Augustinus Bader vs CeraVe — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Foaming Facial Cleanser
8.8/10 · CeraVe
| The Cleansing Balm | Foaming Facial Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Augustinus Bader | CeraVe |
| Category | cleanser | cleanser |
| Editor Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 ★ |
| Category | cleanser | cleanser |
| Texture | Oil-to-milk balm | Lightweight gel-to-foam |
| Finish | Clean | Squeaky-clean, not stripped |
| Skin Types |
| Targets |
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| Verdict | Augustinus Bader's cleansing-balm answer to the high-end cleansing-balm category. Sunflower, coconut, grape seed, avocado, and squalane oils as the cleansing base, plus the brand's signature TFC8 (Trigger Factor Complex 8 — Oligopeptide-177 + amino acid blend) for the regenerative claim, bisabolol for soothing, and argan oil for the conditioning finish. Melts off makeup and SPF without stripping the barrier — the rare cleansing balm where the formula justifies the price tag. | The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser's oily-skin sister. Same three-ceramide barrier philosophy, gel-to-foam texture, and an added kick of niacinamide. Removes excess oil without the squeak-and-tightness of harsh sulfate cleansers. The reason it works for oily skin where most foaming cleansers don't: the ceramide/cholesterol/fatty acid stack rebuilds the lipid barrier as the surfactants strip the surface oil, so you finish washed but not stripped. Pair with the Hydrating Cleanser as PM-AM if you have combination skin — this is why the CeraVe duo is the most-recommended cleanser pairing in dermatology. |
