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Daily Facial Moisturizer Night

Daily Facial Moisturizer Night

Product Description

Product overview

Made in USA CLINICAL

A lightweight, oil-free night lotion formulated with Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid and Hydroxyethyl Urea that locks in hydration overnight, boosting your skin's moisture reserves for healthier-looking, silky-smooth skin by morning.

Fragrance-Free Oil-Free Paraben-Free Non-Comedogenic Hypoallergenic Dermatologist Tested Pregnancy Safe 24-Hour Hydration
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
3 fl oz / 88 mL
Type
Night Lotion
pH Level
~5.5 - 6.0
Skin Type
All Skin Types
Usage
PM Only
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Overnight Moisture Lock

Boosts and replenishes the skin's moisture reserves while you sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Lotion
Scent
Fragrance-Free
Absorption
30 Seconds
Finish
Natural / Dewy

Overnight Moisture Lock

Boosts and replenishes the skin's moisture reserves while you sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning.

24-Hour Hydration

Provides continuous hydration that lasts throughout the night and into the next day with hyaluronic acid and humectants.

5 Signs of Sensitivity Defense

Defends against dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.

Skin Barrier Support

Hydroxyethyl Urea and Glycerin work together to reinforce the skin's natural moisture barrier overnight.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, and Cetyl Alcohol which are potential triggers for fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis).

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Labeled non-comedogenic. Minimal pore-clogging ingredients. Oil-free formula designed not to clog pores.

Sensitive Skin Approved

Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, dermatologist tested and clinically proven gentle on sensitive skin.

Compatible with Retinol & Actives

Gentle formula layers well over retinoids, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs without causing irritation or pilling.

Patch Test Recommended

While generally well-tolerated, a 24-hour patch test on the inner arm is recommended for very reactive or eczema-prone skin.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidProven

A low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper into the skin than standard HA, delivering hydration at a cellular level and improving skin elasticity.

  • Mechanism: Low molecular weight HA penetrates the stratum corneum more effectively than high MW HA, hydrating deeper skin layers.
  • Clinical Data: Studies show topical low MW HA increases skin hydration, reduces wrinkle depth, and improves elasticity within 2-4 weeks.
  • Benefit: Can hold up to 1,000x its weight in water, providing plumping and smoothing effects overnight.
Low molecular weight form ensures better skin penetration compared to standard hyaluronic acid.

Hydroxyethyl Urea ~3-5%Proven

A derivative of urea that acts as a powerful humectant, drawing moisture to the skin without the irritation sometimes associated with pure urea at higher concentrations.

  • Manufacturer Data: Demonstrates similar moisturizing efficacy to glycerin at 5% concentration but with a less sticky, more pleasant skin feel.
  • Mechanism: Attracts and binds water to the skin surface, maintaining hydration and improving skin texture.
  • Advantage: Non-tacky, lubricous feel that doesn't require additional modifiers for texture.

Glycerin ~3-5%Proven

A skin-identical humectant naturally present in the skin. Attracts moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers, keeping the outer skin hydrated and supple.

  • Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
  • Skin Barrier: Helps maintain skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state, protecting against irritation and reinforcing barrier function.
  • Comedogenicity: Rated 0/5 — completely non-comedogenic with zero irritancy potential.

Sodium PCAProven

The sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), a component of the skin's own Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Highly effective at binding water to the skin.

  • NMF Component: PCA makes up approximately 12% of the skin's natural moisturizing factors.
  • Humectant: Highly hygroscopic — absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and delivers it to the skin.

Homarine HClPromising

A marine-derived compound (betaine) found in shellfish and marine organisms. Provides antioxidant protection and helps strengthen the skin barrier against environmental stressors.

  • Origin: Naturally occurring in marine organisms; used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning and protective properties.
  • Benefit: Helps defend skin against oxidative stress while supporting overnight repair processes.

ErythritolPromising

A sugar alcohol used as a humectant and skin conditioner. Helps maintain skin hydration and provides a smooth, pleasant skin feel.

  • Function: Acts as a small-molecule humectant that penetrates the skin to provide hydration from within.
  • Texture: Contributes to the lightweight, non-sticky finish of the formula.

