CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35
Both moisturisers contain Niacinamide, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.
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.
A lightweight daily moisturiser with built-in chemical SPF 35, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Convenient morning all-in-one for low-sun-exposure days; for deliberate sun exposure a dedicated sunscreen is still better.
Which should you choose?
Both contain Niacinamide. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 adds Avobenzone. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the better fit for a damaged barrier, dryness and oiliness; Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 for daily sun protection, dehydration and sensitive skin. On price, Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 is the less expensive option (Budget versus Mid-range). CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is flagged evening only; Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 is flagged morning only.
What they share
These hero actives appear in both formulas:
Ingredient stacks, side by side
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion — top of the list
- Purified Water~50–80%
- Caprylic/Capri…~3–10%
- Niacinamide~2–6%
- Cetearyl Alcohol~1.5–4%
- Ceramide NP~1–2%
- Sodium Hyaluro…~1–2%
- Cholesterol~1–2%
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 — top of the list
- Aqua~50–80%
- Homosalate~5–25%
- Octisalate~3–10%
- Avobenzone~2–6%
● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.
The specs
| CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion | Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Moisturiser | Moisturiser |
| Price tier | Mid-range | Budget |
| Best for | Damaged Barrier, Dryness, Oiliness | Sun Protection, Dehydration, Sensitivity |
| Usage notes | Evening only | Morning only |
| Shared hero actives | Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid | |
Common questions
Is the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion or the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 better?
What's the difference between the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and the Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35?
Are the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 dupes for each other?
Can I use the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 together?
Related comparisons
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