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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 versus CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US .

Last updated on January 17, 2024. Published on April 30, 2021

Overview

What they are

These products are both day moisturizers. They have a total of 18 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances or oils

What's Inside

They both contain silicones and sulfates

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Day Moisturizer Canadian Brand Canada
Day Moisturizer Canadian Brand Canada

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Day Moisturizer

Day Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin during the daytime.

Price

Shop

Buy AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25

Starts at $13.68
Shop

Buy Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Starts at $13.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
25
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
spf rating
30

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Vitamin E
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (4)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (2)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening (3)

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin (3)
Acne Trigger (2)
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (3)
Mineral UV Filter
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (5)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Dark Spots
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 1.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 6.

2
What it does: Skin Conditioning, UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Homosalate is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-B range (280nm - 320 nm), with a peak protection at 306 nm. It is internationally approved for use in sunscreens.

Homosalate is not photo-stable, meaning it's strength as a UV filter degrades over time with exposure to the sun. Because of this, it's often used in combination with other chemical sunscreen filters as avobenzone (which protects from the UV-A range). Homosalate also helps act as a solvent for harder-to-dissolve UV filters.

(Part of the reason that sunscreens need to be frequently re-applied is due to the photo instability of many chemical sunscreen filters)

Currently, homosalate is approved in concentrations up to 10% in the EU and 15% in the US. The FDA is currently doing further research on the effects of homosalate, and it is possible that these approved concentrations will change in the future.

Learn more about Homosalate

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 2.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 1.

3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 3.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 8.

4
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Octocrylene protects skin from sun damage. It absorbs UV-B with peak absorption of 304 nm. It is a common sunscreen ingredient and often paired with avobenzone, a UVA filter. This is because octocrylene stabilizes other sunscreen ingredients by protecting them from degradation when exposed to sunlight. Octocrylene is a photostable ingredient and loses about 10% of SPF in 95 minutes.

Octocrylene also acts as an emollient, meaning it helps skin retain moisture and softens skin. It is oil-soluble and hydrophobic, enhancing water-resistant properties in a product.

Those who are using ketoprofen, a topical anti-inflammatory drug, may experience an allergic reaction when using octocrylene. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional about using sunscreens with octocrylene.

The EU allows a maximum of these concentrations:

Learn more about Octocrylene

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 4.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Loved

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 6.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 7.

6
What it does: Absorbent
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 7.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 21.

7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Dimethicone has been found increase absorption in skin, boosting the benefits of other ingredients. While there is concern for the safety of dimethicone, the levels used in skincare are safe for use.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 9.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 11.

8
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 10.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 9.

9
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Behentrimonium Methosulfate is an ammonium salt. It is mainly used to prevent static in haircare products as a surfactant.

Surfactants have differing ends: one side is hydrophilic while the other end is hydrophobic.

Surfactants also help your cleansers remove pollutants more easily from the skin.

Learn more about Behentrimonium Methosulfate

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 15.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 10.

10
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 19.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 27.

11
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 20.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 22.

12
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.

Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.

Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.

Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 22.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 19.

13
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 25.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 13.

14
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.

They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide NP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide AP

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 26.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 14.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Phytosphingosine is already present in our skin. On our skin, it is a building block for ceramides.

Phytosphingosine tells our skin to increase its natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.

Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.

Phytosphingosine is also abundant in plants and fungi.

More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:

Learn more about Phytosphingosine

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 27.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 26.

16
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.

Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.

Learn more about Cholesterol

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 28.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 20.

17
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 29.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 16.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide NP

Learn more about Ceramide EOP

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 31.

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 US contains this as ingredient number 15.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

42% are loved or liked
3% have mixed ratings
55% are disliked or very disliked
0% have no rating yet
41% are loved or liked
4% have mixed ratings
52% are disliked or very disliked
4% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 31 ingredients

3.7 /5
from 7 reviews
stwrle's Avatar'
Nov 25, 2023

feels a bit heavy on my skin
its a good moisturizer that doesnt leave a white cast and it has spf
but i dont really like the feeling it feels heavy and i have oily skin

feels a bit heavy on my skin
its a good moisturizer that doesnt leave a white cast and it has spf
but i dont really like the feeling it feels heavy and i have oily skin

XxxLieve_skincarexxX's Avatar'
Jul 10, 2023

Amazing!
This moisturizer is great, itś good for fighting acne and it feel nice after you putted it on your face. It's also great that there is SPF in it so you won't buy sunscreen. The price is great.

Amazing!
This moisturizer is great, itś good for fighting acne and it feel nice after you putted it on your face. It's also great that there is SPF in it so you won't buy sunscreen. The price is great.

AnaRitaSantos's Avatar'
Mar 6, 2024

Good product but not for oily skin.
I enjoyed using it during the depth of winter when my skin was very irritated and sensitized by the cold weather. It really helped with repairing my skin barrier and I saw skin improvements with...

Good product but not for oily skin.
I enjoyed using it during the depth of winter when my skin was very irritated and sensitized by the cold weather. It really helped with repairing my skin barrier and I saw skin improvements with regular use. However, I found it to be a little too greasy and oily for my taste and it does not go well with make up.

Sticky
No Scent

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients

2.3 /5
from 4 reviews
Diorgirl's Avatar'
Feb 6, 2022

Waste of money
This irritated my skin, I had little red dots all over my chin after using this. I wouldn't recommend if you are acne-prone or sensitiv, cause this can really cause irritation!

Waste of money
This irritated my skin, I had little red dots all over my chin after using this. I wouldn't recommend if you are acne-prone or sensitiv, cause this can really cause irritation!

Region: US
LucyL_962's Avatar'
May 8, 2023

too greasy
I have oily skin and not only was it unpleasant to put on but my face felt increasingly greasy throughout the day, much more than normal. The PM version is good though

too greasy
I have oily skin and not only was it unpleasant to put on but my face felt increasingly greasy throughout the day, much more than normal. The PM version is good though

Region: US
Erika's Avatar'
Jul 1, 2021

Regret Buying
I have acne and it definitely didn't help. It left white casts and is very unpleasing to put on. I DON'T recommend.

Regret Buying
I have acne and it definitely didn't help. It left white casts and is very unpleasing to put on. I DON'T recommend.

Region: US

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