Brand

CeraVe

Known for ceramides and MVE controlled-release technology, and for being one of the most dermatologist-recommended affordable brands.

CeraVe launched in 2005 as a dermatologist-informed line built around ceramides, the lipids that help maintain the skin barrier. It was owned by Valeant (later Bausch Health) before L'Oreal acquired it in 2017, and it now sits in L'Oreal's Dermatological Beauty division.

Founded

2005

Founder

Developed with dermatologist input; commercialized in the US

Headquarters

New York, USA (L'Oreal Dermatological Beauty division)

Ownership

Owned by L'Oreal (since 2017)

Ownership and scale

L'Oreal acquired CeraVe along with AcneFree and Ambi from Valeant for about $1.3 billion in cash (announced January 2017). Standalone CeraVe valuation is not publicly disclosed.

Brand timeline

2005
Launches in the US with ceramide-based moisturizers and cleansers
2014
Becomes part of Valeant Pharmaceuticals, expanding reach
2017
L'Oreal acquires CeraVe, AcneFree, and Ambi for about $1.3B
2020
Major growth driven by dermatologist recommendations and social media

Where to buy

Brand siteAmazonTargetWalmartCVSUlta

Where to get the best offers

This is a drugstore brand, so the best value comes from big-box and pharmacy sales at Target, Walmart, and CVS, plus multipacks on Amazon and store loyalty rewards rather than brand codes.

CeraVe products we have reviewed

budget

Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe

Key Ingredient

Ceramides

Affordable, non-stripping daily cleanseThree essential ceramides plus hyaluronic acidFragrance-free barrier support

$16.99/ 16 fl oz (473ml)($0.04/ml)

Review Product

budget

Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe

Key Ingredient

Ceramides

Excellent value barrier cream for face and bodyCeramides plus hyaluronic acid for dry skinLarge tub, easy to repurchase

$17.99/ 16 oz (453g)($0.04/ml)

Review Product

budget

Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe

Key Ingredient

Encapsulated Retinol

Gentle encapsulated retinol for post-acne marksNiacinamide and ceramides to limit irritationAffordable entry-level retinol

$21.99/ 1 fl oz (30ml)($0.73/ml)

Review Product

budget

Healing Ointment

CeraVe

Key Ingredient

Petrolatum (46.5%)

Protects and soothes very dry, cracked, or chafed skinPairs a petrolatum barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acidLanolin-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic

$15.99/ 12 oz (340 g)($0.05/ml)

Review Product

Brand background is compiled from public sources. Ownership and valuation figures are reported acquisitions or valuations where disclosed; private brands are marked as not publicly disclosed. Prices and retailers change, so confirm on the brand's official page.