CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Summary
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion scores 58/100. The deck pairs niacinamide with the brand's three-ceramide + hyaluronic-acid complex in an oil-free, fragrance-free, no-SPF base — a strong night cream foundation. Points are deducted for dimethicone (silicone microplastic precursor), phenoxyethanol, disodium EDTA, and behentrimonium methosulfate, which together drive the harmful count and keep the score from clearing 70.
At a glance
Key ingredients 8
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 →Fragrance-free formulaGood
CeraVe's leave-on basics are formulated without added fragrance, removing one of the most common drivers of contact dermatitis and sensitisation.
See more about Fragrance-free formula →DimethiconeBad
Silicone-based occlusive that forms a film on the skin. Functional but a known microplastic precursor — bioaccumulates in waterways and is restricted in EU rinse-off products from 2027.
See more about Dimethicone →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 →Disodium EDTABad
Chelating agent that also acts as a penetration enhancer, increasing absorption of every other ingredient in the formula. Synthetic and bio-persistent.
See more about Disodium EDTA →Behentrimonium MethosulfateBad
Quaternary-ammonium emulsifier. Generally well tolerated topically but a documented eye and skin irritant at higher concentrations, and synthesised via a methylsulfate intermediate.
See more about Behentrimonium Methosulfate →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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