Why they work — and perfect dupes if you want to mix, match, or upgrade.

CeraVe is the ultimate skin barrier hero — backed by dermatologists, packed with ceramides, and loved for its no-fuss formulas. If you’re new to the brand or wanna maximize your current routine, here are the top picks that cater to every skin type.

🧼 1. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (236 ml)
Why it’s top-tier:
A creamy, soap-free cleanser that removes grime while infusing skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It cleans without stripping and is gentle enough even for eczema or rosacea-prone skin.

Alternatives:

• Affordable: Asda’s Simplified Hydrating Cleanser – soap-free, budget-friendly.
• Luxury: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser – calming, ceramide-rich luxe cleanser.

💧 2. CeraVe Moisturising Cream (454 g)
Why it’s top-tier:
Thick, rich, and non-greasy — it delivers serious hydration with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Winner for dry/chapped skin, winter healing, and face/body combo use.

Alternatives:

• Affordable: Superdrug’s Simply Energising Moisturiser – ceramide-forward and light.
• Luxury: ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Oil Cream – ceramide complex meets anti-ageing botanicals.

🌿 3. CeraVe SA Renewing Cream
Why it’s top-tier:
A gentle yet effective 10% salicylic acid + ceramide cream. It auto-exfoliates, reduces rough texture, and is ideal for bumpy skin, keratosis pilaris, or stubborn patches on knees & arms.

Alternatives:

• Affordable: Ameliorate Smooth Skin Cream – lactic + urea blend, for rough skin rescue.
• Luxury: Paula’s Choice 10% AHA Body Lotion – silky, exfoliating, and glow-boosting.

🛡️ 4. CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25
Why it’s top-tier:
Mixing ceramides, niacinamide, and broad-spectrum SPF — this no-white-cast formula delivers day-time hydration and defence in one clean, non-greasy layer.

Alternatives:

• Affordable: Simple Protecting Light Moisturising Lotion SPF 15 – skin-kind, drugstore-friendly.
• Luxury: La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ – ultra-light, ultra-protection.

⚗️ 5. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Why it’s top-tier:
Formulated with encapsulated retinol, ceramides, niacinamide, and licorice root — it smooths pores, fades pigmentation, and builds skin resilience while minimising irritation.

Alternatives:

• Affordable: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane – gentle yet effective anti-ageing retinoid.
• Luxury: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni 1% Retinol Cream – powerful retinol with nourishing peptides.

💬 Final Word: Which One Should You Try First?
If you’re barrier-conscious, dry-skinned, or just want a low-risk routine starter — CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and Moisturising Cream are must-haves. They’re gentle, effective, and hard to beat on value.

But if you’re dealing with texture or dullness, CeraVe SA Renewing Cream and Retinol Serum step your routine up with targeted skin-smoothing without overwhelming it.

For daily protection, the AM Facial Lotion with SPF 25 hits the sweet spot of simplicity and performance.

💖 MyHQ Beauty Desk Verdict:
CeraVe hits every skin goal — from hydration to brightening, barrier repair to sun protection — and delivers consistent results without the skincare clutter. But if you’re loving the texture or need something more luxurious, there are seriously tempting alternatives across price points.

Night-time routine? Morning glow? Dry signal? There’s a perfect CeraVe—and a luxe or affordable dupe waiting to support it.

Ready to glow barrier-first?
Shop your perfect CeraVe match (or its luxe twin) with MyHQ’s personal shopping service. Curated skincare with London flair, delivered to your East African doorstep.

📩 Email: personalshopper@myhqafrica.com
🌍 Browse: www.myhqafrica.com
✨ We shop. You smile.