After a decade of scrutinising beauty products, a seasoned journalist has put CeraVe's latest anti-ageing launches to the test, finding the budget-friendly formulas compete with far more expensive alternatives.
Putting the Skincare Duo to the Test
Helen Wilson-Beevers, a content editor and beauty writer, spent three weeks rigorously assessing CeraVe's new skin renewing retinol serum and skin renewing peptide cream. As a 41-year-old with dehydrated, sensitive skin, she sought straightforward solutions that could brighten and smooth without irritation, a quest that intensified after turning 40.
Having tested countless CeraVe formulas over the years, Wilson-Beevers notes the brand consistently surprises with its performance. Its dermatologist-developed approach focuses on a transparent ingredient list and supporting the skin barrier, with every product containing three essential ceramides to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
An In-Depth Look at the Products
The Peptide Cream: A Smoothing, Nourishing Balm
Priced at £29 for 48ml, the skin renewing peptide cream aims to improve firmness and minimise fine lines. Its key ingredients include peptides, hyaluronic acid, and CeraVe's signature ceramides.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite explains that topical peptides act as cellular messengers, signalling the skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and keratin. The cream has a thick, balm-like consistency that initially felt heavy, causing a slight breakout until Wilson-Beevers adjusted to using it more sparingly.
The result is a non-greasy, matte-finish moisturiser that instantly smooths the skin's surface, temporarily improving the look of fine lines. It excelled at nourishing dry patches during winter, leaving skin feeling supple and less parched. While it doesn't impart a dewy glow, it creates a perfected, smooth base that lasts all day.
The Retinol Serum: A Gentle Option for Sensitive Skin
Also costing £29 for a 30ml bottle, the skin renewing serum retinol is formulated with encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and the three essential ceramides. Designed for use under the peptide cream, it requires daily SPF application as a final step.
The encapsulation means the retinol's potency is released over time, minimising the risk of irritation and making it suitable for sensitive skin. Wilson-Beevers recommends starting with application two to three times weekly. She noted a slight tingling sensation upon application that faded quickly.
The serum has a runny consistency that absorbs rapidly. While a brightening effect was visible immediately, no reduction in fine lines and wrinkles was observed after the three-week test period. The journalist acknowledges that retinol typically requires up to three months of consistent use to show such results, but the instant radiance encouraged her to keep it in her regular rotation.
The Final Verdict on Value and Performance
The skincare duo successfully delivers softened, radiant skin. The peptide cream earns praise as a nourishing, lavish balm that temporarily improves the appearance of fine lines with its smoothing finish. The retinol serum offers a gentle introduction to the ingredient with noticeable brightening from the first use.
While the long-term anti-wrinkle effects of the serum remain to be seen after the initial testing phase, Wilson-Beevers is impressed. Between the affordable £29 price points and effective, purposeful formulas, both products offer significant value for money, continuing CeraVe's reputation for rivalling much pricier skincare.
The testing methodology assessed the formula's key ingredients, application under makeup and on bare skin, and both immediate and longer-term results over several weeks.
