Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
Product Description
A lightweight, fast-absorbing daily moisturizer with built-in broad spectrum SPF 15 protection. Formulated with glycerin and vitamin E to hydrate and protect sensitive skin from UVA/UVB rays without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Dual UV Protection
Avobenzone 3% blocks UVA rays while Octocrylene 10% protects against UVB for complete broad spectrum coverage.
All-Day Hydration
Glycerin attracts and locks in moisture, improving skin's natural ability to retain hydration throughout the day.
Antioxidant Defense
Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage from environmental stressors.
Silky-Smooth Finish
Polymethyl Methacrylate creates a soft-focus effect that smooths skin texture and reduces shine appearance.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains Avobenzone and Octocrylene (chemical UV filters) which can be absorbed into bloodstream. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are recommended during pregnancy.
Contains Glyceryl Stearate and other esters that may feed malassezia yeast. Not recommended for those with fungal acne.
Clinically tested oil-free formula designed not to clog pores. Comedogenic rating: 1/5 (very low).
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula dermatologist tested and clinically proven gentle on sensitive skin.
Can be used with retinol products. Apply in the morning as your SPF protection after any serums or treatments.
Those using ketoprofen (topical anti-inflammatory) may experience photo-allergic reactions to Octocrylene. Consult healthcare provider.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
βοΈ Avobenzone 3% Proven
The gold standard UVA filter and the only FDA-approved chemical sunscreen ingredient that provides proper protection against UVA I rays (340-400nm), which cause photoaging and contribute to skin cancer.
- Coverage: Absorbs UVA rays with peak absorption at 357nm
- Stability: Stabilized by Octocrylene to prevent photodegradation
- FDA Status: Approved up to 3% concentration in USA
π‘οΈ Octocrylene 10% Proven
A photostable UVB filter that also helps stabilize other UV filters like Avobenzone. Provides both sun protection and improves product water resistance.
- Coverage: UVB protection with peak absorption at 304nm
- Photostability: Only loses ~10% SPF protection in 95 minutes
- Bonus: Also functions as an emollient to soften skin
π§ Glycerin Proven
A powerful humectant naturally found in skin. Studies show glycerin is more effective at skin hydration than hyaluronic acid and AHAs, drawing moisture into skin and maintaining barrier function.
- Research: 2016 study found glycerin superior to HA as humectant
- Function: Maintains skin lipids in healthy liquid crystal state
- Safety: Comedogenic rating: 0 - will not clog pores
πΏ Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Proven
A stable form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced free radical damage. Helps soothe skin and supports the moisture barrier.
- Function: Neutralizes free radicals from sun exposure
- Synergy: Works with sunscreen filters to enhance photoprotection
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties
16 ingredients
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octocrylene 10%
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Diisopropyl Adipate, Cyclomethicone, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer 940, Disodium EDTA, Triethanolamine
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as the final step of your AM skincare routine (replaces separate moisturizer + sunscreen). For extended sun exposure, dermatologists recommend layering with a higher SPF sunscreen.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start with clean, dry skin. Apply any serums or treatments first and let them absorb.
Apply Generously
Dispense a nickel-sized amount and apply to face and neck 15-20 minutes before sun exposure.
Allow to Absorb
Let product absorb for 5-7 minutes before applying makeup or additional products.
Reapply as Needed
Reapply at least every 2 hours when exposed to sun, or after sweating or toweling off.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have dry to normal, sensitive skin
- You want a simple 2-in-1 moisturizer + SPF
- Your skin reacts to fragranced products
- You need daily indoor/light outdoor protection
- You use retinol and need AM sun protection
- You want a lightweight formula under makeup
β Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have fungal acne (malassezia)
- You need high SPF for extended sun exposure
- You have very oily skin (may feel shiny)
- You prefer mineral/physical sunscreens
- You have ketoprofen sensitivity
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Glycerin-rich formula provides lasting hydration without heavy feel. Great for combating flaky, tight skin.
Lightweight texture balances moisture without overloading. Perfect daily protective moisturizer.
May leave slight shine on T-zone. Some users report looking oily by midday. Oil-free but can feel dewy.
Works well on dry areas; may need blotting on T-zone. Consider mattifying primer for oily areas.
Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula. Some users report stinging - patch test first if very reactive.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free. However, NOT fungal acne safe due to ester ingredients.
π Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels soft, smooth, and hydrated upon application. Lightweight texture absorbs quickly without greasy residue.
95% noticed improvementImproved Moisture Retention
Skin barrier strengthens as glycerin improves moisture-holding capacity. Less tightness and dryness throughout the day.
