CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Review [I love this!]
If you're looking for THE best drugstore, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer out there in all the land, this is it. Keep reading for the full CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion review! I compare it to the AM version as well as another La Roche Posay moisturizer for sensitive skin.
*Spoiler alert this made it into my all-time favorites post!
Quick facts:
Formulation: Fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, allergen-free. Non-comedogenic.
Potential irritants: Currently no known irritants
Scent: No particular scent
Where to Buy: Available in drugstores, or on Amazon
Price: Around $15 USD
Texture: The moisturizer has a super lightweight, non-greasy almost gel-lotion feel on the skin. It is very emollient, fast absorbing, and is gentle on the skin.
Packaging: The plastic pump packaging is very hygienic and travel friendly since the pump can be twisted open and closed.
Why I LOVE this: The texture and ingredients list is amazing value for this moisturizer. It's hydrating without feeling heavy or sticky, and it sits very well under makeup. Also I have very sensitive skin and avoid anything with fragrance so this is perfect for sensitive to normal skin types (and even oily skin types will like this too since this is so lightweight)!
Cons: I apply this liberally to the face and neck. So I run out in about 2-3 months. It used to come in a larger sized bottle a few years back.
My Experience With The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
No matter what my skin has been going through (if I've just exfoliated it or if it feels sensitive), I know I can always default to the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion for hydration. The formulation features niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides, and their MVE Technology delivers a steady stream of much-needed moisture throughout the night. (You really do notice this because even though the texture is quite thin, it keeps my skin moisturized for a long time).
One of the key ingredients I've really noticed a difference on is Niacinamide, which helps to soothe and calm the skin. I typically use this lotion after being out in the sun, or if I've used a BHA treatment which can be a little irritating. This ingredient also helps to slow down anti-aging of the skin and smooths out wrinkles in the skin, whilst helping to strengthen the ceramides to create a stronger skin barrier.
The website notes that this is geared more toward normal-oily skin. But I have combo skin with dry spots and find that this lotion is still really good at hydrating even drier areas.
How to use:
- Unlock this night moisturizer’s pump for first-time use by twisting it to the left and pressing down several times until the product comes out. Note: You may actually have to press down on the pump as many as 10 times to initially begin dispensing lotion.
- Apply liberally to face and neck at night. Massage into the skin to aid absorption.
*This is also really nice to use during the day too!
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs AM Lotion
Even though I love the CeraVe PM lotion, the AM lotion absolutely SUCKS. I purchased it thinking it'd be the exact same thing as the PM lotion but with SPF - but no, it's literally night and day in terms of formulation and texture. It is just so bad.
DO NOT get the AM.
I repeat, DO NOT DO IT.
I took a texture shot of it actually but it became really clumpy and yucky. But it's the thickest 'lotion' I've ever used, not to mention the greasy white cast.
I really suggest trying a korean sunscreen instead (they're way better and cheaper too), I have my favourite one listed here in my all-time favorites list.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion review verdict
I love everything from the packaging, the price point, the texture, the feeling on my skin that the PM moisturizer gives. In total I've probably repurchased this at least 5X and will use this both during the night and sometimes during the day as well (it sits pretty well under makeup but you have to give it a few minutes to sink in first).
11/10 Highly recommend!
Update: If you have very sensitive skin, I've recently tried and reviewed the La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide - it is amazing! It has a similar texture to this and similar hydration/moisturizing properties, but it's a little better at calming the redness on my cheeks or any minor irritations. It is at a higher price point though so that's the only downside.
Cheers,
-T
*This post may contain affiliate links. However these are always my honest opinions and I purchased everything with my own $$*