CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Versus CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 - US
Updated on February 03, 2025
Overview
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or oils
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 Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 ingredients
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 ingredients
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 6%
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide 4.7%
Cosmetic Colorant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientParaffin
Perfuming
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
Emollient
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceramide 3
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 6 Ii
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide 1
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
BHT
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 4.7%, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Paraffin, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ozokerite, Dimethicone, Beeswax, Polyethylene, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 Ii, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, BHT, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isostearic Acid, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum
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
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 OxideDimethicone 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 DimethiconeCholesterol 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 CholesterolPhytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's 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.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosineBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneSodium 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 LactylateXanthan 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 GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 ingredients
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 27 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 27 ingredients
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.
