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CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream tub
CeraVe

SA Smoothing Cream

Moisturizer 177 ml / 340 g
9OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

32
Safe
0
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support10/10
Acne-safe7.3/10
Active treatment4.3/10

Our verdict

The SA Smoothing Cream is CeraVe's answer to rough, bumpy skin, and unusually for the range it is genuinely active rather than purely maintenance. The star is 10% urea sitting second on the list — a humectant that also softens and breaks down hardened keratin, which is precisely what rough patches, keratosis pilaris and thickened skin need. Backed by salicylic acid and its gentler cousin capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA), plus lactic acid and sodium lactate, it exfoliates from several angles at once, while the familiar ceramide-cholesterol complex, niacinamide and shea butter keep the barrier intact through it. That combination is the point: most keratolytic products strip, and this one does not. It is fragrance-free and best understood as a body cream — it excels on upper arms, thighs, elbows, knees and heels. Two honest notes. Urea and acids at these levels can sting on freshly shaved or broken skin, and although it is safe on the face, most people find it heavier than needed there and better suited to the body. For bumpy, rough or KP-prone skin, it is one of the most effective drugstore options available.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationbarrier supportbrighteningexfoliation
Best for
dry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
active anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Ureasupports skin comfortNiacinamideevens skin tone and strengthens the barrierCeramide NPreinforces the protective barrierCeramide APreinforces the protective barrier

Full ingredient list (32)

Aqua/waterUreaCetyl AlcoholGlyceryl Stearate SeCetearyl AlcoholNiacinamideButyrospermum Parkii ButterC12-13 Alkyl LactatePEG-100 StearateGlycerinBehentrimonium MethosulfateDimethiconeTriacetinCeramide NPCeramide APCeramide EOPCarbomerSodium LactateSalicylic AcidSodium HydroxideSodium Lauroyl LactylateSodium HyaluronateCholesterolPhenoxyethanolDisodium EDTACapryloyl Salicylic AcidHydroxyacetophenoneCitric AcidLactic AcidPhytosphingosineXanthan GumEthylhexylglycerin

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Does it work for keratosis pilaris?
It is one of the better drugstore options for it. The 10% urea softens the hardened keratin plugs behind the bumps while salicylic and lactic acids exfoliate, and the ceramides prevent the dryness that usually comes with keratolytics. Expect gradual improvement over several weeks of consistent daily use.
Can I use it on my face?
It is safe to, but it is formulated as a body cream and most people find it richer than they want on the face. If you want the same actives in a lighter facial format, CeraVe's Renewing SA Cleanser or a dedicated leave-on BHA is a better fit.
Will it sting?
It can on freshly shaved, broken or very irritated skin — urea and acids both sting on compromised skin. Apply it to intact skin, and avoid using it immediately after shaving or waxing.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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