CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

A robust, therapeutic hand cream formulated with three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and dimethicone to restore the skin barrier and protect against environmental irritants.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This formulation represents the gold standard for barrier repair and hand hydration. It features a critical trio of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine, which work synergistically to rebuild the skin’s natural protective barrier—essential for hands exposed to frequent washing. Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin act as powerful humectants to draw moisture in, while Dimethicone provides a non-greasy, protective occlusive layer to lock that moisture in. The inclusion of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and fatty alcohols ensures the product feels nourishing without being overly heavy.

Safety Rating: 4.4

The product is notably fragrance-free, significantly reducing the risk of contact dermatitis, making it safe for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. However, the rating is slightly impacted by the inclusion of Methylparaben and Propylparaben. While these are highly effective and scientifically established preservatives often preferred by dermatologists for their low sensitization rates, they are controversial in the ‘clean beauty’ sphere due to debated endocrine concerns. The formula also contains ethoxylated ingredients (Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate 20), which are generally safe but scrutinized in strict safety protocols.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a scientifically robust moisturizer that prioritizes efficacy and skin health. Its Multi-Vesicular Emulsion (MVE) style ingredients list creates a sustained release of moisture that is superior to most standard hand creams. It is an excellent choice for cracked, dry hands. The only drawback is the presence of parabens for consumers who strictly avoid them; otherwise, it is a near-perfect formula for restoring compromised skin barriers.

Verdict

This formulation represents the gold standard for barrier repair and functional moisturization. Unlike luxury hand creams that prioritize scent and texture over efficacy, this product is engineered with a focus on biomimetic ingredients. The star components are undoubtedly the Ceramide Trio (NP, AP, EOP) combined with Phytosphingosine and Cholesterol. This specific ratio of lipids is designed to mimic the skin’s natural matrix, allowing the cream to physically repair the stratum corneum rather than just masking dryness.

The inclusion of Dimethicone acts as a crucial skin protectant. It forms a semi-permeable, breathable occlusive layer that feels like an ‘invisible glove,’ preventing transepidermal water loss and shielding the hands from harsh weather or frequent washing. This is balanced by heavy-hitting humectants like Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, which draw moisture deep into the skin.

From a textural standpoint, the use of Behentrimonium Methosulfate is a clever addition. As a cationic surfactant, it provides a conditioning effect that allows the product to absorb to a soft, matte finish without leaving a greasy residue, making it practical for daily use. However, users should note the presence of Methylparaben and Propylparaben. While these are highly effective, non-irritating, and safe preservatives, they are often avoided by those who subscribe strictly to ‘clean beauty’ marketing trends. Ultimately, this is a highly effective, dermatologically sound choice for anyone suffering from chronic dryness or eczema-prone hands.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 AQUA / WATER / EAU / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base carrier for the formula.

📁 Moisturizers, Emollients & Occlusives / 保湿剂、润肤剂与封闭剂

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE / 辛酸/癸酸甘油三酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; smoothens skin.

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and stabilizes the cream; generally non-irritating.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol used to condition and soften the skin.

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Silicone accumulation (environmental)

Notes: Forms a protective barrier on the skin prevents moisture loss; common in hand creams.

🧪 HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID / 水解透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Low molecular weight version of hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration.

🧪 POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE / 聚甘油-3 二异硬脂酸酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Skin conditioning agent.

📁 Skin Barrier Repair Complex / 皮肤屏障修复复合物

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Replenishes natural lipids in the skin barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works with other ceramides to protect the skin barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential lipid for barrier function.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None

Notes: A precursor to ceramides; supports barrier health.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the skin barrier structure alongside ceramides.

📁 Emulsifiers, Thickeners & Texture Enhancers / 乳化剂、增稠剂与质地调节剂

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Controls the viscosity of the product.

🧪 CETEARETH-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Contamination risk (low probability in regulated products)

Notes: Helps oil and water mix.

🧪 BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE / 山嵛基三甲基硫酸甲酯

Purpose: Emulsifier / Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: A gentle surfactant derived from rapeseed oil; provides a soft after-feel.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps mix ingredients and improves the delivery of active ingredients.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.

🧪 POLYSORBATE 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier / Solubilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps disperse ingredients.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸钾

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts and maintains pH.

🧪 METHYLPARABEN / 羟苯甲酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Perceived endocrine disruption (controversial)

Notes: Effective against mold and fungus; considered safe in cosmetic concentrations by regulators.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents metals in water from degrading the formula.

🧪 DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸氢二钾

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: pH adjuster.

🧪 PROPYLPARABEN / 羟苯丙酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Perceived endocrine disruption (controversial)

Notes: Often paired with methylparaben for broad-spectrum preservation.