CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 8 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 PEG compounds and acrylates, which are synthetic emulsifiers and thickeners, slightly lowers its rating. The product is moderately processed, which also impacts its overall score.
Key ingredients 45
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea ButterVery Good
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it nourishing for the skin. It is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.
Benefits
Deeply moisturizes and soothes the skin, providing essential nutrients.
Ceramide APVery Good
Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier and retain moisture. It is crucial for maintaining skin health and preventing dryness. It is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin barrier function and hydration.
Ceramide EOPVery Good
Ceramide EOP is a lipid that plays a key role in maintaining the skin's barrier function and moisture retention. It helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and dehydration. It is highly beneficial for dry and compromised skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin barrier integrity and hydration.
GlycerinGood
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.
Risks
Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.
Hydroxyethyl UreaGood
Hydroxyethyl urea is a moisturizing agent that helps to improve skin hydration. It is a non-irritating ingredient that enhances the skin's moisture content. It is beneficial for maintaining skin softness and elasticity.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and texture.
GlycineGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and texture.
Ceramide NPGood
Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. It is essential for retaining moisture and protecting the skin from environmental stressors. It is highly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.
Sodium PCAGood
Sodium PCA is a humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It is a natural component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). It is beneficial for maintaining skin hydration and softness.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and maintains moisture balance.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium hyaluronate is a form of hyaluronic acid that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It is highly effective in improving skin hydration and plumpness. It is beneficial for all skin types, particularly dry and dehydrated skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
CholesterolGood
Cholesterol is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier and retain moisture. It is essential for healthy skin function and hydration. It is particularly beneficial for dry and compromised skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Strengthens the skin barrier and improves hydration.
TocopherolGood
Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health and preventing signs of aging. It is widely used in skincare for its protective and moisturizing properties.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Protects the skin from oxidative stress and improves hydration.
PhytosphingosineGood
Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier and reduce inflammation. It is beneficial for improving skin health and reducing redness. It is particularly useful for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Risks
Generally considered safe with minimal risk of irritation.
Benefits
Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
Water is a common solvent used in cosmetics to dissolve other ingredients. It helps in the application and absorption of the product. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.
Benefits
Essential for dissolving and mixing other ingredients.
Isopropyl PalmitateNeutral
Isopropyl palmitate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is used to enhance the texture and spreadability of skincare products. It is generally well-tolerated but can be comedogenic for some skin types.
Risks
May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to its comedogenic nature.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
PropanediolNeutral
Propanediol is a glycol that acts as a solvent and humectant in skincare formulations. It helps to improve the absorption of other ingredients. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances ingredient absorption and provides moisture.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is non-drying and beneficial for skin conditioning.
Risks
Generally safe with low risk of irritation.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides emollient properties.
OctyldodecanolNeutral
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and emulsifier in skincare products. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of formulations. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and provides emollient benefits.
C15-19 AlkaneNeutral
C15-19 alkane is a hydrocarbon used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Minimal risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides emollient properties.
Stearic AcidNeutral
Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in skincare products. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Sorbitan TristearateNeutral
Sorbitan tristearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize and thicken cosmetic formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and texture.
Sorbitan OleateNeutral
Sorbitan oleate is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
CarbomerNeutral
Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
Glyceryl stearate is an emulsifier and emollient used to improve the texture and stability of skincare products. It helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides emollient properties.
Triethyl CitrateNeutral
Triethyl citrate is an ester used as a stabilizer and fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and texture.
IsohexadecaneNeutral
Isohexadecane is a hydrocarbon used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides emollient properties.
SerineNeutral
Serine is an amino acid used as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and texture.
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateNeutral
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in skincare products. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is a strong base that helps to neutralize acidic ingredients. It is generally considered safe in small amounts used for pH adjustment.
Risks
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but safe in regulated amounts.
Benefits
Helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of formulations.
Myristic AcidNeutral
Myristic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Palmitic AcidNeutral
Palmitic acid is a fatty acid used as an emollient and surfactant in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
AlanineNeutral
Alanine is an amino acid used as a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and texture.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and preservative used in cosmetics to enhance product stability. It helps to protect formulations from degradation. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and protects against oxidation.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
Caprylyl glycol is a humectant and preservative used in cosmetics to improve moisture retention and product stability. It helps to enhance the texture and efficacy of formulations. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and product stability.
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic AcidNeutral
Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid is a buffering agent used to maintain the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to stabilize products and enhance their efficacy. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Maintains product stability and efficacy.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateNeutral
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a chelating agent used to enhance the stability and efficacy of cosmetic formulations. It helps to prevent the degradation of active ingredients. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product stability and protects active ingredients.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateNeutral
Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate is an antioxidant used to protect cosmetic formulations from oxidation. It helps to enhance product stability and longevity. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Protects formulations from oxidative damage and enhances stability.
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerNeutral
Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Benzoic AcidNeutral
Benzoic acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic formulations. It helps to enhance product safety and longevity. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Prevents microbial growth and enhances product safety.
PEG-100 StearateNeutral
PEG-100 stearate is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose SesquistearateNeutral
PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate is an emulsifier used to blend oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally well-tolerated and non-irritating.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
DimethiconeBad
Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.
Risks
May cause breakouts in acne-prone skin due to its occlusive nature.
Benefits
Provides a smooth texture and protects the skin from moisture loss.
Behentrimonium MethosulfateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides conditioning benefits.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Enhances product texture and stability.
Polysorbate 80Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Low risk of irritation or allergic reaction.
Benefits
Improves product texture and stability.
Processing
Processed Foods
Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle PlayAmazon pricing & content
Amazon price as of . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.