TRIED AND TESTED: 'I was sceptical about foam cleansers until I tried this $23 one.'

Mamamia's Tried and Tested series is your review of the latest to hit our desks in beauty, health and wellbeing. You won't find any #sponsored content here, just honest, relatable and independent advice. This week, Mamamia's Associate Editor Em Vernem tries CeraVe's Balancing Air Foam Cleanser.

I know I'm not the only one who's spent years actively avoiding foam cleansers.

The thing about having combination skin (which is just a fancy way of saying your face can't make up its mind about what it wants to be) is finding a cleanser that doesn't either strip your dry areas or leave your oily T-zone feeling like a slip 'n' slide is basically impossible.

Every foam cleanser I've ever tried has left my face feeling like this:

A literal desert AKA my face after using a foam cleanser.

So when cult chemist skincare brand CeraVe launched their Balancing Air Foam Cleanser, I was intrigued.

CeraVe cleansers are known for being affordable, reliable and no fuss.

You'll often see influencers and dermatologists from all over the world posting about them on TikTok. This new one will surely hit your feed soon if it hasn't already.

With its old-school foam pump packaging and ultra-frothy texture, this new cleanser is giving noughties high school skincare vibes.

Keep scrolling for my review of this soon-to-be viral cleanser to see if it's right for your skin.

Watch: Leigh Campbell on the beauty mistakes we're all making. Post continues below.

What is CeraVe's Air Foam Cleanser?

• CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Cleanser ($22.99 on Adore Beauty or sometimes on sale at Chemist Warehouse) is a facial cleanser specifically marketed for combination skin

• Contains Glycolysine Cleansing Technology that acts like a magnet to attract and remove oil, dirt and impurities from your skin while locking in moisture

• Formulated with three essential ceramides, and promises eight-hour oil control and 24-hour hydration

• Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin

My CeraVe foam cleanser review.

A bit about my skin: It used to be oily, but now it's decided to become combination (just to keep me on my toes). I've got dryness on my cheeks, chin, neck and the sides of my forehead, but my T-zone is still producing enough oil to fuel a small car.

I've been using this CeraVe cleanser both morning and night for a few weeks now, and I have to say... I'm genuinely shocked at how much of a good time my skin is having.

First, the texture is different to other foam cleansers I've used in the past. It starts as this light, airy foam, but as you work it into your skin, it transforms into this creamy, luxurious lather.

It's like skincare magic happening right on your face.

The cleanser and skin in action. Images: Supplied.

The product has a beautiful, fresh scent that feels natural rather than artificial. After cleansing, my skin feels clean but also plump and hydrated, like I'd just applied a serum (which I hadn't, by the way).

I've been double cleansing with it at night; it's great at removing makeup and SPF without feeling harsh or stripping.

The real test came during my recent period (sorry for the TMI, but this is important intel), when my skin gets pretty sensitive. Usually, I have to switch to the gentlest cleansers possible, but this one didn't irritate my skin at all.

The verdict…

If you want a cleanser that doesn't leave you feeling like you need to choose between clean skin and hydrated skin, this new CeraVe cleanser is worth trying.

It's gentle enough for sensitive skin but effective enough to actually cleanse properly.

The fact that it manages to control oil without stripping moisture is genuinely impressive, and the texture experience alone makes it super easy to use.

I have a feeling we're about to see this cleanser absolutely everywhere as it's got all the ingredients for viral success: cool tech, affordable pricing, recognisable branding, and most importantly, it actually delivers on its promises.

If you want more from Emily Vernem, you can follow her on Instagram @emilyvernem.

Feature image: Supplied/TikTok @aamnaadel.