CeraVe and Itching: What Users Say

• Rob...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 28, 2020

For Dry Skin "I used CeraVe moisturizers for 8 months to treat dryness on my face. In that time, my skin became increasingly red, inflamed, itchy, and dry—so dry, in fact, that it would crack and bleed at times. I'm over 40, and I have never had eczema, but now I had it all over my face, and soon spots were popping up all over my back, arms, and legs. CeraVe was always recommended as being 'safe,' so I trusted it, but the day I stopped using CeraVe products completely, my symptoms improved. In lieu of a patch test, I have a reason to believe I am allergic to 'tocopherol' (Vitamin E) found in every CeraVe product I used. (Not surprisingly, many foods that caused marked flare-ups also contained tocopherols) I am now using another moisturizer that does not contain tocopherol but uses oatmeal instead. My skin is slowly getting better, but it will be weeks if not months before I am fully recovered. I hope this information can help someone."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2019

For Dry Skin "I used CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser on and off for a week. After a week of finally figuring out why my neck was burning and prickly itchy, it dawned on me. I just started using CeraVe. Do not buy if you have sensitive skin. This stuff basically just burned my skin. I have huge patches of what looks like I burned my skin with scalding water on both sides of my neck. The only thing now that releases it is cool water. If not better in a week, I'll have to go to the doctor. This is awful stuff."

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 15, 2023

For Dry Skin "Experienced bad facial redness and itching 2 days after CeraVe products. This product may be advertised as developed with dermatologists, but it doesn't mean it is any good! I have written to the company and asked for a refund. I will wait and see if they reply."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2020

For Dry Skin "I used CeraVe on my skin, and it broke me out with hives. My entire body itched like crazy. I ended up taking 3 showers to feel better. Never will I use it again. I also had red spots on my body. Horrible product!"

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 12, 2021

For Dry Skin "I decided to invest in more expensive skin care products. I don’t have problem skin, but I’m turning 40 next year and wanted to level up my skin care regimen. I bought CeraVe hydrating cleanser, and then after 2 weeks, I broke out in a rash all over my face. After 2 weeks, I’m still suffering and will be seeing a doctor tomorrow. I have zero issues with my skin. I just wanted to maintain my nice skin. I can’t believe I used this product that ruined my skin. I’m itchy all over my face!!"

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2022

For Dry Skin "I saw a dermatologist twice this spring for swelling and hives that I thought might be due to sun sensitivity. I changed up my routine to avoid the sun completely and stopped using anything at all on my face. All was well until I tried adding CeraVe back in three days ago. I used the Hydrating Facial Cleanser on my face in the shower, rinsed well, and then applied the Daytime Facial Moisturizer. That was in the morning, and by bedtime, my face was ablaze with the same itchy hives and burning that I had misattributed to the sun before. I washed my face with water, applied cortisone cream, and took two Benadryl. Even still, when I awoke the following morning, my eyes were nearly swollen shut and my cheeks were thick with edema. I repeated the shower-cortisone-Benadryl, and it's getting better, but it will take several more days for all of the swelling and redness to abate. I wouldn't give this stuff to my worst enemy, so these bottles are going into the box for household hazardous waste."

• MPC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2023

For Dry Skin "I used the moisturizing cream on my face because of my very dry skin. After using for 3 days, I developed a reaction with red bumps and itching. Use of the cream on my legs and arms did not cause a reaction. It is too strong for the face."

• Arl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2023

For Dry Skin "I started taking CeraVe, and I developed full face itching, burning, and peeling in spots. The skin around my eyes became red and swollen as well. I don't have sensitive skin and was surprised at this reaction. I stopped using the medication and applied pure aloe vera gel daily and cortisone cream for itching. It’s been a few days now, and the redness is nearly gone, but my skin is still peeling in spots."

• lob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2020

For Dry Skin "After using CeraVe Eye Repair Cream for two nights, I woke up at 2 a.m. with extreme itching around my eyes. I woke up, and they appeared wrinkly and red, so I washed it off, took a Benadryl, and went to bed. Woke up even worse, like very red, swollen elephant skin. Used some Vanicream HD (hydrocortisone), and later in the day it's still very red and hot all around my eyes. I don't understand it because the ingredients seem fairly innocuous."

• cub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2022

For Dry Skin "Dr. prescribed for dry skin. The burning sensation on first application is horrible. I stayed with it for 5 days, then red hive-like bumps began occurring by second day with terrible itching. It is the worst over-the-counter drug reaction I have ever had. I would not recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 12, 2022

For Dry Skin "Wish I had found this page before I bought and used CeraVe moisturizer (ha!) cleanser. Three days in, my entire face is bright red, peeling around eyebrows especially. Three weeks of burning, itching skin. Finally, skin is calming down, from now on, water and no chemicals ever again. Rating 00000000000."

• Ian...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2022

For Dry Skin "Tried it after reading good reviews, although I don’t quite know who’s writing the reviews, and immediately felt like I had severe sunburn on my face. When I woke up the next day, my face was red and swollen. I did a comparison on my arms with another product and CeraVe, the arm with the CeraVe felt like it was sunburned and itched like crazy and is also covered in small blisters. Don’t waste your money, I’m very disappointed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2022

For Dry Skin "Started using CeraVe on my dry legs, feet, and elbows, and by the second day I had small red, itchy bumps all over my skin. So glad I did not use it on my face. I have never had an allergic reaction to a lotion or cream. My legs look and feel sunburned. This should have a warning label. I took Benadryl to stop the itching."

• Pam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 6, 2024

"CeraVe SA cream has changed my life! It truly reduces the plaques from my psoriasis and prevents new ones from forming. My dermatologist had me start using it years ago, and it's made such a difference in my life. It softens the plaques and makes them very easy to remove. They just come right off within a few days. I use it daily, even between flares, as it keeps my skin moisturized and healthy. It drastically slowed how often I am having psoriasis even breakout. I mainly get the plaques on my feet, and just walking was very painful. But CeraVe SA has changed that! I have recommended it to others for different skin issues, and they have gotten a ton of relief as well. The CeraVe SA Rough and Bumpy skin is something I will NEVER let run out in my house. It's not cheap, but the containers last a very long time. I tried Eucerin and didn't get the relief I needed from the itching and pain, and it didn't help prevent more flares. I switched to CeraVe and immediately noticed a difference."

• Bon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2020

For Dry Skin "I used the hypotonic serum, and the next day my skin was itchy, red, and bumpy, and my face was swollen. I put on calamine lotion, and my face felt cool instead of warm. My skin is better today."

• kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 16, 2023

For Dry Skin "I started using CeraVe about 2 years ago for dry skin. Unfortunately for me, my skin is still itchy and dry. After I put it on, my skin starts to itch right away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2022

For Dry Skin "Omg, I 'thought' it was supposed to be a top-of-the-line lotion, needless to say, I am now covered in a horrible, itchy red rash. Can't believe I paid top dollar to mess my skin up."