I’ve been accused of being a beauty snob, in that I only seem to feature, or talk about expensive beauty products. Well, what’s wrong with that, I ask you?
However, when I do come across affordable products that do a good job, they get all my attention as well. And I know it gets all of yours!
A fairly recent discovery is the affordable CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion. I’d bought a bottle a little while ago, and when I ran out of a jaw-droppingly expensive moisturizer, decided to try something a little more simple.
Well, colour me impressed! 😀
CeraVe skincare – simple but effective products
CeraVe is a skincare brand that focuses on being simple, effective and fairly affordable. Their key selling point is that their products contain 3 key ceramides (ceramide 1, 3 and 6-II), fatty acids and lipids, to strengthen the skin barrier while being moisturizing and helping to maintain skin moisture.
CeraVe products are therefore often recommended for those who suffer from sensitive skin, or skin that is raw and in need of treatment and protection. They are recommended by dermatologists, and are generally, fairly gentle.
My first experience was with the popular CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, that I thoroughly enjoyed using, was affordable, and which I still enjoy using today. It is simple and effective, just how skincare should be.
RELATED READING: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is wonderful for dry skin, and so affordable! READ HERE
My understanding is that the brand has recently been bought by the L’Oreal group in 2017, which does worry people. Sometimes, when an effective brand is acquired by a cosmetics giant, formula, pricing and marketing strategy can change. It is my hope that it doesn’t in this case.
Considering however, that L’Oreal does place CeraVe in the same group as La Roche Posay, Vichy and Skinceuticals is a little more assuring to me. I personally have high regards for these 3 brands, and it might mean that we may have easier access to CeraVe in the future.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion – LOVE!
This brings us to the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
I purchased the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, because the AM (day) version contains SPF, and I prefer my moisturizers to not have SPF. I use a separate SPF daily, so for me, SPF in moisturizers are superfluous.
RELATED READING: My view on relying on SPF in moisturizers is quite similar to my view on relying on SPF in makeup READ HERE
I did worry the first time I used it, because it said that it was a Facial Moisturizing Lotion, that is an oil-free formula, and recommended for most skin types, but in particular, normal to oily skin types.
I have drier skin, so I usually opt for creams instead of lotions. But much to my surprise, I found this formula very comfortable.
The texture is fairly heavy for a lotion. For this reason, I can understand why some people gripe about the heavier texture. If you don’t use heavy textured moisturizers, this may feel uncomfortable.
For me, used at night, I use 2 pumps of product to seal in all my serums and oils. I distribute it using the 13-dot technique, and it is distributed evenly all over my skin, down to my neck. I feel that this technique is very useful when working with products with a heavier texture, because it can ensure that it doesn’t feel too heavy on any part of your face.
RELATED READING: Want to improve your skin without changing your skincare? Try these 3 tips! READ HERE
I was tipped off by an Instagram follower, Ben, that I could also use this in the day, so I did! And boy, do I love it too!
In the day, I use just 1 pump, as it can otherwise feel a little more heavy. Similarly, once distributed with the 13-dot technique, it absorbs nicely into the skin, and leaves my skin protected and comfortable.
What does the CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion do?
Good question!
Initially, I treated this as I would any other moisturizer. I have my preferences when it comes to texture of my moisturizers, and they usually are products that aren’t too heavy with the feel of silicone, not too heavily fragranced (or even better, unfragranced), absorbs easily into the skin, moisturizes my skin and feels comfortable without breaking me out or clogging my pores.
The CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion ticks ALL the boxes! 😀
While dimethicone does feature on the list of ingredients, and I can feel the slip, it is not so heavy to be unpleasant and occlusive on my skin. The lotion has no fragrance (YAY!) and absorbs into my skin nicely while keeping it happily moisturized.
Do note that I live in the tropics where it is hot and humid, and that I have dry skin. That this works for me here means that it may only work for you, in the Summer. In colder months, or if your climate is drier, you’d likely need something heavier to protect and nourish your skin better.
But more than how it feels, it was how my skin has been in the past 2 months since I started using this moisturizer, that made me absolutely love the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
My skin’s well moisturized
Despite the light texture, my skin stays well moisturized and hydrated through the night in an air-conditioned room. I wake up to skin that is happy and comfortable.
I have been using a retinol serum (more on this in future posts) and I use this lotion because it is simple, yet it is moisturizing enough to ensure the retinol serum does not irritate my skin.
