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Baby Moisturizing Cream

Baby Moisturizing Cream

Product Description

Product overview

Made in USA CLINICAL

CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream is a rich, fragrance-free cream developed with pediatric dermatologists to deliver up to 24 hours of gentle hydration. Featuring three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), hyaluronic acid, and cholesterol, this non-greasy formula helps reinforce baby's delicate skin barrier while soothing dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. Adults with sensitive skin love it too.

Brand: CeraVe Pediatric Dermatologist Developed NEA Seal of Acceptance Fragrance-Free Paraben-Free Dye-Free Phthalate-Free 3 Essential Ceramides Eczema-Friendly Non-Comedogenic
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Brand
CeraVe
Size
5oz / 8oz
Type
Body & Face Cream
For
Babies & Adults
Hydration
Up to 24h
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

3 Essential Ceramides

Ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II replenish the lipids that make up 50% of the skin barrier, helping to lock in moisture.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Rich cream
Scent
Fragrance-free
Absorption
Fast (1-2 min)
Finish
Non-greasy, soft

3 Essential Ceramides

Ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II replenish the lipids that make up 50% of the skin barrier, helping to lock in moisture.

Hyaluronic Acid

Sodium hyaluronate attracts and retains moisture, keeping skin plump and hydrated throughout the day.

MVE Delivery Technology

Patented multivesicular emulsion gradually releases moisturizing ingredients for up to 24 hours of hydration.

Pediatrician Developed

Formulated with pediatric dermatologists specifically for delicate baby skin from day one of life.

Cholesterol & Fatty Acids

Naturally found in skin, these lipids work alongside ceramides to restore the protective barrier.

NEA Accepted

Bears the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for use on eczema and sensitive skin conditions.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing.

Eczema & Sensitive Skin Safe

Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, and phthalates.

Non-Comedogenic

Tested to not clog pores. Suitable for acne-prone skin despite the rich texture.

Not Fungal Acne Safe

Contains caprylic/capric triglyceride, polysorbate-related emulsifiers, and fatty alcohols that may feed Malassezia yeast.

Layers Well with Actives

Compatible with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Helps buffer irritation from strong actives.

Suitable from Birth

Pediatric dermatologist-developed for newborns and babies; equally effective for adults with sensitive skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Ceramides NP, AP, EOP ~1-2%Proven

Three essential ceramides that mirror the skin's natural lipid composition. Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3), Ceramide AP (Ceramide 6-II), and Ceramide EOP (Ceramide 1) work together to rebuild the lipid matrix between skin cells, restoring the barrier function.

  • Schachner et al. 2020 (JDD): Pediatric dermatologists reached consensus that ceramide-containing skincare is essential for normal and sensitive baby skin conditions.
  • Skin barrier role: Ceramides make up roughly 50% of the lipids in the stratum corneum, the outermost protective layer.
  • Eczema research: Reduced ceramide levels are documented in atopic dermatitis; topical replenishment helps reduce transepidermal water loss.
The 3-ceramide blend is the cornerstone of the entire CeraVe brand and is dermatologist-recommended for compromised skin barriers.

Glycerin ~5-10%Proven

The second ingredient on the list, glycerin is a powerhouse humectant that draws moisture from the air and deeper skin layers to the surface. It also has antimicrobial properties and supports barrier repair.

  • Rawlings 2014 (Br J Dermatol): Glycerin is foundational for stratum corneum maturation and moisturization.
  • Comedogenicity: Rated 0/5 — completely non-pore-clogging.
  • Tolerance: Skin-identical and well-tolerated by virtually all skin types, including newborns.

Sodium Hyaluronate ~0.1%Proven

The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, with smaller molecular weight for better absorption. It can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, providing deep, lasting hydration without heaviness.

  • Hydration mechanism: Attracts and binds water molecules within the upper skin layers, plumping up fine lines and dehydrated areas.
  • Skin-identical: Naturally produced in human skin; topical application supplements declining natural levels.
  • Compatibility: Suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive.

Petrolatum & Dimethicone ~3-5% combinedProven

An occlusive duo that seals hydration into the skin. Petrolatum reduces transepidermal water loss by up to 99%, while dimethicone forms a breathable, silky protective layer.

  • AAD recommendation: Petrolatum is considered the gold standard occlusive for compromised skin barriers and is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
  • Safety profile: Cosmetic-grade petrolatum is highly purified and carries an excellent safety record, including in pediatric care.
  • Non-comedogenic: Despite myths, refined petrolatum does not clog pores.

Cholesterol & Phytosphingosine ~1%Proven

Cholesterol completes the holy trinity of skin barrier lipids alongside ceramides and free fatty acids. Phytosphingosine is a sphingolipid precursor with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Optimal ratio: Research shows that ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids work best in balanced ratios for barrier repair, which CeraVe formulations replicate.
  • Pediatric expert consensus: Cholesterol is one of three lipid classes pediatric dermatologists recommend in baby moisturizers.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride & Cetearyl Alcohol ~5-8%Promising

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a fractionated coconut-derived emollient that mimics natural skin lipids. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol (not drying) that gives the cream its rich, creamy texture.

