CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

A rich, restorative cream formulated with Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Petrolatum to deeply hydrate and repair the skin’s protective barrier without fragrance.

Performance Rating: 4.8

This formula is widely considered a gold standard for dry and compromised skin. It features a robust blend of humectants like Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate to draw moisture into the skin. Crucially, it includes a “skin-identical” lipid complex consisting of Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, and Phytosphingosine. This combination is highly effective at repairing the skin barrier. The inclusion of Petrolatum and Dimethicone provides excellent occlusive properties to prevent water loss (TEWL) without feeling overly greasy, ensuring long-lasting hydration.

Safety Rating: 4.6

The product is formulated with a high safety profile suitable for sensitive skin. It is fragrance-free and free of essential oils and drying alcohols, significantly reducing the risk of irritation or allergic contact dermatitis. The preservative system relies on Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, which is generally well-tolerated. While Cetearyl Alcohol combined with Ceteareth-20 can be mildly comedogenic for some very acne-prone individuals, it is typically safe for body use and dry skin conditions like eczema.

Final Rating: 4.7

This is an exceptional moisturizer that excels in both performance and gentleness. It utilizes a scientifically backed ratio of ceramides and lipids to actively restore the skin’s protective barrier rather than just temporarily masking dryness. Its simple, effective, and non-irritating ingredient list makes it a top-tier choice for general moisturizing needs, particularly for those with dry, flaky, or sensitive skin.

Verdict

This formulation represents a gold standard in functional skincare, designed specifically to tackle the root causes of dry to very dry skin. The ingredient list is a sophisticated blend of barrier-repairing lipids and potent hydrators. At its core lies a synergy of Ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), Phytosphingosine, and Cholesterol. These ingredients function as the “mortar” between your skin cells, actively rebuilding a compromised skin barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss. This makes the product exceptionally effective for conditions where the barrier is damaged, such as eczema or winter dryness.

To address immediate hydration, the formula utilizes Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid). These humectants draw moisture into the skin, plumping the surface and relieving tightness. However, hydration requires a seal to stay put, which is addressed here by the inclusion of Petrolatum and Dimethicone. Petrolatum is widely considered the most effective occlusive agent available, locking moisture in entirely. While petrolatum can sometimes be greasy, this formulation balances it with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Cetearyl Alcohol, ensuring the product feels creamy and velvety rather than sticky. The addition of Behentrimonium Methosulfate provides a silky slip, making application smooth and effortless.

A major strength of this product is what it lacks: fragrance. By omitting perfume and essential oils, it drastically reduces the risk of irritation for reactive skin types. The preservative system, relying on Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin, is effective yet generally well-tolerated.

While this is a holy grail for dry skin, the heavy concentration of fatty alcohols and occlusives might be too rich for those with oily or acne-prone skin, particularly if used on the face, as it could potentially trap sebum. Overall, this is a no-nonsense, highly effective moisturizer that delivers heavy-duty hydration and barrier support.

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Ingredient Evaluation

📁 Solvent / 溶剂

🧪 AQUA / WATER / EAU / 水

Purpose: Solvent

Concerns: None

Notes: The base of the formulation.

📁 Moisturizers & Emollients / 保湿剂与润肤剂

🧪 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: Potential breakout for very acne-prone skin

Notes: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; light texture.

🧪 PETROLATUM / 矿脂 / 凡士林

Purpose: Occlusive

Concerns: Greasy feel; petroleum origin concerns (though cosmetic grade is safe)

Notes: The gold standard for preventing transepidermal water loss.

🧪 DIMETHICONE / 聚二甲基硅氧烷

Purpose: Emollient / Occlusive

Concerns: Silicone buildup (rare on skin)

Notes: Provides a silky feel and forms a protective barrier.

🧪 SODIUM HYALURONATE / 透明质酸钠

Purpose: Humectant

Concerns: None

Notes: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; holds 1000x its weight in water.

📁 Skin Barrier Repair (Ceramides & Lipids) / 皮肤屏障修复(神经酰胺与脂质)

🧪 CERAMIDE NP / 神经酰胺 NP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Reinforces the skin’s natural barrier.

🧪 CERAMIDE AP / 神经酰胺 AP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Works synergistically with other ceramides.

🧪 CERAMIDE EOP / 神经酰胺 EOP

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Crucial for barrier function.

🧪 CHOLESTEROL / 胆固醇

Purpose: Skin-identical ingredient

Concerns: None

Notes: Stabilizes the skin barrier structure.

🧪 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE / 植物鞘氨醇

Purpose: Skin-conditioning agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Precursor to ceramides; has antimicrobial properties.

📁 Texture Enhancers & Emulsifiers / 质地增强剂与乳化剂

🧪 CETEARYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡硬脂醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None (it is a fatty alcohol, not drying)

Notes: Improves texture and stability.

🧪 CETYL ALCOHOL / 鲸蜡醇

Purpose: Emollient / Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Fatty alcohol that softens skin.

🧪 CETEARETH-20 / 鲸蜡硬脂醇聚醚-20

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: Potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane (usually monitored)

Notes: Helps mix oil and water.

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

Purpose: Emulsifier / Conditioning Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Gentle surfactant; not a harsh sulfate like SLS.

🧪 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE / 月桂酰乳酰乳酸钠

Purpose: Emulsifier

Concerns: None

Notes: Helps deliver ceramides into the skin.

🧪 CARBOMER / 卡波姆

Purpose: Thickener

Concerns: None

Notes: Create gel-like consistency.

🧪 XANTHAN GUM / 黄原胶

Purpose: Thickener / Stabilizer

Concerns: None

Notes: Natural sugar-derived thickener.

📁 Preservatives, Stabilizers & pH Adjusters / 防腐剂、稳定剂与pH调节剂

🧪 PHENOXYETHANOL / 苯氧乙醇

Purpose: Preservative

Concerns: Sensitivity in very high concentrations

Notes: Common paraben alternative.

🧪 ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN / 乙基己基甘油

Purpose: Preservative Booster / Skin Conditioning

Concerns: Rare contact allergy

Notes: Often paired with phenoxyethanol.

🧪 DISODIUM EDTA / EDTA 二钠

Purpose: Chelating Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents heavy metals from degrading the formula.

🧪 POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸钾

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts pH.

🧪 DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE / 磷酸氢二钾

Purpose: Buffering Agent

Concerns: None

Notes: Adjusts pH.

🧪 TOCOPHEROL / 生育酚 (维生素E)

Purpose: Antioxidant

Concerns: None

Notes: Prevents oxidation of oils in the formula.