This post will share the best Cerave moisturizer for your skin type.
Following the great reception the post on Cerave cleansers got, I thought I should follow up with the moisturizers, especially since I’ve used about six different moisturizers to date.
Currently, Cerave offers eight facial moisturizers, two of which include sunscreen.
So, it’s safe to say that I used most of the moisturizers.
Before we proceed, it is essential to note that Cerave used the same formula across the board.
This means they use similar ingredients in all their products, particularly moisturizers.
So, if you’re wondering why all their products look and feel similar, it is because they are.
If you haven’t been paying attention, here are the staple ingredients you’ll find in most Cerave products:
- 3 Essential Ceramides
- Hyaluronic Acid,
- Cholesterol
You’ll also find Niacinamide in a few moisturizers as well.
Cerave’s entire brand ethos is to treat skin concerns without compromising the skin barrier.
This means you can treat your mild to moderate acne, early signs of ageing and maintain your skin daily without worrying about your skin drying out or getting irritated.
It goes without saying that it also depends on the state of your skin.
Most people with little to no skin concerns generally tolerate Cerave products.
Now that we have addressed that, let’s get into business.
Here’s How To Choose The Best Cerave Moisturizer For Skin Concerns
One thing about Cerave moisturizers is that you can definitely use anyone.
No rule says you have to use a specific moisturizer.
It honestly just depends on your skin’s needs.
If it is Summer and you need something lightweight, you can go for the lotions.
If it is Winter or you’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier, use the thicker creams.
It gives you perspective on the various options instead of tying yourself to a specific product, especially if it doesn’t agree with your skin.
The Cerave Moisturizers are generally divided into two: the ones with sunscreen and the ones without.
Depending on your routine, you can use moisturizers with SPF to save time in the mornings.
Cerave Moisturizing Cream
- Texture: Light cream
- Suitable for: Normal to Dry skin
This is possibly the most popular Cerave Moisturizer, and for good reason.
Since it can be used on the face and body, many people prefer to save money by getting a huge tub, which makes sense.
It has also been certified by different organizations, including the National Diabetes Association and the American Diabetes Association, which has increased interest.
So, if you want a fuss-free moisturizer that you can use on your face and body and has been formulated without alcohol, essential oil or fragrance, then this one is for you.
It also works across normal to dry skin, but if it is too thick for your oily skin, there are other options.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
- Texture: Light lotion
- Suitable for: Normal to Dry skin, specifically oily to combination skin
If you find the Cerave Moisturizing Cream too thick, especially if you have oily skin, I’m happy to tell you that the product also comes in a lotion.
It is lightweight and absorbs instantly into the skin.
It is also great under sunscreen and makeup. Plus, during the warmer months, you can use it instead of the cream.
It also comes in a larger size, which you can get for your face and body if you want to use it.
Between these two affordable moisturizers, you have no excuse to be ashy.
Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 25, 30 & 50
- Texture: Light lotion
- Suitable for: All skin types
Depending on your country, the Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF comes in different formats.
The most common in the US is the SPF 30; outside the US, specifically in Europe, you’ll find SPF 25 and the most recently launched Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50.
Everyone should be using SPF daily regardless of their skin type.
Thankfully, these formulas are lightweight enough to use daily. You can also decide to skip your moisturizer as they’re moisturizing enough on its own.
Just to clarify the SPF lotions further, here are the filters for all three of them:
- SPF 30 (US) – Hybrid of physical & chemical filters, so a white cast is possible.
- SPF 25 (UK & Europe) – Purely chemical filters, so no white cast.
- SPF 50 (UK & Europe) – Also purely chemical filters and no white cast
Cerave PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Texture: Light lotion
- Suitable for: All skin types, specifically oily to combination skin.
This is the PM version of the AM Moisturizing lotion with SPF.
After the Cerave Moisturizing lotion, it is the next popular moisturizer.
Many people gravitate towards it because it is the first moisturizer released with Niacinamide.
So, if your skin cannot tolerate high-strength Niacinamide serums, this is an easy way to still get the benefits without compromising your skin barrier.
Plus, it is very lightweight and can be used both in the AM & PM.
Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- Texture: Ultra-Light lotion
- Suitable for: All skin types, specifically oily to combination skin.
Speaking of sunscreens, Cerave also has another lesser-known moisturizing lotion that is even more lightweight,
This is great for the really hot summers when you barely want anything on your face.
While SPF 30 is not enough for heatwaves, it’s great for reapplying on the go.
The sunscreen has purely chemical filters, so you don’t need to worry about a white cast.
Cerave Skin Renewing Day Cream SPF 30
- Texture: Thick cream
- Suitable for: Mature & Aging Skin
I’m sure many people don’t know Cerave has an anti-ageing line. They do, and this moisturizing sunscreen falls under it.
As a result of being formulated with Retinol, this product is specifically for people with mature or ageing skin.
I’m unsure why Cerave thinks using Retinol during the day is okay.
This sunscreen has hybrid filters that lean more towards the physical one, so expect a lot of white cast with 10% Zinc Oxide.
Many people do not like how thick it is because it is hard to blend, so ensure you test it before committing to an entire bottle.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
- Texture: Thick cream
- Suitable for: Mature & Aging Skin
Just as there’s a day cream in the Cerave anti-ageing line, there’s also a night cream which I absolutely love for my dry, dehydrated skin.
It is formulated with Peptides and Niacinamide, a perfect supplement to Retinol or Tretinoin at night.
It is also the thickest Cerave moisturizer for now and is excellent for anyone with dry skin prone to dehydration.
As a result of the Peptides, this moisturizer is perfect for anyone who wants to treat early signs of ageing.
Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel
- Texture: Thick cream
- Suitable for: All skin types, specifically oily to combination skin.
After more than half a dozen creams and lotions, Cerave has finally launched its gel moisturizer.
I can’t believe it took this long, but I’m excited.
This one is perfect for those with oily to combination skin who can’t stand creamy products.
It is weightless and feels like nothing on the skin, which is great under sunscreen and makeup.
For hot Summer days, it’s also perfect.
In Conclusion
Cerave’s range of moisturizers has tried to cater to all skin types.
While this inclusivity should be the bare minimum across skincare brands, it can be applauded.
With all the recent launches so far, it sounds like Cerave is listening to customer feedback, and I hope we get better products in the future.
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