When I first set out to refine my skincare routine, the cornerstone of that journey was simple : find the moisturizer. As someone with persistently dry skin, this final step was non-negotiable, arguably the most essential in locking in hydration and maintaining long-term barrier health. I scoured drugstore aisles and high-end counters alike, consumed more skincare content than I care to admit, and combed through an endless stream of reviews. One name kept surfacing : this now-iconic moisturizing tub, perennially tagged as "sold out" across retailers. If its glowing praise hadn’t convinced me, the consistent lack of availability sealed the deal.

Usage & Experience

I integrated it into my morning and evening routines, using it either as the final step or penultimate (just before SPF during the day). Applied generously every other day, the cream quickly became a dependable staple, rich, comforting, and surprisingly non-reactive despite its density.

Texture & Performance

Let’s talk texture. This formula is unabashedly rich, thick and creamy in a way that feels instantly nourishing upon contact. Yet, for all its heft, the ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward. That simplicity worked in its favor: it didn’t clog my pores, nor did it trigger any sensitivity or breakouts, which is more than I can say for many other moisturizers I’ve trialed. It’s the kind of no-nonsense hydration dry and reactive skin dreams about.

This is a moisturizer that understands what dry skin truly needs: not just a veil of hydration, but a deep, lasting cocoon of moisture. And the fact that it’s available in a generous 539g tub? Practically a love letter to anyone who’s ever resented how quickly a good cream can disappear.

The Long Game

Despite my liberal use, the tub lasted well over a year, nearly 15 months, to be exact. That kind of longevity only adds to the value proposition. In fact, I purchased my second tub this past July, even before the first ran out. That’s how indispensable it had become; I refused to risk going a day without it.

A Few Drawbacks

That said, it’s not without its quirks. The very richness that makes this cream a dry skin savior can also be its occasional downfall. On certain days, it felt like the formula sat on top of my skin rather than sinking in especially when layered over more occlusive or viscous serums (think snail mucin, benzoyl peroxide, alpha arbutin). In those instances, I noticed some pilling or difficulty spreading. It’s a minor inconvenience, but one that’s prompted me to explore some of CeraVe’s lighter alternatives, such as their daily lotions or dedicated AM/PM face creams.

Final Thoughts

Even with its flaws, this moisturizer has earned permanent residency in my skincare stash. It’s not flashy. It’s not scented. It’s not pretending to be anything other than what it is: a solid, dermatologist-recommended staple that delivers on its promise of hydration, especially for those of us in dry, high-altitude, or seasonally harsh climates.

For anyone with dry or sensitive skin, this cream is more than just another moisturizer. It’s a workhorse, one that quietly, consistently gets the job done.