What do Cerave products treat?
Cerave products can be used to treat various skin conditions, such as chapped, chafed, cracked, or dry skin; minor cuts, scrapes, and burns; itching; eczema; psoriasis; and diaper rash. There are various active ingredients in Cerave products, depending on what you are using Cerave for. Click on an ingredient below if you need more information about it.
- A skin protectant (colloidal oatmeal, dimethicone, petrolatum) that forms a barrier on your skin to help lock in your skin’s moisture and protect your skin from irritants and wetness
- A topical anesthetic (pramoxine) that blocks nerve signals that cause you to itch or feel pain
- A topical corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) that stops inflammation by stabilizing your body’s immune response
- A keratolytic (salicylic acid) that works to exfoliate your skin by breaking down a protein in your skin called keratin
Cerave products also contain ceramides, which can help maintain your skin’s barrier by holding onto moisture while also keeping out irritants.
There are Cerave products for adults, children, and babies of any age.
What are the most common side effects of Cerave products?
Any medicine may cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious or life-threatening. Stop using the medicine and get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Cerave products are usually well tolerated. This can include skin reactions at the application site, such as redness, irritation, stinging, itching, or burning. If you are using a Cerave product with salicylic acid or hydrocortisone, you may experience dry skin in the area you apply the product.
Since Cerave products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience.
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Dimethicone
- Hydrocortisone
- Petrolatum
- Pramoxine
- Salicylic acid
What should I know before using Cerave products?
Cerave products are only meant to be used on your skin, so avoid getting them into your eyes. Some Cerave products should not be used on animal bites, deep wounds, puncture wounds, or serious burns. Read the label on the specific Cerave product you are using to make sure you are using it correctly. Stop using Cerave if your condition worsens, your symptoms last seven days or more, or your symptoms clear up and come back within a few days.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Cerave product you are using. Always check the label before using any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Cerave product is right for my symptoms?
Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms.
Chapped, chafed, cracked, or dry skin; minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
Active ingredient:
- Skin protectant: petrolatum
Product | Cerave Healing Ointment |
Formulation | Ointment |
Dosing Frequency | As needed |
Features | Lanolin-free, dye-free, preservative-free, and fragrance-free |
Diaper Rash
Active ingredient:
- Skin protectant: petrolatum
Product | Cerave Baby Healing Ointment |
Formulation | Ointment |
Dosing Frequency | As often as needed with each diaper change |
Features | Free of parabens, lanolin, sulfates, phthalates, dyes, gluten, and fragrance |
Chapped, chafed, or cracked skin
Active ingredient:
- Skin protectant: dimethicone
Product | Cerave Therapeutic Hand Cream |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | As needed |
Features | Nongreasy and fragrance-free |
Eczema
Active ingredient:
- Skin protectant: colloidal oatmeal
Product | Cerave Eczema Relief Creamy Oil |
Formulation | Oil |
Dosing Frequency | As needed |
Features | Fragrance-free |
Product | Cerave Baby Eczema Relief Cream |
Age | 1 month and older |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | As needed |
Features | Hypoallergenic; free of steroids, fragrances, and parabens |
Psoriasis
Active ingredient:
- Keratolytic: salicylic acid
Product | Cerave Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | 1 to 4 times a day |
Features | Sunburn alert: limit sun exposure, apply sunscreen, and wear protective clothing while using this product and for one week after your last use |
Itching
Active ingredient:
- Topical anesthetic: pramoxine
Product | Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream |
Age | 2 years and older |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times a day |
Features | Steroid-free and fragrance-free |
Product | Cerave Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion |
Age | 2 years and older |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times a day |
Features | Steroid-free and fragrance-free |
Itching
Active ingredient:
- Topical corticosteroid: hydrocortisone
Product | Cerave Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream |
Age | 2 years and older |
Formulation | Cream |
Dosing Frequency | No more than 3 to 4 times a day |
Features | Fragrance-free |