CeraVe AM vs PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: what’s actually different?
The real difference is sunscreen. AM is a broad-spectrum SPF 30 with zinc oxide 8%, homosalate 10%, octinoxate 5% and octocrylene 2%; PM has no SPF and is labeled night only. Both list niacinamide near the top, three ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Checked against brand ingredient lists on and against dermatology sources (American Academy of Dermatology, FDA, peer-reviewed studies). How we research · Editorial policy · 6 sources
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How this page was made: we compared what each brand publishes (actives, strengths, full ingredient lists, directions and prices) and checked the claims against dermatology guidance and published studies, all linked at the bottom. We haven’t tested these products on our own skin, we don’t publish star ratings, and a commission never decides a pick. Our methodology.
Not medical advice. This page compares cosmetic products. If you have a skin condition, use prescription treatment, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a dermatologist or your doctor before starting something new.
Short answer
use CeraVe AM in the morning if you want moisturizer and SPF 30 in one step and you will apply enough of it. Use CeraVe PM at night or under a separate sunscreen. If your skin is sensitive to chemical filters, skip the AM and use PM plus a mineral sunscreen.
Last updated Ingredient lists checked 2026-11-11Prices checked November 2026
Check CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion price (opens in a new tab)Check CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion price (opens in a new tab)
The numbers side by side
| CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 | CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun protection | Broad spectrum SPF 30 | None |
| Sunscreen filters | Zinc oxide 8%, homosalate 10%, octinoxate 5%, octocrylene 2% | — |
| Niacinamide | 2nd inactive ingredient; % not stated | 4th ingredient; % not stated |
| Ceramides | NP, AP, EOP + cholesterol | NP, AP, EOP + cholesterol |
| Hyaluronic acid | Yes | Yes |
CeraVe labels one AM only and the other PM only. Underneath the names, the main difference is the four sunscreen filters in the AM version. We compared both Drug Facts and ingredient lists on CeraVe’s site. We haven’t tested them.
How do they differ, line by line?
| CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 | CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun protection | Broad spectrum SPF 30 | None |
| Sunscreen filters | Zinc oxide 8%, homosalate 10%, octinoxate 5%, octocrylene 2% | — |
| Niacinamide | 2nd inactive ingredient; % not stated | 4th ingredient; % not stated |
| Ceramides | NP, AP, EOP + cholesterol | NP, AP, EOP + cholesterol |
| Hyaluronic acid | Yes | Yes |
| When (brand) | AM only | PM only |
| Fragrance | Free of added fragrance | Free of added fragrance |
What does each do well, and where does it fall short?
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: pros
- Moisturizer and SPF 30 in one step
- Includes zinc oxide
- Same barrier ingredients as PM
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: cons
- Mixes mineral and chemical filters; not a mineral-only option for sensitive skin
- Not labeled water resistant
- SPF only works if you apply enough; the AAD advises at least a teaspoon for the face and reapplying every 2 hours outdoors
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: pros
- No sunscreen filters, so nothing extra to react to
- Light, oil-free, non-comedogenic
- Works as a buffer over a night retinoid
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: cons
- No SPF; never your daytime sun protection on its own
Which one fits your skin?
Use them as CeraVe labels them: AM by day, PM by night. The AM is handy for desk days; for long outdoor time the AAD’s[3][4][5] guidance points to a water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen reapplied every two hours. If chemical filters bother your skin, PM under a mineral sunscreen is the gentler pairing.
Pick CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 if…
- you want one morning step with SPF 30
- you mostly stay indoors
- you’re fine with chemical filters
Pick CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion if…
- it’s for night or under a separate sunscreen
- your skin reacts to chemical filters
- you use a retinoid at night
What’s in each bottle?
Copied from each brand’s own product page (or the sunscreen’s Drug Facts) on November 11, 2026. Brands reformulate, so the carton in your hand is the final word.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- Key actives
- Sunscreen actives: homosalate 10%, octinoxate 5%, octocrylene 2%, zinc oxide 8%
- Base
- Lotion with niacinamide and ceramides
- Brand price
- Not sold on the brand site; check a retailer
- Brand notes
- Brand: free of added fragrance; broad spectrum SPF 30.
Full ingredient list
Inactive: Water, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, BHT, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid.
CeraVe product page · Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Key actives
- Niacinamide (4th ingredient; % not disclosed), ceramides NP/AP/EOP, hyaluronic acid
- Base
- Lightweight lotion
- Brand price
- Not sold on the brand site; check a retailer
- Brand notes
- Brand: free of added fragrance. CeraVe does not sell direct on its site.