It seals in my serums well and feels gentle
It is heavy enough to seal in my serums. In the night, I’ve been using retinol serums and oils, and in the day I use Vitamin C serums and hydration products. For some reason, this combination, together with this moisturizing lotion, has been wonderful for my skin!
I also find that it feels gentle. For me, this means that it is not irritating. It is unfragranced, so it doesn’t even bother my nose!
The ingredients work very well for my skin
The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains 3 types of ceramides (Ceramide 1, 3 and 6-II), fatty acids, lipids and niacinamide. What these all do is to protect, restore and strengthen the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier retains moisture and water better, and prevents pollutants or external aggressors from irritating your skin.
My skin feels less irritated by heat, not as dry, and my skin tone is more even
The upshot of it all, is that I’ve noticed that in recent times, my skin is less easily flushed by heat. Living in the tropics means we can never truly escape it.
My skin tone however, is more even, and my skin texture might perhaps even be better. I do not feel my skin to be as dry as it used to be (could also be attributed to the Moisture Sandwich technique, and my colouring appears less ruddy and uneven.
I believe however, that it is a combination of many factors and products that I’ve been using in these past 2 months, that has brought me here, so I cannot say with 100% certainty that it is due to this CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion. However, it has certainly helped.
They changed the formula!
I bought the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion a while ago, and I then found out recently, that the packaging has been changed, and the formula tweaked. There were many complaints about the new formula.
So I bought a bottle of the new version, to see if I’d like it, before I wrote about it.
Long story short, I think the new version is fine 🙂 For me, it feels similar and it does not irritate my skin nor does it feel much different from the former version.
I’ve included the ingredient list for both the new and old versions of the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. To my untrained eye, most of the ingredients remain the same. Perhaps there is a slight reordering of the ingredients, but in the main, they’re there. The key ingredients of Niacinamide, Ceramide 1, 3 and 6-II and Hyaluronic Acid are all there.
The new version states “Ultra Lightweight” on the front, which worried me at first. But it seems to feel and to work the same as the old version I’d been using so I have no real complaints there.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion – Affordable and Effective
Truth to tell, I am quite loathe now to try new moisturizers LOL! That’s a peril of the job right there! How can I try and review other moisturizers, when I know that out there is this very effective, affordable moisturizer that I’d happily recommend to anyone?! 😛
The packaging is simple – a slim portable bottle topped with a pump. It does only contain 89ml of product, but that is a full 39ml more product than most face creams and lotions.
It retails at about US$19.99 (approx RM80) a bottle which to me is affordable. It is however, not available in Malaysia at this time, so you will have to buy it online at iHerb (If you’re new the code MPW213 gets you a wee discount).
I don’t think I have anything bad to say about this! It’s a great little moisturizing lotion and I love it to bits! I have 2 bottles. That counts for something LOL! 😀
IN A NUTSHELL
The CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion is an affordable moisturizer that is very effective in helping skin strengthen and restore skin barrier functions, and to keep skin calm while providing moisture. It is very portable and works even for dry skin (in hot tropical weather). The texture might feel heavy to some, especially those with oilier skin types, but try the 13-dot technique which might help distribute product more evenly. I love that it is not fragranced, keeps my skin moisturized, not heavy in silicone, and that my skin now looks and feels less dry, stronger, more even toned, and less flushed with heat. I do not have sensitive skin, so I cannot vouch for its efficacy for skin with eczema, redness or sensitivity. But for me, it is a great little product that I will ensure I keep in my skincare cupboard for good!
PROS:
Portable packaging
Moisturizes even dry skin well without feeling heavy or greasy
Skin feels stronger with regular use
Very affordableCONS:
None other than the fact it is hard to get hold of for those living outside the USAWHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone with very sensitive skin, Anyone who wants a basic, simple moisturizer that is affordable and works well
PRICE: US$19.99 RRP for 89ml (Might be cheaper at various drugstores in the USA)
WHERE TO BUY: iHerb (If you’re new the code MPW213 gets you a wee discount)
This is the ingredient list for the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.
Ingredients: Purified water, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, niacinamide, cetearyl alcohol, ceramide 3, ceramide 6-11, ceramide 1, phytosphingosine, hyaluronic acid, sodium hydroxide, dimethicone, behentrimonium methosulfate, ceteareth-20, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, cholesterol, xanthan gum, carbomer, disodium EDTA, dipotassium phosphate, potassium phosphate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, methylparaben, propylparaben
Have you tried the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion? Keen to?
