Head to head

Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream vs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Same comparison whichever way you searched it: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.

The bottom line

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion does more across the board (it leads on brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes, anti-aging), while Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is the simpler, more pared-back pick.

Reach for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if you want the actives; Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective CreamEau Thermale AvèneCicalfate+ Restorative Protective CreamMoisturizer · ~€23See every ingredient in Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, decoded
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing LotionCeraVePM Facial Moisturizing LotionMoisturizer · ~€15See every ingredient in PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, decoded

Which should you pick?

Pick Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream if

  • you prefer a simpler, more minimal formula

Pick PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if

  • dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
  • you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
  • you want the more affordable option

What each delivers

HydrationBarrierBrighteningOil-controlAnti-aging
Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective CreamPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  • Hydration
    1010
  • Barrier repair
    910
  • Brightening / tone
    07
  • Oil-control & blemishes
    28
  • Anti-aging
    16

Side by side

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective CreamPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
TypeMoisturizerMoisturizer
Key activesGlycerin, Mineral Oil, Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide 3
TextureA rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly.A smooth, silky lotion that spreads easily and leaves a soft, near-blurred finish.
FragranceNone detectedNone detected
Fungal-acne safeNot likelyNot likely
PregnancyNo flagged activesNo flagged actives
Ingredients19 listed24 listed
Price~€23~€15

What's in one but not the other

Only in Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

Both share

The molecule doing the work

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective CreamGlycerin
PM Facial Moisturizing LotionGlycerin

Better for…

  • Dark spots & uneven tonePM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  • Fine lines & firmnessPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  • Breakouts & congestionPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
  • Dryness & dehydrationEither works

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the cheaper of the two (~€15 vs ~€23).

Ready to pick one?

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Common questions

Is Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream or CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion better for dark spots & uneven tone?

For dark spots & uneven tone, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the stronger pick by our read of the two formulas. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion does more across the board (it leads on brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes, anti-aging), while Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if you want the actives; Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.

Which is cheaper, Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream or CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion?

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the cheaper of the two (~€15 vs ~€23).

Can I use Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion together?

They are both moisturizers, so you would normally pick one rather than layer both in the same step. You can keep both and alternate them (morning and night, or on different days) if you like variety, but you do not need two.

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