CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Cleanser Set Review

CeraVe has one more best-selling product besides the Hydrating Facial Cleanser and the Moisturizing Cream. And the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and Cleanser Set is another version of these two most popular products, a way for them to be sold together in one purchase. Targeted at those people who are looking for a basic, two-step routine or a travel-friendly dry skin kit, it is offered as a single package without buying each individual bottle. Rather newer than the original products, the set version has received over 19,000 ratings averaging 4.8 stars, with an 'Amazon's Choice' badge. It is sold in three different size combinations: 16oz cream with 1oz cleanser; 12oz cream with 3oz cleanser; and 8oz cream with 8oz cleanser.

Two Separate but Related Formulas, Not One Formula

The core formula philosophy of both products mainly consists of three ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II), hyaluronic acid, and CeraVe's branded MVE Technology - a gradual delivery mechanism that aims to evenly release moisture-containing substances over 24 hours without an initial massive surge in delivery. Even so, it's crucial to be particular here and not jump to the conclusion that these two formulas are exactly the same because they are packaged together: they are not. The Cream contains petrolatum and dimethicone to enhance its texture, providing a richer and more barrier-forming finish, whereas the Cleanser version does away with these, incorporating PEG-40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, and polysorbate 80 - ingredients better fitted for a product that you rinse and that also lathers, cleans, and leaves the skin without dryness.

Sure, they share essentially the same backbone of ceramides and hyaluronic acid, but ultimately, they're two separate, targeted ingredient mixups, each fulfilling distinct skin care tasks, not half a base product put into two containers!

How the Cleanser and Moisturizer Work Together

When the cleanser and moisturizer are combined, the cleanser is the one responsible for picking up most of the dirt, oil, and makeup while making sure the skin barrier isn't over-stripped. This is mainly important because a cleanser that's overly harsh is going to counter the efforts of the ceramide in the moisturizer, which is trying to rebuild the skin. In fact, one of the better-supported ways to keep sensitive or dry skin from drying out too much throughout the day is to start the routine with a cleanser that is gentle, barrier-friendly, and not a cleanser that is foaming, sulfate-heavy, etc.

A real and practical differentiating factor besides the size of the Moisturizing Cream standalone 19oz: the 16oz cream included in this set arrives in a pump dispenser, not a jar. Such a change, a pump versus a jar, is a major upgrade in usability - a pump brings greater hygiene with repeated use and also helps the user to get the exact same dose with every use, which, of course, is a very important factor if you ever hesitated to try the product in the jar format.

Unfortunately, the product listing does not make it clear whether or not the 12oz and 8oz sizes included in the other combo tiers of this product will also come with a pump or a jar dispenser. That means it is a good idea to contact CeraVe or, if possible, the seller of the listing concerned to check about the packaging of the cream before assuming that the pump packaging is the same for the three sizes.

Choosing the Right Size Tier

It's worthwhile to briefly take a look at the three different size tiers for a few major reasons: first, apart from the volume of product in each, they represent a different approach to the overall ratio of cream and cleanser in the package, and the differences are quite significant. The 16oz Cream + 1oz Cleanser size is clearly targeted to those who have an existing cleanser and who want a trial-size flavor of Hydrating Facial Cleanser on top of a full-size Cream. The 8oz Cream + 8oz Cleanser size, however, considers both products as equally important and is best for those who genuinely intend to start using both together at the same time (i.e. make them both a part of their daily routine) instead of leaving the cleanser aside as a less important addition. The 12oz Cream + 3oz Cleanser size is somewhat a halfway point: it makes sense as an option if you want more of a cleanser than just a sample, but aren't ready yet to buy equal amounts of both. Your choice of a tier basically depends on the amount of trust that you still put in your previous cleanser versus your interest or curiosity about trying out CeraVe's version too.

Value: Set vs. Single Purchases

This set is kind of like flipping a coin on value. If you go for the largest size option, it actually ends up costing a lot more per ounce than only getting the 19oz Moisturizing Cream standalone jar. A good reason to pay higher overall for the set could be that you really want the cleanser added to it, the smaller travel-friendly sizes, and/or the pump format, but if you've been using a cleanser and want just the Cream in bulk, then getting the 19oz jar yourself is the most effective way with how much you pay per ounce.

To give you an idea, Amazon's own listing for this item will show the much cheaper alternative moisturizing cream that includes ceramides (AmazonBasics Moisturizing Cream) as a less expensive alternative comparison on the same page. DetroPick did not review that product and is definitely not suggesting that over CeraVe, but it might still be a helpful data point if reducing the price per ounce is your top concern over brand and formulation differences.

Designed for Travelers

The smaller sizes of the product make this set truly a compact and suitable one for traveling, something that is also emphasized in its packaging. The cleanser being only 1oz and the cream being of smaller sizes are perfectly acceptable options for flying with carry-on bags, whereas the 19oz bottle version would not, and having the two products already matched takes away the need for the inconvenience of re-dosing the products into small bottles before travel. For such a scenario as a trip, a hotel bathroom, or a first-time experiment with the CeraVe ceramide system without the need to go for full bottles of both, this product package gives the consumer a benefit which no single item can offer.

Both formulations are fragrance-free, as well as being built on the same ceramide-and-hyaluronic-acid base as other CeraVe single items. Because of this, the same sensitivity level is shared by using these. For instance, this skin-type combination is suitable for dry or irritated skin and eczema-prone skin, as it wouldn't introduce a conflicting, harsh cleanser into an already soothing skincare routine. Such kinds of pairings are more familiar than a person would suppose when a thick moisturizer is combined with a completely different and maybe more aggressive face wash purchased separately.

Final Verdict

Overall, this combination product is very good for buyers of two types - people who want to explore CeraVe's ceramide system via the paired two-step set without having to investigate and purchase individual items separately, and those who want a travel-sized version of their favorite products they have tried and loved.

Still, if none of these scenarios apply to you - e.g. a) you have an existing cleanser which you are more than happy with and you hardly ever use the Cream, and/or b) you mainly intend to bulk buy the Cream - in such cases it is still cheaper to buy the 19oz Moisturizing Cream only.