Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream — Reddit Reviews
by CeraVe
Updated September 25, 2026
Niacinamide gel-cream that mattifies oily skin; can feel drying or sting.
What the community says
A niacinamide gel-cream built for oily, combo skin that wants less shine and a matte finish. Redditors say it layers fast and can cut oil, but others get tightness, burning, or breakouts.
What this means for you
What people love
- Matte finish actually cuts shine
- Light gel texture sinks in fast
- Niacinamide plus ceramides for barrier support
Watch out for
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
What the science says
Acne
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 6 studies tested it on its own. See all 17 studies
What the studies found
- Most studies found niacinamide helped acne
- Some studies found 4% niacinamide cleared acne about as well as clindamycin
- One study found 4% niacinamide improved red, sore spots, but IPL worked better
- Some research found no clear difference, and a large review said the effects were uncertain
Hyperpigmentation
Some evidence
Niacinamide: 5 studies tested it on its own. See all 24 studies
What the studies found
- All of these studies found niacinamide helped fade dark spots or patches
- In clinical trials, 5% niacinamide faded dark spots more than a placebo
- It also helped when used with salicylic acid peels, more than peels alone
- Used on its own, it helped, but one study found a niacinamide mix worked better
- One study found the fading effect reversed after stopping niacinamide
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 58 mentions across 30 threads
CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/30PlusSkinCare, r/acne and 3 more, summarized.
“Cerave has an oil control lotion I love.”
Positive
“for every day hydrating it cuts the oil significantly”
Positive
“I haven’t tried it with make up as I don’t wear it”
Positive
“AM I am using the Cerave Oil Control Moisturizing Gel Cream”
Positive
“AM: 4% Cerave BPO Wash, Finacea gel, Aczone 5% gel, moisturizer”
Positive
“The good thing about this routine is that none of the medications cause dryness for me, so it’s much more tolerable in the long run”
Positive
“That plus good quality facial cleanser: Cerave oil control is my go-to.”
Positive
“Cerave oil control is my go-to.”
Positive
“good quality facial cleanser”
Positive
“I was wondering how you feel about Cerave oil control moisturizing gel cream?”
Mentioned
“Cerave oil control moisturizing gel cream”
Mentioned
“how you feel about Cerave oil control moisturizing gel cream”
Mentioned
“I had similar dryness and it was a reaction to a product.”
Cautionary
“I believe it was a reaction to CeraVe oil control moisturizer”
Cautionary
“Aquaphor is a lifesaver.”
Cautionary
“followed up with ceraVe oil control moisturizer”
Mentioned
“Then at night the face wash followed by la roche posay dark spot corrector and moisturizer”
Mentioned
“I still have mild hormonal breakouts but it’s much more manageable”
Mentioned
