CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

A robust, fragrance-free cream formulated with three essential ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid to restore the protective skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This formula is widely considered a benchmark for effective moisturizing, particularly for dry or compromised skin barriers. It features a robust blend of three essential ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine, which work synergistically to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid act as powerful humectants to attract hydration, while Dimethicone provides a non-greasy occlusive seal to prevent Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). The inclusion of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ensures excellent spreadability and emollience.

Safety Rating: 4.4

The product is fragrance-free, significantly reducing the risk of irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It uses Methylparaben and Propylparaben as preservatives; while often stigmatized in marketing, toxicologists regard these as some of the safest, most well-studied, and least sensitizing preservatives available. The only minor caution is the combination of Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20, which can be slightly comedogenic (pore-clogging) for those with acne-prone skin, though this is less of a concern for a body product.

Final Rating: 4.6

This is a top-tier moisturizer that focuses on scientific efficacy over luxury branding. Its ability to replenish skin-identical lipids makes it an excellent choice for maintaining healthy skin or treating conditions like eczema. It is a highly stable, non-irritating, and deeply hydrating formula.

Verdict

This body moisturizer represents a clinically-minded approach to skincare, prioritizing barrier function and hydration over sensory luxury. The formula is anchored by a potent trio of Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP), Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine. These ingredients are naturally found in the skin and are critical for maintaining a healthy protective barrier, making this product exceptionally good at repairing dry, cracked, or flaky skin. By mimicking the skin’s natural lipid structure, it helps seal in moisture and keep irritants out.

To boost hydration levels, the formulation includes Glycerin and Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, humectants that draw moisture into the stratum corneum. The texture is managed by Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Dimethicone, creating a finish that feels nourishing and protective without being overly greasy or sticky. This “dry-touch” finish allows for immediate dressing after application, which is a significant practical benefit for a heavy-duty body cream.

It is important to note the preservation system uses Methylparaben and Propylparaben. While these ingredients are sometimes stigmatized in marketing, they are among the safest and most effective preservatives available, especially for products often packaged in tubs, ensuring the cream remains free of harmful bacteria and mold. However, individuals who strictly avoid parabens due to personal preference will need to look elsewhere.

The absence of fragrance and drying alcohols makes this an ideal candidate for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Overall, this is a highly effective, no-nonsense moisturizer that delivers on its promise to moisturize and restore without unnecessary additives.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 AQUA / WATER / EAU / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The most common base for cosmetics, acts as a carrier for other ingredients.

📁 Moisturizers & Skin-Replenishing / 保湿与皮肤修护成分

🧪 GLYCERIN / 甘油

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: A superstar ingredient that draws moisture into the skin.

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps reinforce the skin’s protective barrier and retain moisture.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

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

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Another essential lipid for barrier function.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient / Emollient

Concerns: None

Notes: Vital component of the skin’s barrier, works well with ceramides.

🧪 HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID / 水解透明质酸

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper to hydrate.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-Identical Ingredient / Antimicrobial

Concerns: None

Notes: Precursor to ceramides, supports barrier health and has soothing properties.

📁 Emollients / 柔润剂

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

Purpose: Emollient

Concerns: Potential breakout trigger for very oily skin (rare).

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, light and non-greasy.

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Texture Enhancer

Concerns: None (non-irritating fatty alcohol).

Notes: Makes skin feel soft and helps stabilize the product.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: A fatty alcohol that softens skin and thickens the formula.

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Occlusive / Emollient

Concerns: Perceived as unnatural by some; safe but forms a film.

Notes: Provides a silky slip and forms a breathable seal to prevent moisture loss.

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

Purpose: Emollient / Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps soften skin and mix oil and water phases.

📁 Emulsifiers & Surfactants / 乳化剂与表面活性剂

🧪 CETEARETH-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Potential contamination (low risk in reputable brands).

Notes: Keeps the oil and water parts of the cream mixed.

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

Purpose: Emulsifier / Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Very mild emulsifier known for conditioning properties.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Also helps deliver active ingredients (like ceramides) into the skin.

🧪 POLYSORBATE 20 / 聚山梨醇酯-20

Purpose: Emulsifier / Solubilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps dissolve ingredients.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Thickeners / 质地调节剂与增稠剂

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener / Gel-forming agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Creates the viscosity of the cream.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural thickener.

📁 Preservatives & Stabilizers / 防腐剂与稳定剂

🧪 METHYLPARABEN / 羟苯甲酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Parabens are controversial due to endocrine disruption fears, but deemed safe in cosmetic concentrations.

Notes: Prevents mold and bacteria growth.

🧪 PROPYLPARABEN / 羟苯丙酯

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Parabens are controversial due to endocrine disruption fears, but deemed safe in cosmetic concentrations.

Notes: Prevents mold and bacteria growth.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents metals in water from affecting the stability of the formula.

🧪 POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸钾

Purpose: pH Adjuster / Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains the product’s pH balance.

🧪 DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸氢二钾

Purpose: pH Adjuster / Buffer

Concerns: None

Notes: Maintains the product’s pH balance.