CeraVe
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
A nightly anti-aging serum with encapsulated retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides for lines, texture and radiance.
- Marketed as fragrance free
- oily skin
- dry skin
- combination skin
- sensitive skin
- normal skin
Who it's for: All skin types (brand-listed) · Sold as fragrance free
Skip it if you avoid drying alcohol: it lists Alcohol.
- No scent flags recorded
- Sensitivity considerations: Alcohol
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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 Skin Renewing 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 Skin Renewing Retinol Serum suitable for all skin types?
The brand lists it for all skin types. It is sold as fragrance free.
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.
Ingredient-origin notes (not vegan warnings)
- Glycerin: The name does not establish the feedstock. Plant, animal or synthetic sourcing requires supplier or manufacturer evidence. Origin reference
Ingredient-origin reference and limitations · How we record vegan evidence
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 Skin Renewing Retinol Serum is the brand’s anti-aging retinol serum, for fine lines, wrinkles, texture and dullness.
Key ingredients
- Encapsulated retinol: CeraVe doesn’t state the percentage.
- Hyaluronic acid: CeraVe says it helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance.
- 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
Dot onto the face after evening cleansing and smooth in. Start a few nights a week and work up to nightly. Always wear sunscreen during the day.
Who should be careful
Slight tingling can happen at first; stop if it’s prolonged or you get irritated. Avoid the eyes. Retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy.
What the brand claims
CeraVe calls it fast-absorbing and non-comedogenic. The page gives no study figures.
Sources
- https://www.cerave.com/skincare/facial-serums/skin-renewing-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; build up to daily |
| Targets | Fine lines, wrinkles, texture, radiance |
| Free from | CeraVe says free of added fragrance |
| Brand says it suits | oily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal skin |
| Fragrance | Sold as fragrance free |
| Vegan evidence | Vegan status not confirmed. Evidence and limits |
| Worth knowing | Alcohol |
| Full ingredient list | Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Polysorbate 20, PEG-40 Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Isoceteth-10, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract / Chicory Root Extract, Lecithin, Retinol, Silica, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Alcohol (Sensitivity consideration), Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter / Shea Butter, 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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CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
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Side-by-side comparisons
Common questions
How often should I start?
A few nights a week, working up to nightly.
How strong is it?
CeraVe doesn't state the retinol percentage.
Do I need sunscreen?
Yes. CeraVe says retinol can increase sun sensitivity.


