Versus

The Agency Future Formula Versus CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Prescription
Night Moisturizer
American Brand United States
American Brand United States

Updated on March 19, 2025

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe . They have a total of 4 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain niacinamide

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, 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, oils or parabens

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

About this product

About this product

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.

Smoothing

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 Niacinamide
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

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 Triglyceride
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
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

78 Routines
5% use in am
95% use in pm
78% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->
2,379 Routines
24% use in am
76% use in pm
98% use every day
When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Agency Future Formula 13 ingredients

5.0 /5
from 1 rating

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion 24 ingredients

3.3 /5
from 32 ratings
Light (9) No Scent (8) Absorbs Well (8)
sword's avatar

sword

1 year ago
Review

Comedogenic. This product contains cetearyl alcohol and polyglyeryl-3 diisostearate, both of which are comedogenic ingredients. When I used this product it gave me the worst breakout I've ever had. Definitely not for oily and/or clog-prone skin.

#broke me out
#light
#doesn't work
pasta1's avatar

Pasta 박

7 months ago
Review

Did not give my combo skin a break out however it just doesn’t improve skin that much.

#hydrating
#absorbs well
#light scent
#doesn't work