  • Fatty alcohols: Despite the name, cetearyl and cetyl alcohols are emollient and non-drying — chemically distinct from drying alcohols like ethanol.
  • Stability: Caprylic/capric triglyceride resists oxidation, contributing to the product's long shelf life and elegant feel.
These fatty acid-based emollients are why this cream is not fungal acne safe — they can feed Malassezia yeast in those who are susceptible.

23 ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium EDTA, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin.

FREE FROM: Fragrance · Parabens · Dyes · Phthalates · Sulfates · Essential Oils · Drying Alcohol · Mineral Oil · Lanolin · Formaldehyde · Talc
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Treatment
5
This Cream
6
SPF (AM)

Apply as the final hydrating step before sunscreen in the morning, or as the last step in your evening routine to seal in actives. For babies, use after a gentle bath on slightly damp skin.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Skin

Gently cleanse skin with a mild, fragrance-free wash (CeraVe Baby Wash works well). Pat dry, leaving skin slightly damp.

2

Dispense a Pearl-Sized Amount

For face: dime-sized for adults, pea-sized for babies. For body: scoop a small handful. A little goes a long way.

3

Warm Between Hands

Rub the cream between palms to warm it slightly — this improves spreadability and absorption.

4

Apply Liberally

Smooth onto face and body using gentle upward strokes. Avoid the immediate eye area.

5

Reapply as Needed

Apply liberally as often as needed throughout the day, especially after bathing, hand-washing, or whenever skin feels dry.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You're caring for a baby's delicate or eczema-prone skin
  • You have dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin
  • You suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis
  • Your skin barrier is compromised from over-exfoliation or actives
  • You prefer a fragrance-free, dermatologist-developed formula
  • You want a multitasker for face, body, and the whole family
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and want a safe moisturizer

Consider alternatives if:

  • You suffer from fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
  • You prefer lightweight gel or watery textures
  • You have very oily skin and dislike rich creams
  • You want anti-aging actives like retinol or peptides included
  • You're sensitive to fatty alcohols (rare)
  • You want a scented or luxurious sensory experience
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

Rich, occlusive formula deeply nourishes and locks in moisture for up to 24 hours.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free formula minimizes risk of irritation. NEA-accepted.

Eczema-Prone
Excellent

National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Ceramides specifically address barrier dysfunction.

Combination
Good

Hydrates dry zones effectively, but may feel slightly rich on the T-zone. Use sparingly there.

Acne-Prone
Good

Non-comedogenic and won't clog pores, but not safe for those specifically dealing with fungal acne.

Oily Skin
Moderate

May feel too heavy for very oily skin. Consider CeraVe Baby Lotion (lighter version) instead.

08

Results timeline

2-3 MONTHS
Immediately

Instant Hydration & Comfort

Skin feels softer, plumper, and visibly more hydrated. Tightness and discomfort from dryness are relieved within minutes.

94% noticed instantly
After 24 Hours

Sustained Moisture

MVE Delivery Technology continues releasing moisturizing ingredients for up to 24 hours of continuous hydration.

88% reported lasting hydration
1 Week

Reduced Redness & Flakiness

Visible flakes and patches diminish. Skin appears calmer with less reactivity to environmental stressors.

82% noticed improvement
2-4 Weeks

Strengthened Skin Barrier

With consistent use, the ceramide-cholesterol-fatty acid trio rebuilds barrier function. Eczema flares become less frequent.

76% report fewer flares
2-3 Months

Long-Term Skin Resilience

Skin shows sustained improvement in hydration, smoother texture, and noticeably reduced sensitivity to triggers.

71% feel skin is healthier
09

Ratings by platform

43K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.8
Rating
35,000+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find the formula too thick for hot weather use.
Ulta
4.7
Rating
2,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Tube packaging can be hard to squeeze when nearly empty.
Target
4.7
Rating
3,150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Occasional formula inconsistency between batches reported.
CeraVe.com
4.8
Rating
1,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Wish for a pump dispenser version for hygienic baby use.
iHerb
4.7
Rating
900+
Reviews
Main complaint: A few users hoped for organic/natural ingredients.
SkinSort
4.5
Rating
129
Routines
Main complaint: May worsen oily skin and could trigger acne in fungal-acne-prone users.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Genuinely fragrance- and dye-free
  • Pediatric dermatologist-developed
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance for eczema
  • Affordable for the quality and quantity
  • Three essential ceramides at meaningful levels
  • Non-comedogenic despite richness
  • Multitasks for the whole family
  • 24-hour hydration with MVE technology
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
  • Calms eczema flares and dry patches

Criticized

  • Not safe for fungal acne sufferers
  • May feel too heavy in humid weather
  • Tube packaging not the most baby-friendly
  • Contains phenoxyethanol preservative
  • No "natural" or "organic" certification
  • Can occasionally cause clogs in oily skin
  • Not as elegant-feeling as luxury alternatives
  • Difficult to dispense last 10% from tube
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
92% Match
SA Moisturizing Cream
$19.99
Same Brand

Nearly identical formula with the same 3-ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, and MVE technology. Adult version is essentially the same product without the "baby" label and at a similar price point.

