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Bobbi Brown’s Favorite $16 Drugstore Moisturizer: Why CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream Has Everyone Talking

Discover why the iconic makeup artist Bobbi Brown and thousands of shoppers love this affordable, dermatologist-approved moisturizer.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Discover why the iconic makeup artist Bobbi Brown and thousands of shoppers love this affordable, dermatologist-approved moisturizer.

Bobbi Brown’s Skincare Secret: The $16 Drugstore Moisturizer Everyone Loves

When it comes to glowing skin, few names carry as much authority as Bobbi Brown, legendary makeup artist and founder of Jones Road Beauty. Recently, Brown made headlines for revealing that she’s “recently become a fan” of the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, a budget-friendly staple loved by dermatologists and consumers alike. But what makes this drugstore find stand out among a crowded skincare market? Here, we break down everything you need to know about Bobbi Brown’s favorite face and body cream, from its key ingredients and benefits to real user testimonials and expert approval.

Why Moisturizer Should Be Every Skincare Routine’s Cornerstone

Hydration is the foundation of healthy, radiant skin. Before you even think about applying makeup or sunscreen, starting with a high-quality moisturizer ensures your skin remains plump, protected, and primed for any look. Brown, whose minimalist philosophy revolutionized the beauty world, has long championed the importance of proper skin prep—and now she’s letting the world in on her latest drugstore favorite.

What Is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a non-comedogenic, fragrance-free cream designed to provide all-day hydration to both the face and body. Lauded by shoppers for its rich but non-greasy texture, the cream is gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective enough to soothe chronic dryness and even manage conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

Main Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, three essential ceramides (ceramide NP, ceramide AP, and ceramide EOP), and cholesterol.
Texture: Thick and creamy, yet absorbs easily with no greasy residue.
Suited For: Normal, dry, sensitive, and even oily or acne-prone skin.
Availability: Widely available at Amazon, Walmart, Ulta, and most drugstores for under $20.

Why Did Bobbi Brown Recommend CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream?

In a recent interview, Brown listed the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream among her current must-haves, highlighting its gentle formula and “fan-favorite” status. She praised how well it integrates into her routine, saying it delivers consistent hydration without clogging pores or irritating sensitive areas. The price point solidifies it as a smart pick for anyone seeking high-quality skincare on a budget.

Key Reasons for Brown’s Recommendation:

Gentle on Skin: Formulated without fragrance or parabens, suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
Dermatologist-Tested: Backed by the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Multi-Use: Can be used morning and night, on the face and body alike.
Affordable: Effective results at an accessible price point.

What Makes CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Stand Out?

The secret to CeraVe’s cult following lies in its unique blend of ingredients and dermatologist-driven development. The formula utilizes ceramides—lipids that make up the skin’s protective barrier—to lock in moisture and shield against environmental aggressors. With the addition of hyaluronic acid, the cream attracts and retains water in the upper layers of skin, delivering soft, plump, and comfortably hydrated results for hours.

Ingredient Highlights

Ceramides: Essential for restoring and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. CeraVe’s patented “MultiVesicular Emulsion” (MVE) technology delivers ceramides steadily over time.
Hyaluronic Acid: Known for holding up to 1000x its weight in water, this powerhouse draws moisture into skin, reducing the look of dryness and rough patches.
Glycerin: Helps the formula glide on easily and boosts immediate moisturization.
Cholesterol & Phytosphingosine: Support barrier repair and soothe inflammation.

What Skin Types Is It Best For?

Dry Skin: Intense hydration and barrier support make it an excellent pick.
Sensitive Skin: Free from fragrance and parabens, gentle on irritation-prone faces.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Lightweight, oil-free formula won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
Eczema-Prone Skin: National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance signifies its low irritation and high safety profile.

How Does It Compare to Other Moisturizers?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream often appears on lists of the best moisturizers for dry and sensitive skin, holding its own against luxury competitors—sometimes even surpassing them in user ratings. For those familiar with Brown’s own Vitamin Enriched Face Base moisturizer, CeraVe offers similar benefits in hydration and skin barrier support, albeit with a simpler ingredient list and at a fraction of the price.

