CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream for Dry and Itchy Skin Unscented - 12 fl oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This moisturizer contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides, which are excellent for hydrating and restoring the skin's barrier. However, the presence of petrolatum, which can be comedogenic and may contain impurities, along with denatured alcohol, which can be drying and irritating, lowers its overall safety profile. The product's formulation includes both natural and synthetic components, resulting in a moderate processing level.
Key ingredients 32
Butyrospermum Parkii ButterVery Good
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, also known as shea butter, is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, providing excellent moisturizing and healing properties.
Risks
There are minimal risks, though individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution.
Benefits
Shea butter deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improving elasticity and reducing inflammation.
Ceramide APVery Good
Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that helps strengthen the skin's natural barrier. It plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration and resilience.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ceramides.
Benefits
Ceramide AP helps improve skin barrier function, enhancing moisture retention and reducing sensitivity.
Ceramide EOPVery Good
Ceramide EOP is a lipid molecule that helps reinforce the skin's natural barrier. It is vital for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental stressors.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ceramides.
Benefits
Ceramide EOP helps improve skin barrier function, reducing dryness and irritation.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidVery Good
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin more effectively. It provides intense hydration and helps plump the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with hyaluronic acid.
Benefits
It helps improve skin hydration, elasticity, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, making it an excellent hydrating agent. It helps maintain the skin's moisture balance and improves skin barrier function.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it can cause irritation in very rare cases.
Benefits
Glycerin helps keep the skin hydrated and soft, improving overall skin health.
Ceramide NPGood
Ceramide NP is a lipid molecule that helps restore the skin's natural barrier. It is essential for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental damage.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ceramides.
Benefits
Ceramide NP helps improve skin barrier function, reducing dryness and irritation.
WaterNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks in this context.
Risks
There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.
Benefits
Water helps in hydrating the skin by providing moisture.
Cetyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with cetyl alcohol, though it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps soften and smooth the skin, enhancing the product's feel.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols used as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics. It helps stabilize and thicken formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with cetearyl alcohol, though it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
It helps improve the texture and consistency of the product, making it easier to apply.
PEG-100 StearateNeutral
PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier that helps blend water and oil components in formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Risks
There is a potential risk of contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane during production.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and consistency of the product.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl Stearate is an emulsifying agent that helps blend oil and water components. It also acts as a lubricant on the skin's surface.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with glyceryl stearate.
Benefits
It helps smooth and soften the skin, enhancing the product's feel.
Isopropyl MyristateNeutral
Isopropyl Myristate is used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and absorption of the product.
Risks
It can be comedogenic and may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin.
Benefits
It enhances the spreadability and absorption of the product, improving its effectiveness.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps stabilize formulations and improve texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with stearic acid.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and consistency of the product.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with palmitic acid.
Benefits
It helps soften and smooth the skin, enhancing the product's feel.
Potassium PhosphateNeutral
Potassium Phosphate is used as a buffering agent in cosmetics to maintain pH balance. It helps stabilize formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with potassium phosphate.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a synthetic polymer used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and consistency of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with carbomer.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and consistency of the product.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium Hydroxide is used as a pH adjuster in cosmetics. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of formulations.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Benefits
It helps maintain the pH balance of the product, ensuring its stability and effectiveness.
Myristic AcidNeutral
Myristic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps improve the texture and stability of formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with myristic acid.
Benefits
It helps soften and smooth the skin, enhancing the product's feel.
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateNeutral
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It helps blend oil and water components and improve product texture.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with sodium lauroyl lactylate.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and consistency of the product.
CholesterolNeutral
Cholesterol is a lipid molecule used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps improve skin barrier function and hydration.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with cholesterol.
Benefits
It helps improve skin barrier function, enhancing moisture retention and reducing dryness.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit ExtractNeutral
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract is a botanical extract used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps soothe and protect the skin.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with this botanical extract.
Benefits
It helps reduce inflammation and protect the skin from environmental damage.
Dipotassium PhosphateNeutral
Dipotassium Phosphate is used as a buffering agent in cosmetics to maintain pH balance. It helps stabilize formulations.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with dipotassium phosphate.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.
Citric AcidNeutral
Citric Acid is used as a pH adjuster and exfoliant in cosmetics. It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of formulations.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation and sensitivity.
Benefits
It helps maintain the pH balance of the product and can provide mild exfoliation.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a natural thickening agent used to improve the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations. It helps enhance the product's consistency.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with xanthan gum.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and consistency of the product.
PhytosphingosineNeutral
Phytosphingosine is a lipid molecule used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It helps improve skin barrier function and reduce irritation.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with phytosphingosine.
Benefits
It helps improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation and redness.
EthylhexylglycerinNeutral
Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a preservative and skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps enhance the efficacy of other preservatives.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with ethylhexylglycerin.
Benefits
It helps maintain the safety and stability of the product by preventing microbial contamination.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
It can cause irritation in sensitive individuals and may be comedogenic.
Benefits
It provides a smooth, silky feel and helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Behentrimonium MethosulfateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with behentrimonium methosulfate.
Benefits
It helps soften and smooth the skin, enhancing the product's feel.
PhenoxyethanolBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
In high concentrations, it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Benefits
It helps maintain the safety and stability of the product by preventing microbial contamination.
Disodium EDTABad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
There are minimal risks associated with disodium EDTA.
Benefits
It helps maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product.
PetrolatumVery Bad
Petrolatum is a petroleum-derived ingredient used as an occlusive agent to lock in moisture. However, it can be comedogenic and may contain impurities if not properly refined.
Risks
Petrolatum can clog pores and potentially contain harmful contaminants if not fully refined.
Benefits
It provides a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
Alcohol Denat.Very Bad
Alcohol Denat. is used as a solvent and astringent in cosmetics. It can be drying and irritating to the skin, especially in high concentrations.
Risks
It can cause dryness, irritation, and disrupt the skin's natural barrier.
Benefits
It helps improve the absorption and penetration of other ingredients.
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