Side-by-side comparison

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 vs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Both moisturisers contain Niacinamide, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.

2Shared hero actives
CeraVe
MoisturiserBudgetMorning only
Sun ProtectionDrynessDamaged Barrier

A daytime ceramide lotion with built-in chemical SPF 30 and niacinamide. A convenient morning moisturiser-plus-sunscreen for everyday low-exposure use; reapply or use a dedicated SPF for prolonged sun.

CeraVe
MoisturiserMid-rangeEvening only
Damaged BarrierDrynessOiliness

Lightweight nighttime moisturiser with niacinamide and ceramides. Less heavy than the tub Moisturizing Cream, more barrier-focused than most lotions — excellent as a finishing layer over retinoids or acids.

The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Niacinamide. AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 adds Homosalate. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is the better fit for daily sun protection; PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion for oiliness. On price, AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is the less expensive option (Budget versus Mid-range). AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is flagged morning only; PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is flagged evening only.

The overlap

What they share

These hero actives appear in both formulas:

CeramidesNiacinamide
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Homosalate~5–25%
  • Glycerin~3–10%
  • Octinoxate~2–6%
  • Octocrylene~1.5–4%

PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion — top of the list

  • Purified Water~50–80%
  • Glycerin~5–25%
  • Caprylic/Capri…~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Cetearyl Alcohol~1.5–4%
  • Ceramide NP~1–2%
  • Sodium Hyaluro…~1–2%
  • Cholesterol~1–2%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CategoryMoisturiserMoisturiser
Price tierBudgetMid-range
Best forSun Protection, Dryness, Damaged BarrierDamaged Barrier, Dryness, Oiliness
Usage notesMorning onlyEvening only
Shared hero activesCeramides and Niacinamide
Questions

Common questions

Is the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 or the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Niacinamide; AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 adds Homosalate.
What's the difference between the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 and the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion?
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30's hero actives are Ceramides, Niacinamide and Homosalate. PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion's are Niacinamide, Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. They also sit in different price tiers (Budget versus Mid-range).
Are the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Niacinamide, but AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30's Homosalate isn't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 and CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion together?
They both fill the moisturiser slot in a routine, so you'd normally pick one. If you like both, use one in the morning and the other at night, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
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