CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Glycolic Acid Face Serum - 1.7 fl oz

Common questions

Is CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Glycolic Acid Face Serum - 1.7 fl oz healthy?

CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Glycolic Acid Face Serum - 1.7 fl oz scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face serum contains beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and ceramides, which are known for their exfoliating and moisturizing properties.

Which ingredients drive CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Glycolic Acid Face Serum - 1.7 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate count in its favor; Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Phenoxyethanol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Glycolic Acid Face Serum - 1.7 fl oz

CeraVe
78 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$23.86 · 1.7 fl oz · $14.04 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by L'Oréal
Category Skin Lightener
Summary

This face serum contains beneficial ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and ceramides, which are known for their exfoliating and moisturizing properties. However, the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative that can cause irritation in some individuals, slightly lowers its safety profile. The product is moderately processed, which also impacts its overall rating.

Key ingredients 29

Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is another type of ceramide that supports the skin's barrier function. It helps to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors. It is effective in improving skin hydration and resilience.

Benefits

Enhances skin barrier function and retains moisture.

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Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is a crucial component of the skin's lipid barrier. It helps to maintain skin integrity and prevent moisture loss. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier health and improves moisture retention.

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Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for all skin types.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

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Glycolic Acid
Good

Glycolic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, promoting cell turnover and improving skin texture. It is effective in reducing fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It is a well-researched ingredient with proven benefits.

Risks

Can cause irritation or sensitivity, especially in high concentrations.

Benefits

Improves skin texture, reduces signs of aging, and brightens complexion.

See more about Glycolic Acid →
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Good

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is derived from licorice root and is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin.

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Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. It is essential for retaining moisture and protecting the skin from environmental damage. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.

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Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium Hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that provides intense hydration to the skin. It helps to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity. It is highly beneficial for dry and dehydrated skin.

Benefits

Deeply hydrates the skin and improves elasticity.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Cholesterol
Good

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function. It is essential for retaining moisture and protecting the skin from environmental damage. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Supports skin barrier health and improves moisture retention.

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Phytosphingosine
Good

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to restore the skin's natural barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is beneficial for reducing redness and irritation. It is effective in improving skin health and resilience.

Benefits

Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.

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Aqua / Water / Eau
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any active benefits or risks.

Benefits

Provides a medium for other ingredients to be delivered to the skin.

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Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Neutral

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is used to improve the texture of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves skin texture and provides a smooth application.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize and thicken formulations. It is not drying like other alcohols and is generally safe for skin.

Risks

Low risk of irritation for sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides moisturizing properties and improves product texture.

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Lactic Acid
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation or redness in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and promotes a smoother, brighter complexion.

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Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is a strong base and is used in small amounts to ensure product stability. It is safe in low concentrations as used in cosmetics.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be irritating, but it is used in safe amounts in cosmetics.

Benefits

Ensures the product maintains a stable and effective pH level.

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Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Neutral

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability.

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Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to create gel-like textures in cosmetic products. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve their consistency. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Provides a smooth, gel-like texture to products.

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Cetearyl Glucoside
Neutral

Cetearyl Glucoside is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is derived from natural sources and is gentle on the skin. It is used to improve the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and stability.

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Triethyl Citrate
Neutral

Triethyl Citrate is used as a stabilizer and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It helps to improve the longevity of fragrances and stabilize formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and enhances fragrance longevity.

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Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It helps to blend ingredients and improve product texture. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product texture and emulsification.

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Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Neutral

Phenylethyl Resorcinol is a skin-brightening agent used to reduce hyperpigmentation. It is effective in improving skin tone and reducing dark spots. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Reduces hyperpigmentation and improves skin tone.

Isopropyl Myristate
Neutral

Isopropyl Myristate is an emollient that helps to improve the texture and absorption of cosmetic products. It provides a smooth application and enhances skin feel. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin.

Benefits

Improves product texture and enhances absorption.

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Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is a conditioning agent and preservative used in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and extend product shelf life. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and preserves product integrity.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric Acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It also has mild exfoliating properties and can help to brighten the skin. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Adjusts product pH and provides mild exfoliation.

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Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to improve the stability of cosmetic formulations. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent product degradation. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Enhances product stability and prevents degradation.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Improves product texture and stability.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Benzoic Acid
Neutral

Benzoic Acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective in maintaining product integrity and extending shelf life. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

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Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

May cause breakouts in very acne-prone skin.

Benefits

Helps to lock in moisture and provides a silky texture.

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Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.

Benefits

Provides conditioning and softening effects.

See more about Behentrimonium Methosulfate →
Phenoxyethanol
Bad

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It is effective but can cause irritation in some individuals. It is considered safe in low concentrations but has potential sensitizing effects.

Risks

May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Phenoxyethanol →

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