When it comes to affordable skincare, CeraVe is known for its fuss-free products and transparent ingredients list. With three ceramides in every product, the brand’s focus is protecting the skin’s natural barrier. I was excited to hear about the launch of two new products: the skin renewing retinol serum and skin renewing peptide cream, which I’ve spent weeks putting to the test.
As The Independent’s content editor, I’ve got more than a decade’s experience testing a wide variety of beauty products. I’ve reviewed many of CeraVe’s products since the brand’s UK launch in 2018, including the foaming cleanser – which I included in my best skincare for teens guide – and the skin renewing eye cream. In my experience, results seen from using CeraVe products often rival those created by far more expensive brands. I rate its gentle formulations, inexpensive price tag and no-nonsense approach, for both myself and my teenage kids.
The new skin renewing retinol serum and skin renewing peptide cream are billed as being moisturising, visibly firming skin and reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and as a 41-year-old beauty journalist, these claims piqued my interest. I was instantly impressed by how smoothing the skin renewing eye cream was, but what would be the verdict with these two newbies? Keep reading for my honest review.
How I tested
I’ve spent three weeks testing CeraVe’s skin renewing retinol serum and peptide cream. As a busy mum with dehydrated and sensitive skin (which can look dull in winter especially), I am always looking for straightforward skincare solutions that smooth and brighten without causing any irritation. Since turning 40, I’m also keen to find affordable products that offer a rejuvenating effect and radiance for long-term use. You can find out more about my full testing criteria at the end of this article.
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CeraVe skin renewing peptide cream
Best: For a smoothing base
Size: 48ml
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and CeraVe’s three signature essential ceramides
Why we love it
- Non-greasy
- Smoothing
- Nourishes dry patches
Take note
- Creates a matte effect rather than a dewy glow
This cream contains peptides to help smooth skin, hydration-promoting hyaluronic acid and CeraVe’s three signature essential ceramides. The formula is intended to target skin health and structure, with topical peptides, described by CeraVe’s consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite, as encouraging the production of collagen, elastin and keratin. “When applied topically, they act as cellular messengers, signalling the skin to produce more of these structural proteins,” Dr Granite explains.
The cream has a balm-like consistency and while it is a light layer on skin once applied, the formula feels very thick to the touch at first. It is non-comedogenic and shouldn’t block pores, but I did see a slight breakout to start with due to its heaviness. After this, I used it more sparingly which suited my skin better – and a little goes a long way, so that approach will make the small pot last longer, too.
This is a non-greasy moisturiser, which instantly creates a smoothing layer and that effect does temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines. It’s like a multi-tasking primer, creating a matte effect and leaving skin feeling softened and supple. It’s worth noting, this isn’t a cream for a dewy glow, and instead you can expect a smooth base and gentle hydration.
I was pleased to see the results lingered throughout the day. The cream is a great skincare addition during the colder weather too, as it smooths over dry patches while making skin feel less parched and dull. With continued use, my skin feels nourished and I’m reaching for it as a winter skincare staple. This lavish, balm-style moisturiser gives skin the freshened, smooth look of a far more expensive face cream.
Buy now £29, Boots.com
CeraVe skin renewing serum retinol
Best: For a gentle retinol
Size: 30ml
Key ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and CeraVe’s three essential ceramides
Why we love it
- Brightening
- A little goes a long way
Take note
- May make skin tingle at first
- Always add SPF afterwards
A gentle retinol option suitable for sensitive skin, this serum contains encapsulated retinol, balancing niacinamide, hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid and the aforementioned three essential ceramides. It’s created for use underneath the peptide cream and, as always when using retinol, add an SPF as your last skincare layer.
While this is a gentle version of retinol – due to the addition of other ingredients which support the skin barrier – I’d always recommend building up usage and starting by applying it just two to three times a week. If you do notice any redness or dryness, retinol can be sandwiched between layers of moisturiser to help counteract these reactions. As someone with sensitive skin, I tend to do this when using any retinol product. However, because this retinol is in an encapsulated form, meaning its potency is released over time (rather than instantly), that does minimise the risk of irritation.
The serum has an almost-runny consistency but it absorbs very quickly after being applied to skin. Just like the peptide cream, a little goes a long way. I sometimes feel a slight tingle when applying it, but this goes away after a few minutes. I saw a fresh feeling and brightness straight after application, and noted it throughout the day too.
I didn’t see any improvement to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after three weeks’ use. However, retinol is a long-term project and it can take up to three months of use for results to show, which is always worth bearing in mind. I found that the skin radiance it creates is visible straightaway though, so it’s one that I’ll keep in my regular skincare rotation.
Buy now £29, Boots.com
The verdict: CeraVe skin renewing peptide cream and retinol serum
CeraVe’s skin renewing peptide cream and skin renewing retinol serum are a skincare duo that create the look and feel of softened skin and offer a fresh radiance. While I didn’t see an improvement to fine lines and wrinkles with the retinol serum after three weeks, I’m keen to keep using it to gauge long-term results. Meanwhile, the peptide cream is a nourishing, lavish balm-style moisturiser that temporarily improves the look of fine lines due to its smoothing finish. Between the affordable price points and effective ingredients, these products offer value for money and I’m impressed by CeraVe yet again.
How I tested CeraVe’s skin renewing products
I added CeraVe’s skin renewing peptide cream and retinol serum to my daily skincare routine, assessing the following factors:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest tests thousands of products to bring our readers full, honest, thorough and reliable reviews. True to form, our skincare reviews are the result of hands-on testing, and we won’t sing the praises of a product unless it’s been tried and approved by one of our expert testers.
Helen Wilson-Beevers is a beauty journalist with many years experience in skincare. Within this time, she has given her verdict on a plethora of products formulated to support a youthful appearance, when assessing products from budget-friendly brands including The Inkey List, The Ordinary and CeraVe, when reviewing the efficacy of the brand’s renewing eye cream. Taking into account her dry skin type, Helen is able to recognise exactly how potent and effective a product is for her skin.
For more affordable skincare recommendations, read our guide to the best CeraVe skincare products
