CeraVe vs The Ordinary — side by side, no bias.
Our pick
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
9/10 · CeraVe
| Hydrating Facial Cleanser | Squalane Cleanser | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | CeraVe | The Ordinary |
| Category | cleanser | cleanser |
| Editor Rating | 9/10 ★ | 8.3/10 |
| Category | cleanser | cleanser |
| Texture | Creamy lotion-to-foam | Solid balm-to-emulsion |
| Finish | Soft, cushioned | Soft, comforted |
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| Verdict | The dermatologist's universal answer to 'what cleanser should I buy?' since 2005. CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is a non-foaming, ceramide-loaded creamy lotion that strips precisely nothing — the kind of product that stops being interesting because it just works on basically everyone. Three ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acids in human-skin-mimicking ratios, plus hyaluronic acid, plus a price under $20. The reason this is the hero of every dermatologist's recommendation list isn't because it's revolutionary — it's because it's reliable. If your barrier is compromised, retinoid-irritated, or just grown-up tired, this is the cleanser to come back to. | An emollient balm cleanser at the price of a foaming one. Squalane Cleanser melts on contact with skin, dissolves makeup and SPF efficiently, then emulsifies with water into a milky lotion that rinses clean. Nothing flashy — but most balm cleansers in this format cost $35–45, and this is $14.50. For dry, sensitive, and mature skin or anyone tired of double-cleansing aggressively, this is a quiet hero. Fragrance-free, no essential oils, no irritants. Just squalane + safflower + behenyl alcohol doing their job. |