85% Match
Moisturizing Cream
$14.99
Budget Pick

Free of common irritants including dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens, and lanolin. Lacks ceramides but excellent for ultra-sensitive skin and family use.

75% Match
Eczema Relief Cream
$13.99
Budget Pick

Contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramide-3 plus licorice root for soothing. Slightly less hydrating but better for active eczema flares with anti-itch properties.

70% Match
Baby Daily Moisture Lotion
$8.99
Budget Pick

Features colloidal oatmeal as the star ingredient. Lighter texture, more affordable, but no ceramides and not as effective for compromised barriers.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Key Ingredients Colloidal Oatmeal + Ceramide
Size 141g (5oz)
Texture Thick, slightly tacky
Fragrance Fragrance-free
NEA Accepted Yes
Best For Itchy eczema flares

Mustela Baby Hydra Bébé Body Cream

Key Ingredients Avocado Perseose + Vitamins
Size 300ml (10.1oz)
Texture Light cream, fast-absorbing
Fragrance Lightly scented
NEA Accepted No
Best For Normal baby skin
Healing Ointment
Key Ingredients 41% Petrolatum + Lanolin
Size 396g (14oz)
Texture Heavy, greasy ointment
Fragrance Fragrance-free
NEA Accepted Yes
Best For Diaper rash, severe spots
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening (12M symbol on packaging)

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Ideal between 15-25°C (59-77°F).

Packaging

Squeeze tube in 5oz / 8oz sizes. Protected from light; reduces product contamination vs jars.

Travel Friendly

5oz size is just over TSA carry-on limit (3.4oz/100ml); decant into smaller bottle for flights.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or essential oils — the typical ingredients to avoid during these life stages. Its ceramide and hyaluronic acid-based formula is gentle and non-systemic. As always, consult your OB-GYN if you have specific concerns.

No, this cream is not fungal acne safe. It contains caprylic/capric triglyceride, ceteareth-20, polysorbate-related emulsifiers, and several fatty alcohols (cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol) that may feed Malassezia yeast. If you struggle with fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), look for ingredient-stripped alternatives like Stratia Liquid Gold or simple petrolatum-based products.

Absolutely. This cream is an excellent companion to active treatments. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA first and let it absorb fully, then layer this cream on top to seal in actives and buffer potential irritation. Many dermatologists recommend ceramide-rich moisturizers like this one specifically to support skin during active retinoid or acid use.

It is best suited for dry, sensitive, eczema-prone, and compromised skin barriers — for both babies and adults. Combination skin can use it on dry zones. Acne-prone skin can use it (it is non-comedogenic), but those with active fungal acne should avoid it. Very oily skin types may find it too rich and should consider the lighter CeraVe Baby Lotion instead.

Hydration and softness are noticeable immediately upon application, with up to 24 hours of moisture retention. Visible reductions in flakiness and redness typically appear within 1 week. Strengthened barrier function and fewer eczema flares develop over 2-4 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Long-term skin resilience is best evaluated after 2-3 months.

Apply it as the final hydrating step, after cleansing, toning, serums, and any treatments. In the morning, follow with sunscreen as your last layer. In the evening, this cream is your final step. For babies, apply after gentle bathing on slightly damp skin to maximize moisture sealing. It can be applied to face, body, or both.

It is rated approximately 1/5 on the comedogenic scale and is officially labeled non-comedogenic. The petrolatum and dimethicone in the formula are highly refined and do not clog pores in most users. However, individual reactions vary, especially in those prone to fungal acne, who may experience small bumps from the fatty acid content.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months, indicated by the "12M" symbol on the packaging. After 12 months, discard any remaining product as preservative effectiveness may decline. Unopened, the cream typically has a 2-3 year shelf life from manufacturing date. Store away from heat and direct sunlight to maintain stability.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.7 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: CeraVe Baby Moisturizing Cream is a gold-standard, dermatologist-developed barrier-repair cream that earns its excellent reputation across thousands of reviews. With three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and cholesterol working in optimal ratios, it delivers genuine 24-hour hydration to dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin — for babies and adults alike. The fragrance-free, paraben-free, NEA-accepted formula is pregnancy-safe, non-comedogenic, and remarkably affordable for the quality. Its only meaningful drawbacks are the lack of fungal acne safety and a richness that may feel heavy on oily skin types. For dry-skin households, eczema sufferers, and anyone rebuilding a damaged moisture barrier, this is one of the most reliable and well-priced ceramide creams available worldwide.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Ceramide NP Ceramide AP
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
60% 13% 26%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 23 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
1 A
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
1 A
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS