CeraVe Hydrating vs Foaming Cleanser: Which Should You Buy?
Same brand, same three ceramides: the difference is the skin type each is made for, and a lotion-like texture against a foaming gel.
CeraVe CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, for normal to dry skin
CeraVe CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
Side by side
| CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, for normal to | CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.6 |
| Review count | 58,446 | 107,347 |
| Brand | CeraVe | CeraVe |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
Choose the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser if your skin is normal to dry and you want a gentle wash that doesn't leave it feeling tight. Choose the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser if your skin is normal to oily or blemish-prone and you like a cleanser that foams and rinses off oil. Both list three essential ceramides, and CeraVe's pages name hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in each. If you're unsure, go by how your skin feels an hour after washing: tight means Hydrating, shiny means Foaming.
Which one is for you?
- The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser suits normal to dry skin, and anyone who wants a gentle, non-foaming daily face wash. Read our full look at the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, for normal to →
- The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser suits normal to oily skin, and anyone who prefers a foaming gel texture. Read our full look at the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to →
Skin type is the main difference
CeraVe's UK page for the Hydrating Cleanser says it's designed for normal to dry skin. Its page for the Foaming Cleanser says normal to oily skin, and lists it under blemish-prone skin. Those labels are the most useful guide because the formulas otherwise overlap a lot.
In use, the Hydrating cleanser is a creamy, non-foaming wash and the Foaming one is a gel that lathers. That's a texture difference, so if you hate rinsing off foam, that alone may decide it.
The Foaming listing also calls itself non-comedogenic and gentle enough for daily use on face and body, and says it removes excess oil without stripping moisture. Those are the retailer-listing claims for that product, and the Hydrating cleanser is positioned as the softer option for skin that already feels dry. Neither should replace sun protection or a moisturiser afterwards, since a cleanser is only the first step and is rinsed off.
Ingredients CeraVe highlights
Both pages list three ceramides (Ceramide NP, AP and EOP), which CeraVe says support the skin's natural barrier. The Hydrating page highlights hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) for moisture and also lists niacinamide as a key ingredient. The Foaming page highlights niacinamide, which CeraVe says may help calm skin and increase moisture in the top layer, plus hydrolysed hyaluronic acid to attract hydration.
So the ingredient lists are closer than the names suggest. The Foaming one isn't ceramide-free or dry-skin-hostile, and the Hydrating one isn't missing niacinamide. The difference is the cleansing base.
How to use them
CeraVe's directions for both are the same: wet skin with lukewarm water, massage in gentle circles, rinse well and pat dry. Both pages say they can be used at any time of day, and suggest following with moisturiser and, in the daytime, sunscreen. Avoid scrubbing hard, because CeraVe warns that can cause irritation. The Foaming product's listing also describes it as suitable for face and body.
Choosing between them
If you're still undecided, think about the rest of your routine. Dry or tight-feeling skin, especially in winter or after air-conditioning, usually does better with the creamy Hydrating cleanser. Skin that looks shiny by lunchtime, or that you'd call combination to oily, is the case CeraVe designs the Foaming one for. Whichever you pick, patch test a small area first if your skin reacts easily, and stop using it if it irritates. Both pages say to rinse well and pat dry, and neither asks you to leave the product on.
What we can't tell you
CeraVe's UK pages we opened don't state fragrance-free for either product, and the ingredient lists show no fragrance, but check the pack if that matters to you. If you have acne, eczema or any skin condition you're treating, a cleanser isn't a treatment: ask a pharmacist or your GP. For other skincare, see the skin care category.
Questions people ask
Which CeraVe cleanser is better for dry skin?
The Hydrating Cleanser. CeraVe designs it for normal to dry skin, and it isn't a foaming formula.
Is CeraVe Foaming Cleanser good for oily skin?
It's the one CeraVe designs for normal to oily skin, and it's listed for blemish-prone skin. It's a cleanser, not a treatment.
Do both contain ceramides?
Yes. CeraVe lists three ceramides in each: Ceramide NP, AP and EOP.
Which has hyaluronic acid and which has niacinamide?
CeraVe's pages list both ingredients in both cleansers. Hydrating highlights hyaluronic acid, while Foaming highlights niacinamide.
Can I use the Hydrating cleanser if I have acne or eczema?
A cleanser won't treat either. For acne or eczema, speak to a pharmacist or GP about what to use.
Sources
- CeraVe UK, Hydrating Cleanser
- CeraVe UK, Foaming Cleanser
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Skin Care or see the whole Beauty department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.