CeraVe Review: Great for Sensitive Skin, and Budget - But Is It Enough?
- softskinstrongcoff
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Let’s talk about CeraVe — one of the most recommended skincare brands out there, especially for sensitive skin. And honestly? I get the hype... kind of. 🤔
First Impressions: Gentle for Sensitive Skin Users
One thing CeraVe definitely gets right is how gentle their products are. As someone who’s dealt with acne, redness, and dryness, it can be tough to find skincare that’s soothing without being boring or effective. This product line has been recommended by Dermatologists, so I have tried (and still own) some items from them.
Their Moisturizing Cream has a great texture — rich and creamy without being too heavy or greasy. It sinks in quickly, leaving your skin soft, moisturized, and calm.
It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients like:
Ceramides: Help restore the skin barrier
Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture
Plus, some of their products include SPF, which is a nice bonus for simplifying your routine.
✨ Side Note: I do occasionally use their AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 shown above when I am in a hurry, but I prefer a tinted sunscreen. This product can give a slight white-cast if you don't really work it in your skin.
Why I Don’t Love It (Even Though It’s Not Bad)
Here’s the thing — I didn’t see any real visual improvement in my skin while using it. No glow, no brightening, no smoothing. It just… maintained things. And while that’s not a bad thing, it’s also not what I’m usually looking for.
That said, I would recommend it to anyone who:
Has very sensitive skin
Wants a super basic, non-irritating routine
Is possibly just starting out with skincare and wants to keep things simple
Sometimes, the best routine is one that does nothing bad — and CeraVe delivers that kind of stability!
It is Budget-Friendly & Easy to Find
CeraVe also shines when it comes to accessibility. Most of their products are in the $10–$20 range, and you can find them at: Target, Drugstores, Online (Amazon, Ulta, etc.)
So if you're building a routine without wanting to spend a ton — this brand makes that possible. You can check it out on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44B5BmL
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss product that hydrates and calms your skin without any drama, CeraVe is a solid choice.
Just don’t expect any dramatic before-and-after results — it’s not going to transform your skin overnight. And yes, I have used many many of their products for at least 3-6 months, and as I said before - No visual improvements, just maintained. But for maintaining skin health, especially if you’re sensitive or overwhelmed by options, it really is a reliable go-to.
✨ Pro tip: Pair it with targeted treatments, and you may get more visible results!
Let me know if you want a list of additional products to add to your routine!
I will say — CeraVe’s Healing Ointment is one product I always keep on hand. I use it occasionally for “slugging” when my skin needs an extra boost of moisture, especially during the winter months. It’s a great final step after applying retinol at night, and honestly, it works anywhere you’ve got dry skin. Super versatile, super soothing. 😊