CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz

Common questions

Is CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz healthy?

CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz scores 68/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This lotion contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides, which are excellent for moisturizing and maintaining the skin barrier.

How processed is CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz?

CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter, Hydroxyethyl Urea count in its favor; Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

More from CeraVe

See more

CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz

CeraVe
68 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon
Verified Amazon match

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 12
Harmful ingredients 4
Owned by L'Oréal
Category Body Lotion
Summary

This lotion contains beneficial ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides, which are excellent for moisturizing and maintaining the skin barrier. However, it also includes synthetic components such as PEG compounds and acrylates, which are associated with moderate processing. The presence of these synthetic ingredients prevents it from achieving a higher score, despite its overall beneficial formulation for dry skin.

Key ingredients 45

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter
Very Good

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. It is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it an excellent moisturizer. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Risks

May cause allergic reactions in individuals with nut allergies.

Benefits

Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, improving elasticity.

See more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter →
Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is a type of ceramide that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is beneficial for maintaining skin health. It is well-tolerated and effective for dry skin.

Benefits

Strengthens skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

See more about Ceramide AP →
Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is a lipid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss. It is essential for healthy skin function. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Benefits

Maintains skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.

See more about Ceramide EOP →
Tocopherol
Very Good

Tocopherol, also known as Vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It is widely used in skincare for its protective and moisturizing properties. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for most skin types.

Benefits

Protects skin from oxidative stress and improves moisture retention.

See more about Tocopherol →
Glycerin
Good

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 considered safe and beneficial for most skin types.

Risks

Rarely, glycerin can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps maintain skin hydration and improves skin barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Good

Hydroxyethyl urea is a moisturizing agent that helps to improve skin hydration. It is less sticky than glycerin and provides a smooth feel. It is generally well-tolerated by the skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin moisture levels and provides a smooth texture.

See more about Hydroxyethyl Urea →
Glycine
Good

Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and elasticity.

See more about Glycine →
Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is essential for maintaining healthy skin. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Benefits

Restores skin barrier and improves moisture retention.

See more about Ceramide NP →
Sodium PCA
Good

Sodium PCA is a natural component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. It helps to attract moisture to the skin, improving hydration. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and moisture retention.

See more about Sodium PCA →
Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, known for its excellent moisture-retaining properties. It helps to hydrate and plump the skin. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for all skin types.

Benefits

Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, improving texture.

See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →
Cholesterol
Good

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps to maintain the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is essential for healthy skin function. It is well-tolerated and beneficial for dry skin.

Benefits

Maintains skin barrier and enhances moisture retention.

See more about Cholesterol →
Phytosphingosine
Good

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin. It is well-tolerated and effective for dry and sensitive skin.

Benefits

Restores skin barrier and reduces inflammation.

See more about Phytosphingosine →
Aqua/Water/Eau
Neutral

Water is a universal solvent and is used as a base in many cosmetic formulations. It helps to dissolve other ingredients and provides hydration. It does not have any direct benefits or risks.

Benefits

Provides a medium for other ingredients to be absorbed into the skin.

See more about Aqua/Water/Eau →
Isopropyl Palmitate
Neutral

Isopropyl palmitate is an emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin. It is derived from palm oil and is used to enhance the texture of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause acne or irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product spreadability and skin feel.

See more about Isopropyl Palmitate →
Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol that acts as a solvent and humectant in skincare products. It helps to improve the absorption of other ingredients. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Enhances moisture retention and improves product texture.

See more about Propanediol →
Cetearyl Alcohol
Neutral

Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is non-drying and safe for most skin types.

Risks

Generally safe, but may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Provides a creamy texture and helps to soften the skin.

See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →
Octyldodecanol
Neutral

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickener. It helps to improve the texture and spreadability of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances product texture and provides a smooth application.

See more about Octyldodecanol →
C15-19 Alkane
Neutral

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 considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.

Stearic Acid
Neutral

Stearic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Sorbitan Tristearate
Neutral

Sorbitan tristearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to blend oil and water components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

Sorbitan Oleate
Neutral

Sorbitan oleate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to blend oil and water components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

See more about Sorbitan Oleate →
Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Thickens formulations and improves product consistency.

See more about Carbomer →
Glyceryl Stearate
Neutral

Glyceryl stearate is an emulsifier and emollient that helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is derived from glycerin and stearic acid. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and provides a smooth texture.

See more about Glyceryl Stearate →
Triethyl Citrate
Neutral

Triethyl citrate is an ester used as a fragrance ingredient and stabilizer. It helps to improve the scent and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Enhances fragrance and stability of products.

See more about Triethyl Citrate →
Isohexadecane
Neutral

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 for use.

Benefits

Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.

See more about Isohexadecane →
Serine
Neutral

Serine is an amino acid that helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated by the skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and elasticity.

See more about Serine →
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier used in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It is a strong base and must be used in small amounts. It is generally considered safe when used appropriately.

Risks

Can cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of formulations.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Myristic Acid
Neutral

Myristic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

Palmitic Acid
Neutral

Palmitic acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

See more about Palmitic Acid →
Alanine
Neutral

Alanine is an amino acid that helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It is used in skincare for its moisturizing properties. It is generally well-tolerated by the skin.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and elasticity.

See more about Alanine →
Hydroxyacetophenone
Neutral

Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant and preservative used in cosmetics. It helps to protect formulations from degradation. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Protects formulations from degradation and enhances stability.

See more about Hydroxyacetophenone →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl glycol is a humectant and preservative used in cosmetics. It helps to improve skin hydration and extend the shelf life of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Enhances skin hydration and extends product shelf life.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Neutral

Hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid is a buffering agent used to stabilize the pH of formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and efficacy of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Stabilizes pH and maintains product efficacy.

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a chelating agent used to improve the stability of formulations. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent degradation. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Improves formulation stability and prevents degradation.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan gum is a natural thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Thickens formulations and improves product consistency.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Neutral

Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate is an antioxidant used to protect formulations from oxidation. It helps to extend the shelf life of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Protects formulations from oxidation and extends shelf life.

See more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate →
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Neutral

Acrylamide/sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate copolymer is a thickening agent used to stabilize and thicken formulations. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Benefits

Thickens formulations and improves product consistency.

Benzoic Acid
Neutral

Benzoic acid is a preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. It helps to extend the shelf life of products. It is generally considered safe for use.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Benzoic Acid →
PEG-100 Stearate
Neutral

PEG-100 stearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to blend oil and water components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

See more about PEG-100 Stearate →
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Neutral

PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate is an emulsifier used to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It helps to blend oil and water components. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

Dimethicone
Bad

Occlusive silicone film-former — flagged under clean-beauty doctrine.

Risks

May cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Smooths and softens the skin, providing a protective barrier.

See more about Dimethicone →
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

Improves texture and manageability of products.

See more about Behentrimonium Methosulfate →
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

Thickens formulations and improves product consistency.

See more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer →
Polysorbate 80
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Benefits

Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.

See more about Polysorbate 80 →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

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 Play
Amazon pricing & content

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.

More in Body Lotion