16 ingredients

Water, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Homarine HCl, Sodium PCA, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Erythritol

FREE FROM: Fragrance, Oils, Parabens, Sulfates, Dyes, Phthalates, Retinoids, Alcohol (Denatured), Mineral Oil, Formaldehyde, Hydroquinone, Triclosan, Chemical Sunscreens
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Eye Cream
5
This Product
6
Occlusive (Optional)

Apply as the last step of your PM routine (or second-to-last if using an occlusive like Vaseline or a sleeping mask). No sunscreen needed — this is a nighttime-only product.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse Your Face

Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities. Pat dry with a clean towel.

2

Apply Serums & Treatments

Apply any active serums (retinol, vitamin C, etc.) and allow them to absorb fully before the next step.

3

Dispense & Apply Moisturizer

Pump 1-2 pumps onto fingertips. Gently massage onto face and neck in upward, circular motions while skin is still slightly damp for best absorption.

4

Lock It In (Optional)

For extra-dry skin, seal with a thin layer of an occlusive balm or sleeping mask over this moisturizer.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a lightweight night moisturizer that won't feel heavy or greasy
  • You have sensitive skin and need a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe moisturizer
  • You want to layer over active serums (retinol, AHAs, vitamin C) without pilling
  • You have combination or oily skin and prefer an oil-free nighttime option
  • You value a short, clean ingredient list (only 16 ingredients)

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have very dry skin and need a rich, heavy-duty night cream
  • You have fungal acne (malassezia) — this product contains potential triggers
  • You want anti-aging actives like retinol, peptides, or niacinamide in your moisturizer
  • You prefer a moisturizer with ceramides for intensive barrier repair
  • You want a single product that combines treatment + hydration
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Excellent

Lightweight, oil-free formula absorbs quickly without adding shine or heaviness. Ideal for oily skin that still needs nighttime hydration.

Dry Skin
Moderate

Provides good hydration but may not be rich enough for very dry skin. Consider layering with a heavier cream or occlusive on top.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Balances hydration without overloading oily zones. Lightweight texture works well across different face areas.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formula specifically designed for sensitive skin. Minimal ingredient list reduces irritation risk.

Acne-Prone Skin
Good

Non-comedogenic and oil-free, so unlikely to cause breakouts. However, not fungal acne safe due to fatty alcohol and ester content.

08

Results timeline

MONTH 2-3
Day 1

Immediate Hydration Boost

Skin feels noticeably softer and more hydrated upon waking. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving residue.

90% noticed immediate softness
Week 1-2

Improved Skin Texture

Consistent overnight use begins to smooth rough patches and reduce the feeling of tightness. Skin starts looking more balanced and refreshed each morning.

75% reported smoother skin
Week 3-4

Strengthened Moisture Barrier

Hyaluronic acid and humectants have accumulated benefits. Skin retains moisture better throughout the day, appears plumper, and shows improved resilience.

70% noticed improved moisture retention
Month 2-3

Visible Skin Improvement

Long-term hydration support leads to healthier-looking skin overall. Fine dehydration lines appear diminished, and skin feels more resilient and comfortable.

65% reported healthier-looking skin
09

Ratings by platform

1K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
850+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin types
Cetaphil.com
4.5
Rating
97+
Reviews
Main complaint: Gel-like consistency too light for a night cream
Walmart
4.3
Rating
200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle for the price; runs out quickly
Ulta
4.4
Rating
150+
Reviews
Main complaint: Pump mechanism can be stiff or difficult to use initially
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Ultra-lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs beautifully overnight
  • Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic — ideal for sensitive skin
  • Short, clean ingredient list with only 16 ingredients
  • Skin feels hydrated, soft, and glowing by morning
  • Affordable drugstore price point with dermatologist backing
  • Layers well under other products without pilling
  • Twist-lock pump packaging is convenient and travel-friendly
  • Safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Criticized

  • Too lightweight for very dry skin — may need layering with a heavier cream
  • Not fungal acne safe due to fatty alcohols and esters
  • No anti-aging actives (no retinol, peptides, niacinamide, or ceramides)
  • 3 oz bottle feels small; runs out faster than expected
  • Pump requires multiple presses to prime on first use
  • Some users find it too similar to a daytime moisturizer rather than a true night cream
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
$15.99
Similar Price

Similar lightweight, oil-free night lotion with hyaluronic acid. Adds niacinamide and three essential ceramides for enhanced barrier repair. More actives per dollar.

