CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Summary
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 scores 32/100. Despite the niacinamide + ceramide + hyaluronic acid story, the SPF lineup leans on a chemical UV filter stack — homosalate (EU SCCS unsafe above 7.34%), octinoxate (banned in Hawaii), octocrylene (degrades to benzophenone, a Group 2B carcinogen), and octisalate. Zinc oxide at 5.5% provides partial mineral coverage but the chemical filters dominate the active deck.
At a glance
Key ingredients 9
Zinc Oxide (5.5%)Good
Mineral UV filter that reflects/scatters both UVA and UVB. Non-nano zinc oxide is GRASE-classified by the FDA as the only sunscreen active proven safe and effective.
See more about Zinc Oxide (5.5%) →NiacinamideGood
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a well-tolerated, evidence-backed ingredient that calms inflammation, supports the skin barrier, and helps regulate sebum production.
See more about Niacinamide →Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP)Good
Ceramides are lipids naturally present in the skin barrier; topical application helps restore and maintain barrier function. CeraVe's three-ceramide complex is a well-formulated barrier-supporting blend.
See more about Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) →Hyaluronic Acid / Sodium HyaluronateGood
Sodium hyaluronate is a humectant that attracts and holds water in the skin. It is well tolerated, non-irritating, and a meaningful addition to a daily moisturizer.
See more about Hyaluronic Acid / Sodium Hyaluronate →HomosalateVery Bad
Chemical UV filter. The EU SCCS concluded in 2021 that homosalate is unsafe at concentrations above 7.34% due to endocrine-disruption concerns; many CeraVe AM SPFs use 6–13%. Detected in human breast milk and urine in biomonitoring studies.
See more about Homosalate →Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter banned in Hawaii and Key West reef-protection laws. Documented endocrine-disrupting activity in vitro and in animal studies; readily absorbed through skin and detected in plasma at concentrations exceeding the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL safety threshold.
See more about Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) →OctocryleneVery Bad
Chemical UV filter that degrades over time into benzophenone — classified by the IARC as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) and banned in the EU as a UV filter. A 2021 Chemical Research in Toxicology study found benzophenone in every octocrylene sunscreen tested.
See more about Octocrylene →Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate)Bad
Chemical UV filter that aids absorption of other organic UV filters (penetration enhancer). Considered the lowest-concern of the chemical filters but contributes to overall systemic exposure when stacked.
See more about Octisalate (Ethylhexyl Salicylate) →PhenoxyethanolBad
Synthetic preservative restricted by the EU at higher use levels over infant neurotoxicity concerns. Generally tolerated but a known sensitiser; some peer-reviewed studies report toxicity to human gland cells at approved concentrations.
See more about Phenoxyethanol →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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