Is Cerave a Clean Beauty Brand?

I don’t know about you, but I keep seeing CeraVe everywhere—from supermarket shelves to skincare routines all over social media. It’s one of those brands that seems to have earned a permanent spot in many people’s skincare lineups. Dermatologists recommend it, and it’s praised for being affordable and effective, which got me wondering: What’s really inside these products? Is CeraVe considered “clean”?

Green beauty is all about using products that are free from harmful toxins, synthetic chemicals, and anything that might not be great for our skin or the environment. As more of us start to care about the ingredients in our skincare, it’s only natural to question whether popular beauty brands like CeraVe align with these principles—or if they even try to.

So, is CeraVe a clean brand? At first glance, it might not seem like it. But let’s dive in and see why that is. We’ll explore what green beauty really means and how CeraVe measures up to these standards. You might be surprised by what we find.

So, What is Clean Beauty?

Clean beauty is all about choosing products that are safe for both your skin and the environment. It means using skincare that’s free from harmful chemicals, synthetic ingredients, and toxins. The idea is to focus on natural or naturally derived ingredients that won’t cause harm to you or the planet, with an emphasis on safety and transparency.

So, where does CeraVe stand in all this? While CeraVe is popular for its dermatologist-approved products that are effective and reliable, it doesn’t fully match up with clean beauty standards. The brand tends to focus more on proven results and skin health rather than sticking to all-natural or non-synthetic ingredients. So, while CeraVe is great for your skin, it’s not exactly what you’d call a “clean” brand in the green beauty world.

CeraVe Moisturising Lotion

Ingredient Analysis: What’s Inside CeraVe Products?

When it comes to skincare, what’s inside the bottle really matters. CeraVe is known for including some pretty beneficial ingredients that are great for maintaining healthy skin.

For example, their products often feature ceramides, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s natural barrier, and hyaluronic acid, a superstar when it comes to keeping skin hydrated and plump. These ingredients are definitely a plus if you’re looking to improve your skin’s health.

But what about the rest of the ingredients? Well, this is where things get a bit less “clean.”

Questionable Ingredients in CeraVe Products

While CeraVe includes some fantastic skin-loving ingredients, the brand also relies heavily on synthetic components. These synthetic ingredients, although effective, are where CeraVe diverges from clean beauty standards.

For example, CeraVe products often contain petrolatum (also known as petroleum jelly) and dimethicone, a type of silicone. Both are widely used in skincare for their effectiveness—petrolatum is a strong occlusive that locks in moisture, and dimethicone provides a smooth, silky texture. However, these ingredients are not considered “clean” due to their synthetic nature and potential environmental impact.

Petrolatum, in particular, can be a point of concern. While it’s a highly effective occlusive, there’s a potential issue if it’s not properly refined—it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potentially harmful. The European Union has strict regulations ensuring that only highly refined, safe petrolatum is used in cosmetics. However, not all countries have such stringent standards, which raises questions about the quality and safety of petrolatum used in products globally.

Do CeraVe Products Contain Parabens?

CeraVe products used to contain parabens, a group of preservatives that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. However, due to rising concerns from consumers about the safety of parabens, CeraVe has reformulated many of its products to remove them.

Today, they often use phenoxyethanol instead, a preservative that is generally considered safe but can cause irritation in some individuals, particularly if used in multiple products within the same skincare routine. While most CeraVe products are now paraben-free, it’s still wise to check the label, as older formulations might still be available on the market.

Overall, CeraVe products are pretty safe and effective, with only a few ingredients that might raise concerns. However, since they rely heavily on synthetic ingredients, they don’t quite fit the clean beauty standard. If you’re all about using natural or strictly clean products, CeraVe is definitely not the best match for your routine.

A Closer Look: What’s Inside CeraVe Moisturizing Cream?

Let’s now dive into the details of one of CeraVe’s most loved products—the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This cream is a staple for many, especially those with dry or sensitive skin, but how does it hold up when we break down its ingredients?

cerave moisturizing cream

Breaking Down the Ingredients

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s inside:

Emollients and Occlusives:

  • Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
  • Petrolatum: Forms a barrier to lock in moisture. Highly effective but synthetic and controversial in clean beauty.
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol: Help soften and smooth the skin while enhancing the cream’s texture.

Barrier Restorers:

  • Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP): Essential for repairing and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier.
  • Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine: Work alongside ceramides to support the skin’s structure.

Hydration Boosters:

  • Sodium Hyaluronate: A form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin for long-lasting hydration.

Preservatives:

  • Phenoxyethanol: A synthetic preservative used to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Ethylhexylglycerin: Often paired with phenoxyethanol to enhance preservation.
  • Disodium EDTA: Stabilizes the formula by binding with metal ions that could cause the product to degrade.
  • Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage.

Surfactants and Conditioners:

  • Ceteareth-20: A surfactant that helps mix oil and water-based ingredients, ensuring the cream has a smooth, even consistency.
  • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate: A mild surfactant that also acts as a skin-conditioning agent.
  • Behentrimonium Methosulfate: A mild conditioning agent that also helps improve the texture of the cream.

Texture Enhancers and Stabilizers:

  • Dimethicone: A silicone that gives the cream a smooth, silky feel.
  • Carbomer, Xanthan Gum: Thickeners that help stabilize the cream’s formula.
  • Dipotassium Phosphate and Potassium Phosphate: pH adjusters that help maintain the stability of the formulation.

