Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Hydrating Cleanser - A Reddit question answered

Cerave foaming facial cleanser vs hydrating cleanser is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions on Reddit, and I am here to help clarify this for you. 🙂

Without any doubt, a beauty routine wouldn’t be complete without cleaning your face. Using it will help you remove dead skin cells, makeup, bacteria, and oil from your skin, keeping it clear and healthy. In addition, it helps the skin absorb moisturisers and serums.

Cleaning formulas range from foaming face washes to cream cleansers and many more. For more insights check out: Cleanser for dry sensitive skin-what you need to know.

Quick declaimer: as the owner of the website I have tracked down some of the products and services mentioned.  Therefore, when using the links on this page to make a purchase I may get a small commission. Full Disclosure.


Cerave Cleanser: General overview

As the ideal choice for all sorts of skin types, the many cleansers that the brand offers are a top pick by many people (including myself)! There are a lot of reasons for that, one of which is that they are very affordable while still delivering amazing results! Their cleansers are known for being gentle on the skin as well. This is mainly because their cleansers do not contain fragrance and have a pH between four and six which is great for the skin. The cleansers can be used both as skin treatments and as cleansing products.

Among the many cleansers available, let’s stick to these two (since we need an answer): Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Hydrating cleanser.


Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Hydrating Cleanser - A Reddit question answered

This formula thoroughly removes dirt and oils. Designed for normal to oily skin types, it cleans gently without stripping the skin.

By using this cleanser, you can easily remove makeup without harming your skin. It is easy to rinse off and leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft.

Three essential ceramides are present to protect the skin’s natural barrier. In addition, it contains niacinamide which helps calm the skin.

It is fragrance-free, making it suitable for all ages. Furthermore, this gel is hypoallergenic and soap-free, allowing the skin to be perfectly moisturized. It is a gentle foaming gel and can be applied to any part of the body.

Since it is ideal for normal to oily skin types, the alternative (for dry sensitive skin) would be the hydrating cream to foam cleanser; designed for dry skin that can be easily irritated. While cleaning the skin, the product does not disrupt the skin’s protective layer.


Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Hydrating Cleanser - A Reddit question answered

The Hydrating Cleanser has a creamy texture that is ideal for dry skin. And as its name implies, it provides long-lasting hydration.

Hydrating cleanser is specifically formulated for those with facial skin that is sensitive as well as prone to irritation. Using this non-foaming lotion, dirt and oil are effectively removed. As a result, the skin becomes deeply hydrated.

Just like the foaming cleanser, it contains three essential ceramides to protect the skin’s natural barrier. In addition to providing a lather, the formula is formulated to target dryness with hyaluronic acid.

Just like the foaming cleanser, it can also be used on your body. However, I honestly prefer to use it on my face because I think it’s more effective (but that’s just my own opinion).

It should be noted that the cleanser is not effective at removing makeup. Alternatively, you can use the hydrating cream to foam cleanser (mentioned above). If I do not wear makeup, I use the hydrating cleanser. If I do wear makeup, I opt for hydrating foam cream.

Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Hydrating Cleanser - A Reddit question answered

The good thing about the cleanser is that it’s suitable for sensitive as well as eczema-prone skin. It has even been accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Check both reviews of the products: CeraVe hydrating cream foam to cleanser & CeraVe hydrating facial cleanser 🙂


Differences: Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Hydrating Cleanser

Cerave cleansers differ very little when compared. They differ mostly based on the type of skin. Those with normal to oily skin should use a foaming cleanser; those with normal to dry skin should use a hydrating cleanser. Everything else is pretty much the same.

These two products have one thing in common: they both contain ceramides. Ceramides are naturally present in the skin’s moisture barrier. As a result, not only will it help to moisturize your skin, but it will also protect it from external influences.

In general, the hydrating cleanser is gentler and better suited to dry, sensitive skin than the foaming one.

Some people might benefit from using hydrating cleansers during winter due to dry skin issues. However, this varies from person to person.


In summary, whichever product you use, your main decision should be based on the type of skin you have. Both are extremely affordable and effective! Drop any comments down below if you have any questions 🙂

You may also like...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *