All my favourite cleansers come from this brand—and they're all under £15

There's a reason every skin expert loves them

Woman applying a cleanser
(Image credit: Getty Images)
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If there's one high street skincare brand I go wild for, it's CeraVe—and CeraVe cleansers are the stuff of legend (for good reason). I'm often asked for the best cleanser recommendations that don't cost the earth, and truthfully, it's CeraVe I always turn to.

The brand now has an extensive range of cleansing options (as well as other brilliant buys); all of which contain barrier-boosting ceramides for healthy, resilient skin, along with other key ingredients. There's something in there for every skin type and cleansing request, from make-up removal to on-the-go washing. And the best bit? You can buy each and every one for under £15—which in these expensive times, is the ultimate flex.

Dr Alexis Granite, CeraVe's Consultant Dermatologist (and my chosen derm, too), knows just how beloved these cleansers are within the beauty industry (skin experts love them) and wider community: “They’re fragrance-free, and super-gentle but incredibly hard-working. Every formula is developed with dermatologists from around the world who share their advice and knowledge regarding skin science and ingredients, and the patented MVE technology ensures gradual release of active ingredients to ensure consistent moisture levels are maintained throughout the day.”

But because of the brand's now wide-reaching range, the only problem can be knowing which one to choose. DW, I've got you. Here, I go through the full guide to CeraVe cleansers, complete with recommendations for each skin type and need.

Best CeraVe cleansers chosen by a beauty editor

Best all-rounder

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

CeraVe Cleansers Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Perhaps the most popular with beauty editors and derms alike, you just can't beat the Hydrating Cleanser. Most skin types (even those that are on the oily side or are acne-prone) can benefit from more hydration, meaning it's a universal formula. As well as CeraVe's essential ceramides, this contains hyaluronic acid for an extra hit of hydration. It's gentle, can be used morning and night, and works as both a primary and/or secondary cleanse.

For

  • Excellent for dry or dehydrated skin
  • Gentle on skin
  • Can be used morning or night

Against

  • Might not be hardworking enough for oily skin

Best for acne-prone skin

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

CeraVe Cleansers Blemish Control Cleanser
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

Dr Alexis describes this as “a fantastic, non-drying option for those with blemish-prone skin". The formula uses the power of spot-fighting salicylic acid to fight congestion and remove excess oil. However, the soothing niacinamide and barrier-boosting ceramides balance it out meaning no dryness or sensitivity. I'd recommend this for secondary cleansing in the evening (acids can increase sun sensitivity during the day).

For

  • Targets spots
  • Unclogs pores
  • Non-drying

Against

  • Not needed for skin that doesn't suffer regular breakouts

Best for travel

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

CeraVe Cleansers Hydrating Bar
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar

This soap-free bar features 5% CeraVe Moisturising Cream, and therefore is anything but stripping (as bars are often rumoured to be). It's like a solid version of the brand's classic Hydrating formula, making it great for on-the-go travel. There's also less plastic packaging, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

For

  • Portable & lightweight
  • Hydrating for dry skin

Against

  • Can be a bit 'messier' to use

Best for face *and* body

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

CeraVe Cleansers SA Smoothing Cleanser
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

While CeraVe's Blemish Control range is ideal for those already fighting spots, this formula is a brilliant 'maintenance' buy to ward off future breakouts. Alongside ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it contains salicylic acid to help keep skin inflammation-free. Dr Alexis recommends using this "every other day to start, while your skin builds up a tolerance to the ingredients".

For

  • Gently exfoliates
  • Targets blemishes
  • Can be used on body, too

Against

  • Best as a secondary cleanser rather than make-up remover

Best for eye make-up removal

CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water

CeraVe Cleansers Micellar Water
CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water

For those who don't want a balm or oil for their primary cleanser, a micellar water such as this one is a mainstay for make-up removal—particularly on the eyes. It's ultra-gentle and works to maintain hydration and a healthy skin barrier, while also wiping away make-up with ease. Use a wash-off cleanser afterwards.

For

  • Great for removing make-up
  • Makes a stellar first cleansing step

Against

  • Needs a wash-off cleanser to follow
  • Slightly more expensive for a micellar water

Best for combination skin

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

CeraVe Cleansers Foaming Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

Not quite sure if you're oily or normal, skin-type wise? The brand's Foaming Cleanser is about to become your new BFF. It "easily cuts through excess oil and dirt and removes makeup but never leaves the skin feeling tight or dry", according to Dr Alexis. And, of course, it features the same ingredient triple-threat: ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

For

  • Removes excess oil without drying
  • Ideal for oily/combination skin

Against

  • Not the one for dry skin

Best for dry skin

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

CeraVe Cleansers Cream To Foam Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

This option has to be the most soothing and comforting, making it lovely for dry skin types, or a winter switch-up where you fancy something a little richer. It's super gentle and calming, and really focuses on pumping moisture back into the skin. This works well as a primary or secondary cleanser.

For

  • Hydrating and comforting
  • Perfect for dry skin

Against

  • May be a little heavy for oily skin

Best for general make-up removal

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

CeraVe Cleansers Hydrating Oil
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

For those who love an oil cleanser for make-up removal, look no further. It removes make-up like a dream, has great slip and feels luxurious on skin. The product lathers up to a rich foam and features squalane and triglycerides, which together with the ceramide inclusion, fortify the skin barrier for healthy, soft skin.

For

  • Great for make-up removal
  • Hydrating

Against

  • Needs a secondary wash-off cleanser, ideally
Rebecca Fearn

Rebecca is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor to Marie Claire. She has written for titles including Refinery29, The Independent, Grazia, Coveteur, Dazed, Stylist, and Glamour. She is also a brand consultant and has worked with the likes of The Inkey List on campaign messaging and branded copy. She’s obsessed with skincare, nail art and fragrance, and outside of beauty, Rebecca likes to travel, watch true crime docs, pet sausage dogs and drink coffee. Rebecca is also passionate about American politics and mental health awareness.

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