Can you use CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum?
Yes, with timing
Use them at different times of day or on different nights.
Based on 13 active-ingredient pairings, listed below.
How to use them
- Gentlest option: salicylic acid cleanser in the morning, retinol at night.
- Or alternate nights between a leave-on BHA and retinol.
- Moisturize and use daily sunscreen.
Every active pairing checked
| Actives | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic Acid + Retinol | Yes, with timing | Yes, with timing. Use Retinol and Salicylic Acid on alternating nights rather than together. |
| Niacinamide + Ceramides | Yes | Yes. Niacinamide and Ceramides can be used together. |
| Niacinamide + Retinol | Yes | Yes. Niacinamide is one of the best partners for retinol. |
| Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Yes. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are one of the safest combinations in skincare. |
| Ceramides + Niacinamide | Yes | Yes. Niacinamide and Ceramides can be used together. |
| Ceramides + Retinol | Yes | Yes. A ceramide moisturizer is one of the best things to use with retinol. |
| Ceramides + Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Yes. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are a perfect hydration pair. |
| Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide | Yes | Yes. Niacinamide and salicylic acid work well together, especially for oily and acne-prone skin. |
| Salicylic Acid + Ceramides | Yes | Yes. Ceramides is a good partner for Salicylic Acid. |
| Salicylic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid | Yes | Yes. Hyaluronic Acid is a good partner for Salicylic Acid. |
| Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide | Yes | Yes. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are one of the safest combinations in skincare. |
| Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides | Yes | Yes. Hyaluronic acid and ceramides are a perfect hydration pair. |
| Hyaluronic Acid + Retinol | Yes | Yes. Hyaluronic acid is an easy, gentle partner for retinol. |
What's in each product
Key actives
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
Actives read from the published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Key actives
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Actives read from the published ingredient list (as transcribed on INCIDecoder). Formulas change; check your bottle.
Sources
- Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606-612.
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
- Zaenglein AL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-973.
- Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a split-face RCT. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024.
- Bissett DL, et al. Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860-865.
- Meckfessel MH, Brandt S. The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;71(1):177-184.
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: a key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258.
DM
Reviewed by the Does It Mix editorial team
Last reviewed . Product verdicts combine our ingredient-pair verdicts for each product's key actives. We are not affiliated with these brands. Methodology.