CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM

Bottom line

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM is designed for nighttime use, but it can also be used during the day when paired with a separate SPF formula. It's loaded with ingredients that heal dry skin and help it to retain moisture. It's recommended for normal to dry skin and is also appropriate for sensitive or rosacea-affected skin due to its gentle ingredients and fragrance-free formula. If you have oily or combination skin, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (*Est. $25 for 4.2 oz.) is a better option.

Performance

Gentle and moisturizing. Editors at InStyle magazine say CeraVe PM is a "non-fussy, hardworking formula." That's because it's gentle and loaded with good-for-skin ingredients. Skin care expert Paula Begoun says it has an "outstanding blend of emollients and skin-identical ingredients" that help to maintain the skin's external structure and moisture. It also contains "generous" amounts of niacinamide, according to Begoun, and provides a substantial amount of moisture. The only drawback, she says, is the "lack of antioxidants, but you can remedy that by applying an antioxidant-rich serum under or over" the lotion.

Users at MakeupAlley.com say CeraVe is very soothing to dry, irritated skin. One says, "it has transformed my skin from irritated and red (due to Retin-A use) to even, smooth and balanced in terms of moisture level and being free of irritation/blotchy."

Feel & Smell

Creamy but lightweight. Begoun praises CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM for its fragrance-free formula. She says it has a lightweight cream-like texture. Users at MakeupAlley.com agree. One explains, "It feels lovely -- soothing, refreshing, light."