Does CeraVe lotion have alcohol?

What kind of alcohol is in CeraVe lotion?

Alcohol is a family of chemicals, not one ingredient with one effect. Cetyl and cetearyl alcohol belong to the fatty alcohol group, whose effects on skin are quite different from those of ethyl alcohol, also called ethanol. Finding the word alcohol in the lotion's ingredients therefore does not mean you have found ethanol. If ethanol is the ingredient you want to avoid, look for its specific names rather than rejecting every ingredient ending in alcohol.3

Which CeraVe lotion do you mean?

CeraVe sells several lotions, so 'the lotion' is doing more work than a product name should. Daily body lotion, Intensive lotion and AM facial lotion are separate formulas; the product name and country matter when checking the ingredients.145

Use the ingredient list on your own package to make the final check. The AM entry above is specifically the UK SPF 30 lotion, not every AM lotion or sunscreen strength sold under the CeraVe name.15

How to check the label for ethanol

1. 1Match the full product name, country and SPF, if present, before comparing ingredient lists.
2. 2Read the ingredients on the package. For a product refilled in a store, obtain the current ingredient list at the refill location.
3. 3Look for Alcohol, Ethanol, Alcohol Denat. or SD Alcohol followed by a number or letter combination. These names refer to ethanol or denatured ethanol.
4. 4Read Cetyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Alcohol separately: these names identify fatty alcohols, not ethanol.

In cosmetic labeling, Alcohol used alone refers to ethyl alcohol. An alcohol free product can still contain fatty alcohols such as cetyl or cetearyl alcohol. Denatured ethanol is ethanol with an added substance that makes it undrinkable; Alcohol Denat. is one label name for it. An alcohol free claim and a fatty alcohol on the ingredient list are therefore not contradictory.3

Does the alcohol mean the lotion will dry your skin?

No: the presence of cetyl or cetearyl alcohol is not a reason by itself to classify the lotion as drying. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is intended for normal to dry skin and helps hydrate skin and maintain its protective barrier. The UK formula contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid and is described as lightweight and non greasy. The National Eczema Association also lists Moisturizing Lotion/Daily Moisturizing Lotion as helping skin retain moisture and forming a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss.2367

For eczema, sensitive skin or a known ingredient allergy, check the whole formula rather than only the alcohol names. Ingredients can still cause irritation or trigger allergies. Ask a physician or other healthcare provider about suitability if you have an ingredient related concern.7

How should you use the lotion?

• Daily Moisturizing Lotion: apply liberally as often as needed, or as directed by a physician. The US lotion can be used on face and body at any time.
• Canadian Intensive Moisturizing Lotion: apply after cleansing or bathing, morning and night, or whenever skin feels dry or tight.
• UK AM Facial Daily Moisturising Lotion SPF 30: apply liberally to face and neck in the morning after cleansing. Avoid the eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.