I do wish we’d see the brand come back. It wasn’t available here for very long, which might be to do with the change in ownership to L’Oreal. But who knows, maybe that means we’ll see it come back in the future! 🙂 Otherwise, there’s always iHerb where I’d keep buying the products from anyway LOL! 😀
Paris B
Now its sold out on iherb LOL.
Paris this definitely catch my attention! But I have just bought Avene skin recovery cream and was wondering have you tried this compared to Cerave?
LOL! Not me, I assure you! But I think it’s back now 🙂 I haven’t tried Avene’s skin recovery cream so cannot compare, sorry!
Been wanting to try it but keep putting it off due to a shelf full of moisturisers to be used up 🙂
How does this compare to Dr Sam’s moisturiser ya? From the price point & size this is obviously more affordable….but texture & results wise, does it differ much?
Join the club Shasha LOL! I have put myself on a skincare ban for now. There are so many new skincare releases and sales and deals going on, I’ve had to delete all my emails! LOL! I haven’t yet tried using the Dr. Sam’s moisturiser. I will be switching over to it very soon so will compare for you!
The UK version is slightly different especially how the ingredients are listed. Not quite sure why but I do like this moisturiser for its simplicity an to help moisturise irritated skin barrier.
Hmmm that’s interesting Effa I can only go based on the ones I have, but as long as it works well, I’m not complaining! 😀
I noticed versions (ingredients) are different in France too. Don’t know why. Usually, under EU regulations every country here has the same, but maybe not. The US versions of Ceravé are also not the same as the French ones. But L’Oréal does this same thing with La Roche Posay and switches ingredient lists as per country so I’m not surprised. Frustrating for sure.
I didn’t love this product–made my skin feel kind of “rubbery”–but I use the OG CeraVe (in the big tub) as my facial moisturizer, and I love that.
Thanks for sharing! 😀
I was first introduced to this brand by my kid’s paediatrician. She gave me a few sample bottles for my then newborn. It was really nice for his skin and when they ran out I didn’t know where to buy them from. My kid is now 4 and he’s used many different baby lotions ever since but he’s now back on CeraVe coz I found it selling on Shopee. Got a big pump bottle for myself too.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve seen Cetaphil being prescribed for kids, but not Cerave. I have tried the cleanser, and I find the Cerave cleanser tons better than Cetaphil! But I think Cetaphil has better marketing LOL!
Yes. They have a baby line! Too bad they’re not sold in stores like Cetaphil. I hope they will soon coz the pumps are big and lasts a long time.
Now that it’s been bought over by L’Oreal let’s hope we start seeing it in stores! 😀
CeraVe’s basic range is now sold in Australia and I’m already on my 2nd tube of facial moisturing lotion <3 The packaging is very different to what you have though, the ones here are in tube form with pumps as dispensers. A quick comparison of the ingredients and the lotion sold here do not seem to contain parabens.
I love it!!! Simple, fragrance free, comfortable on the skin and most importantly it works even during winter, I don't need to slather on super heavy cream on my face 🙂 cannot sing enough praises for this beauty.
Thanks for sharing KT! I’m rather puzzled at the different packaging, and ingredients though. But perhaps they have changed it again 😛 LOL! Happy to know however, that it works well for you. Maybe we’ll see it appear in our part of the world too! 😀
My first foray into CeraVe was when I was on the hunt for something simpler, which led me to your review of the Hydrating Cleanser 🙂 I’m currently using the foaming one as I have oily combination skin, havw been using it for a quite a while and loving it. THANK YOU PB <3
YAY! The cleanser is a good one. Gentle and effective! Glad to know you found a cleanser that not only works, but is affordable too!
Both the original version in the tub and the baby version broke me out. Maybe it’s time to try the facial PM version. ?
The ones in the tub are heavier in texture I believe. That said, proceed with caution because it could be an ingredients thing too!
I actually haven’t tried anything from CeraVe and assumed that it was like Cetaphil, which I didn’t like personally.
I’ll have to try this!
To be honest, I’m not a big fan of Cetaphil. I don’t like the texture of their products, so I don’t bother using any 😛 CeraVe is in the same category, but with their focus on ceramides, makes more of a difference, I feel.