Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0
A lightweight, non-comedogenic daily moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration with essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Price
$14.99
Size
12 fl oz / 355ml
Brand
CeraVe
Testing Period
6 weeks
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion has earned its reputation as a dermatologist-recommended staple for good reason. After 6 weeks of testing across various skin types, we found it to be a reliable, effective moisturizer that delivers on its promises without breaking the bank.
Our testing involved daily use (morning and evening) on participants with normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types. The lotion was tested both as a standalone moisturizer and as part of complete skincare routines.
24-Hour Hydration: The formula lives up to its 24-hour hydration claim. Testers with normal to combination skin reported feeling adequately moisturized throughout the day. The hyaluronic acid component helps draw moisture into the skin, while the ceramides work to lock it in.
Skin Barrier Support: Participants with compromised skin barriers (from over-exfoliation or harsh products) noticed significant improvement in skin resilience and reduced sensitivity after 3-4 weeks of consistent use.
CeraVe's signature ceramide complex includes three essential ceramides that are naturally found in the skin barrier. These lipids are crucial for maintaining the skin's protective barrier and preventing moisture loss.
A powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid helps draw moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface.
CeraVe's MultiVesicular Emulsion technology ensures controlled release of ingredients throughout the day, providing sustained hydration rather than a single burst of moisture.
Satisfied with hydration
No irritation reported
Would repurchase
The lotion has a lightweight, fluid texture that spreads easily across the skin. It's not as thick as a cream but more substantial than a gel. The formula absorbs well, though it may take 1-2 minutes to fully sink in. It leaves a slightly dewy finish that works well under makeup.
Application Tips:
At $14.99 for 12 fl oz, this moisturizer offers exceptional value. The cost per ounce is approximately $1.25, which is significantly lower than most dermatologist-recommended moisturizers. A bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with daily use, making it an economical choice for consistent skincare.
Cost per oz
$1.25
Typical duration
2-3 months
Value rating
Excellent
4.5 / 5.0
Overall Rating
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a reliable, effective moisturizer that delivers solid hydration and barrier support at an unbeatable price point. While it may not have the luxurious feel or advanced anti-aging ingredients of high-end moisturizers, it excels at its core function: providing consistent, gentle hydration suitable for daily use.
The inclusion of essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, combined with CeraVe's MVE technology, makes this an excellent choice for those looking to maintain healthy skin barrier function. It's particularly well-suited for sensitive skin and those recovering from skin barrier damage.
Recommendation: Highly recommended as a daily moisturizer for normal to combination skin types, and as an excellent option for those with sensitive skin or compromised barriers. For very dry skin, consider the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream instead.