CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

CeraVe
32 Poor
$14.97 · 3 oz
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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

Beneficial ingredients 4
Harmful ingredients 5
Owned by L'Oréal SA
Category Skin Care

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.

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Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a well-tolerated, evidence-backed ingredient that calms inflammation, supports the skin barrier, and helps regulate sebum production.

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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.

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Hyaluronic Acid / Sodium Hyaluronate
Good

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.

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Homosalate
Very 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.

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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.

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Octocrylene
Very 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.

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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.

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Phenoxyethanol
Bad

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.

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