Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin versus CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin .
Last updated on July 18, 2023. Published on August 29, 2022
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe night moisturizers. They have a total of 13 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
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, fragrances, oils or parabens
What's Inside
They both contain silicones
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Night Moisturizer
Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.
Night Moisturizer
Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.
Price
Ingredient Info
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin 28 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 40 ingredients
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 🎉
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:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
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:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
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 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin 28 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 40 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 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:
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:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 3 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:
Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient 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:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Benefits
This product contains 7 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 6 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 4 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient 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:
This product contains 3 ingredients that may have this attribute:
Concerns
This product contains 4 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:
Build your routine, track which ingredients work for you, and much more with your free account.
Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin 28 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 40 ingredients
Water • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Niacinamide • Cetearyl Alcohol • Cetearyl Glucoside • Arachidyl Alcohol • Arachidyl Glucoside • Ceteareth-20 • Ceramide 3 • Ceramide AP • Ceramide 1 • Phytosphingosine • Hyaluronic Acid • Cholesterol • Lecithin • Dimethicone • Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate • Potassium Phosphate • Dipotassium Phosphate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Behenyl Alcohol • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Carbomer • Xanthan Gum • Hexylene Glycol • Caprylyl Glycol
Water • Glycerin • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride • Butyrospermum Parkii Butter • Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer • Cyclopentasiloxane • Glyceryl Stearate Se • Cetyl Alcohol • Dimethicone • Saccharide Isomerate • Stearic Acid • Palmitic Acid • Glycine Soja Sterols • Allantoin • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Niacinamide • Cetearyl Alcohol • Behentrimonium Methosulfate • Sodium Hydroxide • Myristic Acid • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Sodium Benzoate • Sodium Citrate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Tocopherol • Tripeptide-1 • Laureth-9 • Citric Acid • Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 • Biosaccharide Gum-1 • Phytosphingosine • Xanthan Gum • Dextran • Ethylhexylglycerin • Butylene Glycol
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.
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 WaterCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 1.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 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 GlycerinCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 2.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 2.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 3.
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 NiacinamideCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 4.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 19.
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 AlcoholCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 5.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 20.
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 APCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 11.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 16.
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 PhytosphingosineCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 13.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 36.
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 CholesterolCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 15.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 28.
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.
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 17.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 9.
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 LactylateCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 21.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 24.
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.
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 24.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 29.
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.
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 25.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 18.
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 GumCVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin contains this as ingredient number 26.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin contains this as ingredient number 37.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin 28 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 40 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin 28 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 40 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin 28 ingredients
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin 40 ingredients
NurseMeg
Clover
Favorite for buffering or sandwiching retinoids!
When I first started my strong retinoid journey to help deal with my acne I was on the hunt for a...
Favorite for buffering or sandwiching retinoids!
When I first started my strong retinoid journey to help deal with my acne I was on the hunt for a thick moisturizer to help act as a buffer to my adapalene gel and to ease me through the retinization process. However I didn’t want anything too occlusive either, so I wanted to avoid petrolatum and oils (not all oils are super occlusive, but I wanted something oil free just to be safe). Something with ceramides was also a must as I knew that I needed to keep my skin barrier strong through retinization. That’s when I found this night cream! It met all my requirements and needs! This is THICC, like, I can turn the jar upside down and shake it and it’s not going anywhere kind of thick <3. BUT it’s not greasy; in fact it almost has a matte finish to it (velvety finish? satin finish? IDK). Despite how thick it is though, it still let enough of my adapalene through to be effective. In the beginning I was flakey and a little red, but NOT irritated. Having said that that however, after about 6-7 months of using .1% adapalene, I moved up to using .05% tretinoin (AKA a stronger retinoid) and and using this cream as a buffer wasn’t quite enough for the areas on my face where it creases, so I recommend using plain petrolatum as a buffer on places such as the corners of the mouth, smile lines, around the nose, etc, if you find you are experiencing irritation. However for those starting out their retinoid journey, this is a perfect option to help ease you into it. But even if you are not using retinoids in your routine, this is still a fantastic night cream. My skin tends to lean dry, and this cream makes it feel protected, soft, and soooo smooth. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Alternatives
Our Dupe Finder has found 25 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CVS Health PM Moisturizing Facial Lotion For Normal to Dry Skin.
See 25 alternativesOur Dupe Finder has found 50 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream to Soften Skin.
See 50 alternatives