80% noticed improvementSun Damage Prevention
With consistent daily use, UV protection helps prevent new sun spots, uneven tone, and early signs of photoaging.
70% noticed improvementLong-Term Skin Health
Cumulative sun protection and antioxidant benefits support overall skin health. Vitamin E helps protect against free radical damage.
65% noticed improvementβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Fragrance-free and gentle formula
- Excellent for dry and sensitive skin
- Works great as makeup base
- Affordable drugstore price point
- Dermatologist-recommended brand
- Non-comedogenic, won't clog pores
- All-day hydration without reapplying
β Criticized
- SPF 15 too low for outdoor activities
- Can look shiny on oily skin types
- Contains chemical UV filters (not mineral)
- Not safe for pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Not fungal acne safe
- Some experience stinging on application
- Small bottle size (4 oz) for price
- May pill under certain makeup products
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Higher SPF 30, added ceramides and niacinamide for barrier repair. Slightly thicker texture but similar lightweight feel.
More affordable with higher SPF. Designed for sensitive skin, free of common irritants. Slightly heavier texture.
Higher SPF 50 with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration. Gel-cream texture, more dewy finish. Contains fragrance.
Premium option with niacinamide, ceramides, and prebiotic thermal water. Higher SPF, better for sensitive/reactive skin.
π Comparison with Competitors
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
$16.99CeraVe AM SPF 30
$17.49La Roche-Posay Toleriane SPF 30
$22.99EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
$41.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store at room temperature (59-86Β°F). Keep away from direct sunlight and extreme heat.
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic dispensing prevents contamination.
Yes, 4 fl oz exceeds TSA limit. Transfer to smaller container for carry-on or check in luggage.
β Frequently Asked Questions
No, this product is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains Avobenzone and Octocrylene, which are chemical UV filters that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and have been detected in breast milk. During pregnancy, dermatologists recommend using mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead, as these sit on top of the skin and are not systemically absorbed.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. It contains Glyceryl Stearate and other ester ingredients that can feed malassezia yeast, potentially worsening fungal acne. If you have fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), look for products specifically labeled as FA-safe or check ingredient lists using tools like Sezia.co or SkinCarisma.
Yes! This moisturizer works well as part of an active-ingredient routine. Use it in the morning as your final skincare step after applying any serums. The SPF protection is especially important when using retinol, AHAs, or BHAs, as these ingredients can increase sun sensitivity. Apply vitamin C serum before this moisturizer for layered antioxidant protection.
This product is best suited for dry to normal skin types, and those with sensitive skin who need a fragrance-free option. It provides excellent hydration without heavy feel. Those with oily skin may find it slightly too shiny, especially on the T-zone. Combination skin types can use it but may need blotting papers by midday.
Hydration benefits are immediate - your skin will feel softer and more moisturized right away. Improved moisture retention typically occurs within 1-2 weeks of daily use. The sun protection benefits are cumulative, helping prevent photoaging, dark spots, and uneven tone over months of consistent use. For visible anti-aging benefits, expect 3+ months of daily application.
Apply as the last step of your morning skincare routine. The order should be: Cleanser β Toner (optional) β Serum/Treatment β This Moisturizer SPF. Since it contains SPF, you don't need a separate sunscreen for daily indoor/light outdoor activities. For extended sun exposure, layer a higher SPF sunscreen on top or choose a dedicated SPF 30+ product.
No, this product has a low comedogenic rating of 1/5 and is labeled as non-comedogenic. The oil-free formula is specifically designed not to clog pores. However, everyone's skin is different - if you're prone to breakouts, patch test first. Note that while it won't clog pores, it is NOT fungal acne safe due to certain ester ingredients.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. After opening, use within one year for optimal effectiveness. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. The sunscreen filters may degrade over time, reducing UV protection, so replace the product if it's been open longer than 12 months.
Verdict: Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 is a reliable, no-fuss daily moisturizer with built-in sun protection that has earned its place in countless skincare routines over 75+ years. It excels for those with dry to normal, sensitive skin seeking a lightweight, fragrance-free formula that hydrates without heaviness. The combination of glycerin for moisture and vitamin E for antioxidant protection makes it a solid workhorse product. However, the lower SPF 15 may not suffice for extended outdoor activities, and those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have fungal acne should look elsewhere. For everyday indoor protection and basic hydration needs, it's an affordable, dermatologist-backed choice that delivers consistent results.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 |
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 4 |
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 3 |
Octocrylene
Uv Absorber, Sunscreen Agent, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 1 |
Titanium Dioxide
Uv Absorber, Sunscreen Agent, Opacifying, Cosmetic Colorant, Uv Filter
|
UV Protection
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|

