# CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Excellent.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/cerave)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/cleansers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for oily skin; the cleansers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate cleansing for your oily skin, with coco-betaine and peg-7 glyceryl cocoate gently lifting dirt and oil, but the presence of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate may provide excessive hydration for oily skin types.
- While the cleanser offers general hydration and cleansing benefits, it lacks specialized ingredients to effectively control oil production, which is your main goal.
- The product is safe for your oily skin, as it contains no harsh ingredients and includes soothing components like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin): Low (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/dry-skin): Superior
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Superior
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Ceramides, Squalane, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical hyaluronic acid filler serum combined with Botulinum toxin type A lengthened the duration of the toxin's effect in reducing wrinkles compared to Botulinum toxin type A alone. ([Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/))
- Squalane at 0.005-0.015% counteracts UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen metabolism inhibition while stimulating fibroblast migration in human dermal fibroblasts. ([Molecules, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40363772/))
- Plant-derived squalane protected human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage by counteracting ROS formation, suppressing apoptosis-related proteins p53, caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, and restoring the pro-survival p-Akt/mTOR pathway. ([Antioxidants, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40722956/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))
- Topical application of an emollient emulsion containing 15.0% caprylic/capric triglyceride doubled the amount of urocanic acid isomers and increased skin hydration with reduced transepidermal water loss in healthy subjects, though it did not prevent ultraviolet-induced urocanic acid isomerization. ([Life, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37109405/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## Why other cleansers fit oily skin better

- A botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract continuously reduced skin sebum levels without reactive seborrhea after treatment in 21 healthy volunteers compared to a sodium laureth sulfate cleanser, with neither cleanser causing skin irritation. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30022595/))
- A panthenol-enriched mask improved skin hydration, regulated sebum, and reduced redness and TEWL across dry sensitive, oily sensitive, and oily acne skin subgroups with excellent tolerance and no adverse reactions. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38366684/))
- Topical application of Lactobacillus plantarum-GMNL6 enhanced collagen synthesis and SPTSSA gene expression while reducing melanin synthesis, Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, leading to clinical improvements in skin moisture, color, spots, wrinkles, UV spots, and porphyrins in human volunteers. ([International Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526970/))

## What reviewers say

Most users report a gentle, hydrating feel post-wash, with a light foam rather than a heavy lather. A significant number of reviews note that it does not perform like a traditional oil cleanser and may struggle with heavy makeup removal.

- Liked: Non-stripping & gentle (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Effective for dry skin (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Not a true oil (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant texture (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile usage (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Caused breakouts (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Paradoxically drying (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Unpleasant scent (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser a weak match for oily skin?

This cleanser is a weak match because it lacks specialized ingredients to control oil production and may provide excessive hydration for oily skin types. An oily skin routine needs ingredients like Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, and Ceramides to manage oily shine and support skin health without irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a poor fit for oily skin?

This cleanser is a weak match for oily skin because ingredients like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate may provide excessive hydration while lacking oil-controlling agents. For this skin type, a cleanser needs ingredients like Niacinamide, ceramides, salicylic acid, and probiotics to manage shine and support skin health without irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What do Ceramides do for oily skin?

Ceramides help balance and strengthen oily skin by supporting the natural barrier and keeping moisture locked in without feeling heavy. They may also help calm irritation and reduce blemishes when used as part of a regular daily routine.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17147561/)

### What does Squalane do for oily skin?

Squalane helps keep oily skin soft and smooth without feeling heavy, though oxidized forms may sometimes trigger irritation. To work well for oily skin, this type of product needs lightweight, non-clogging ingredients that balance moisture without adding excess grease.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16778793/)

### Where does this cleanser go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This cleanser is used both morning and evening as the cleansing step in your daily routine for oily skin. It is a weak match because it lacks oil-controlling ingredients and may provide more hydration than oily skin needs, meaning oily skin types require a cleanser with oil-controlling ingredients to manage shine.

### Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cleanser with retinol, applying it before your retinol step to gently wash your face without harsh ingredients. Cleansers with ceramides and glycerin help keep your skin comfortable, though oily skin ultimately needs specialized ingredients to control oil production.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22648223/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

You can use this cleanser daily as part of your morning and evening routine, though it is only a weak match for oily skin because it lacks oil-controlling ingredients. Oily skin of this type needs a cleanser with ingredients that help manage excess oil production.

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cleanser is unlikely to cause harsh reactions or breakouts, but it lacks ingredients to control oil and may provide excessive hydration for oily skin. To properly care for oily skin, a cleanser of this type needs specialized oil-controlling ingredients.

### Can I use this cleanser around the eyes or on my body?

You can safely use this cleanser on your body and around the eyes, as it contains no harsh ingredients. This type of product works well on the body and the thin skin around the eyes by providing gentle cleansing and soothing hydration.

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$17.98 at Amazon
- [Eminence Organic Skin Care Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/eminence-organic-skin-care/clear-skin-probiotic-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit — CA$69.99 at Amazon

## Routine for oily skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$35.95 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$28.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Tatcha Clarifying Clay Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/tatcha/the-clarifying-clay-mask/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$20.96 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CT9F8DMG?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Shoppers Drug Mart: CA$20.79 (https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/cerave-hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/p/BB_3606000609433?variantCode=3606000609433)
Prices checked 10 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Coco-Betaine, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Peg-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Polysorbate 20, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Squalane, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Capryloyl Glycine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Ppg-5-Ceteth-20, Peg-6 Caprylic Capric Glycerides
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/hydrating-foaming-oil-cleanser/for/oily-skin