CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs Renewing SA Cleanser

So, you've decided you want to try one of CeraVe's cult-favorite, best-selling cleansers, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!

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CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser vs CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

With both cleansers appearing practically identical on the shelf with their signature blue/green CeraVe branding, we're going to have to dive straight into their formulas to find any differences of note.

First and foremost, it's worth highlighting the fact that the Hydrating Facial Cleanser and the Renewing SA Cleanser are formulated for completely different purposes.

Though both cleansers boast the same nourishing base of essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, the Renewing SA Cleanser also contains:

• Salicylic Acid: exfoliates dead skin, keeps pores clean and unclogged, reduces sebum production, and its anti-inflammatory properties make it a prime ingredient for those with acne.
• Niacinamide: a water-soluble vitamin that works with the natural substances in your skin to help visibly minimise enlarged pores, tighten lax pores, improve uneven skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, diminish dullness, and strengthen a weakened surface.
• Polyhydroxy Acid: works by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface, resulting in a more even skin tone and texture, and also help skin-care ingredients penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin, thus boosting their efficacy.

Whereas the Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains:

• A higher concentration of Hyaluronic Acid: concentrations up to 2%* of HA help the skin improve and maintain moisture levels as well as helping the tissue regeneration process involved in healing wounds.
• Vitamin E: a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage as well as stopping skin from losing moisture.

*Higher than 2% concentrations of HA introduce unintended drying effects. It is unclear what the concentration the Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains, only that it is higher than that of the Renewing SA Cleanser (though it is incredibly unlikely to be higher than 2%).

This lends some clarity regarding the names given to the products. The Hydrating Facial Cleanser is clearly formulated for, well, hydration (and otherwise just generally respecting and supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier). The Renewing SA Cleanser on the other hand renews the skin through gentle exfoliation, yielding smoother, less bumpy/rough, more even-toned skin with every wash.

Other points of note include: price, in which they are practically the same per fluid ounce; texture, with the Renewing SA Cleanser being a gel and the Hydrating Facial Cleanser being creamy; and both are indeed free from fragrance and nasties.

This article was originally published on April 28th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 5th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.