This $15 Cult-Favorite Drugstore Moisturizer Did Wonders for My Skin

After I made some inadvertent mistakes with my skincare routine, this cream helped soothe my redness.

As someone who struggles with adult acne and combination-to-oily skin, the best skincare advice I’ve ever received was to consult a dermatologist. And while there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all routine or product, the holy grail facial moisturizer both my dermatologist and I agree on for my combination-to-oily skin is a shockingly affordable $15 tube found in the aisles of your local drugstore: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

Spoiler alert: I’ve used it every single day for more than two years. Here’s why I will never stray—and how my experience could be helpful for you, too. “CeraVe products are dermatologist-tested, making them a trusted choice for many,” board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, M.D. says, adding that CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a “versatile” option for “adults of all ages.”

Unsurprisingly it’s nabbed key spots in our roundups for best drugstore moisturizer for dry skin, one of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin, and the best moisturizer for sensitive mature skin. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and boasts a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association for how gentle it is on the skin. But gentle doesn’t mean ineffective.

With a combination of three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid (top notch ingredients for skin hydration), this cream claims to be able to restore and protect the skin barrier to help moisturize even the driest patches of skin without leaving it greasy.

For oily skin, a non-greasy, fast-absorbing product is key

For the longest time, I thought moisturizer was the enemy for my combination-to-oily skin—but that’s not the case. “It may seem counterintuitive, but oily skin needs plenty of moisture, too,” says dermatologist and CeraVe consultant Jarett Casale, D.O., F.A.A.D..

That’s because the face produces more sebum (a.k.a. oil) when it’s dry, so using a moisturizer actually helps control and balance oil production. I had to learn this the hard way. After growing frustration with my skin,

I experimented with too many drying products at once to attempt to combat acne on my own. The result was dry, red patches and flaky skin on my face—even on my eyelids. Using a dermatologist-recommended moisturizer not only helped to soothe my irritated skin, but it also helped prepare it for the potentially-drying retinoid my dermatologist prescribed for my acne.

I was nervous to use this on my face at first because of its rich and creamy texture, but board-certified dermatologist Ashley McGuiness, M.D. previously told Prevention that though it is thick, the Cerave Moisturizer is “non-greasy and fast absorbing.” And it’s true.

After continued use, my stubborn dry patches faded without exacerbating my combination-to-oily skin. I currently use it daily under my SPF—my skin soaks it up immediately, and it doesn’t leave me feeling sticky or with any leftover residue.

Why I’ve used this cream for years

After continued use, I’ve come to the conclusion that the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream isn’t all that rich, relatively speaking. Now that I am less fearful of moisturizers, I’ve started using even heavier products overnight—like this favorite from La Roche Posay—and my CeraVe feels lightweight in comparison.

That’s really where CeraVe’s magic lies: It is both lightweight enough for my face but powerful enough to work wonders on my body—specifically, my post-pandemic hands. As I have been extra vigilant about washing my hands and using hand sanitizer, my hands are frequently dry—and even cracked.

This cream has saved them. In fact, I now keep the large 19-oz tub in my apartment (so my sister can benefit, too!), and it’s lasted a long, long while.

The bottom line

Honestly, in terms of bang for buck, it’s one of the longest-lasting products I have at the lowest price points. It’s even more budget-friendly because it works double-duty on my dry hands and acne-prone face. It’s my skincare unicorn.

After two years, it’s clear that this staple in my daily routine isn’t going anywhere. I currently have it in all three available sizes—a small travel size for my purse, an 8-oz tube for my daily facial skincare, and the 19-oz hallway tub—and will continue to restock it, not only because it’s an easily accessible drugstore moisturizer that won’t break the bank, but there’s a reason so many dermatologists, Amazon reviewers, and even makeup pros like Bobbi Brown recommend it: It really works.