Moisturising Cream
Moisturising Cream
Product Description
Product overview
A rich, non-greasy moisturizing cream developed with dermatologists. Formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), hyaluronic acid, and MVE Delivery Technology for 24-hour hydration that restores and maintains the skin's protective barrier. Suitable for face and body use on normal to very dry skin.
Barrier Restoration
Three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) replenish the lipids that make up 50% of the skin barrier, helping to seal in moisture and lock out irritants.
Texture & feel
SENSORYBarrier Restoration
Three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) replenish the lipids that make up 50% of the skin barrier, helping to seal in moisture and lock out irritants.
MVE Delivery Technology
Patented multivesicular emulsion releases moisturizing ingredients in a steady stream for up to 24 hours of continuous hydration.
Hyaluronic Acid Hydration
Sodium hyaluronate attracts and holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture to the skin surface for a plump, comfortable feel.
Occlusive Protection
Petrolatum and dimethicone form a protective occlusive layer that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and shields compromised skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEFree from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The original formula was widely considered FA-safe. However, cetearyl alcohol is debated as a potential trigger, and petrolatum may promote M. Furfur growth. Patch test recommended for FA-prone skin.
Holds the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance. Allergy-tested, hypoallergenic, and free from common irritants.
Clinically tested not to clog pores. Comedogenic rating of 1/5. Suitable for acne-prone skin despite its rich texture.
Can be safely layered with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Its barrier-strengthening formula actually helps buffer potential irritation from actives.
Contains potassium phosphate and dipotassium phosphate buffer system to maintain an optimal skin-friendly pH level.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCeramide NP, AP & EOP ~1–2%Proven
Three essential ceramides identical to those found naturally in skin. Ceramides make up approximately 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier and are critical for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental damage.
- Function: Restore and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier by replenishing intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum.
- Research: Studies show topically applied ceramides interact with stratum corneum lipids to repair compromised skin barriers.
- Synergy: Combined with cholesterol and phytosphingosine to mimic the natural ratio of skin lipids for optimal barrier repair.
Sodium Hyaluronate <1%Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid with a smaller molecular size that allows deeper skin penetration. Functions as a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the upper layers of skin.
- Function: Attracts up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture to the skin surface for a plump and hydrated appearance.
- Research: A 2016 study found glycerin (also present in this formula) to be even more effective as a humectant than HA alone — this product uses both for maximum hydration.
Glycerin ~5–10%Proven
One of the most well-researched humectants in skincare. Naturally found in the skin as part of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Its low molecular weight allows it to draw moisture deep into the skin layers.
- Function: Humectant that pulls moisture from the environment and deeper dermis to hydrate the epidermis.
- Research: Clinical studies show glycerin improves skin barrier function and is more effective at surface-level hydration than many other humectants.
Petrolatum ~3–5%Proven
The single most effective occlusive agent known in skincare. Forms a protective barrier on the skin surface that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by up to 98%.
- Function: Creates an occlusive seal that locks in moisture and protects compromised or cracked skin from irritants.
- Comedogenicity: Despite misconceptions, petrolatum has a comedogenic rating of 0 in human testing — it does not clog pores.
Dimethicone ~1–2%Proven
The most widely used silicone in skincare. Creates a silky smooth feel, fills in fine lines, and forms a breathable protective barrier. Also used in clinical scar treatment gels.
- Function: Skin conditioning agent and occlusive that improves softness, flexibility, and overall skin feel without greasiness.
- Safety: Non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and safe for sensitive skin. Does not interfere with skin's natural processes.
Cholesterol & Phytosphingosine <1%Proven
Lipid components that work synergistically with ceramides to replicate the skin's natural barrier composition. The outer layer of skin is composed of ~50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol, and 15% free fatty acids.
- Function: Cholesterol fills gaps in the lipid matrix while phytosphingosine serves as a ceramide precursor and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Research: The ceramide-cholesterol-phytosphingosine ratio in CeraVe mimics the natural composition of healthy skin barriers.
24 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse AM and PM as the last step before sunscreen (morning) or as the final step (evening). Can be applied to both face and body.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Wash face and/or body with a gentle cleanser (such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser) and pat skin dry, leaving it slightly damp.
Apply Serums or Treatments
If using any serums, essences, or active treatments (retinol, vitamin C, etc.), apply them first and allow a moment for absorption.
Warm and Apply the Cream
Take a small amount (pea-sized for face, more for body), warm it between your palms, and gently massage into the skin using upward strokes. Focus on dry patches.
Follow With Sunscreen (AM Only)
In the morning, wait 1–2 minutes for the cream to absorb, then apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on top.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, very dry, or flaky skin that needs intense hydration
- Your skin barrier is compromised from actives like retinol, AHA, or BHA
- You suffer from eczema, dermatitis, or seasonal dryness
- You want a versatile face and body moisturiser in one product
- You prefer fragrance-free, no-frills, science-backed formulas
- You need a budget-friendly ceramide moisturiser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very oily skin and prefer a gel-cream texture
- You want a lightweight, watery moisturiser for humid climates
- You prefer luxurious textures with elegant scents
- You have confirmed fungal acne and are reactive to fatty alcohols
- You want anti-ageing actives like retinol or peptides built into your moisturiser
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe ideal match. Rich ceramide and petrolatum formula provides intense, long-lasting hydration that relieves flakiness and cracking.
Excellent daily moisturiser that maintains the skin barrier and keeps skin supple without feeling heavy. Great year-round option.
May feel too rich for oily T-zones during summer. Best used at night or on areas that feel tight. Consider CeraVe PM Lotion instead for daytime.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and NEA-accepted. One of the safest choices for eczema, rosacea, and easily irritated skin types.
