Moisturizing Cream (Jar)
A thick, fragrance-free ceramide cream that handles Michigan winter without a fight.
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Why we like it.
The reason this cream shows up on nearly every dermatologist's list is that it does one job extremely well: it puts a thick, ceramide-rich barrier between your skin and dry Michigan air. It doesn't try to be anti-aging, brightening, or firming. It just holds water in.
The texture is heavier than a lotion, so people with oily or combination skin tend to prefer it as a night cream, or reserved for body and hands. In winter, most people can wear it all over the face without issue.
It's also priced like body lotion, which means you'll actually use enough of it. The most common moisturizer mistake we see is people rationing an expensive cream and applying too little to matter.
- Dry, very dry, or dehydrated skin
- Anyone with hands that crack in winter
- Retinoid or tretinoin users who need real barrier support
- Households where one moisturizer needs to cover the whole family
- Oily or acne-prone skin looking for a lightweight daytime moisturizer
- Anyone who dislikes a thick, slower-absorbing texture under makeup
In January I'm using this on my face at night, on my hands after every wash, and on the dry patches my clients get on their shins. One jar, three jobs.
— Kendal, Licensed EstheticianA simple, repeatable routine.
- 1PM: after cleansing (and any serums), press a nickel-sized amount into damp skin.
- 2Hands: after every wash in winter, especially before bed with cotton gloves for a slug-and-sleep effect.
- 3Body: apply within one minute of getting out of the shower while skin is still damp.
Key ingredients, plain English.
- Ceramides 1, 3 & 6-II
- Rebuild the barrier and stop trans-epidermal water loss.
- Hyaluronic acid
- Attracts and holds water in the upper layers of skin.
- Glycerin
- A humectant that pulls moisture from the environment into the skin.
- Petrolatum
- Occlusive — sits on top and physically blocks water from escaping.
What we'd put next to it.
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
The boring, bland, brilliant cleanser we recommend to nearly every new guest.
Cleanse-then-cream is the entire barrier repair routine in two steps.
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
The most-purchased drugstore retinol in America, and a realistic starter for anyone over 40.
Layer on top of retinol nights to buffer irritation and lock in the active.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
A $9 hydrating serum that answers 'my skin feels tight in Michigan winter.'
Apply the HA serum first on damp skin, then seal it in with this cream.
Questions people actually ask.
Will it clog my pores?
It's labeled non-comedogenic, but if you're acne-prone we usually save it for the body and use a lighter lotion on the face.
Jar or pump — does it matter?
Same formula in both. The jar is cheaper per ounce; the pump is more sanitary if you're double-dipping fingers.
Is it good under makeup?
It's thicker than most day creams. Give it 5 full minutes to sink in before foundation, or save it for night.
Ready to try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (Jar)?
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