Feature	CeraVe Moisturizing Cream	Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Price Point	Under $20	Around $66
Main Hydration Agents	Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin	Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane
Suitable For Sensitive Skin	Yes, fragrance- and paraben-free	Yes, but contains fragrance
Comedogenic? (Clogs pores?)	No	No
National Eczema Association Approval	Yes	No

What Do Real Users Say? Rave Reviews and Testimonials

With over 130,000 ratings and an impressive 4.7-star average on Amazon alone, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream boasts countless success stories. Here are some highlights from verified buyers:

“This is the holy grail of skincare…I have seborrheic dermatitis and I’ve tried countless products that were ineffective or made it worse. Then I switched to this and my skin ‘healed overnight.’ Can’t remember the last time my skin looked this good.”
“This stuff is awesome. Only a very light fragrance, and no icky sticky greasy residue. Absorbs quickly and I can almost feel my skin slurp it up. Immediate difference in smoothness.”
“I have very sensitive skin and can’t use a lot of products, but this one works perfectly. It’s not greasy and there’s no scent.”
“A little goes a really long way. A single jar lasts me for months, making it such a great value.”

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Benefits at a Glance

Long-lasting hydration for dry, dehydrated, and compromised skin.
Soothes irritation and restores barrier function.
Dermatologist-developed and recommended.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free: Safe for acne-prone skin.
Free from fragrance and parabens: Gentle for sensitive and allergy-prone users.
Recognized by the National Eczema Association.

Moisturizer Application: Pro Tips from Bobbi Brown

For optimal results, Brown and other skincare professionals recommend using the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream as the first step post-cleansing, and before SPF or makeup application. Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture ensures makeup applies evenly and stays fresh throughout the day.

Apply a dime-sized amount to clean, damp skin to seal in moisture.
Use a gentle upward motion to avoid tugging delicate facial skin.
Layer under sunscreen in the morning and reapply as needed on dry patches throughout the day.
For an intense overnight treatment, apply a thicker layer before bed.

CeraVe’s Dermatologist-Endorsed Formula: Why Experts Approve

Dermatologists frequently recommend CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for its evidence-based ingredients and gentle, effective results. With a strong focus on barrier repair and hydration without unnecessary irritants, the cream caters to a range of skin needs—from post-procedure care to ongoing eczema maintenance.

The patented MVE technology releases moisture over 24 hours, keeping skin plump and hydrated all day.
The unique blend of ceramides restores compromised barriers, often helpful after facial treatments or in harsh weather conditions.
Its simple, streamlined ingredient list mitigates the risk of irritation or allergic reaction, making it ideal for children and adults alike.

How to Add CeraVe Moisturizing Cream to Your Routine

Morning: After cleansing, apply evenly to face, neck, and any dry areas. Follow with sunscreen.
Night: Use as the final step in your evening routine to lock in overnight hydration.
Body: Smooth over hands, elbows, knees, and anywhere dryness occurs.
Layering: Compatible with most serums and treatments—just apply cream as the final step before SPF during the day, or after any active treatments at night.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Q: What makes CeraVe Moisturizing Cream unique compared to other drugstore moisturizers?

A: Its dermatologist-developed formula with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, non-comedogenic and fragrance-free design, and patented MVE technology make it stand out, providing long-lasting hydration suitable for all skin types—including sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Q: Can CeraVe Moisturizing Cream be used on the face and the body?

A: Yes, the gentle, non-greasy formula is designed for versatile use on both face and body, offering full-body hydration and barrier repair.

Q: Is it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?

A: Absolutely. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and won’t clog pores, so those with oily or acne-prone skin can benefit from its barrier-repairing hydration without risk of breakouts.

Q: Does this cream help with skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis?

A: Yes, CeraVe’s National Eczema Association Seal attests to its safety and efficacy for eczema-prone and irritated skin, with reviewers reporting rapid improvement in symptoms like dryness, flaking, and redness.

Q: How long does a single tub last?

A: Many users note a little goes a long way—a single 16-ounce tub can last for several months with regular use.

Should You Try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream?

If you’re seeking a proven, affordable, and gentle moisturizer trusted by industry professionals like Bobbi Brown, as well as thousands of real users and dermatologists, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream should be at the top of your list. From soothing chronic irritation to prepping skin for flawless makeup, this cream truly does it all—no wonder it’s a best-seller on Amazon and beyond!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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