CeraVe Sunscreen SPF 50, Lightweight and Oil-Free Body Lotion
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 3 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Moisturizing20 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“CeraVe Sunscreen SPF 30, Lightweight and Oil-Free Body Lotion provides sun protection plus 3 essential ceramides to help restore skin's protective barrier.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, butylene glycol.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: beeswax, dimethicone.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide 1, ceramide 3, ceramide 6 ii, pantothenic acid/yeast polypeptide, phytosphingosine
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
These ingredients in the product might also be helpful for reducing and preventing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin elasticity, even though there is no conclusive evidence for their effectiveness: pantothenic acid/yeast polypeptide.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Retinyl palmitate, MethylisothiazolinoneMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Zinc oxide3.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant
More about Zinc oxideTitanium dioxide3.67%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin
More about Titanium dioxideWater~45–55%
Dimethicone~4.5–5.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish
More about DimethiconeCetyl dimethicone~5–6.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and creates a nice, light product texture
More about Cetyl dimethiconeButyloctyl salicylate~3.7–4.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own
More about Butyloctyl salicylateTrimethylsiloxysilicate~3.1–3.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps create a nice product consistency and support the delivery of other ingredients
More about TrimethylsiloxysilicateStyrene/acrylates copolymer~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create an even product consistency. Can help boost efficiency of sunscreen filters
More about Styrene/acrylates copolymerDimethicone peg-8 laurate~2.2–2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polysorbate 60~1.8–2.2%
Ceramide 3~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 3Ceramide 6 ii~1.3–1.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 6 iiCeramide 1~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide 1Cholesterol~1.1–1.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolPhytosphingosine~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineTrisiloxane~0.9–1.15%
Isohexadecane~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent
More about IsohexadecaneArachidyl alcohol~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency
More about Arachidyl alcoholButylene glycol~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPolyhydroxystearic acid~0.75–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation
More about Polyhydroxystearic acidHydrated silica~0.75–1.15%
Peg-100 stearate~0.7–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture
More about Peg-100 stearateGlyceryl stearate~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateAscorbic acid~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging
More about Ascorbic acidAvena sativa kernel extract~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An effective moisturizing and skin barrier repair ingredient. Helps calm down inflammation and has some anti-oxidant properties
More about Avena sativa kernel extractArachidyl glucoside~0.6–0.95%
Beeswax~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen
More about BeeswaxBehenyl alcohol~0.65–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholBenzyl alcohol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholStearic acid~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient
More about Stearic acidBisabolol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.6–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening
More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEthylhexylglycerin~0.6–0.9%
Glycerin~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinHydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A gelling agent that thickens the product consistency and leaves the skin with a velvety finish
More about Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymerPantothenic acid/yeast polypeptide~0.5–0.7%
Peg-8~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a nice product consistency
More about Peg-8Xanthan gum~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPolyaminopropyl biguanide~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. There seem to be an increasing number of cases of allergic reactions to it
More about Polyaminopropyl biguanidePolymethyl methacrylate~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections
More about Polymethyl methacrylateAlumina~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
The same compound that is used safely in dental implants and bone cements. In cosmetics, it is used to improve the consistency of products
More about AluminaPotassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Retinyl palmitate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Three steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. To have an effect in the skin, it first needs to be converted twice to become the retinoic acid. This means it is less potent than retinol, but could also be less irritating. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, it helps against all signs of aging, improves skin cell turnover and helps fight blemishes and clogged pores. However, in many cosmetic formulations, it is used in a concentration that is too low to have the full effect
More about Retinyl palmitateSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCarbomer~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerTocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateBht~0.2–0.35%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Methicone~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps soften the upper layer of the skin and reduces the water loss from the skin surface
More about MethiconeMethylisothiazolinone~0.00075–0.0015%
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation
More about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneIngredient list view
Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Water, Dimethicone, Cetyl dimethicone, Butyloctyl salicylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Styrene/acrylates copolymer, Dimethicone peg-8 laurate, Polysorbate 60, Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 ii, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Trisiloxane, Isohexadecane, Arachidyl alcohol, Butylene glycol, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Hydrated silica, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl stearate, Ascorbic acid, Avena sativa kernel extract, Arachidyl glucoside, Beeswax, Behenyl alcohol, Benzyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Bisabolol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, Pantothenic acid/yeast polypeptide, Peg-8, Xanthan gum, Polyaminopropyl biguanide, Polymethyl methacrylate, Alumina, Potassium sorbate, Retinyl palmitate, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl acetate, Bht, Disodium edta, Methicone, Methylisothiazolinone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| CeraVeSunscreen SPF 50, Lightweight and Oil-Free Body LotionYOUR PRODUCT | CetaphilSheer Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | ObagiSun Shield Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 71% | 54% |
| Price | $13.81 | $31.60+$17.79 | $53.00+$39.19 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 20 | 20 of 20 |
| Key difference | — | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Low | Medium |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, we believe that "CeraVe - Sunscreen SPF 50, Lightweight and Oil-Free Body Lotion" can offer reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
It contains good moisturizing ingredients and can double as a hydrating day cream. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Irritation risk
This product contains some common irritants, including those without a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 13.81$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.
- 1A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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