CeraVe sells several lotions, so the word "lotion" is doing more work than it should. Match the full product name before choosing a bottle, especially if you need an oil free formula rather than simply a finish that does not feel greasy.13

Which CeraVe lotions are oil free?

Exact lotionOil free statusWho it is made for
Daily Moisturizing Lotion, US named productOil freeNormal to dry skin; face and body
Moisturising Lotion, AustraliaOil freeDry to very dry skin; face and body
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30, USOil freeNormal to dry skin; daytime facial moisturizer with sunscreen
Intensive Moisturizing Lotion, CanadaNot identified as oil free; contains shea butterDry to very dry skin; face and body
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Why does an oil free lotion still contain ceramides?

Oil free does not mean the formula contains no lipids, the fatty substances that help support your skin's moisture barrier. Daily Moisturizing Lotion contains ceramides and cholesterol alongside hyaluronic acid. Ceramides help maintain the barrier, while hyaluronic acid helps skin retain moisture. The lotion is lightweight and non greasy, with moisturizing ingredients released gradually for lasting hydration.25

How should you use the daily lotion?

Daily Moisturizing Lotion can be used on both your face and body. A bottle can cover your face and body, which is one less resident of the bathroom shelf.1

  1. 1Cleanse your skin, then apply any serums or targeted treatments in your routine.
  2. 2Apply the lotion to your face and neck. For body use, apply after bathing while skin is still slightly damp.
  3. 3Follow with sunscreen in the morning. In the evening, use the lotion as your last skincare step.
2

Apply Daily Moisturizing Lotion liberally as often as needed, or as directed by your physician. Australia's Moisturising Lotion directions suggest once or twice daily for most people, with additional application to areas that need it.25

Does the AM lotion need a different routine?

Yes. The US AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 combines moisturizer with broad spectrum sunscreen. CeraVe tells you to apply it to clean skin every morning as the final skincare step, liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Apply makeup after the lotion has absorbed. Reapply at least every two hours for sunscreen protection, and use a water resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating. These directions are for SPF 30, not every AM version.3

Is it a good choice for oily skin?

Daily Moisturizing Lotion is noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Oil free and noncomedogenic are useful features, but choose the texture for your skin's needs too. The Australian lotion is primarily designed for dry to very dry skin; oily skin can be better suited to a lighter gel. For combination skin, general guidance is to moisturize dry areas rather than automatically covering oily areas with the same amount.256

Is CeraVe lotion fragrance free?

Daily Moisturizing Lotion and Australia's Moisturising Lotion are fragrance free. The US AM SPF 30 and Canada's Intensive Moisturizing Lotion are free of added fragrance. Check your own package for the current ingredients because formulas are updated.2345

What if your skin is sensitive or eczema prone?

Daily Moisturizing Lotion is accepted by the National Eczema Association. For eczema care, however, general dermatology guidance favors a fragrance free cream or ointment over a lotion. Test a new product on the inside of your arm each day for 7 to 10 days before wider use. Fragrance is not the only ingredient that can trigger a flare. If dryness persists or becomes painful, cracked, bleeding, stinging or very irritating, see a dermatologist.567

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Can You Use Body Lotion on Your Face?cerave.com
  2. 2Moisturising Lotion For Dry Skin On Bodycerave.com.au
  3. 3AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | SPF Moisturizerscerave.com
  4. 4Intense Moisturizing Lotion | 72hrs of Hydrationcerave.ca
  5. 5Daily Moisturizing Lotion | Moisturizersafrica.cerave.com
  6. 6How to pick the right moisturizer for your skinaad.org
  7. 7Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis skin careaad.org