CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

A multitasking daily lotion that combines hybrid broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection with essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and repair the skin barrier.

Performance Rating: 4.4

This formula is a powerhouse for barrier repair and maintenance. It features a robust blend of three essential Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine, which effectively mimic the skin’s natural lipids. The inclusion of Niacinamide is excellent for regulating oil and soothing inflammation, while Sodium Hyaluronate and Glycerin ensure adequate hydration. The hybrid sunscreen system (combining Zinc Oxide with chemical filters) provides reliable broad-spectrum protection, making it an efficient 2-in-1 product. The only potential downside is that the texture can be slightly thick or prone to ‘pilling’ under makeup due to the thickeners and starches.

Safety Rating: 4.0

The product is Fragrance-Free and generally non-comedogenic, making it safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Zinc Oxide is a gentle, well-tolerated physical sunscreen filter. However, the chemical filters Homosalate and Octinoxate are subjects of debate regarding potential endocrine disruption (though safe at regulated levels) and are known to be harmful to coral reefs. Additionally, the inclusion of BHT (a preservative) and Phenoxyethanol may be flagged by strict clean-beauty standards, although they are effective and widely used.

Final Rating: 4.3

This is a dermatologist-favorite formulation that excels at functional skincare. It provides the essential building blocks for a healthy skin barrier via Ceramides and Niacinamide while offering necessary sun protection. It is a highly practical, effective ‘daily driver’ for most skin types. The rating is slightly capped by the use of older generation chemical sunscreen filters and potential texture issues, but the ingredient profile for moisture and repair is top-tier.

Verdict

This product represents a highly effective, dermatologist-influenced approach to daily skincare by functioning simultaneously as a robust moisturizer and a protective sunscreen. The formulation relies on a hybrid sunscreen system, utilizing a blend of chemical filters like Homosalate, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene, alongside the physical blocker Zinc Oxide. This combination offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for preventing sunburn and long-term photoaging. The addition of Zinc Oxide is particularly notable for its soothing properties, although the chemical filters help ensure the texture remains lighter than a pure mineral sunscreen. Beyond its protective capabilities, the ingredient list is impressively focused on barrier repair and maintenance. The inclusion of Ceramides NP, AP, and EOP, combined with Phytosphingosine and Cholesterol, mimics the skin’s natural lipid structure. This complex helps to restore the skin’s protective barrier, preventing transepidermal water loss and keeping irritants at bay, which is a signature benefit of this specific formulation. Hydration is delivered efficiently through Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), both of which act as powerful humectants to draw moisture into the skin and maintain plumpness throughout the day. A standout active ingredient here is Niacinamide. This multitasking powerhouse provides anti-inflammatory benefits, aids in regulating oil production, and helps brighten skin tone over time. Its presence makes the lotion versatile enough for various skin types, including those prone to redness or mild congestion. In terms of texture and wearability, Dimethicone provides a smooth, non-greasy slip that allows the product to sit well under makeup, avoiding the sticky residue often associated with high-SPF face creams. The formula is also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, minimizing the risk of irritation or clogged pores. However, users should ensure they apply enough product to achieve the labeled SPF protection. Overall, this is an exceptional utility product for a streamlined morning routine, offering distinct advantages for those needing barrier support alongside their daily sun protection.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Sunscreen Agents (Active Ingredients) / 防晒剂(活性成分)

🧪 HOMOSALATE / 水杨酸高莫酯

Purpose: Chemical UVB sunscreen

Concerns: Potential endocrine disruptor; environmental toxicity (reefs).

Notes: Absorbs UVB radiation.

🧪 OCTINOXATE / 甲氧基肉桂酸乙基己酯

Purpose: Chemical UVB sunscreen

Concerns: Potential endocrine disruptor; harmful to coral reefs.

Notes: One of the most common sunscreen ingredients.

🧪 OCTOCRYLENE / 奥克立林

Purpose: Chemical UVB/UVAII sunscreen

Concerns: Potential allergen; environmental concerns.

Notes: Often used to stabilize other sunscreens like Avobenzone (though Avobenzone is not present here) or Octinoxate.

🧪 ZINC OXIDE / 氧化锌

Purpose: Physical Broad-spectrum sunscreen

Concerns: Can leave a white cast if not micronized.

Notes: Provides broad-spectrum protection; generally non-irritating.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin Barrier Repair / 保湿与屏障修复成分

🧪 NIACINAMIDE / 烟酰胺

Purpose: Skin soothing, brightening, barrier strengthening

Concerns: Can cause flushing in high concentrations or sensitive skin.

Notes: Also known as Vitamin B3.

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin barrier restoration

Concerns: None

Notes: One of the essential lipids found naturally in skin.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin barrier restoration

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin barrier restoration

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps hold skin cells together.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant (Hydration)

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of hyaluronic acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A classic, effective moisturizer.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial properties.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Emollient, barrier support

Concerns: None

Notes: Essential component of the skin barrier lipids.

📁 Solvents, Texture Enhancers & Emulsifiers / 溶剂、质地调节剂与乳化剂

🧪 WATER / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient, thickener, emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol; non-drying and beneficial for skin feel.

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive, slip agent

Concerns: Environmental biodegradability issues.

Notes: A silicone that forms a protective breathable seal and prevents moisture loss.

🧪 PROPANEDIOL / 1,3-丙二醇

Purpose: Solvent, humectant

Concerns: Rarely irritating.

Notes: Often used as a less sticky alternative to propylene glycol.

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

Purpose: Emulsifier, conditioning agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Despite the ‘sulfate’ name, it is a gentle cationic surfactant derived from rapeseed oil.

🧪 ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE / 淀粉辛烯基琥珀酸铝

Purpose: Absorbent, anticaking

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps reduce greasiness and provides a matte finish.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to help disperse ceramides.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Create gel-like texture.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural polysaccharide used for viscosity.

🧪 HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE / 羟乙基纤维素

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Plant-derived thickening agent.

🧪 TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE / 三乙氧基辛基硅烷

Purpose: Binding agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Often used to coat Zinc Oxide particles to help them disperse evenly.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Can be irritating to eyes or sensitive skin in high concentrations.

Notes: Common gentle alternative to parabens.

🧪 BHT / 丁羟甲苯

Purpose: Antioxidant preservative

Concerns: Controversial in food; generally considered safe in cosmetics at low concentrations.

Notes: Prevents fats and oils from going rancid.

🧪 BENZOIC ACID / 苯甲酸

Purpose: Preservative, pH adjuster

Concerns: Potential irritant for highly sensitive skin.

Notes: Found naturally in many fruits.

🧪 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL / 辛甘醇

Purpose: Humectant, preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps improve the efficacy of preservatives like phenoxyethanol.

🧪 HYDROXYACETOPHENONE / 对羟基苯乙酮

Purpose: Antioxidant, soothing agent, preservative booster

Concerns: None

Notes: Symbiotic with preservatives to stabilize formula.

🧪 TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE / 乙二胺二琥珀酸三钠

Purpose: Chelating agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Biodegradable alternative to EDTA; neutralizes metal ions in water.

🧪 TRIETHYL CITRATE / 柠檬酸三乙酯

Purpose: Solvent, fragrance fixative

Concerns: None

Notes: Ester of citric acid.