Recently, I went to the Dermatologist and he recommended this cleanser for my dry but oily in a couple of spots, acne-prone facial skin and an eczema flare-up on my shoulder.

I was shocked, amazed and very grateful that Cetaphil didn't get his vote because the out-dated "sensitive" skin formula dries out my already dry skin.

I'm pretty new to acne and sensitive skin which has affected me newly at 34 because I hit menopause. So here I am on a constant search for products that don't aggravate my acne and don't make me itch. That also have to be gentle because I was prescribed Differin gel for my acne which is harsh and drying but effective for me.
Needless to say, buying body wash is not as fun as it used to be.
Maybe I need to get an all new favorite pastime?

Product Info. and Packaging:

CeraVe is a pretty new line of sensitive skin products on the market that dermatologist's are singing the praises of.
From drugstore.com:

CeraVe™ Hydrating Cleanser gently removes dirt, oil and makeup without disrupting the skin's natural protective barrier. It contains ceramides, naturally occurring components of the skin that play a key role in enhancing and restoring the skin's protective function. Also included are vital humectants and emollients to replenish and retain needed moisture. The unique ingredients in CeraVe™ Hydrating Cleanser help restore damaged skin and keep skin healthy. CeraVe™ Hydrating Cleanser is an ideal first-step in a daily skin care routine. With its patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE) formulation, CeraVe™ Hydrating Cleanser helps restore and maintain the skin's natural protective function. MVE works by trapping ingredients within multi-layered vesicles that are slowly released, layer by layer throughout the day, penetrating deep into the skin to moisturize and nourish. CeraVe™ Hydrating Cleanser is non-comedogenic and non-irritating.

This product comes in a white 12oz plastic bottle with a pump- a plus for me. Love the pumps! There is a green CeraVe label and the packaging is pretty much no frills and nothing exciting.

I used to see this product at my local Walgreen's and Cvs but they no longer carry it. I went to Drugstore.com and paid about 11.50 which seems to be a great deal as the bottle is pretty large.

My Experience and Usage:

I use this cleanser twice a day. The amount the pump dispenses is perfect for your face and then I use another pump on my itchy shoulder.

This cleanser is a very thin opaque white color and I would say it is more like a creamy gel cleanser. The first time I used it I noticed a very fleeting medicinal smell that was non offensive but there so I thought I would mention it. The smell never has stuck on my skin.

This was very gentle and creamy- it does not lather at all, which is better for your skin.
If you don't like cleansers that don't lather stay away from this one.
If I'm wearing makeup I have to wash twice and it doesn't really take off stubborn eye makeup. Still it won't dry your face out.

I have also found that I have to rinse a little longer than most cleansers that just wash off and dry you out.
It does rinse cleanly and leaves your skin baby soft and very moisturized.

After using this and the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion for a couple of days on my itchy shoulder with Eczema it has been healing and soothing it.
If I wasn't using Differin, I wouldn't need a moisturizer on my face at all.

Since using this I have not had any new breakouts which is great. I don't think I can recommend this for oily skin, I think it would make it greasy. But if you skin is ultra dry and sensitive this is the facial cleanser and/or body wash for you.

Conclusion:

I'm in love with the CeraVe moisturizing lotion but not really in love with this cleanser. For my needs I think it may be too hydrating because I have to use a moisturizer on top of the Differin.
For Eczema and as a body wash it's fantastic and I highly recommend it for that and I will keep this cleanser around for any flareups but once my skin calms down I will hopefully find something else I can use that is better suited for me.
I don't like the fact that it doesn't take makeup off that well.
Still for seriously dry or irritated itchy skin- this is a phenomenal product at a great price.

Ingredients:
Water (Purified), Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-11, Ceramide 1, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Phytosphingosine, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

Thanks for taking the time to read my review!! :)

Recommended: Yes