CereVe is a skin-care brand that only recently reached our shores. I recall the thrill of realizing that we Brits could now too get our hands on this inexpensive but dermatologically-solid range. As of late, my skin has become extremely sensitive—I am now reacting to certain skincare. This was unheard of for me and it just makes this search for HG skincare and make-up that bit harder. Inevitably, it also means more money down the drain…

I used this product when my skin was suffering an allergic reaction and was in an angry state. I still needed to moisturise and was looking for a simple, yet effective, hydrator. I am impressed by the amount of dermatologist backing this brand seems to command; countless skin professionals recommend this brand. Not to mention the many vloggers and bloggers that swear by this range.

Description

• Price: It retails for a steal at £9 for 236ml on Look Fantastic; £13.50 for a mammoth 473ml.
• Texture: It is quite a thin lotion which absorbs into skin fairly quickly.
• Application: It leaves no tacky residue and works well under every single foundation I have paired it with. My skin instantly feels hydrated once I have applied it.
• Technology: It utilises patented MVE^® Delivery Technology which provides controlled hydration release for 24 hours.
• Notable Ingredients: It contains hyaluronic acid as well as essential ceramides.

Full Ingredient List

Purified Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20 and Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phytosphingosine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

How I Use It

I find myself reaching for this both morning and night to moisturise my face. Although this is not marketed as a facial product and more a generic body moisturiser, it does an excellent job at hydrating the face. It is non-comodogenic, fragrance-free and it makes my face soft and supple.

Verdict

This product is marketed for dry skin and as a generic moisturiser; I have oily skin and I use it as a facial moisturiser. Go figure. It quenches my dehydrated skin well and in a non-greasy way. The hydration provided is even better than some heavier alternatives I have tried. It works out a lot more cost effective to use this on your face as opposed to buying the face-specific versions*—with the latter you are getting less than a quarter of product at a higher price. I am all about saving money where I can.

As someone who regularly uses more targeted face serums, I believe I can get away with a basic moisturiser. The fact that it contains some prized ingredients at such a reasonable price makes it a bargain. For now, I will be sticking with this moisturiser; it suits my budget and my needs well.

The verdict is quite simple: This product is cheap and fuss-free but does the job and does it well. 

 

*The ingredients of the CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion (version without SPF) are: Purified Water, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Ceteareth-20, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

These look comparable to the ingredients for the general purpose moisturiser. The one notable ingredient absent in the generic moisturiser is anti-inflammatory hero, niacinamide. However, I use a separate serum for this ingredient regardless, so this is not an issue for me—Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 2% by the Ordinary.