CeraVe guide: which cleanser and moisturiser suits your skin?

Skincare & beauty ·Published 27 October 2026 ·Reviewed 27 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.

Choosing from the CeraVe range mostly comes down to matching the cleanser and moisturiser to your skin type. For dry skin, that’s the Hydrating Cleanser and the Moisturising Cream. For normal to oily skin, it’s the Foaming Cleanser and the PM Facial Moisturising Lotion. For oily, acne-prone skin, look at the Blemish Control products. Whatever your skin type, finish with an SPF50+ sunscreen every morning.

Here’s how we’d explain the range at the counter, and when it’s worth talking to a pharmacist instead.

What is CeraVe?

CeraVe was developed in the United States and launched in 2006 with three products: the Moisturising Cream, the Moisturising Lotion and the Hydrating Cleanser. It’s now owned by L’Oréal.

The brand says its products contain three ceramides (ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, listed on the label as ceramide EOP, NP and AP), along with fatty acids and other lipids, to help support the skin barrier. Many of its products also use what CeraVe calls MultiVesicular Emulsion (MVE) technology, which it says releases moisturising ingredients gradually through the day.

What do ceramides do for your skin?

Your skin’s outer layer works a bit like a brick wall: skin cells are the bricks, and fats, including ceramides, are the mortar between them. DermNet explains that this barrier keeps water in and irritants out. When it’s disrupted, as it is in dry skin and eczema, skin loses more water and becomes dry, rough and easily irritated.

Moisturisers help in different ways. Some draw water into the skin (humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin), some soften it (emollients), and some form a light seal to slow water loss (occlusives such as petrolatum). DermNet notes that moisturisers work best on damp skin, straight after a shower or bath.

Which CeraVe cleanser should you choose?

Cleanse twice a day with lukewarm water. If your skin feels tight or squeaky afterwards, the cleanser may be too strong for you.

Which CeraVe moisturiser should you choose?

CeraVe for oily and acne-prone skin

For oily skin with blackheads and the odd breakout, the Blemish Control range is the one to look at. The cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, which DermNet explains helps loosen dead skin cells and unblock pores. The Blemish Control Gel adds glycolic and lactic acids.

• CeraVe says the Blemish Control Cleanser isn’t suitable for sensitive skin, or for children under 12 unless a doctor advises it.
• Patch test the gel first if your skin is dry or sensitive, and start by using it every second day.
• Follow with a light moisturiser, such as the PM Facial Moisturising Lotion.
• Wear sunscreen every morning. DermNet notes that alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
• Give it 6 to 8 weeks before you decide whether it’s working.

If your acne is painful, leaving marks or scars, or not improving, read our guide to acne treatment at the pharmacy and talk to a pharmacist or GP, because prescription treatments may help.

CeraVe for very dry or eczema-prone skin

The Moisturising Cream is the richest option in the range. CeraVe says it’s made for very dry and mild eczema-prone skin, and you can use it on your face and body. Pair it with the Hydrating Cleanser.

healthdirect recommends moisturising at least twice a day if you have eczema, and keeping it up even when your skin is clear. Apply it to damp skin after a short, lukewarm shower, and choose a thicker cream if your skin is very dry.

Moisturisers are an important part of looking after eczema-prone skin, but they won’t settle a flare on their own. If your skin is red, weepy, cracked or infected, or the itch is keeping you up at night, talk to one of our pharmacists or see a GP.

Does CeraVe have retinol and vitamin C?

Yes. The Resurfacing Retinol Serum is aimed at marks left by blemishes and enlarged-looking pores, and the Skin Renewing Retinol Serum at signs of ageing. There’s also a Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum with 10% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and a Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.

If you’re new to retinol, start slowly, two or three nights a week, and build up as your skin settles. Our retinol for beginners guide explains how. CeraVe says its Resurfacing Retinol Serum isn’t for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so check with a pharmacist first if that applies to you.

Does CeraVe have a sunscreen?

CeraVe’s Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50 is a face moisturiser with broad-spectrum SPF 50. Like other sunscreens sold in Australia, it’s listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

It’s a convenient choice for everyday face protection. For a day at the beach, sport or a long time outdoors, choose a water-resistant SPF50+ sunscreen for your face and body, apply it 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply at least every 2 hours. Our guide to the best sunscreen for the Gold Coast can help you choose. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

A simple CeraVe routine

In the morning:

1. Cleanse with the cleanser that suits your skin, or just rinse with water if your skin is dry.
2. Apply the Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50, or your usual moisturiser followed by an SPF50+ sunscreen.

At night:

1. Cleanse to remove sunscreen and make-up.
2. Apply a serum if you use one, such as retinol on dry skin a few nights a week.
3. Moisturise with the PM Facial Moisturising Lotion, or the Moisturising Cream if your skin is dry.

Not sure which order to use your products in? See our skincare routine order guide.

How can our team help?

We stock CeraVe at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair. Our beauty advisors can help you choose a cleanser and moisturiser for your skin type through our skincare advice in store. Our pharmacists can help if you have eczema, acne or another skin condition, use prescription creams, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also browse the facial skincare range on priceline.com.au or ask us at Pacific Fair.

Comparing brands? See our guides to La Roche-Posay, The Ordinary, Medicube and Boring Without You.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

• Your eczema is flaring, weepy, cracked or infected, or the itch is keeping you awake.
• Your acne is painful, leaving marks or scars, or not improving after 2 to 3 months.
• A product stings, burns or causes a rash that doesn’t settle when you stop using it.
• You want to use retinol or acids and you’re pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
• You’re choosing products for a baby or young child with eczema.

A GP can talk to you about prescription treatments for eczema and acne. The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, are one option while you’re at Pacific Fair.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.