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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser Review: Would Users Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this product in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of retailer ratings, ingredient information and user and expert comments, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.

Depends

A solid pick for oily skin, but dryness is the common catch

Walmart shoppers rate CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser 4.7 out of 5 across 15.7K ratings, and a blogger who used it for months kept reaching for it because it left skin comfortable. The picture is less rosy on Skinsort, where users give it 2.8 out of 5 and drying is the most common theme (39% of reviews). It works best on normal to oily skin. If your skin runs dry or you use acids or retinoids, a creamier cleanser is the safer choice.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • have normal to oily skin
  • want a fragrance-free foaming wash
  • like a gel that lathers lightly without a harsh feel

Skip it if you…

  • have dry or easily irritated skin
  • use retinoids or acids and need a very gentle cleanser
  • wear waterproof makeup and want one-step removal

This review summarizes user experiences and is not medical advice. If you have acne, eczema, rosacea or another skin condition, talk to a dermatologist. Reactions to skincare vary from person to person.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a clear gel that turns into a light foam. It's made for normal to oily skin and contains three ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, according to the Walmart listing. You use it morning and night and rinse it off.

We looked at retailer ratings, an ingredient database and a long-term blogger review to see what people say after the first week.

What owners say, at a glance

4.7 / 5Walmart average across 15.7K ratingsRetailer listing
2.8 / 5Skinsort average across 193 reviewsDrying is the top theme at 39%
24ingredients, fragrance-freeSkinsort
Cleans without a harsh feel
Mostly positive
Fragrance-free
Strong praise
Value
Mostly positive
Dryness or tightness
Common complaint
Makeup removal
Mixed

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key details

TextureClear gel that foams lightly
Made forNormal to oily skin
Notable ingredientsThree ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
FragranceFragrance-free
pH5.5 (per Skinsort)

What users love

It cleans without tightness for many.A blogger who used it for months said it removed oil and dirt without leaving skin tight, even in cold weather, and didn't sting.
Fragrance-free and easy to layer.Skinsort lists it as fragrance-free, and 27% of its reviews mention no scent. The blogger found it played well with serums, moisturizers and actives.
Good value.26% of Skinsort reviews mention great value, and the blogger called it good value for what it does.
Strong retailer feedback.Walmart shoppers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 15.7K ratings.

What users complain about

It can feel drying.Skinsort's top review theme is drying, at 39%, and its average is just 2.8 out of 5. A Thing Testing summary also notes that some CeraVe cleansers can feel drying or leave a film.
Not for very dry skin or strong actives.The blogger suggests CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser instead if your skin is very dry or you use retinoids or acids.
Waterproof makeup stays put.It handled light foundation, sunscreen and mascara for the blogger, but not heavy or waterproof makeup.
Ingredient flags.Skinsort flags a few ingredients (such as propylene glycol and citric acid) that may bother people with eczema or rosacea, and lists two parabens.

How it holds up over time

The blogger's months-long experience was positive: it stayed gentle and became an easy morning habit, especially after workouts or on congested-feeling skin. The split in ratings suggests skin type matters a lot. People with oily or combination skin tend to be happiest, and those who feel tight after washing tend to switch to a creamier option.

Tips from users

  • Follow with moisturizer, especially if your skin feels tight.
  • Try it once a day first if you're unsure, then build up.
  • Use a separate remover for waterproof makeup, or use it as a second cleanse.
  • Patch-test if you have eczema or rosacea.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Fragrance-free with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
  • Light foam suits normal to oily skin
  • Widely available and well rated at retailers
  • Works well as a second cleanse

What owners complain about

  • Drying for some, especially dry skin
  • Doesn't remove waterproof makeup
  • Ingredient flags for people with eczema or rosacea

Other options users compare

These are the cleansers most often compared with CeraVe Foaming.

ProductKnown forConsider it if…
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser (this review)Light foam with ceramidesYou have normal to oily skinSee on Amazon
CeraVe Hydrating Facial CleanserCreamy, non-foamingYour skin is dry or you use retinoids or acidsSee on Amazon
Cetaphil Gentle Skin CleanserMild and simpleYou want a gentle, non-foaming everyday washSee on Amazon
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming CleanserFoaming wash with gentle cleansing agentsYou want a foaming option without parabensSee on Amazon

Want a simple foaming wash for normal to oily skin?

Check current sizes and prices on Amazon.

See it on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Is CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser fragrance-free?

Yes. The retailer listing and Skinsort both describe it as fragrance-free.

Is it good for dry skin?

Probably not. It's made for normal to oily skin, and drying is the top theme in Skinsort reviews. CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is the usual alternative.

Does it remove makeup?

It handles light makeup and sunscreen for some users, but not heavy or waterproof makeup.

Can I use it twice a day?

Many people do. If your skin feels tight, try once a day and moisturize afterward.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 09, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.