Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 versus CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 .
Last updated on October 02, 2023. Published on July 02, 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 and SPF
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, oils or parabens
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
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
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 26 ingredients
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 31 ingredients
Contains Alcohol
Ingredients in this product that are types of alcohol:
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Contains Silicon
Ingredients in this product that are types of silicon:
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Contains Sulfate
Ingredients in this product that are types of sulfate:
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Not Reef Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not reef safe:
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Vegan
This product is vegan 🎉
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 26 ingredients
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 31 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 26 ingredients
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 31 ingredients
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3% • Homosalate 10% • Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5% • Octocrylene 2.7% • Water • C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate • Glyceryl Stearate Se • Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer • Glycerin • Pentylene Glycol • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Disodium EDTA • Hydroxyacetophenone • Citric Acid • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • T-Butyl Alcohol • Ethylhexylglycerin
Water • Homosalate • Glycerin • Octocrylene • Ethylhexyl Salicylate • Niacinamide • Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate • Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane • Dimethicone • Cetearyl Alcohol • Peg-100 Stearate • Glyceryl Stearate • Phenoxyethanol • Stearic Acid • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Caprylyl Glycol • Palmitic Acid • Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate • Xanthan Gum • Disodium EDTA • Tocopherol • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Myristic Acid • Sodium Hyaluronate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Phytosphingosine • Cholesterol • Carbomer • Ethylhexylglycerin • Ceramide EOP
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Also known as Avobenzone, this ingredient is a chemical sunscreen filter that provides protection in the UV-A range.
Avobenzone is globally approved and is the most commonly used UV-A filter in the world.
Studies have found that avobenzone becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light (it is not photostable; meaning that it breaks down in sunlight). Because of this, formulations that include avobenzone will usually contain stabilizers such as octocrylene.
However, some modern formulations (looking at you, EU!) are able to stabilize avobenzone by coating the molecules.
Avobenzone does not protect against the UV-B range, so it's important to check that the sunscreen you're using contains other UV filters that do!
The highest concentration of avobenzone permitted is 3% in the US, and 5% in the EU.
Learn more about Butyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 8.
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 HomosalateCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 2.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 OctocryleneCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 4.
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 WaterCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 1.
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 GlycerinCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 NPCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 11.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 25.
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 APCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 12.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 26.
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 EOPCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 13.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 31.
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 Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 14.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 29.
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 LactylateCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 16.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 22.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 24.
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 CholesterolCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 18.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 28.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 19.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 13.
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 EDTACeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 20.
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 PhytosphingosineCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 23.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 27.
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 GumCeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 24.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 19.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 26.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 contains this as ingredient number 30.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 26 ingredients
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 31 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 26 ingredients
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 31 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25 31 ingredients
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
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.
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.
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