It’s no secret that CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM is one of my fave night moisturisers ever. Ever since it landed in the UK, I barely used anything else.
But what about the morning version, CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25? Is that just as good? I’ve put it to the test to find out:
What’s In CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25?
CERAMIDES
Ceramides are oily waxes (“cera” means wax in Latin) that make up the glue that holds skin cells together (together with fatty acids, cholesterol etc).
Their job is to strengthen and waterproof the skin’s protective barrier, so that moisture stays in (where it needs to be to hydrate skin!) and germs, pollutants, and other germs stay out (no irritations!).
A stronger protective barrier also helps skin better withstand the attacks of harsh weather, pollutants, and anything else that’s trying to harm it.
Talking about harm… You know when your barrier has broken down. All of a sudden, your skin becomes dry. Red. Flaky, even. Adding ceramides to your skincare routine can prevent this from happening in the first place – or nurse skin back to health if it’s already happened.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 has 3 types of ceramides. Plus, cholesterol and Hyaluronic Acid, two more components of your skin’s natural barrier. Together, they make it as strong as it can be.
Related: The Complete Guide To Ceramides In Skincare: What They Are, What They Do, And How To Use Them
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is an antiaging superstar that does everything you ask it to. Studies show this form of Vitamin B3:
- Hydrates skin: It’s more effective than petrolatum at preventing water loss
- Soothes skin: It alleviates the symptoms of rosacea and irritations
- Lightens skin: It reduces dark spots, blotchiness (redness) and sallowness (yellowing)
- Helps treat wrinkles: Preliminary research shows it can boost the production of skin-firming collagen
- Treats acne: Its effects are similar to those of 1% clindamycin gel
Whatever your skin condition is, you can count on Niacinamide to improve it.
Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
UV FILTERS
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 gives you broad spectrum protection from UV rays, too. Here’s how:
- Homosalate: An UVB filter with a slightly oily consistency and a mild floral scent.
- Octocrylene: An UVB filter that helps avobenzone last longer, coat the skin better and make the sunscreen water-resistant.
- Ethylhexyl Salicylate: A UVB filter with a slightly oily consistency and a mild floral scent.
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: A.k.a. avobenzone, an UVA filter that’s very unstable (i.e. stops working quickly when exposed to light) on its own. It’s absorbed by the body (and expelled quickly through urine), so it’s not recommended during pregnancy.
These are all synthetic UV filters. They’re safe for most people, but can trigger a negative reaction in people with sensitive skin.
Related: Chemical VS Physical Sunscreen: Which One Is Best For You?
Texture
Elegant. Lightweight. Absorbs immediately into your skin without leaving a greasy residue behind.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free. Phew!
How To Use It
You can use CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 as a moisturiser or sunscreen.
As moisturiser, apply a pea size amount all over your face after serums and before sunscreen. Done.
If you want to use it as sunscreen, you have to treat it as sunscreen: apply 1/3 of a teaspoon for the face alone. If you apply any less, you won’t achieve the SPF stated on the packaging.
Performance & Personal Opinion
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 applies like a dream. It sinks in quickly without leaving no greasy residue behind.
But, it does leave skin looking a little shiny (blame the UV filters for that!). If you have oily skin that shines too much on its own already, this’ll put you off.
My skin is on the drier side, so this isn’t an issue for me. What I need is a cream that helps my skin survive the winter season soft and supple. Does it do that?
Straight after application, my skin feels softer and smoother. But I personally don’t find it as moisturising as the PM version.
While it does help keep my skin in good shape in winter, I think it’s better suited for the warmer spring months – unless your skin is only mildly dry. For severe dryness, you need something more heavy duty.
Related: My Full Review Of CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM
Who Is This For?
Normal to moderately dry skin.
Who Is This Not For?
- Oily skin: It makes your skin look a bit shiny
- Very dry skin: It’s not moisturising enough for you
Packaging
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 comes in a sleek white tube with a pump applicator. It’s hygienic and dispenses just the right amount of product you need.
Does CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A lightweight, moisturising face lotion with broad spectrum SPF25, for all-day hydration for normal to dry skin. | All true. |
| Helping maintain and protect the skin barrier of the face. | Yes, it has ceramides that can help strengthen your skin’s protective barrier. |
| Spreads easily and dries with a clear finish. | The finish is clear indeed, but a bit shiny. |
Price & Availability
£12.00 at Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
If you have normal to slightly dry skin and are looking for a lightweight moisturiser that can double up as sunscreen (as long as you apply enough!), this is definitely worth a try.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
Ingredients
Aqua/Water, Homosalate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Myristic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexyl Glycerin.
Hi Gio,
I want to thank you for posting interesting articles. I don’t comment often, but I just want to let you know that your hard work is appreciated.
I read your blog weekly and am looking forward to see what you post this year 🙂
Melly, thank you so much! This made my day. 🙂
Hi Glo. You blog is amazing. Can you recommend a moisturizer without fatty alcohols or dimethicone? I have tretinoin skin and can’t find anything to help. Cerave PM broke me out as well as a bunch of other moisturizers. I use sebamed gel but it just isn’t enough
Nicole, these ingredients shouldn’t cause breakouts. Are you cleansing your skin well? At this point, maybe you can add a hyaluronic acid before your moisturiser?
If we’re using Retin A, do we apply the moisturizer before or after?
Karen, it depends. If your skin can tolerate it, it’s best to apply Retin A first to give it the best chance to penetrate skin. But if that’s too harsh for you, apply moisturiser first. It’ll dilute Retin A a little, but that makes it gentler on the skin.