Fake vs. Real CeraVe: How to Spot the Differences
CeraVe is one of the most popular skincare brands in Nigeria, but unfortunately, it is heavily counterfeited. To help you identify fake vs. original CeraVe, I personally bought a CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser from an online store in Nigeria and compared it to the one we imported directly from the U.S.
Here’s what I found!
1. Product Name
There is no product called "SA Smoothing Cleanser" in the U.S. market.
✔ Renewing SA Cleanser – Made for the American market
✔ SA Smoothing Cleanser – Made for the UK/European market
Many counterfeit CeraVe products are labeled SA Smoothing Cleanser, with sellers falsely claiming they were imported from the UK or Europe. Why? Because calling it "Renewing SA Cleanser" means it would be traceable back to the U.S., making it harder to sell fakes.
If your SA Cleanser says "SA Smoothing Cleanser" and you bought it in Nigeria, there’s a high chance it is fake unless sourced from an official UK distributor.
2. The Cap (Lid) Design
CeraVe has officially stated that their bottles should not be wrapped in plastic (cellophane).
✔ Original CeraVe: No cellophane seal, because the cap is designed to be spill-proof.
❌ Fake CeraVe: Sealed with plastic wrap. Fake manufacturers use cheaper, leak-prone caps, so they wrap them to prevent spills.
Even after shipping our authentic CeraVe from the U.S., there was no leakage. The cap is designed for a secure lock.
3. Viscosity & Consistency
✔ Original CeraVe: Thicker, gel-like consistency
❌ Fake CeraVe: Watery, runny, and lacks the rich texture of the original
4. Foaming in the Bottle
✔ Original CeraVe: Does not foam inside the bottle
❌ Fake CeraVe: Forms bubbles and foams when shaken
5. Color of the Bottle & Product
✔ Original CeraVe:
Bottle: Bright white
Product: Transparent
❌ Fake CeraVe:
Bottle: Off-white or dull-colored
Product: Slightly brown or yellowish
6. Cap and Bottle Matching
✔ Original CeraVe: The cap and bottle have the same finish (both matte or both glossy).
❌ Fake CeraVe: Cap and bottle have different textures (matte cap, glossy bottle, or vice versa).
Why? Fake manufacturers cut costs by using mismatched caps and bottles instead of uniform, high-quality materials.
7. Price – If It’s Too Cheap, It’s Fake!
CeraVe is not manufactured in Africa. It is only produced in the U.S. and Europe.
Original CeraVe prices are consistent worldwide—whether at Amazon, Target, or official distributors. Add in shipping, import duties, and conversion to Naira, and there’s no way authentic CeraVe can be sold for ₦20,000 or less.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it’s likely a counterfeit product.
8. Label & Inscription Differences
✔ Original CeraVe:
The registered trademark symbol (®) is positioned above the "E" in CeraVe.
The blue shade of the logo is distinct from the fake version.
❌ Fake CeraVe:
Missing trademark symbol or positioned incorrectly.
Slight color variations in the label.
Final Thoughts – Buy from a Trusted Source!
Counterfeit skincare products can harm your skin because they often contain unknown, unregulated ingredients. The best way to avoid fake CeraVe is to buy from a trusted store like Tụrụ Beauty, where we import directly from the U.S.
Have any questions? Drop them in the comments!