70% Match
Daily Facial Moisturizer
$13.99
Budget Pick

Another minimalist, fragrance-free option with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Slightly richer texture. Free of common irritants including dyes and parabens.

65% Match
Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel, Fragrance-Free
$19.99
Similar Price

HA-focused gel-cream with a more hydrating, bouncy texture. Fragrance-free version available. Slightly heavier than Cetaphil Night but still lightweight overall.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Key Ingredients Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), Niacinamide, HA
Size 3 fl oz / 89 mL
Ingredient Count 30+
Ceramides Yes (3 types)
Niacinamide Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Hydro Boost Gel Crème
Key Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin
Size 1.7 fl oz / 50 mL
Ingredient Count 20+
Ceramides No
Niacinamide No
Fragrance-Free Yes (FF version)
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Toleriane Ultra Lotion QD
Key Ingredients Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Thermal Water
Size 1.35 fl oz / 40 mL
Ingredient Count 20+
Ceramides No
Niacinamide Yes
Fragrance-Free Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat.

Packaging

Twist-lock pump bottle — hygienic dispensing with no finger-dipping required.

Travel Friendly

Yes — 3 fl oz (88 mL) meets TSA carry-on limits. Twist-lock pump prevents leaks.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. This moisturizer is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — all ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. The formula is gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

No, this product is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, and Cetyl Alcohol, which are fatty acid esters and fatty alcohols that can potentially feed the Malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis). If you are prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives with simpler formulations that avoid these ingredients.

Yes. This moisturizer's gentle, minimal formula makes it an excellent companion for active ingredients. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, AHA, or BHA serum first, let it absorb for 1-2 minutes, then layer this moisturizer on top. The hydrating ingredients help counteract dryness and irritation that actives can sometimes cause. It does not contain any ingredients that would conflict with these treatments.

This moisturizer is formulated for all skin types but works best for oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Its lightweight, oil-free formula provides hydration without heaviness. Those with very dry skin may find it insufficient on its own and might need to layer a richer cream or occlusive on top. It is particularly well-suited for anyone who finds traditional night creams too heavy or pore-clogging.

You should notice immediate hydration and softness after the very first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent nightly use, skin texture typically improves and feels smoother. By 3-4 weeks, the moisture barrier benefits of hyaluronic acid and hydroxyethyl urea become more noticeable with improved moisture retention throughout the day. Full benefits are typically seen after 2-3 months of consistent use.

Apply as one of the final steps in your PM skincare routine. The recommended order is: cleanser, toner (optional), treatment serums (retinol, vitamin C, etc.), eye cream, then this moisturizer. If you have very dry skin, you can add an occlusive like petroleum jelly or a sleeping mask as the very last step. This is a nighttime-only product — no sunscreen is included.

This product is labeled non-comedogenic and has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5. The oil-free formula is specifically designed not to clog pores. While it does contain Cetyl Alcohol (comedogenic rating of 2), the overall formulation is balanced to minimize pore-clogging risk. It has been clinically tested and is generally well-tolerated by acne-prone skin. However, individual reactions can vary — discontinue use if breakouts occur.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. The twist-lock pump design helps maintain product integrity by minimizing air exposure compared to jar packaging. With nightly use of 1-2 pumps, the 3 oz bottle typically lasts 2-3 months.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer Night is a solid, no-frills nighttime moisturizer that excels at one thing: delivering lightweight, non-irritating hydration while you sleep. With only 16 ingredients, it's a minimalist's dream — perfect for sensitive skin, pregnancy, and layering over active serums. It won't wow you with anti-aging actives or ceramides, but its dermatologist-backed, hypoallergenic formula reliably hydrates without causing breakouts or irritation. Best suited for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types who want a clean, affordable night moisturizer. Those with very dry skin or fungal acne concerns should look elsewhere.

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 1 ingredient(s):
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
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!

Awesome, I Understand!

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
62% 18% 18%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 16 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 Unknown
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
1 Unknown
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Hair Conditioning
Hydrating
3 A
Cyclopentasiloxane
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS