CeraVe Skin Renewing Brightening Lotion SPF 30

L'Oréal's patented dark-spot ingredient (2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycine). Limited independent peer-reviewed data — efficacy claims rely on company-funded studies. Not a known irritant, but novelty + sparse external evidence keep it neutral.

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.

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

Photo-unstable chemical UV filter — degrades in sunlight unless paired with a stabiliser. Detected in plasma above the FDA's 0.5 ng/mL threshold within hours of normal use.

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.

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.

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.

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.