Head to head
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Same comparison whichever way you searched it: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
The bottom lineCeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion does more across the board (it leads on brightening / tone, oil-control & blemishes), while CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the simpler, more pared-back pick.
Reach for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if you want the actives; CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which should you pick?
Pick Moisturizing Cream if
- you want the more affordable option
- you are prone to fungal acne (malassezia)
Pick PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if
- dark spots, dullness or an uneven tone are your focus
- you are dealing with breakouts and oiliness
What each delivers
Side by side
| Moisturizing Cream | PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| Key actives | Glycerin, Petrolatum, Ceramide 3 | Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide 3 |
| Texture | A rich, cushiony cream that sinks in slowly. | A smooth, silky lotion that spreads easily and leaves a soft, near-blurred finish. |
| Fragrance | None detected | None detected |
| Fungal-acne safe | Likely | Not likely |
| Pregnancy | No flagged actives | No flagged actives |
| Ingredients | 24 listed | 24 listed |
| Price | ~€14 | ~€15 |
What's in one but not the other
Only in Moisturizing Cream
Only in PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
The molecule doing the work
Better for…
- Dark spots & uneven tonePM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Breakouts & congestionPM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Dryness & dehydrationEither works
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the cheaper of the two (~€14 vs ~€15).
Ready to pick one?
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Common questions
Is CeraVe Moisturizing 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), while CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the simpler, more pared-back pick. Reach for CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if you want the actives; CeraVe Moisturizing Cream if you want fewer ingredients doing less, gently.
Which is cheaper, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream or CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion?
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the cheaper of the two (~€14 vs ~€15).
Can I use CeraVe Moisturizing 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.
Compare it with…
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- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ M
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs NIVEA Creme
- PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream