CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is my favorite skincare product to treat visible signs of aging and even out skin tone.
This product is formulated with encapsulated retinol and other brightening ingredients to effectively improve your skin’s appearance by:
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Benefits
Clearing up dark spots and post acne marks
Fighting fine lines and wrinkles
Improving your skin’s texture
Overall, it is a great product at an affordable price and suitable for all skin types.
This article will explain everything you need to know about CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and how to use it.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a great retinol product for beginners to use.
It has a low concentration of encapsulated retinol and other skin loving ingredients. As far as retinol serums go, CeraVe’s is suitable for both sensitive skin and acne marks.
Key Ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has three key ingredients in a paraben free formula that make it stand out from the rest:
Key Ingredients
Encapsulated retinol 0.3%
Niacinamide
Licorice root extract
These ingredients are suitable for sensitive skin and will do incredible things to your skin’s surface without disrupting your protective skin barrier.
Other Ingredients
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is also formulated with moisturizing ingredients likes sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid.
These ingredients help support your skin’s protective barrier.
Benefits
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has a ton of benefits like:
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Benefits
Promoting skin smoothness
Improving skin’s texture
Clearing acne scarring
Reducing uneven skin tone
Anti aging benefits
It can also help control breakouts for oily skin and acne prone skin.
Improving Skin Texture
By getting converted to retinoic acid and speeding up skin cell turnover, retinol serums help get rid of dead skin cells and clogged pores that contribute to rough skin texture.
Clearing Post Acne Marks
Because CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is formulated with brightening ingredients like niacinamide and licorice root extract, it is effective at treating acne scars such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Anti Aging Benefits
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has a number of anti-aging benefits such as:
Stimulating collagen production
Speeding up skin cell turnover
Fighting fine lines and wrinkles
It is the gold standard in treating signs of aging without getting a prescription.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum Review
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is my favorite start retinol serum.
It’s gentle on your skin barrier while still being effective to:
Target post acne marks
Even out your skin’s texture
Improve your skin’s appearance
Plus, it layers well under other skincare products and is fragrance free.
Texture
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum has a light gel texture that spreads easily and absorbs into skin quickly.
Color
This serum has a light, almost yellow-ish color but is transparent once absorbed. It does not leave a white cast.
Scent
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is fragrance free and suitable for dry skin and sensitive skin.
Packaging
This serum comes in a small pump bottle at 1 fl oz. It should last you a good 3-6 months with consistent usage.
How to Use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

To use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, follow these steps at night:
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
Apply a pea sized amount of serum to your pointer finger and dot it all over your face
Gently rub the serum in
Wait 1-2 minutes for it to absorb
Apply moisturizer and facial oil on top
The entire process should take you less than five minutes.
Also, be sure to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen in the mornings as retinol can increase your chances of burning.
Do you moisturize after CeraVe retinol?
Yes, you moisturize after applying CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. Retinol can contribute to dry skin and irritation. To reduce your chances of experiencing these side effects, be sure to apply moisturizer afterwards.
Can I use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum everyday?
To protect your skin barrier, it is best to not use CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum everyday for most people.
Instead, start with 2-3 nights per week and work your way up to 5-6.
However, if you can tolerate using retinol everyday without experiencing irritation, then you can use it everyday.
Side Effects of CeraVe Retinol Serum
Side effects of CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum can include:
Dryness
Flaking skin
Initial purging (minor breakouts for 1-3 months while your skin adjusts)
To reduce your chances of experiencing these side effects, make sure to start with only 2-3 nights per week at the beginning. Also, be sure to use moisturizer after applying retinol and wear sunscreen in the morning.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum vs Resurfacing Retinol Serum


The CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum and Resurfacing Retinol Serum are very similar retinol products with much of the same benefits.
The Renewing Retinol Serum may provide extra hydration, but the Resurfacing Retinol Serum will target post acne marks more effectively.
The right serum for you will depend on your concerns and skin type.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
The key ingredients in CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum include:
Encapsulated retinol
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid
This product effectively treats signs of aging and increases cell turnover.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
The key ingredients in CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum include:
Encapsulated retinol
Niacinamide
Licorice root extract
This product also effectively treats signs of aging and improves skin tone.
Summary: CeraVe Retinol Resurfacing vs Renewing Retinol Serum
Both products have the same active ingredient: retinol. The formulas are very similar, and they have most of the same benefits.
Personally, I prefer the CeraVe Retinol Resurfacing Serum, but you can’t go wrong with either.
Does CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum work?

Yes, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum works. This product is suitable for all skin types and has benefits like:
Reducing the appearance of post acne marks
Reverses signs of sun damage
Helps resurface skin
Evens out skin tone
If you’re dealing with signs of aging or acne marks, you will benefit from this product.
Alternatives to CeraVe Retinol Serums
SkinCeuticals
Retinol 0.3

Stratia
Night Shift

Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Conclusion: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is a great skincare product to treat visible signs of aging and resurface skin.
It is affordable, effective, and fits easily into your nighttime skincare routine.
Try it out for yourself, and you’ll be impressed with the results in 3-6 months.