CeraVe Intensive Moisturizing Lotion For Dry to Very Dry Skin - 12 fl oz
Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
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 ButterVery 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.
Ceramide APVery 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.
Ceramide EOPVery 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.
TocopherolVery 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.
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 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.
Hydroxyethyl UreaGood
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.
GlycineGood
Beneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
Benefits
Enhances skin hydration and elasticity.
Ceramide NPGood
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.
Sodium PCAGood
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.
Sodium HyaluronateGood
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.
CholesterolGood
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.
PhytosphingosineGood
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.
Aqua/Water/EauNeutral
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.
Isopropyl PalmitateNeutral
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.
PropanediolNeutral
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.
Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
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.
OctyldodecanolNeutral
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.
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 considered safe for use in cosmetics.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
Stearic AcidNeutral
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.
Sorbitan TristearateNeutral
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 OleateNeutral
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.
CarbomerNeutral
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.
Glyceryl StearateNeutral
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.
Triethyl CitrateNeutral
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.
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 for use.
Benefits
Improves product texture and provides a smooth application.
SerineNeutral
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.
Sodium Lauroyl LactylateNeutral
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.
Sodium HydroxideNeutral
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.
Myristic AcidNeutral
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 AcidNeutral
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.
AlanineNeutral
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.
HydroxyacetophenoneNeutral
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.
Caprylyl GlycolNeutral
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.
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic AcidNeutral
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 DisuccinateNeutral
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.
Xanthan GumNeutral
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.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateNeutral
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.
Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate CopolymerNeutral
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 AcidNeutral
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.
PEG-100 StearateNeutral
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.
PEG-20 Methyl Glucose SesquistearateNeutral
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.
DimethiconeBad
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.
Behentrimonium MethosulfateBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Benefits
Improves texture and manageability of products.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Benefits
Thickens formulations and improves product consistency.
Polysorbate 80Bad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Benefits
Stabilizes formulations and improves product texture.
Processing
Processed Foods
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