Intensive Moisturizing Lotion — Reddit Reviews
by CeraVe
Updated October 29, 2026
Hydroxyethyl urea and shea butter rescue tretinoin dryness; slow absorption, rich finish.
What the community says
A rich hydroxyethyl urea and shea butter moisturizer built for very dry, retinoid-stressed skin and compromised barriers. It rewards patient layering after cleansing, but slow absorption and occasional dryness complaints make it less convincing for acne-prone or HA-sensitive faces.
What this means for you
What people love
- 5% hydroxyethyl urea plus shea butter for severe dryness
- Retinoid-routine workhorse for battered moisture barriers
- Leaves skin incredibly soft after absorbing
Watch out for
- Slow to absorb; rich feel is awkward for quick morning layering
- Some users say hyaluronic acid leaves them drier
- Doesn't resolve acne, clogged pores, or uneven texture complaints
Product details
Concerns
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 26 mentions across 20 threads
CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion on Reddit, in one place — 20 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/tretinoin and 3 more, summarized.
“They also have both the original lotion and a new intensive one also with 5% Hydro-Urea”
Mentioned
“The original one is still around as just CeraVe Moisturizing Cream”
Mentioned
“new intensive one also with 5% Hydro-Urea”
Mentioned
“I started using the cerave gentle cleanser and the intensive moisturizing cream”
Positive
“I realized my moisture barrier was absolutely damaged”
Positive
“the redness is starting to subside a little bit!”
Positive
“Ive been using 'CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion with 5% Hydro-Urea & Shea Butter' and its the best moisturizer ive ever used.”
Positive
“I dont even use toner or serums or anything else anymore, just tazarotene and moisturizer.”
Positive
“It also doesnt have HA”
Positive
“PM: benzoyl peroxide wash, pea-sized amount of tret, and I’ve started to use the Cerave intensive moisturizing cream to attempt to help with the dryness.”
Positive
“I started off every other day with the tretinoin the first week and tried to move up to every day but the dryness has been crazy.”
Positive
“Gentle cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen is all you need until it’s calm.”
Positive
“my MUA said to use a thicker lotion at night because my skin is actually dry so I started using CeraVe intensive moisturizing lotion on my face & that’s helped!”
Positive
“started using CeraVe intensive moisturizing lotion on my face & that’s helped!”
Positive
“I have similar skin (oily/dry)”
Positive
“CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion”
Positive
“Morning Same face wash and lotion, no Retinol”
Positive
“Products: Night ... CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion”
Positive
