CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream Review

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
1.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
4.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Cyclomethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Hyaluronic Acid, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum
Review

Does CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.9 out of 10.
✅ Considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10, indicating a moderate ability to reduce wrinkles.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.5 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 3.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🟣🟣 Considerable Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream has a moderate anti-wrinkle rating of 4.5 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
Provides considerable anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to Niacinamide
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine
   

Summary: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream contains ingredients with solid, robust evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy, in concentrations that may deliver a noticeable anti-wrinkle effect.
 
With its high antioxidant content, CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream worth noting.
 
If you use CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream as your primary moisturizer, please keep in mind that it provides only light hydration, which isn’t actually ideal for any skin type. While its low occlusivity may work for oily and combination skin, it lacks sufficient humectants, which are vital for effective hydration of any skin type. Therefore, for optimal moisturizing results, it should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
9
6
4
3
1
1
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cyclomethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide NP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide AP
Function:
Origin:
Ceramide EOP
Function:
Origin:
Phytosphingosine
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cholesterol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.3 10
3.3
3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
1.0
Moisturizing rating
1.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
All humectants 3.3 10
3.3
All humectants
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
1
All occlusives 1.0 20
0.5
All occlusives
1.0
1.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 3 4.5
Total
4.5
Niacinamide
4.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
3
Anti-wrinkle rating
4.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
Niacinamide
3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Cyclomethicone
Est. %9
Function
Origin
CyclomethiconeA blend of emollient silicones that leaves a smooth and non-greasy after-feel. Unlike other types of oils, it does not leave any residue on the skin, which is part of what makes it so popular.
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-3 DiisostearateA vegetable-based ingredient that stabilizes mixtures of oil and water.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Niacinamide
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Propylparaben
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Dimethicone
Est. %1
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Ceramide NP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide NPAlso known as ceramide 3, it is the most common ceramide in our skin. It helps to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and alleviate the symptoms of dry and cracked skin. Research has shown that skin suffering from conditions such as AD lacks ceramides.
Ceramide AP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide APPreviously called Ceramide 6 II, Ceramide AP is one of the most common ceramides in the skin. Research has shown that dry, flaky skin has significantly less Ceramide AP. Its application helps to treat dry skin by restoring balance in the skin lipids.
Ceramide EOP
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceramide EOP

Formerly called Ceramide 1, this ingredient is a skin-identical wax-like lipid with an ultra-long fatty acid chain. It restores and stabilizes the skin’s lipid matrix and helps to treat dry and flaky skin, especially when combined with other ceramides.

Phytosphingosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosphingosineA key component of ceramides NP, AP, and EOP. It has barrier repair properties and stimulates the production of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor. Phytosphingosine has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which can be used to treat acne.
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Cholesterol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CholesterolAn emollient and important barrier repairing lipid, effective when combined with fatty acids and ceramides. Around 25% of the skin’s lipid layer is made up of cholesterol and it is found in the membrane of every single cell in our body.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateA multifunctional ingredient that produces foamy cleansers and allows oil and water to mix.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.