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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 versus Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ .

Last updated on October 02, 2023. Published on February 20, 2023

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain 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 oils, parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

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
Sunscreen American Brand United States

Day Moisturizer

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

Sunscreen

Sunscreens help absorb or reflect UV radiation and protect skin against skin damage. Sunscreens may come in the form of lotion, gel, foam, spray, or solid-stick.

Price

Shop

Buy Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

Starts at $16.29
Shop

Buy Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++

Starts at $30.98

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
30
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
45

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Hydrating (5)
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Anti-Aging (3)
Brightening

Concerns

Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

Chemical UV Filter (4)
Retinoid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

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

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Rosacea (4)
Eczema (3)
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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: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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 Methoxydibenzoylmethane

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 1.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 1.

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 Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 2.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 2.

3
What it does: UV Absorber, UV Filter
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Salicylate

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 3.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 3.

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 Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 4.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
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 Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 5.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 5.

6
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

We don't have a description for Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 8.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 8.

7
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 Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 9.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 22.

8
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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 Hyaluronate

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 17.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 19.

9
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

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.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 39.

10
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 Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 contains this as ingredient number 20.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 37.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ contains this as ingredient number 38.

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

38% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
50% are disliked or very disliked
4% have no rating yet
26% are loved or liked
12% have mixed ratings
44% are disliked or very disliked
19% have no rating yet

Usage

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 26 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 2 ratings

Murad Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ 43 ingredients

Oil and Pore Control Mattifier Broad Spectrum SPF 45 PA++++ hasn't been rated yet.
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