CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - US Versus Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both day moisturizers. They have a total of 5 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid 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, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or fragrances
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate 10%
Skin Conditioning
Menthyl Anthranilate 5%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 2%
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide 6.3%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Dimethicone
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methylparaben
Preservative
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentDisodium EDTA
Propylparaben
Preservative
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHomosalate 10%, Menthyl Anthranilate 5%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 5%, Octocrylene 2%, Zinc Oxide 6.3%, Water, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethicone, BHT, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylparaben, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum
Titanium Dioxide 4%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 14%
Cosmetic Colorant
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
Masking
Melanin
Skin ProtectingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingArginine
Masking
Aspartic Acid
MaskingPCA
HumectantGlycine
Buffering
Alanine
MaskingSerine
MaskingValine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Isoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingAlumina
Abrasive
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 4%, Zinc Oxide 14%, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Propanediol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Melanin, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Alumina, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Zinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. While it is most commonly man-made for cosmetics, it can naturally occur in zincite, a rare mineral.
Today, traditional and nano-sized zinc oxide can be found in beauty products. Nano-sized zinc oxide can enhance a product's UV protection. While it is not believed to have a negative effect on skin, nano-zinc oxide may be harmful to coral reefs - though the verdict is not entirely out on this one.
Zinc Oxide also has antibacterial and calming properties. It is not water soluble.
Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc OxideWater. 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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneDisodium 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 EDTAIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
It gave a white cast and did have pilling. It also made my oily skin even more oily.
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.
Dr. Denese SkinScience SPF 40 Defense Day Cream 50 ingredients
I love this stuff so much. Some people say it dries their skin out or make its oily but it does neither to mine. I have not had one breakout since I switched from using coverup to this.
