review cerave facial moisturising lotion AM SPF 25

It’s no secret that CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM is one of my fave night moisturisers ever. Ever since it landed in the UK, I barely used anything else.

But what about the morning version, CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25? Is that just as good? I’ve put it to the test to find out:

What’s In CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25?

CERAMIDES

Ceramides are oily waxes (“cera” means wax in Latin) that make up the glue that holds skin cells together (together with fatty acids, cholesterol etc).

Their job is to strengthen and waterproof the skin’s protective barrier, so that moisture stays in (where it needs to be to hydrate skin!) and germs, pollutants, and other germs stay out (no irritations!).

A stronger protective barrier also helps skin better withstand the attacks of harsh weather, pollutants, and anything else that’s trying to harm it.

Talking about harm… You know when your barrier has broken down. All of a sudden, your skin becomes dry. Red. Flaky, even. Adding ceramides to your skincare routine can prevent this from happening in the first place – or nurse skin back to health if it’s already happened.

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 has 3 types of ceramides. Plus, cholesterol and Hyaluronic Acid, two more components of your skin’s natural barrier. Together, they make it as strong as it can be.

Related: The Complete Guide To Ceramides In Skincare: What They Are, What They Do, And How To Use Them

NIACINAMIDE

Niacinamide is an antiaging superstar that does everything you ask it to. Studies show this form of Vitamin B3:

Whatever your skin condition is, you can count on Niacinamide to improve it.

Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

UV FILTERS

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 gives you broad spectrum protection from UV rays, too. Here’s how:

These are all synthetic UV filters. They’re safe for most people, but can trigger a negative reaction in people with sensitive skin.

Related: Chemical VS Physical Sunscreen: Which One Is Best For You?

Texture

Elegant. Lightweight. Absorbs immediately into your skin without leaving a greasy residue behind.

Fragrance

It’s fragrance-free. Phew!

How To Use It

You can use CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 as a moisturiser or sunscreen.

As moisturiser, apply a pea size amount all over your face after serums and before sunscreen. Done.

If you want to use it as sunscreen, you have to treat it as sunscreen: apply 1/3 of a teaspoon for the face alone. If you apply any less, you won’t achieve the SPF stated on the packaging.

Performance & Personal Opinion

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 applies like a dream. It sinks in quickly without leaving no greasy residue behind.

But, it does leave skin looking a little shiny (blame the UV filters for that!). If you have oily skin that shines too much on its own already, this’ll put you off.

My skin is on the drier side, so this isn’t an issue for me. What I need is a cream that helps my skin survive the winter season soft and supple. Does it do that?

Straight after application, my skin feels softer and smoother. But I personally don’t find it as moisturising as the PM version.

While it does help keep my skin in good shape in winter, I think it’s better suited for the warmer spring months – unless your skin is only mildly dry. For severe dryness, you need something more heavy duty.

Related: My Full Review Of CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM

cerave facial moisturising lotion am spf 25

Who Is This For?

Normal to moderately dry skin.

Who Is This Not For?

  • Oily skin: It makes your skin look a bit shiny
  • Very dry skin: It’s not moisturising enough for you

Packaging

CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 comes in a sleek white tube with a pump applicator. It’s hygienic and dispenses just the right amount of product you need.

Does CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM SPF 25 Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
A lightweight, moisturising face lotion with broad spectrum SPF25, for all-day hydration for normal to dry skin. All true.
Helping maintain and protect the skin barrier of the face. Yes, it has ceramides that can help strengthen your skin’s protective barrier.
Spreads easily and dries with a clear finish. The finish is clear indeed, but a bit shiny.

Price & Availability

£12.00 at Look Fantastic

Do You Need It?

If you have normal to slightly dry skin and are looking for a lightweight moisturiser that can double up as sunscreen (as long as you apply enough!), this is definitely worth a try.

[penci_review]

Dupes & Alternatives

Ingredients

Aqua/Water, Homosalate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Niacinamide, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Myristic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Palmitic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexyl Glycerin.