencing breakouts on my forehead and cheeks. Everything I was using before was not cutting it and making my skin dry. After reading the reviews on this, I decided to try it and was not disappointed. It really removes my powder makeup and sunscreen very well without stripping my skin. It also doesn't make my skin irritated or cause any breakouts. I use this as my evening wash and in the morning I use cetaphil gentle wash. So far so good. Edit: While I still think this is a good cleanser, I can't use it long term since it eventually clogs my pores. I will reserve this for winter time

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 bebe_sam on 8/21/2011 9:10:00 PM more reviews by bebe_sam

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I am on my second bottle of this. Before I was using Philosophy Purity cleanser, but could not stand how expensive it is! My derm recommended this to me and I love it! It cost me about $13 at Walgreens, which isn't bad at all considering how big the bottle is and you only need a little amt to make a great foam. This cleanser is super gentle on my skin, does not dry me out either. I do not smell a fragrance which is also a plus! I love this cleanser for its simplicity!

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rated 5 of 5 moyasimame on 8/8/2011 9:47:00 PM more reviews by moyasimame

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I finished using this bottle few months ago. I thought about buying it again but was out at nearest Walgreens.
Some cleanser dries out my skin even I have a combination skin. This did not dry out my skin at all. No dry patches also I like the fact it's fragrance free.
Wish Cerave will develop more products.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* Lemonz on 8/6/2011 4:59:00 PM more reviews by Lemonz

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I switched over to CeraVe after it being recommended to me by my dermatologist. He gave me some samples of it, and after a week of using it decided to buy the full bottle. Although it is on the pricey side, I think it's well worth it. It removes makeup well, is very gentle, and doesn't dry out my skin. After using this, I've actually noticed that my skin isn't as dry or flakey as it was using my older face wash. My skin feels very soft and hasn't caused any breakouts.

I highly recommend this to anyone, and especially people with dry or flakey skin, and people with acne who are trying to find a nice, gentle face wash. Well worth the $12.00 :)

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 3 of 5 jennaderp on 7/21/2011 10:06:00 AM more reviews by jennaderp

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Other, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I feel sad writing this because it seems everyone has great luck with this but me. It is gentle for a foaming cleanser, removes makeup, but it also made my skin more sensitive and I would get painful cysts on my chin the day after using it. I have no idea what the ingredient is and I keep trying it thinking it was a fluke, but no, it happens every time. Sad! I liked it otherwise. I have sensitive skin.

9 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 4 of 5 *TOP REVIEWER* MsVengeance on 7/21/2011 more reviews by MsVengeance

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I felt compelled to buy this the day I realized that my poor abused skin had become overly dry and fragile due to my efforts to blast the acne away with harsh products. I came to this from Neutrogena's Fresh Foaming Cleanser, so I was initially worried that the Cerave wouldn't be able to remove my make-up. I was also worried about it clogging my pores, as I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be moisturizing (I've had some bad experiences with CeraVe lotions in the past). Now I'm just sorry I didn't try it sooner! This cleanser seems unique in that it's not moisturizing so much as it doesn't strip your skin, and unlike other similar cleansers, it doesn't leave a gross residue. So long as you wet your face first and work up the lather in your hands before you apply, your make-up will be gone (most of it). So I no longer feel so guilty about having to wash my face again after a workout, but I deleted a lip because if you've got really oily skin you probably won't like using it in the morning.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 5 of 5 kristacular1 on 7/11/2011 8:08:00 PM more reviews by kristacular1

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Perfect simple cleanser for oily skin. I use this cleanser with my Clarisonic Mia and I find it to be absolutely wonderful. I feel clean after washing my skin without feeling dried out. I believe a good skincare regime for acne-prone skin is one that is kept very simple. This does the job. I will continue to buy this!

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rated 5 of 5 poikilotherm on 7/10/2011 6:10:00 PM more reviews by poikilotherm

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Similar to purpose, but more gentle imo. Never stung or irritated me. I've been using a couple of weeks, now, and I am very pleased with it.
A lot of cleansers irritate my skin lately (which is not even sensitive), so it's great to have one that just feels nice on my skin.
I never use it to remove M/U, but I'm a firm believer it should be removed before using a cleanser, anyway.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

rated 3 of 5 Scubanikki on 7/6/2011 2:27:00 AM more reviews by Scubanikki

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This cleanser is probably great for someone who doesn't wear makeup regularly. It doesn't take any of my makeup off, it just rubs it around like a lotion would. I don't see the point in buying both a makeup remover and a cleanser when there are cleansers that do both.
I tend to choose long wearing- full coverage types of makeup, so that could be part of the problem.
I use this on days that I don't apply makeup and it seems to be pretty gentle and it doesn't aggravate my slight rosacea. I like that it comes in a bottle with a pump.

7 out of 10 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No