Versus

EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Versus CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM

Sunscreen
General Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on February 03, 2025

Overview

Cool Features

They both contain hyaluronic acid

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne and dry skin

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances 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 needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant 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

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone 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 Dimethicone
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

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
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.

When to use

44 Routines
98% use in am
2% use in pm
100% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
753 Routines
33% use in am
67% use in pm
97% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

EltaMD, Inc UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 19 ingredients

UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 hasn't been rated yet.
Rate it now

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM 24 ingredients

2.8 /5
from 13 ratings
Absorbs Well (4) Hydrating (4) Works Well (3)
jazzzzz1's avatar

jazzzzz1

1 year ago
Review

I have mixed feelings about this moisturiser. I used to use it twice a day as its lightweight, frangrance-free, great under makeup and absorbs quickly. However I was sure it was making my cystic acne worse, so I cut it out of my routine for about 2 months and used other moisturisers that have less ingedients and no cetearyl alcohol. However after ruining my skin barrier with Differin, my skin was Show more

#hydrating
#absorbs well
#no scent
#works well
itspola's avatar

Pola 🐛

12 months ago
Review

One of my favorite moisturizers! Leaves my skin glowy without making it look oily (if that makes sense) and basically feels really nice when applied

#great value
#hydrating
#light
#absorbs well