This post will be reviewing the Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50.
At long last, Cerave has finally launched an SPF 50 sunscreen in the U.K.
We only had the SPF 25 for the longest time, which I automatically ignored. With all my skincare activities, I need less than SPF 50+.
I could manage SPF 30, but SPF 50 will always be the goal.
So when I accidentally saw this sunscreen on TikTok, I knew I had to get it and try it immediately.
It came pretty quickly, and I tried it after I unboxed it.
Thankfully, it was time for a second reapplication, so I didn’t hesitate.
If your skin is used to Cerave products without sensitivities, you’ll find this sunscreen very familiar.
There’s something both old and new about it. I have tried this sunscreen a few times and am ready to share my thoughts!
First Impressions of the Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
According to Cerave:
A daily lightweight facial moisturiser with SPF 50+ UVB/UVA protection and 3 essential ceramides, to leave skin feeling soothed and hydrated for up to 24 hours, while protecting the skin’s natural barrier.
Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50+ is suitable for normal to dry skin on the face. Also suitable for acne-prone skin.
With 3 essential ceramides and SPF50+, the gentle formula contains broad spectrum protection to defend the skin barrier against UVA & UVB rays. The fast-absorbing moisturiser also helps protect the skin against pollution particles.
Powered by CeraVe’s patented delivery system, MVE technology, the lightweight lotion offers a continuous release of moisturising ingredients throughout the day, providing up to 24-hour hydration. Skin feels calm and hydrated, and looks balanced.
Non-comedogenic. Fragrance free. Non-greasy texture.
Fragrance free and non-comedogenic.
Ingredient List & Sunscreen Filters
When I said that this sunscreen formula felt familiar, I meant that this resulted from the staple ingredients across most Cerave products. As always, you’ll find;
- Glycerin
- Niacinamide
- 3 Essential Ceramides; NP, EOP & AP
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Cholesterol
- Vitamin E
- and Shea Butter.
For someone like me with dry, dehydrated skin, my skin absolutely loves how emollient this sunscreen is.
The Shea Butter in the formula is the icing on the cake.
Those sensitive to Shea Butter and Niacinamide might want to skip this sunscreen.
On the other hand, you can completely skip your moisturiser and use this product as a two-in-one, and your skin will be adequately moisturised.
Now, let’s get into the sunscreen filters.
As expected, the Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50 is a sunscreen with chemical filters.
As far as I know, Cerave sunscreens aren’t as popular as the rest of their products because they are universally not loved.
There’s always something going on with the white cast or the shade of the tints.
But with this as a purely chemical sunscreen, most people’s issues are not there anymore.
This is a basic chemical moisturiser sunscreen that should work for everyone.
Here are all the four filters used in this product:
- Tinosorb S – provides both UVA & UVB protection.
- Octisalate – provides UVB protection.
- Avobenzone – provides UVA protection (watch out for the eye stings with this one)
- Uvinul T 150 – provides UVB protection.
If you’re familiar with sunscreen filters, you’ll realise that aside from Avobenzone, the rest are some new-generation chemical filters primarily available in Europe and Asia.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. hasn’t approved these filters yet, so they won’t be sold in that market.
Aside from the Avobenzone, I’m impressed that Cerave went with the newer filters.
I’m sure they didn’t want to compromise on the protection you’ll get with this sunscreen.
As with the rest of the Cerave products, this is alcohol, essential oil and fragrance-free.
Packaging, Texture & Consistency
This product is packaged in a tiny 52ml/50g pump bottle which I think is expensive for the price.
But when compared to similar European sunscreens like the La Roche Posay Anthelios Hydrating Cream SPF 50+, the price is average.
Anyway, as you can tell already, this is a moisturising sunscreen.
This means that it has Shea Butter as an emollient.
In terms of the comparison between the Cerave Moisturizing Lotion and Cerave Moisturizing Cream, it’s in between, but it leans towards the cream.
After the first two applications, I immediately decided this sunscreen would be better suited for Autumn/Winter.
It’s getting warmer now, and I’m reaching out for lightweight watery and/or gel sunscreens.
After the first impression, you’ll probably categorise it under regular lightweight sunscreens.
You realise how heavy it is when you apply the full two-three finger or 1/4th of a teaspoon.
The pump is brilliant but must be fiddled with before dispensing sunscreen.
Otherwise, I honestly don’t mind it at all. It is portable and perfect for travelling with.
Price & Availability
This is a relatively new product, so it’s not readily available at your usual retailers.
But give it a few weeks; it will be everywhere just in time for the Summer.
For £12/€14, I think it is expensive for the 52ml/50g.
You can get an 80g/100g Japanese sunscreen for the same price. If you try it and like it, try stocking up during sales.
Review of the Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50
I have dry, dehydrated skin. I’m also prone to acne and hyperpigmentation, which take forever to fade.
I use many skincare actives in my routine to go makeup-free most days.
It goes without saying that I don’t joke with my sunscreens. I
I’m constantly looking for thick emollient sunscreens that I can use, particularly in the winter. My current staple includes the following;
So you can imagine how excited I was to use this sunscreen.
Performance
Like every average person, I use this sunscreen at the last step of my morning routine after layering two hydrating serums and treatment serum, usually my 20% Azelaic Acid.
It’s warm now, so I skip moisturisers in the morning.
I use two full fingers for my entire face applying in layers.
Rubbing and blending in is easy until you have used the right amount.
Since it’s a chemical sunscreen, blending in doesn’t take too long because it doesn’t leave a white cast.
It has a non-dewy finish and dries down after application.
I tried applying it near my eyes, but I felt a slight sting because of the Avobenzone filter.
So I try to apply it away from my eyes.
All in all, it’s literally similar to using the Cerave Moisturising Cream. The only difference is the additional sunscreen filters.
Now let’s analyse the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros
- Chemical sunscreen
- Very Moisturising
- Non-greasy and non-sticky
- Perfect for daily wear
- It can work across most skin types but primarily for dry skin.
- Doesn’t pill; it layers well under makeup and over skincare products.
- Non-dewy but leaves a natural finish.
- Suitable for sensitive skin as well.
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Slightly stings the eyes.
- The price-to-quantity ratio is not very affordable.
- Not necessarily water-resistant or sweat-proof.
- It might feel too heavy during the warmer months.
Finally
What can I say?
Surprisingly, I love this sunscreen.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a great attempt, especially for the numerous people struggling to find sunscreen their skin will like.
Hopefully, those with normal to dry skin already using Cerave products will enjoy it.
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