Works well on dry cheeks and forehead. Apply sparingly on the T-zone or use only at night if you tend towards shine.
Non-comedogenic and oil-free despite its rich texture. Great for buffering irritation from acne treatments. Patch test if highly sensitive.
Results timeline
2–3 MONTHSInstant Relief & Comfort
Skin feels softer, smoother, and more comfortable immediately after application. Dry patches and tightness are visibly reduced. Cream absorbs without a greasy residue.
95% noticedImproved Hydration & Reduced Flaking
Consistent use delivers noticeably better moisture retention throughout the day. Flaky patches resolve and skin texture becomes smoother and more even.
85% noticedBarrier Restoration & Resilience
The skin barrier is measurably strengthened from ceramide replenishment. Skin becomes less reactive to irritants and environmental stressors. Eczema flare-ups may decrease in frequency.
75% noticedLong-Term Skin Health
Skin appears healthier, more resilient, and consistently hydrated. Fine lines caused by dehydration appear softened. Many users report this becomes their long-term staple moisturiser.
70% noticedRatings by platform
202K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Exceptional hydration that lasts all day — many call it their "holy grail" moisturiser
- Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic — safe for the most sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-developed with clinically proven ceramide and hyaluronic acid formula
- Incredible value for money — large tub sizes at drugstore prices
- Versatile face and body use — replaces multiple products
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
- Absorbs faster than expected for such a rich cream
- Excellent for buffering irritation from retinol and other actives
Criticized
- Jar packaging is unhygienic (tube and pump versions available)
- Too thick and rich for oily skin types, especially in humid climates
- Can pill if too much is applied under makeup
- May sting briefly on very compromised or freshly treated skin
- No luxury feel or elegant scent — purely functional product
- US vs international formulations differ slightly
- Thick texture can be hard to squeeze from the tube towards the end
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESEven simpler formula with fewer ingredients — ideal for extremely sensitive or reactive skin. Uses petrolatum as main occlusive but lacks ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Lightweight formula with amino acids and HA that mimics skin's natural moisturizing factor. Less occlusive and no ceramides, but excellent for oily or combination skin on a tight budget.
Rich, petrolatum-heavy formula that provides excellent occlusion for very dry and cracked skin. No ceramides or HA, and has a thicker, greasier texture. Better suited as a body-only cream.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place at 15–30°C. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep lid tightly sealed after each use.
Available in jar (with or without pump), squeezable tube, and travel size. Tube and pump options are more hygienic for facial use.
Yes — the 56g (1.89 oz) travel size is under 100ml and TSA/airline compliant for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. CeraVe Moisturising Cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as potentially harmful during pregnancy. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula is one of the most commonly recommended moisturisers by dermatologists for expectant and nursing mothers.
This is debated. The original US formula was widely regarded as fungal acne safe by resources like Simple Skincare Science and SkinCarisma, as it lacks common FA triggers like polysorbates, fermented ingredients, and most problematic fatty acids. However, some newer analyses flag cetearyl alcohol and petrolatum as potential concerns for malassezia-sensitive individuals. If you have confirmed fungal acne, we recommend patch testing first. CeraVe Baby Cream or CeraVe Healing Ointment may be safer alternatives.
Absolutely. CeraVe Moisturising Cream is an excellent companion to active ingredients. Its ceramide-rich formula helps strengthen and repair the skin barrier, which can buffer the irritation and dryness that retinol, AHAs, and BHAs often cause. Apply your actives first, wait a few minutes for absorption, then layer the CeraVe cream on top. For very sensitive skin, you can also apply the cream first as a buffer before your retinol (the "sandwich method").
CeraVe Moisturising Cream is ideal for normal to very dry skin types, and is especially beneficial for anyone with a compromised skin barrier, eczema, dermatitis, or seasonal dryness. It also works well for sensitive and acne-prone skin due to its non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula. However, people with very oily skin may find it too rich for daytime facial use — in that case, consider using it at night only or switching to the lighter CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion.
You will feel immediate relief — skin becomes softer and more comfortable right after application. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice improved hydration levels and reduced flaking. True barrier restoration from the ceramides typically takes 4–6 weeks. Long-term users (2–3 months) report healthier, more resilient skin that is less reactive to environmental stressors.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream goes after your cleanser, toner, and serums/treatments — it is your moisturising step. In the morning, apply it before sunscreen. In the evening, it is typically your last step (unless you use an occlusive sleeping mask). It can be used on both the face and body, and applied as liberally as needed throughout the day.
No. CeraVe Moisturising Cream is clinically tested and labelled non-comedogenic, meaning it is formulated not to clog pores. Its overall comedogenic rating is approximately 1 out of 5. It is also oil-free. Despite the rich texture, most acne-prone users report no breakouts. However, as with any product, individual reactions can vary — if you have very reactive skin, patch test on a small area first.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. After opening, store it in a cool, dry place and keep the lid tightly closed. The tube format tends to stay hygienic longer than the jar, as it minimises exposure to air and fingers. If using the jar, consider using a clean spatula to scoop out product to extend its shelf life and maintain hygiene.
Verdict: CeraVe Moisturising Cream is one of the most reliable, science-backed moisturisers on the market — and for good reason. Its triple-ceramide formula with hyaluronic acid and MVE Delivery Technology genuinely restores and maintains the skin barrier at a price point that is hard to beat. It excels for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin, earns the National Eczema Association seal, and works beautifully as a buffer for irritating actives like retinol. The only reasons it doesn't earn a perfect score are its thick texture (not ideal for oily skin) and the ongoing debate around its fungal acne safety. For virtually everyone else, this is a desert-island skincare product that deserves its cult-favourite status.
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 «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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|






