CeraVe
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
face sunscreen
CeraVe
face sunscreen
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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| HOMOSALATE | 10% |
| ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE | 5% |
| OCTOCRYLENE | 2% |
| ZINC OXIDE | 8% |
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is a morning skincare multitasker that provides continuous hydration throughout the day while helping to absorb and reflect the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays and restore the skin's protective barrier.
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is a lightweight sunscreen from CeraVe, a brand based in USA. It is rated SPF 30. Its job is UV protection, with the rest of the formula working on hydration. The ingredient list runs to 30 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Silicones in the formula tend to give a smooth, blurred finish and help it grip under makeup. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Sodium Hyaluronate, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
It uses a hybrid filter system — Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene and Zinc Oxide — combining mineral and organic filters. Between them those filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so the formula is broad-spectrum in the meaningful sense: it reaches past 340 nm, where the ageing wavelengths sit. Every filter in the formula is photostable, so its protection does not fall away over the first hour in the sun — reapplication is still about sweat, water and rubbing rather than degradation.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate and Water.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Triethyl Citrate and Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate.
Soothing: Moderate. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide and Sodium Hyaluronate.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP and Ceramide EOP.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, microplastic-free and sulfate-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Use it in the morning. In a routine it goes final morning step, before makeup. Apply about two finger-lengths for the face and neck — under-application is the single most common reason sunscreen underperforms. Reapply every two hours of sun exposure, and after swimming or towelling off. Let it set for a couple of minutes before makeup so it does not pill.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
Hybrid mineral and organic filter system · broad-spectrum through UVA I
Another solvent-filter: modest UVB coverage, mostly there to carry other filters.
A weak filter used mainly as a solvent — it dissolves the crystalline filters (avobenzone, oxybenzone) so they can be formulated at all.
Mostly present to stabilise avobenzone rather than for its own modest UVB coverage. Degrades slowly into benzophenone over a product's shelf life.
The only single filter that covers the whole UVB–UVA1 range on its own. Scatters and absorbs rather than purely absorbing, and can leave a white cast at high loads.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list. Regulation caps it at 7.34%, so it is present at roughly 3.67–7.34%.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester
2nd on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2.5–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
3rd on the list. Regulation caps it at 10%, so it is present at roughly 5–10%.
2-Cyano-3,3-Diphenyl Acrylic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Zinc oxide (CI 77947)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dimethicone
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulphate
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
Every filter in this formula is photostable
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Dimethicone
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Nothing in this formula belongs to a group our rules can put in conflict, so it layers freely. Order still matters — thinnest texture first.
This product is the "Protect" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 30 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Forms a film that slows water loss
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Dissolves and carries everything else
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list. Regulation caps it at 7.34%, so it is present at roughly 3.67–7.34%.
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester
2nd on the list. Regulation caps it at 5%, so it is present at roughly 2.5–5%.
2-Ethylhexyl salicylate
3rd on the list. Regulation caps it at 10%, so it is present at roughly 5–10%.
2-Cyano-3,3-Diphenyl Acrylic Acid 2-Ethylhexyl Ester
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Zinc oxide (CI 77947)
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Alcohols, C16-18
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dimethicone
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulphate
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
14th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide
15th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Silane, triethoxyoctyl-
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Triethyl citrate
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 2-(1-carboxylatoethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl laurate
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Starch, hydrogen octenylbutanedionate, aluminum salt
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Phenoxyethanol
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzoic acid
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
CeraVe
Shares 14 key ingredients with AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide, Water
CeraVe
Shares 11 key ingredients with AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: Zinc Oxide, Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol
CeraVe
Shares 11 key ingredients with AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: Zinc Oxide, Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol
CeraVe
Shares 10 key ingredients with AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: Zinc Oxide, Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol
CeraVe
Shares 10 key ingredients with AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Zinc Oxide, Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone
CeraVe
Shares 9 key ingredients with AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Water, Glycerin
HOMOSALATE, ETHYLHEXYL SALICYLATE, OCTOCRYLENE, ZINC OXIDE, WATER, NIACINAMIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, DIMETHICONE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, BHT, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, BENZOIC ACID.
NIACINAMIDE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, SODIUM HYALURONATE.
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
No — it contains Dimethicone.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide.
Use it in the morning, final morning step, before makeup.
It lists 30 ingredients, of which 9 are recorded as actives.
CeraVe, a brand based in USA.
It filters UV with Homosalate (homosalate), Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate), Octocrylene (octocrylene), Zinc Oxide (zinc oxide).
Yes. Its filters cover UVB, UVA II and UVA I, so protection reaches past 340 nm into the deep-UVA range associated with ageing and pigmentation.
It may leave a slight cast. The formula mixes mineral and organic filters, so any cast is usually lighter than a fully mineral sunscreen's.
It contains none of the filters named in the Hawaii and Key West reef legislation (oxybenzone and octinoxate). "Reef safe" is not a regulated term, so treat that as a fact about the filter list rather than a certification.
Yes. Let it set for a couple of minutes before foundation so it does not pill, and reapply over makeup with a stick or powder rather than rubbing more in.
Every two hours of sun exposure, and immediately after swimming, sweating heavily or towelling off.
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