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CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30 Review

ByCordelia

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30 Review

The last time I was at my dermatologist’s office she recommended that I try the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30. I purchased a bottle to give it a try, since I do like the CeraVe PM. My dermatologist loves the CeraVe line and says she recommends it more than anything else.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30 Review

About CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30
This lotion with SPF 30 helps to repair damaged skin and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier. It has ingredients that are not commonly found in other moisturizers. Its patented Multivesicular Emulsion (MVE®) technology releases theses ingredients over time, penetrating deep into the skin to hydrate and nourish.

  • SPF 30 – SPF 30 sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA / UVB daily protection against sun’s damaging UV-aging and UV-burning rays.
  • Ceramides – Helps reduce lipid levels in damaged skin to repair, restore, and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.  Essential in preventing water loss from the skin
  • Niacinamide – Helps the skin produce more natural ceramides and fatty acids essential for repairing and restoring the skin barrier.  Also shown to reduce redness.
  • Hyaluronic Acid – An essential ingredient (humectant) that attracts water to the top layer of the skin and ensures that the skin remains hydrated.
  • Cruelty free

Active Ingredients
Homosalate – 12 % (Sunscreen), Octinoxate – 7.5 % (Sunscreen), Octocrylene – 2 % (Sunscreen), Zinc Oxide – 3.5 % (Sunscreen)
Inactive Ingredients
Purified Water, Niacinamide, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum

Price
$10 – $13.99 for 3 oz. depending on where you purchase, right now it’s on sale for $10.99 at Drugstore.com

Availability
Drugstore.com, Dermstore, Amazon, Ulta.com, Walgreens.com

My Thoughts
As I mentioned, this product came highly recommended to me by my dermatologist. I already like the CeraVe PM lotion (review upcoming on that one soon), so I hoped to love this product.

At $10 to $13 for 3 oz. it’s a very affordable moisturizer with SPF. It’s also easy to find locally at both Walgreens and Target, as well as online from a variety of stores. And you’re getting 3 oz of product for the price, when many moisturizers with SPF only give you 1 to 1.7 oz! So that’s a great deal.

It’s got some interesting ingredients for a daytime product since it includes Niacinamide, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6-II, Ceramide 1 and Hyaluronic Acid. If you saw my Top 10 Eye Creams post, you’ll know that hyaluronic acid and ceramids are good ingredients to look for in products. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3, and it’s supposed to have anti-inflammatory benefits. It also can help to improve the skin’s elasticity, enhance the barrier function and help to treat uneven skintone.

While I like the ingredients, availability and price point, this moisturizer just did not work out for me. If I put this on the way I put on LAVANILA the Healthy Face SPF 40 or any of my Paula’s Choice Moisturizers with SPF, it irritates my eyes and they feel like they’re burning. I can use this everywhere else on my face with no issue, but being unable to use it on my eyes is a deal breaker for me.

If you don’t have sensitive eyes, this might be a nice affordable moisturizer choice for you.

Have you tried CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM SPF 30?

Pros

  • Cruelty free
  • Affordable
  • Great value for price

Cons

  • Skip this if you have sensitive eyes like I do

 

Cordelia Frost is the creative force behind Phyrra, a treasure trove for cruelty-free indie and goth makeup enthusiasts. She's the author of the game-changing 'Hooded Eyes Makeup Manual' a must-read for hooded eyes makeup.

Cordelia's world is a kaleidoscope of alternative beauty, gothic fashion, and life-enhancing tips, making every visit to Phyrra a journey into a more colorful and inspired self.

31 Comments

  2. Can I ask how you found out that CeraVe is cruelty free? I’m only wondering because last year I sent them an email with very specific questions, and all they said was “CeraVe products are not tested on animals.” Totally ignored my questioning of their suppliers, 3rd parties, ingredients, etc. =/

    1. Hi Mel, Like I told Honeybuns below, I found them on Paula’s Choice’s list under ‘Does not test on Animals.’

    1. To me, that’s a deal breaker for a facial moisturizer with SPF. If I can’t use it around my eyes, I’m not going to use it at all.

  5. so glad I read this. I’m a huge fan of the Cerave PM lotion and I would have ‘assumed’ that this would be the same. I’ll think twice before buying it since I have sensitive skin.

  7. Hi Phyrra! I love the Cerave night cream as well, but I do have super sensitive skin. Something in the day cream gives me redness and irritation. I am not sure but I think it may be the sunscreen. I am glad to see I am not the only one that has some issues will it. Maybe it will eventually get reformulated 🙂

  8. I tried it at my derm’s recommendation but it stings my face. I can use the PM one just fine. Maybe it is the sunscreen?

  11. I haven’t tried this brand in years and it seems like they still haven’t changed up the fact that they are not great for sensitive eyes. They used to burn my eyes so bad before. That’s why I love my cetaphil – I never had any issues.

    1. I haven’t tried the cetaphil moisturizers. I was using the Cetaphil cleanser until I found a cruelty free one. The cetaphil line is another line my derm recommends. She says they’re great.

      1. they are great… the only thing is the cruelty free. But I use their cleanser daily and moisturizer when I really need extra moisture – normally in Winter – otherwise, coconut oil it is. 😉

        1. So far I’ve tried removing makeup with coconut oil and oil pulling and in my hair. I haven’t tried using it as a moisturizer, but I really need to change that!

  13. It sure sounds good though! I have sensitive eyes but love a lotion similar to this to use.

  14. My sister told me great things about this, looks like a keeper and anything that features good ingredients, is already a winner.

  15. I want to love the Cerave facial moisturizers. I really do! The eye cream is a delight, but both the AM and PM moisturizer break me out for some reason.

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