If, like me, you’re on an eternal quest to quench your dehydrated skin, there is an exciting new skincare gem destined for your face. CeraVe’s new Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which launched in the UK this week, is exactly that, and at less than £20, it’s a product I feel compelled to shout about.
If you haven’t yet heard of – or tried – CeraVe, consider this article your call to action. A budget brand that develop formulas under the discerning eye of dermatologists, it offers skincare that harnesses the power of ceramides to fortify the skin barrier, as well as other innovative ingredients. From the Hydrating Cleanser to the Facial Moisturising Lotion, those that know about it swear by it, and dermatologists regularly recommend its products to their clients for good and gentle home skincare. It is, quite simply, pharmacy skincare at its finest.
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The new Hyaluronic Acid Serum is just as stand-out as its now-cult companions in the range. Unlike the jelly-esque texture of traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) formulas (which can often feel quite tacky, and not for everyone), CeraVe’s offering is delivered via a lightweight, ceramide-rich cream that essentially offers a two-in-one hydrator. Tom Allison, founder of the brand, explains why: “We were really thinking about what HA does and what is unique about it. It’s a wonderful ingredient, it attracts water to the site of application and is one of the most effective humectants out there,” he says. “But what it’s not going to do is help mitigate why you’re dry in the first place.”
The resulting “creamy serum” contains a high concentration of the HA active, but in true CeraVe style, also tackles the issue of transepidermal water loss (or dehydration) through an impaired skin barrier. That, after all, is what actually makes the skin dehydrated in the first place. “It takes advantage of HA but also restores the skin barrier at the same time,” he says. As well as HA, ingredients include glycerin, vitamin B5, three different ceramides, and the brand’s patented MVE technology, all of which works hard to keep the skin barrier strong and healthy, while locking hydration in.
I have to say, I am impressed. Upon application, it sinks immediately into skin (always a plus when in a rush), and it acts as a brilliant serum-moisturiser hybrid – you don’t need to use both. It is also worth noting that it works excellently under make-up and doesn’t pill or jeopardise a smooth foundation finish – crucial, in my book. Allison also confirms that any and every skin type, from sensitive to oily, will benefit from using it. “Some dermatologists also advise their patients pair it with [topical] skin medication, like a retinoid – one pump of retinoid and another of the serum – especially if skin is irritated. It helps compound it,” he says.
Promising a huge 24 hours of hydration in one application, I have witnessed my skin thriving within just a couple of weeks of use. After months of central heating and stress, I was dry, dehydrated and suffering a slight bout of rosacea. Not only has this clever serum deeply hydrated my lacklustre skin, it has soothed, plumped and brought a little bit of glow back. It’s a resounding yes from me.
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