Quick Summary:

Date Tested: 05/02/2022

In this review, I test the CeraVe AM facial moisturizing lotion with sunscreen. It seems to be marketed primarily as a moisturizing lotion yet happens to contain a broad spectrum SPF 30. The idea is kind of backwards if you ask me (im sure the marketing people at CeraVe know what theyre doing), but no matter how you dice it, its a daily use moisturizer which blocks ultraviolet rays. Cool. I actually have this in my house as my wife purchased it for my kids to use. I think she was swayed by the CeraVe brand honestly, since it sounds reputable and a little higher end than say, “Banana Boat.”

It is a hybrid sunscreen which utilizes both chemical and physical blockers, Homosalate (10%), Meradimate (5%), Octinoxate (5%), Octocrylene (2%), and Zinc oxide (6.3%). When I turned the bottle over to look at the active ingredients, my Spidey senses immediately went into full tingly mode. As I’ve been testing sunscreen, I’ve found the more numerous the active ingredients a particular formula contains, the more likely it tests poorly. Im not sure why this is so, is it marketing? Is the higher number of active ingredients included in a formula compensating for the lower viscosity of a sunscreen formula?

Either way, the numerous active ingredients hunch did play out and I found this lotion to be rather weak in its protection. Despite being only an SPF30, the Cerave Facial Lotion (with sunscreen) only reduced the UVI by 68.45%, reduced UVA by 68.70%, and reduced UVB intensity by 61.81%. For an SPF30 I expect to see something around 75% – 85% UV blocking capability. Maybe this is why CeraVe marketed the product as a lotion vs sunscreen?

The CeraVe SPF 30 Lotion characteristics at a glance:

• Broad spectrum SPF 30
• Organic and inorganic (hybrid) sunscreen classification
• Non-comedogenic, allergy tested, oil-free and fragrance-free
• Formula contains Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, and Niacinamide
• Viscosity is good for a facial lotion (as well as sunscreen)

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CeraVe SPF30 lotion UV blocking test results

Ultraviolet light quick reference:

UVA: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 315nm – 400nm. The “Aging UV light” – Causes wrinkles.
UVB: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 280nm – 315nm. The “Bad UV light” – Causes skin cancer.
UVI: The global sun UV index. The more a sunscreen can reduce the level of UVI, the better.

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CeraVe broad spectrum UV test results:

Ultraviolet sensor readings:

Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.

Testing notes:

This particular broad spectrum sunscreen contains a lot of active ingredients which are meant to block UV rays. In general I find the higher number of active UV blockers in a sunscreen formula, the lower the formula scores when tested.

As a moisturizing lotion i’m sure it does well…in fact when visiting the CeraVe product page, almost all of the benefits for the product relate to its moisturizing properties rather than its effectiveness as an ultraviolet blocking lotion. So to be fair, this really does seem to be primarily targeted to those who want a facial lotion with the added benefit of some sun protection (not terrible, but not great).

If a facial moisturizing lotion that has some okay-ish amount of protection is what you’re looking for, then this product certainly fits the bill. If however, you’re looking for strong UV protection with some okay-ish moisturizing properties, it may benefit you to look elsewhere.