I’ve become quite a fan of Cerave skincare. It’s simple and gentle, and generally affordable. There’s nothing more you want really, when it comes to skincare in general!
When the whole pandemic started and we were all cautioned to wash our hands with soap often and apply hand sanitizer, I found myself facing a problem I never had to face before – dry hands.
While I found a hand cream I found very effective, I also purchased a tub of the Cerave Moisturizing Cream, which I intended to use as a hand and body cream. I needed to find a replacement for my usual standard cream from L’Occitane.
And I did! :D
Cerave Moisturizing Cream
The Cerave Moisturizing Cream is a thick cream that is developed and designed to moisturize skin while protecting and repairing your skin barrier.
Most people use it on the face, and if you have very dry skin, it would work well for this purpose. But I bought it purely to use on my hands and arms, as a body cream.
It contains 3 essential ceramides, which restore and repair your skin barrier, helping make it more resilient. A healthy skin barrier will help retain moisture and hydration better, and help prevent skin from drying out.
It is also developed to continuously release hydration over a 24 hour period, so skin is constantly hydrated, and this is particularly helpful for those with dry or very dry skin.
Best of all, it has no fragrance and is formulated for sensitive skin, so those with eczema or redness can benefit from a simple cream like this.
Thick texture but absorbs quickly with no residue
I generally abhor the feeling of a cream or lotion on my arms and body. I only apply some before I sleep to prevent my skin from drying out, but it isn’t an enjoyable experience. For this reason, I used to use a body oil before this.
But I was very pleasantly surprised when I pumped the Cerave Moisturizing Cream out, and applied it to my skin.
While it goes on a little thick, it absorbs impressively quickly, leaving practically no residue behind. I don’t feel like the skin on my arms are being smothered or greased up, and it feels very comfortable.
Keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized
Due primarily to neglect, the skin on my arms can sometimes look a little parched. Now that I go out for morning walks daily, and weekend outdoor activities with my pup, I am much more exposed to the sun and heat than I was before.
I take great care of my facial skin, but regretfully, a little less care for my arms and legs (although I’m trying to change that lazy trait :P )
Ever since I started using the Cerave Moisturizing Cream about a month ago, I have noticed that the skin on my arms do not look as dry. It actually looks more supple.
I had some deep scratches on my arm caused by an over-excited puppy when he was younger, and even those marks are starting to heal and fade a little more quickly.
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If your hands and arms give away your age, I think I can quite confidently say that my face-age and hands-age is now almost equal :D
The ONE cream to do it all
I have tried using the Cerave Moisturizing Cream on my face, and to be fair, it works for me. I have dry skin and I am comfortable with using heavy creams on my face.
But if you aren’t, you will find that it feels too heavy and uncomfortable. Personally, it works for me, and if I were on a budget and needed just one moisturizing cream in my life, this would likely be it.
I could use it on my face over my serums (a little less in the day time, a little more at night), and then slather it over my arms and legs, so I ensure that all of me is nicely moisturized.
However, I do not use it as a face cream for the simple reason, I don’t need to. I have many other facial moisturizers that I’m working through, so this was purchased purely to use as a body cream, and as a replacement to my favourite L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream.
I can happily report that I have found a substitute to the L’Occitane cream, that is more affordable at half the price for twice the quantity, and works a lot better to boot! I’m happy to stick with this :D
IN A NUTSHELL
The Cerave Moisturizing Cream is developed for dry and very dry skin, or sensitive skin. It is non fragranced, and contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate over 24 hours, and 3 types of ceramides, to repair and build your skin barrier. I use it as a body cream, and I like how quickly it absorbs into my skin without feeling sticky or greasy. This, despite the thick texture. You can also use it on your face as a basic moisturizer. I like that it has made the skin on my arms more supple, more hydrated and less dry. It also looks and feels smoother, and my cuts heal more quickly. I’m happy to continue using this as my body cream because I don’t like anything overly scented.
PROS:
Affordable
Absorbs quickly into skin
No greasy residue on skin
Skin feels supple and moisturized all day
Moisturizes dry skin well and transforms it into healthy supple skinCONS:
Not available in retail in Malaysia
Might feel too thick for some peopleWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone with dry or very dry skin who wants an affordable all-in-one cream for face and body
PRICE: Comes in various sizes US$22.66 for 453g
WHERE TO BUY: iHerb
Here’s the ingredient list for the Cerave Moisturizing Cream for those interested.
Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Have you tried the Cerave Moisturizing Cream?
I’ve been happy with the Cerave products I’ve tried so far. Most have worked well for me, and they’re affordable albeit basic. They can be a pain for us in Malaysia to get hold of, but thus far, iHerb comes through for me every time :) Have you tried anything from Cerave?
Paris B
Yes, Cerave is a great basic to have on hand, and recommended by many dermatologists in the US. Sadly I cannot use most of the Cerave products that are targeted specifically for facial use. They contain niacinamide and that ingredients does not play well with my skin. It leaves it red and rough and painfully burnt feeling. I wish that they had left the formulations more basic. Another great body moisturizer is Vanicream, though I would guess that might be difficult to get in Malaysia. it isn’t as ubiquitous in the US either. So glad you found this gret, reasonably priced, multi-purpose product!
Sounds lovely. My HG body product is La Roche Posay Iso-Urea Lotion. It makes my skin incredibly smooth. It’s better than Ameliorate, mad doesn’t smell half as bad. Not sure whether you can buy it over there, but if you find it, give it a shot!
I’ve been using Cerave’s products for about a year now and I’ve come to really enjoy them. I pared down my skincare routine during this quarantine period so it’s currently just the hydrating cleanser followed by the ultra light moisturizer with spf 30 (I apply a separate spf 50 if I go out or sit on my patio). Same cleanser at night, followed by the hydrating lotion or hydrating cream, and then a retinol product (Curology). I apply the hydrating cream on my lips just before bed. I also picked up their retinol serum to try but stopped when I switched over to Curology. It’s quite mild and I now use it on my neck or around my eyes when I remember.
I stopped double cleansing too even though I wear light makeup every day. I just really enjoy the ritual of getting my face ready for the day even if I’m just staying home. I saw a video from Dr Sam Bunting where she explains that double cleansing may not be necessary if one uses a cleanser throughly for at least a minute. Anyway, I tried it with the Cerave hydrating cleanser and I’m happy to report that it’s been over 6 months and I haven’t broken out from not double cleansing! I do use a washcloth at the end though for the light exfoliation. Now I just use my cleansing balms when I give myself a home facial.