CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel
Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Ceramide np + 13 moreWorks well
“CeraVe Ultra Light Moisturizing Gel for all skin types is a lightweight moisturizer formulated with three essential ceramides, niacinamide & hyaluronic acid to provide lasting hydration with a weightless feel on skin.”
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:
biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.
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: dimethicone, cholesterol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, niacinamide, phytosphingosine
Anti-agingSide benefit · Niacinamide, TocopherolWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneSide benefit · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishSide benefit · Niacinamide, PhytosphingosineWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy7 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
6 of 7 community members would buy it again.
This is a nice, non-irritating, light gel moisturizer with some great ingredients in it.
However, I don’t think it’d be moisturizing enough for people with dry skin.
I also wouldn’t recommend it for people with fungal acne or people who are sensitive to hyaluronic acid and/or niaminacide.
Feels very...wet on face. A little goes a long way for the summer.
As someone with oily and acne-prone skin, this is my go-to moisturizer. It's very light and you only need one pump, so a tube lasts about 6 months using it twice a day. I think it has helped my skin barrier a lot and helps my skin recover faster. I feel like the niacinamide has helped reduce oil production and blackheads/enlarged pores as a result. I don't think it's really moisturizing enough for people with dry skin, it's a better fit for people with oily skin who don't like the feeling of a traditional, thicker moisturizer.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Glycerin~4.2–6.3%
- 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 GlycerinNiacinamide~3.7–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamidePropanediol~2.7–4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolDimethicone~2.1–3.2%
- 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 DimethiconeIsononyl isononanoate~1.8–2.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateCeramide np~1.4–2.2%
- 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 npCeramide ap~1.3–1.9%
- 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 apCeramide eop~1.1–1.6%
- 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 eopCarbomer~0.8–1.25%
- 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 CarbomerDimethicone crosspolymer~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface
More about Dimethicone crosspolymerCetearyl alcohol~0.5–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholBehentrimonium methosulfate~0.35–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Behentrimonium methosulfateTriethyl citrate~0.3–0.75%
Silica~0.45–1.05%
Sodium hydroxide~0.3–0.75%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCholesterol~0.2–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolPhenoxyethanol~0.15–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolTocopherol~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Caprylyl glycol~0.15–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolTrisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve stability of the formulation
More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateBiosaccharide gum-1~0.1–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin
More about Biosaccharide gum-1Xanthan gum~0.05–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPhytosphingosine~0.1–0.35%
- 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 PhytosphingosineBenzoic acid~0.05–0.25%
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Isononyl isononanoate, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Carbomer, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Cetearyl alcohol, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Triethyl citrate, Silica, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl glycol, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Biosaccharide gum-1, Xanthan gum, Phytosphingosine, Benzoic acid
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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.
| CeraVeUltra-Light Moisturizing GelYOUR PRODUCT | THE formularxBarrier Relief Lightweight Ceramide Moisturizer | Naked SundaysCeramide Cloud Water Cream | DermaticaSoothing Centella Gel Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 98% | 94% | 93% |
| Price | $15.97 | $9.04−$6.93 | — | $17.38+$1.41 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 10 | 9 of 10 | 8 of 10 |
| Key difference | — | Colloidal Oatmeal | Peg-10 Dimethicone | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Rilastil Acnestil Attiva CreamCOSRX Derma Water Barrier Moisturizer
Product summary
"CeraVe - Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel" is a well-rounded moisturizing product. The formulation is based on a combination of good humectants and emollients. Both are needed to increase the skin hydration level. Biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide eop, ceramide np, phytosphingosine, cholesterol and dimethicone) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- We particularly like that there is a good concentration of Niacinamide (3.70% - 5.50%) in this moisturizer. Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is a great ingredient to have in a moisturizer. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and help improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.10% - 0.35%, ceramide eop 1.10% - 1.60%, ceramide ap 1.20% - 1.90% and ceramide np 1.40% - 2.20%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
Irritation risk
This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. 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.
What our users say
Based on 1 review 100% recommend this product- When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
Price
The product retails for 14.38$ 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 13 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
- 6
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