Natural vs. Synthetic: What’s the Balance?

When you look at the ingredients, it’s clear that the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream leans heavily on synthetic components. While it does include naturally-derived ingredients like ceramides and cholesterol, the majority of the formula is made up of lab-created ingredients designed for efficacy and stability.

Why It’s Not Considered Clean

So, why doesn’t this cream fit into the clean beauty category? Despite being effective at moisturizing and protecting the skin, its heavy reliance on synthetic ingredients like petrolatum, dimethicone, and phenoxyethanol means it doesn’t align with the clean beauty ethos, which emphasizes natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly formulations. These ingredients are safe and effective, but they don’t meet the criteria for what’s typically considered “clean” in the green beauty world.

A Closer Look: What’s Inside CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser?

cerave cleansers

Next up, let’s break down the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is a favorite for those with dry or sensitive skin, thanks to its gentle formula. But how does it stack up in terms of clean beauty?

Breaking Down the Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll find in the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser:

Cleansing and Moisturizing Agents:

  • Glycerin: A humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin.
  • Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohols that act as emollients, giving the cleanser a creamy texture and helping to soften the skin.

Barrier Support:

  • Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP): Crucial for restoring the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it strong and resilient.
  • Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine: Work in harmony with ceramides to maintain healthy skin structure.

Hydration Boosters:

  • Sodium Hyaluronate: A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper for more intense hydration.

Surfactants and Emulsifiers:

  • PEG-40 Stearate: A mild surfactant that helps the cleanser gently remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
  • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate: A mild surfactant that also acts as a skin-conditioning agent.
  • Polysorbate 20: An emulsifier that helps mix oil and water-based ingredients, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.

Preservatives and Skin Conditioners:

  • Phenoxyethanol: Used to keep the product free from harmful bacteria and mold.
  • Ethylhexylglycerin: Often used alongside phenoxyethanol to boost its effectiveness as a preservative.
  • Disodium EDTA: Helps to stabilize the formula by binding with metal ions that could otherwise cause the product to deteriorate.Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage.

Texture Enhancers and Stabilizers:

  • Carbomer: A thickener that gives the cleanser its gel-like consistency.
  • Xanthan Gum: Helps stabilize the formula, ensuring it stays smooth and easy to use.

The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser also leans heavily on synthetic ingredients. While it does feature beneficial natural components like ceramides and cholesterol, the bulk of the formula is made up of synthetic ingredients chosen for their effectiveness and stability, such as PEG-40 Stearate and phenoxyethanol.

Why It’s Not Considered Clean

While the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is gentle, effective, and a go-to for many with sensitive skin, it doesn’t fit the clean beauty mold. The reliance on synthetic ingredients, including PEG-40 Stearate, phenoxyethanol, and polysorbate 20, means it falls short of the clean beauty standard, which prioritizes natural, non-toxic ingredients. These components are safe and work well in the formula, but they don’t align with the principles of clean beauty, which is why this cleanser, though popular, wouldn’t be classified as “clean.”

Is CeraVe Safe?

After examining what’s inside CeraVe products, the next question is: Are they safe to use? Let’s address this concern by looking at the overall safety profile of CeraVe’s offerings.

Safety of CeraVe Products

CeraVe is well-regarded for creating products that are safe for a wide range of skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. The brand’s formulas are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores, which is crucial for those who struggle with breakouts.

Additionally, CeraVe products are fragrance-free, reducing the risk of irritation, and they’re developed with input from dermatologists. This attention to safety and efficacy has made CeraVe a trusted choice for those seeking reliable skincare solutions.

Is CeraVe Toxic?

So, is there anything toxic in CeraVe products? The short answer is no. While CeraVe does use synthetic ingredients, these components are considered safe by regulatory agencies like the FDA and the European Union’s regulatory bodies. Ingredients such as phenoxyethanol and dimethicone are used because they’re effective and pose a low risk of harm when used as intended.

CeraVe products do not typically contain what would be classified as “toxic” ingredients. However, it’s important to note that just because an ingredient is safe doesn’t mean it meets clean beauty standards.

Final Thoughts

CeraVe has definitely earned its place as a trusted, dermatologist-recommended brand, especially for those who need effective, no-nonsense skincare. However, if you’re someone who’s focused on clean beauty—products that emphasize natural, toxin-free ingredients—CeraVe might not be what you’re looking for. Their reliance on synthetic ingredients means they don’t quite fit the clean beauty category.

When it comes to being vegan and cruelty-free, CeraVe doesn’t fully check those boxes either. Some of their products contain animal-derived ingredients, and while they’re moving toward cruelty-free practices, they’re not quite there yet. It’s always a good idea to do a quick check if these aspects are important to you.

If clean beauty is your priority, you might want to explore brands like Green People, Neal’s Yard Remedies and UpCircle. These brands focus more on natural, plant-based ingredients and align better with the principles of clean beauty.

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Petra Nakashian (previously Kravos) is a dedicated natural health and beauty blogger, driven by the loss of her parents to cancer, which led her to meticulously research beauty product ingredients. With over 10 years of experience, her in-depth knowledge has made her a trusted expert in the field. Founder of Be Healthy Now and Green Beauty Talk, Petra recently expanded her expertise with Beauty Insights Hub, exploring a wider range of beauty treatments. Committed to transparency and honesty, her work is a vital resource for navigating the complex world of beauty.