It is said that “well begun is half done”—a popular ancient Greek idiom that rings especially true when it comes to the facial wash. Skincare, after all, begins precisely with one’s choice of cleanser, setting the stage for clean, glowing skin by morning and sloughing away the day’s impurities by night. Precisely for this reason, it’s best to take careful consideration when selecting a cleanser. The skin must be treated gently, to remove dirt and product residue without irritation.

Few formulas perform as well as CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser, a multitasker that for years has had the industry’s leading dermatologists singing its praises, TikTokers proclaiming its efficacy, and thousands of users granting it five-stars on Amazon (and even currently marked down nearly 30% for Prime Day). Safe to say, it has a devoted following.

Its popularity, no doubt, lies in its ability to gently remove excess sebum, impurities, and makeup while keeping the skin barrier intact. This is thanks in large part to a formulation of nourishing, functional ingredients. Suitable for both the face and body, it combines three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, which soothe and keep skin hydration intact. What starts as a plush gel, lathers into a rich foam that penetrates deep to remove all traces of residue. Once rinsed with water, skin remains soft and smooth. Its gentleness makes it an excellent choice for all skin types, but particularly those with skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. And due to the foaming nature, experts oft recommend it for oily skin types. “Oftentimes, patients with oily skin also have active breakouts, and a foaming cleanser enables them to effectively cleanse the skin without having to press too hard on the surface of the skin, which can feel irritated from acne,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama previously told Vogue.

In fact, it’s the presence of ceramides that makes the formulas so effective. CeraVe’s signature ingredient, these nourishing agents help maintain the overall health of the skin barrier. Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon Dr. Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD echos these sentiments. “It cleanses thoroughly without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped,” she explained.