CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Lower concern; standard facial moisturizer with no known PFAS triggers.
CeraVe PM is a conventional water-based facial lotion with no waterproofing, grease-resistance, or nonstick coating that would typically require PFAS. The brand has made no PFAS claims either way. No public lab testing or recalls on this product for PFAS contamination exist.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
water-based emulsion lotion with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Lab data
No public lab test
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What CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is made of, ingredients and materials
CeraVe PM is a water-based emulsion lotion formulated with ceramides (lipid compounds that mimic skin's natural barrier), hyaluronic acid (humectant), and glycerin. These are well-established moisturizing ingredients with long safety histories in cosmetics. The water-based matrix means minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no Teflon-type coating or heavy metal coatings; absorption is the intended use rather than surface persistence.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
1,4-dioxane contamination
Water-based cosmetics may contain trace 1,4-dioxane as a byproduct of ethoxylation during surfactant or emulsifier production. No third-party testing of this product is on public record; risk is standard for the category but not specific to this brand.
Emulsion degradation and microbial growth
Like all water-based emulsions, this product can separate, degrade, or support bacterial growth if stored improperly or after expiration. This is a handling risk, not an inherent formulation hazard.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
CeraVe PM does not list formaldehyde donors (such as DMDM hydantoin or imidazolidinyl urea) in its published ingredient roster. Water-based emulsions typically use alternative preservatives.
Source, ATSDR ↗Fragrance allergens
This product is labeled fragrance-free, eliminating the hazard class of undisclosed fragrance allergens that affect scented moisturizers.
Heavy metals
CeraVe PM is an uncolored or minimally tinted lotion; no cosmetic pigments (which may carry lead, cadmium, or arsenic) are present in the formulation.
Source, FDA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
CeraVe is owned by L'Oreal and marketed as dermatologist-developed; the brand does not publicly disclose detailed PFAS testing or supply-chain certifications. No major product recalls or ingredient controversies are on record for this moisturizer line. The formulation is fragrance-free, which reduces the risk of undisclosed fragrance allergens, a common concern in personal care products.
How it compares in its category
Water-based moisturizers like CeraVe PM are at the lower end of concern for cosmetic hazards compared to heavy creams, oils, or products with complex fragrance blends. Ceramide-forward moisturizers have become category standard in dermatology-adjacent skincare; this sits in the mainstream safety tier. No synthetic dyes, talc, or heavy metal pigments are listed in the published ingredient deck.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to preserve emulsion stability; do not expose to temperatures above 25°C (77°F) for extended periods. Pump or tube closures minimize air exposure and bacterial contamination risk. Discontinue use if redness, irritation, or unusual texture (separation, grittiness) develops, as these signal emulsion breakdown rather than ingredient toxicity. Normal shelf life is 12-24 months unopened.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- CeraVe has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion?
- Plant oils, butters, waxes
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Fragrance allergens
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- Water, oils, glycerin, botanical extracts
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Fragrance allergens (botanical extracts)
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Water-based serum, niacinamide and zinc actives in glycerin base
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing byproduct
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
More moisturizer grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.