All brand scorecards
SkincarePersonal care
CeraVe
Dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand. The fragrance-free SKUs are clean; scented versions are not.
C
Mixed
Grade C: Mixed
Some clean products, some concerning. Read labels carefully and pick specific SKUs.
What the brand gets right
- Fragrance-free cleanser, moisturizing cream and lotion are well-formulated and affordable
- Widely available and dermatologist endorsed
What to be aware of
- Uses parabens (methylparaben and propylparaben) in several products
- Scented variants contain undisclosed fragrance
- Owned by L’Oréal; parent company funds much of the fragrance industry
Editor’s note
If you already use CeraVe, stick to the fragrance-free tubs (Moisturizing Cream, Hydrating Cleanser). Avoid scented body washes and SA lotion with fragrance.
Better-rated alternatives
Beautycounter
AClean cosmetics brand with an aggressive ingredient ban list. Formulations are consistently safer than mainstream.
Pai Skincare
AUK-made organic skincare for sensitive skin. Transparent formulations and third-party certification.
Weleda
BSwiss biodynamic skincare since 1921. Clean formulations but most products contain natural essential-oil fragrance.