For us to claim a skincare item is the best, it takes a lot of research and consideration. But, after several recommendations by experts in skin care, hundreds of thousands of 5-star ratings and some of the most convincing testimonies from HuffPost staffers (like myself and managing editor, Marquaysa Battle), we think it’s finally time.
The original CeraVe Moisturizing Cream may just be the best moisturizer out there to date. And today, the 19-ounce jar is on rare sale for 15% off at Amazon, making it even cheaper than smaller options from other retailers. This unassuming and ubiquitous hydrator is adored for its accessible price point and unbeatable compatibility with even the most sensitive skin types. Whether you lather it on your feet, elbows, or knees or spread it on your face, it’s truly an all-purpose cream that you’ll keep reaching for, especially in the dry, winter cold.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Seemal R. Desai called it “one of my favorite moisturizers in the entire world,” saying he recommends it to patients every day.
“It’s a rich, non-greasy and fast-absorbing cream that releases a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients, including essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid,” Desai previously told HuffPost. “It’s also fragrance-free, so it’s great for even the most sensitive skin types.”
Desai explained that because CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains thick emollients (substances used to soften skin and increase moisture, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), it helps replace ceramides and lipids in our skin. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, a tried-and-true humectant that draws moisture into the skin. In the simplest terms, it’s a super-rich, nourishing cream that doesn’t just smooth skin; it helps it retain moisture, keeping it soft and strengthening your skin barrier,
Like all CeraVe products, be it their cult-favorite face washes or targeted serums, this custard-like cream is formulated with essential ceramides to heal dry or irritated skin.
Desai isn’t the only skin care professional who has hyped this face-and-body cream. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, previously suggested CeraVe as an ideal solution to help razor-burned skin, while another board-certified dermatologist, JiaDe (Jeff) Yu, formerly recommended it as one of the best products to treat eczema.
As a long-time sufferer of this common skin condition, I can personally attest to how beneficial the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream has been to managing any irritation, redness and flaking that occurs. In fact, it’s the only moisturizer I’ve continuously used on my body for the past decade because I know it won’t exacerbate my incredibly dry and finicky epidermis. “This stuff works like Jesus made it,” said a reviwer. “This has been the single and only thing that has cured my son’s eczema! I love it! After using a million other things, this has been the one and only consistent winner!”
Other users of this magic cream have made similar claims to mine and have even attributed the formula for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Others state that it’s the perfect priming layer to wear underneath makeup.
And it’s especially loved in the winter.
Reviewers love the cream for managing painful skin cracking caused by winter elements. “I always have itchy skin in winter,” a reviewer who tried ‘all sorts of skin products’ wrote. “I still scratch myself bloody.” Yet, after hearing from a doctor friend about CeraVe’s cream, they gave it a try. “Finally, I slept without scratching for the first time.”
Others, who deal with dry skin on their face, say the cream didn’t just soothe their skin, “it’s helped me feel more confident and feel a whole lot better.”
As if these assuring words and endless endorsements from dermatologists weren’t enough, read more 5-star reviews of the CeraVe moisturizing cream and grab a jar while it’s on sale.
“This is a fabulous product. You will not break out or itch. Your skin will look better. This is great for again skin and sensitive skin. I love this. It is so expensive in the store and hard to find. This was a larger container and a good value. It completely disappears on the skin, not sticky, very moisturizing.” — SAT
“I have no skin routine, just dry skin especially in the winter, and I can say this moisturizer works well. I use it on my hands, arms, elbows, and face on the sides around the eyes where the lines were. The improvement for me was quick. One week later and my skin is much improved. As for the product itself, it is nearly the consistency of whipped cream―very light. I use just two little dabs (one for each arm) and it absorbs fast. This jar will last a long time. Very good product.” — Jeffry Diamond
“This stuff works. I have excessively dry skin. This has become part of my daily skin care routine. It was recommended by my dermatologist. The creme is thick, great quality and protects your skin from dryness. It makes my skin extra soft too. A must have for dry skin.” — Florida girl
By the way, my eczema-prone skin is painfully dry. Here are the other affordable products I use during winter.
A nourishing body oil that doesn’t leave my skin greasy
As I’ve already mentioned, my skin is notoriously dry and I’ve found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after my CeraVe moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improve skin texture and succeeded in making my skin feel bouncy and soft, well into the following day. The Saltair nourishing body oil was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don’t hear a lot of people talk about how great it is.
As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I’m in love with the fact that this formula doesn’t sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I’m able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it’s enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and moringa. I’ve also noticed that my tattoos appear more vibrant and renewed since using a body oil.
A decadently scented shower oil
I hate spending anything more than $10 on a product that I know I’m just going to wash off my body moments later, which is why I relegate this precious elixir to a couple of times a week, yet gladly repurchase it again and again because it’s just that nice. Unlike your typical surfactant-filled body washes, this is a cleansing shower oil that helps to lock in moisture and leave skin feeling very nourished. Not only does it smell divine (think caramel, warm vanilla and sandalwood), but it also contains prebiotics, oils and butters that support a healthy skin barrier. You also don’t need much product for this shower oil to quickly work in a super dense and creamy lather, especially when you use just a standard loofah.
Amazon
Japanese exfoliating washcloth
If you’ve ever had the luxury of getting an all-over body scrub at the Korean spa, then you’ll know all about those magical exfoliating mitts that are used to polish, tone and brighten your skin beyond compare. This is the washcloth version that I use every other day at the start of my shower on wet skin. The textured weave of these cloths strikes the perfect balance of abrasive, yet not rough enough to cause micro tears in the skin or irritation. I work the cloth over my entire body, paying close attention to my elbows, thighs, underarms and bikini line to fend off roughness and ingrowns. I even like to use the washcloth on my heels.
Amazon
A targeted kojic acid soap for brighting my underarms
Dermatologists have previously told HuffPost that kojic acid is a great ingredient for brightening skin and reducing hyperpigmentation. Since then, I’ve been a big fan of these Japanese-formulated bar soaps that are also packed with other skin-loving ingredients such as antioxidant-rich vitamin C, hydrating hyaluronic acid and retinol, which is essential for promoting collagen production.
I use this soap in conjunction with the Dove Beauty Bar, but only on my arms, where my keratosis pilaris is the most prevalent, and on my underarms and my bikini line to make the skin look as bright as possible.
Amazon
A body serum meant to hydrate and boost elasticity
I used to think that serums for the body were an excessive step, but I do feel as though they have improved the glow and overall feel of my skin, especially this one from Saltair, which finally just got restocked. This lightweight and fast-absorbing serum contains a blend of ingredients that help draw and trap moisture into the skin, boost surface hydration and help improve skin texture. It also features an amino acid blend that claims to boost the skin’s elasticity by boosting collagen production. I apply this as my first step out of the shower while my skin is still slightly damp, then follow up with my moisturizer and body oil.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)
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