CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 30 · 4 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.
MoisturizingCeramide 1, Ceramide 3 + 11 moreStrong evidence
“Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30”
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, sodium hyaluronate.
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: cholesterol, c12-15 alkyl benzoate.
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, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, phytosphingosine
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy9 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.
More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneHomosalate10%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not offer meaningful protection against protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen. When used in low concentrations, helps to stabilize the product formulation
More about HomosalateEthylhexyl salicylate5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about Ethylhexyl salicylateOctocrylene2.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen
More about OctocryleneWater~45–55%
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~6.8–8.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth
More about C12-15 alkyl benzoateGlyceryl stearate se~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient
More about Glyceryl stearate seMethyl methacrylate crosspolymer~4.5–5.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps thicken the product consistency
More about Methyl methacrylate crosspolymerGlycerin~3.3–4%
- 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 GlycerinPentylene glycol~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolCeramide np~1.8–2.2%
- 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 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 ap~1.3–1.5%
- 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 6 ii~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 6 iiCeramide eop~1–1.2%
- 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 eopCeramide 1~0.75–1.15%
- 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 1Phytosphingosine~0.7–1.05%
- 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 PhytosphingosineSodium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp crosspolymer~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to stabilize the product formulations
More about Sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp crosspolymerSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCholesterol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolXanthan gum~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumCarbomer~0.25–0.5%
- 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 CarbomerHydroxyacetophenone~0.25–0.45%
Disodium edta~0.2–0.35%
Citric acid~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidSodium hyaluronate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateIngredient list view
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Octocrylene, Water, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Glyceryl stearate se, Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, Glycerin, Pentylene glycol, Ceramide np, Ceramide 3, Ceramide ap, Ceramide 6 ii, Ceramide eop, Ceramide 1, Phytosphingosine, Sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp crosspolymer, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Cholesterol, Xanthan gum, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Disodium edta, Citric acid, Sodium hyaluronate
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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 Lotion SPF 30YOUR PRODUCT | Up&UpMorning Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 53% |
| Price | $14.19 | $25.69+$11.50 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 14 |
| Key difference | — | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 30 | SPF 30 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — |
| View product | Shop |
Product summary
We believe that "CeraVe - Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredients listed. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (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).
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. These are the sun protection ingredients in this sunscreen: avobenzone 3.00% (declared), octisalate 5.00% (declared), homosalate 10.00% (declared) and octocrylene 2.70% (declared).
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 3 reviews 67% recommend this product- As for using this sunscreen in the eye area, two out of three reviewers said that it doesn't sting eyes, but one user experienced the issue.
- When it comes to comedogenicity, the reviewer found that it does not clog pores.
- As for the white cast, it didn't leave a white cast for the two of the reviewers, but the whitish residue was noticeable for one user.
- When it comes to using this sunscreen under makeup, two out of three reviewers say that it works well under makeup, but the third user had an issue with pilling.
Price
The product retails from 18.99$ up to 34.49$ 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 8 studies and safety reviews.
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