Is CeraVe lotion safe?

What does the lotion do?

The US formula is lightweight, oil free and free of added fragrance. Its ceramides help support the skin's protective barrier, and hyaluronic acid helps maintain moisture. The lotion helps skin attract and retain water and forms a protective layer that reduces moisture loss. Moisturizing helps skin hold on to water; the goal is less dryness, not a more elaborate bathroom inventory. CeraVe describes 48 hours of hydration, but gives no timetable for resolving a particular skin problem.14

Is it suitable for sensitive skin or eczema?

The lotion has the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance. If you have known ingredient allergies, check the list on your own bottle before using it: CeraVe updates ingredient lists, and the eczema directory lists a different formula from the current US product page. Avoid ingredients you already know trigger a reaction. For eczema, a fragrance free cream or ointment is usually a better starting choice than a lotion. Moisturize after bathing and whenever your skin feels dry.1345

How do you test it before using it?

1. 1Choose a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow, where the lotion will not be rubbed or washed away.
2. 2Apply your usual amount and thickness twice daily for seven to 10 days.
3. 3Leave the lotion on as you would during normal use.
4. 4If there is no redness, itching or swelling after the test period, start using the lotion normally. If a reaction develops, wash it off gently and do not use it again.

How should you apply it?

CeraVe allows the Daily Moisturizing Lotion on both face and body, so the bathroom does not need separate departments. Apply liberally as often as needed, at any time of day. After washing or bathing, pat your skin dry and apply the lotion promptly while the skin is still damp. Smooth moisturizer on gently rather than rubbing hard. In CeraVe's routine order, moisturizer goes after treatment products and before sun protection.126

If you use a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, general emollient guidance is to leave 20 to 30 minutes between the moisturizer and the treatment. Ask the prescribing clinician which to apply first. The gap helps avoid diluting the medicine or spreading it onto skin that does not need treatment.2

What should make you stop?

Stop using the lotion if it causes redness, itching or swelling. Moisturizers can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy, inflamed skin reaction to an ingredient. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve a reaction. Speak to a pharmacist or clinician about persistent burning or stinging, inflamed hair follicles, or a facial rash that worsens acne. Do not treat continued discomfort as proof that a moisturizer is working.237

See a dermatologist if a reaction is severe or does not settle with those measures. Repeated reactions can need medical patch testing to identify the trigger. If eczema worsens or does not respond to moisturizing, contact your clinician. Fever, pain, warmth or swelling can signal infection and also need medical attention. Keep emollient contaminated clothing and bedding away from flames and cigarettes; washing does not completely remove the residue.236