CeraVe
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
A nightly encapsulated retinol serum with licorice root, niacinamide and ceramides for post-acne marks, pores and texture.
- Marketed as fragrance free
- oily skin
- combination skin
- normal skin
Who it's for: Oily, combination and normal skin (brand-listed) · Sold as fragrance free
Skip it if you avoid drying alcohol: it lists Alcohol.
- No scent flags recorded
- Sensitivity considerations: Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate
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Label answers before you buy
Manufacturer source · Label checked . Label facts only, not testing or medical advice: what these answers can't tell you.
Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum fragrance-free?
The brand markets it as fragrance free. The ingredient list hasn't been reviewed as a complete formula, so we can't confirm it has no scent ingredients.
Is CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum good for oily skin?
The brand lists it for oily, combination and normal skin.
Does the formula list alcohol?
Yes. The label lists Alcohol.
Does the formula list niacinamide?
Yes. The label lists Niacinamide.
Does the formula list retinol?
Yes. The label lists Retinol.
Compare products using these exclusions · Inspect recorded ingredients · Matching rules and limits
How it compares
- Its label lists no scent ingredients, which is true of 13 of the 22 products in Anti-Aging & Retinoid Serums with a recorded ingredient list.
What it is
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a nightly serum for skin with post-acne marks, visible pores and uneven texture.
Key ingredients
- Encapsulated retinol: CeraVe doesn’t state the percentage.
- Licorice root extract: Included to brighten.
- Niacinamide: CeraVe says it may help calm skin and reduce water loss.
- Ceramides (NP, AP and EOP): CeraVe says they help restore the skin’s natural barrier and keep moisture in.
How to use
Apply evenly to the face at night. If it stings at first, use it less often until your skin adjusts. Wear sunscreen during the day.
Who should be careful
Avoid the eyes and lips. Retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy; ask your doctor.
What the brand claims
CeraVe says it was developed with dermatologists and is non-comedogenic. The page gives no study figures.
Sources
- https://www.cerave.com/skincare/facial-serums/resurfacing-retinol-serum (checked 2026-10-23)
We have not tested this product.
What's on the label
| Category | Anti-Aging & Retinoid Serums |
|---|---|
| Brand | CeraVe |
| Active | Encapsulated retinol (percentage not stated) |
| When to use | Night |
| Targets | Post-acne marks, pores, uneven tone, texture |
| Free from | CeraVe says free of added fragrance and parabens |
| Brand says it suits | oily, combination, normal skin |
| Fragrance | Sold as fragrance free |
| Vegan evidence | Vegan status not confirmed. Evidence and limits |
| Worth knowing | Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate |
| Full ingredient list | Aqua/Water/Eau, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethiconol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol (Sensitivity consideration), Isopropyl Myristate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentylene Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin No specific flag recorded Context matters Scent ingredient Sensitivity consideration Linked ingredients are explained in our ingredient glossary. |
| Source | Brand's own product page Checked |
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Common questions
How strong is the retinol?
CeraVe doesn't state a percentage.
Is it for acne?
It targets post-acne marks and texture rather than active breakouts.
When do I use it?
At night, with sunscreen the next day.