Full ingredient list
Aqua / Water / Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-20, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin.
CeraVe product page · Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Is the SPF 30 in CeraVe AM enough on its own?
For everyday indoor days, it meets the AAD’s[3][4][5] minimum of broad-spectrum SPF 30. It isn’t labeled water resistant, so for swimming, sweating or long outdoor time, the AAD recommends a water-resistant sunscreen reapplied every two hours. Applying too little lowers the protection you actually get.
Which one suits your skin type?
Oily or acne-prone: both are labeled non-comedogenic and oil-free. Sensitive: PM plus a mineral sunscreen, since the AAD[3][4][5] notes dermatologists recommend zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens for sensitive skin. Darker skin tone: consider a tinted sunscreen on top, which the AAD says helps against visible light.
Who should skip it?
- CeraVe AM for beach days or workouts: It isn’t labeled water resistant. Consider instead: Anthelios (80 minutes water resistant).
- CeraVe AM for skin that reacts to chemical filters: It contains homosalate, octinoxate and octocrylene. Consider instead: PM plus a mineral sunscreen.
- CeraVe PM in the daytime without sunscreen: It has no SPF.
How can you spend less?
CeraVe doesn’t list prices on its site. If you already own a sunscreen you like, PM alone is enough as a moisturizer; you don’t need both.
What should you know before you start?
- Patch test first. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests applying a new product to a quarter-sized area twice a day for 7 to 10 days and stopping if you react. AAD: how to test skin care products.
- Add one new product at a time, and give it time: the AAD says many anti-aging products take 6 weeks to 3 months to show results. AAD: get the most from anti-aging products.
What do people ask most?
Can I use CeraVe PM in the morning?
Can I use CeraVe AM at night?
Is CeraVe AM a mineral sunscreen?
Do they have the same niacinamide?
Where this comes from
We opened and read every source below for this page. Ingredient lists, strengths, directions and prices come from each brand’s own product page; health and usage guidance comes from the American Academy of Dermatology, the FDA, the National Eczema Association and peer-reviewed studies (via PubMed). Prices checked: November 2026; confirm on the seller’s site before you buy.
- CeraVe (brand page): CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 (cerave.com)
- CeraVe (brand page): CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion (cerave.com)
- AAD: How to select a sunscreen (aad.org)
- AAD: How to decode a sunscreen label (aad.org)
- AAD: Sunscreen FAQs (aad.org)
- FDA: Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun (fda.gov)
Related
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair
These two read alike on the shelf: glycerin, niacinamide, ceramide, fragrance-free. Underneath, CeraVe has three ceramides, cholesterol and hyaluronic acid in a light lotion labeled for night; La Roche-Posay has one ceramide and squalane in a lightweight cream for day or night at $24.99 for 100 ml.
comparisonCeraVe Moisturizing Cream vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe says the main difference between these two is texture. The ingredient lists show why: the cream has petrolatum near the top and more fatty alcohols; the lotion has no petrolatum and is labeled oil-free. Both carry ceramides NP, AP and EOP, cholesterol and hyaluronic acid.
guideMineral vs chemical sunscreen for sensitive skin: which should you use?
Short answer: if your skin reacts easily, start with a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide only), which the AAD says dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin. Any sunscreen that is broad spectrum, SPF 30+ and used generously protects you; the best one is the one you’ll wear every day.
comparisonEltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 vs EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40
Both use zinc oxide 9% and octinoxate 7.5%. The difference is the base: UV Clear is oil-free with 5% niacinamide and is aimed at sensitive, rosacea- and acne-prone skin; UV Daily adds petrolatum and hyaluronic acid and is aimed at dehydrated and mature skin.
comparisonLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid SPF 60 vs EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
Anthelios uses four chemical filters (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene), is water resistant for 80 minutes and costs $35.99. UV Clear pairs zinc oxide 9% with octinoxate 7.5%, adds 5% niacinamide, is aimed at sensitive, rosacea- and acne-prone skin, isn’t water resistant and costs $46 for 1.7 oz.
comparisonVanicream Moisturizing Cream vs CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Both are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, carry National Eczema Association recognition and go on face and body. The real split: Vanicream keeps its list to 10 ingredients and has no ceramides; CeraVe adds three ceramides, cholesterol and hyaluronic acid across 24.
comparisonCeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum vs RoC Retinol Correxion Capsules
Neither brand states how much retinol is inside. CeraVe surrounds encapsulated retinol with niacinamide, three ceramides and licorice-derived dipotassium glycyrrhizate; RoC seals retinol in an eight-ingredient silicone serum, one capsule per night.