La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser: Which Is Best for My Skin Type?
La Roche-Posay and CeraVe are both renowned for creating high-quality skincare products for sensitive skin, but which brand is better? Both are recommended by dermatologists for tackling tricky skin concerns and delivering fantastic results.
Here, we’re going to compare two of the brands’ most popular cleansers: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser and CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser. We’ll explain how the products differ and help you to choose the right product for your skin.
In this guide:
Product goals
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser is a wipe-off cleansing milk designed for sensitive and allergy-prone skin. With a mild yet effective minimalist formula, it gently cleanses the skin without stripping its natural oils, and can even remove makeup. It is approved by the British Allergy Foundation and has been rigorously tested on the most sensitive skin.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a soothing cleanser designed to remove dirt, hydrate and protect normal to dry skin susceptible to irritation. Hypoallergenic and soap and fragrance-free, it is suitable for those with eczema. It gently cleanses dirt while supporting the skin’s natural protective barrier to prevent dehydration.
Ingredients
Thermal spring water is a key ingredient in the Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser and is rich with natural antioxidants to soothe and protect the skin. Glycerine also works to nourish and hydrate. It is a hypoallergenic formula and free from fragrances, parabens, preservatives and surfactants, all of which irritate sensitive skin. It is a very clean and mild product gentle enough to use on the eyes.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser contains hyaluronic acid which helps the skin retain its natural moisture. A combination of three essential ceramides works to support the skin’s natural protective barrier. It has been formulated with very sensitive and eczema-prone skin in mind and is also hypoallergenic and soap and fragrance-free.
Texture
La Roche-Posay Toleriane has a creamy gel texture. Its slipperiness allows it to be gently massaged over the skin and wiped away without applying too much pressure. This helps prevent irritation.
CeraVe has a creamier texture. It feels very silky and nourishing on the skin, and is easily rinsed away with water after being applied. It leaves the complexion feeling soft and hydrated.
Which product is more suitable for my skin type?
To determine which cleanser is right for you, consider your skin type, key skin concerns and the results you want.
Sensitive skin
Both types of cleanser are designed with sensitive skin in mind; they are both hypoallergenic and free from harsh ingredients and fragrance.
Damaged skin
Both cleansers are gentle enough to use on damaged skin, but since CeraVe works to support the skin’s natural barrier it might be a little more effective in aiding skin recovery.
Teenage skin
Neither product is designed specifically with teenage skin in mind, but since teenage skin is susceptible to oil and blemishes it might be better to avoid the CeraVe cleanser since it is formulated to be particularly hydrating and could be a little too heavy for blemish-prone skin.
Mature skin
Both cleansers are suitable for mature skin, but the CeraVe cleanser is particularly hydrating which is often important for mature skin which is susceptible to dryness.
Removing makeup
Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser is formulated to remove makeup as well as dirt and impurities and is gentle enough to use on the eyes to remove mascara. While the CeraVe cleanser can remove some makeup, it is not quite as effective as the Toleriane.
Acne
Neither of these cleansers are designed with acne-prone skin in mind. But since the Toleriane cleanser is designed to soothe irritated skin and the CeraVe helps the protective skin barrier, either product might be helpful for those undergoing treatment for acne which has left the skin very sore, dry, red and irritated. If you’re looking for a facial cleanser that will help to control acne you might want to consider a product that contains salicylic acid.
Oily skin
Those with very oily skin might find the intensely hydrating properties of the CeraVe cleanser too heavy. The Toleriane cleanser offers gentler hydration but it is not necessarily formulated with oily skin in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Roche-Posay Toleriane good for rosacea?
The Toleriane range of skincare products is designed for skin that is prone to redness and can therefore be helpful for those with rosacea.
How do you use La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser?
The cleanser should be applied to the skin with the fingertips and then carefully wiped away using a cotton pad. It is important to be gentle and not over-wipe to reduce redness or irritation.
Does La Roche-Posay use parabens?
Most La Roche-Posay products are free from parabens but it is important to check the ingredients of each product before use. La Roche-Posay Toleriane facial cleanser does not contain parabens.
Is La Roche-Posay chemical-free?
Although not chemical-free, La Roche-Posay products are very clean and gentle, containing only the highest quality ingredients that are kind to sensitive skin types.
Is La Roche-Posay cleanser good for acne?
The Toleriane Dermo face cleanser from La Roche-Posay is formulated for very sensitive or allergy-prone skin rather than acne-prone skin. It is not designed to control blemishes or pimples, but it might be helpful for those who are undergoing acne treatment and subsequently have sore or sensitive skin.
Is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser good for acne and acne scars?
Although not specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, the Hydrating cleanser from CeraVe helps to protect your natural skin barrier, which may prevent bacteria from entering the skin and creating blemishes. It could also prevent further irritation and redness, so may help improve the appearance of scars.
However, its hydrating properties may be unsuitable for very oily skin.
When should I use CeraVe cleanser?
CeraVe facial cleanser should be used twice daily: in the morning and at night. For the best results it should be used after makeup remover, and moisturiser should be used after cleansing.
How long does it take for CeraVe cleanser to work?
CeraVe cleanser should leave skin feeling fresh after each use, but for those with ongoing dryness, sensitivity and eczema, results should improve gradually with consistent daily use.