CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion

A multitasking daily lotion that combines broad-spectrum chemical SPF with a ceramide-rich complex to hydrate the skin and restore its protective barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.5

This formula offers excellent dual-functionality as both a moisturizer and a sunscreen. It features a robust skin barrier repair complex consisting of three essential Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine, which mimic the skin’s natural lipids. The inclusion of Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin ensures effective hydration. Additionally, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer is included to absorb excess oil and provide a matte, non-greasy finish, making it suitable for daily wear under makeup or on oily skin. The chemical sunscreen filters provide broad-spectrum protection.

Safety Rating: 4.2

The product demonstrates a high safety profile, particularly for sensitive skin, as it appears to be fragrance-free and devoid of essential oils or harsh alcohols. The preservative system (Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin) is standard and generally well-tolerated. While it uses chemical sunscreen filters (Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene)—which can occasionally cause stinging in the eyes or irritation for those with specific chemical sensitivities—they are FDA-approved and effective. The formula is likely non-comedogenic.

Final Rating: 4.4

This is a top-tier formulation for a daily facial moisturizer with SPF. It successfully bridges the gap between sun protection and skincare by incorporating high-quality barrier-restoring ingredients like Ceramides alongside standard UV filters. Its oil-free, fragrance-free nature makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Verdict

This formulation serves as an efficient, two-in-one solution for morning skincare routines, functioning simultaneously as a hydrating moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The primary sun protection mechanism relies on a blend of chemical filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. Because these are chemical agents rather than physical blockers like zinc oxide, the product is likely to apply smoothly without leaving the dreaded white cast often associated with mineral sunscreens. This makes it an aesthetically pleasing choice for a wide variety of skin tones.

Beyond sun protection, the ingredient list is impressively focused on skin barrier health. The inclusion of Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP, alongside Cholesterol and Phytosphingosine, mimics the skin’s natural lipid structure. This “skin-identical” approach is the gold standard for repairing compromised barriers, helping to reduce water loss and improve overall resilience. Furthermore, the presence of Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) and Glycerin ensures that water is drawn into the skin to maintain hydration throughout the day.

From a textural standpoint, the addition of Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer is significant. This ingredient helps to absorb excess oil and create a matte, soft-focus finish, counteracting the greasy feel that often accompanies high-SPF products. This suggests the moisturizer is designed to sit well under makeup or suit those with combination skin.

However, potential users should be aware of the chemical sunscreen filters. While effective, ingredients like Avobenzone and Octocrylene can cause stinging or irritation for individuals with very sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea, particularly around the eye area. On the positive side, the formula is fragrance-free, removing the most common trigger for contact dermatitis. Overall, this is a robust, dermatologically-sound product ideal for maintaining skin health while preventing UV damage.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Active Ingredients (Sunscreens) / 活性成分(防晒剂)

🧪 AVOBENZONE 3% / 阿伏苯宗

Purpose: UVA Chemical Sunscreen

Concerns: Can cause eye stinging; unstable in light if not stabilized.

Notes: Provides broad-spectrum protection by absorbing UVA rays; stabilized here by Octocrylene.

🧪 HOMOSALATE 10% / 水杨酸三甲环己酯

Purpose: UVB Chemical Sunscreen

Concerns: Minor concerns regarding hormonal effects in high doses, generally considered safe in regulated cosmetics.

Notes: Absorbs UVB radiation.

🧪 OCTISALATE 5% / 水杨酸乙基己酯

Purpose: UVB Chemical Sunscreen

Concerns: None significant.

Notes: Used to augment UVB protection and solubilize other solid sunscreen agents like Avobenzone.

🧪 OCTOCRYLENE 2.7% / 奥克立林

Purpose: UVB/UVAII Chemical Sunscreen

Concerns: Low risk of photoallergy in sensitive individuals.

Notes: Crucial for stabilizing Avobenzone.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin-Restoring Ingredients / 保湿与皮肤修复成分

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Attracts moisture to the skin.

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None.

Notes: Reinforces the natural lipid barrier of dry and aging skin.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None.

Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides to repair skin barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None.

Notes: Another essential ceramide type for barrier function.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None.

Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds massive amounts of water.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None.

Notes: Critical component of skin barrier lipids alongside ceramides.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None.

Notes: A precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial properties.

📁 Texture Enhancers, Emollients & Solvents / 质地调节剂、润肤剂与溶剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None.

Notes: The base of the lotion.

🧪 C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE / C12-15 醇苯甲酸酯

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: None.

Notes: Provides a silky touch and helps disperse sunscreen agents.

🧪 GLYCERYL STEARATE SE / 甘油硬脂酸酯 SE

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None.

Notes: Self-emulsifying form of Glyceryl Stearate.

🧪 METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER / 甲基丙烯酸甲酯交联聚合物

Purpose: Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None.

Notes: Porous microspheres that absorb excess oil and give a matte finish.

🧪 PENTYLENE GLYCOL / 戊二醇

Purpose: Solvent / Humectant

Concerns: Low risk of irritation.

Notes: Helps stabilize the texture and retain moisture.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None.

Notes: Creates a gel-like consistency.

🧪 SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE / VP CROSSPOLYMER / 丙烯酰二甲基牛磺酸钠/VP 共聚物

Purpose: Thickener / Stabilizer

Concerns: None.

Notes: Provides a light, fresh feel to the formulation.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier / Thickener

Concerns: None.

Notes: Often used to help deliver ceramides into the skin.

🧪 XANTHUM GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None.

Notes: Correct spelling is ‘Xanthan Gum’; natural thickener.

🧪 T-BUTYL ALCOHOL / 叔丁醇

Purpose: Solvent / Denaturant

Concerns: None in these trace amounts.

Notes: Usually present as a byproduct of polymer manufacturing.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Safe in concentrations under 1%.

Notes: Prevents bacterial growth.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / 乙二胺四乙酸二钠

Purpose: Chelator

Concerns: None for skin application.

Notes: Binds metal ions to keep the formula stable.

🧪 HYDROXYACETOPHENONE / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant / Preservative Booster

Concerns: None.

Notes: Soothes skin and boosts efficacy of preservatives.

🧪 CITRIC ACID / 柠檬酸

Purpose: pH Adjuster

Concerns: Can be irritating in high concentrations (unlikely here).

Notes: Used to balance the acidity of the product.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: None.

Notes: Works well with Phenoxyethanol.