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
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Preservative sensitization (phenoxyethanol)
Phenoxyethanol is a mild skin sensitizer in rare cases, particularly for eczema-prone individuals. CeraVe PM contains it at typical cosmetic levels (under 1%); incidence of allergic contact dermatitis is well below 1% in population studies.
Bacterial growth in pump dispenser
Water-based emulsions in open-air pump systems can support microbial growth if contaminated during use or stored in humid bathrooms. Risk is minimized by keeping the pump clean and cap sealed; no widespread contamination reports exist for CeraVe products.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Heavy metals
Water-based cosmetics carry minimal heavy metal risk compared to powders or pigmented products. CeraVe PM contains no talc, mica, or colorants that would concentrate trace metals; no regulatory alerts have been issued.
Source: FDA ↗Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
This product is fragrance-free and does not list masking fragrances or essential oils. The minimal scent present is from raw materials (glycerin, ceramides) rather than added fragrance compounds.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
CeraVe PM uses modern non-aldehyde preservative chemistry (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone). No formaldehyde donors or releasers appear on the ingredient list, and no FDA safety alerts have been issued for this product line.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
CeraVe PM is a water-based emulsion lotion built around three core ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. These are all widely used humectant and skin-barrier ingredients with no documented toxicity at cosmetic concentrations. The lotion contains no occlusive oils or silicones that might trap irritants, and the preservative system is standard for the category (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone). No fragrance, dyes, or particulate fillers are listed.
The brand's record and disclosure
CeraVe (owned by L'Oreal) publishes full ingredient lists and has no history of FDA warning letters or significant product recalls related to contamination or undisclosed hazards. The brand markets itself on dermatologist collaboration and third-party testing, though they do not independently disclose PFAS testing results. No formal sustainability or chemical disclosure certifications (like EWG Verified or Made Safe) have been claimed for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
CeraVe PM occupies the middle-market dermatological moisturizer space. It avoids common irritant triggers (fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat) that plague budget and premium alternatives. Its ceramide formulation is similar to prescription-grade barrier repair creams but at lower concentration and cost. Competitors like Cetaphil and Eucerin offer comparable ingredient profiles; CeraVe's main advantage is wider retail availability and consistent formulation.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; water-based emulsions degrade slowly when exposed to heat or humidity. Use within 12 months of opening to minimize bacterial growth in the pump dispenser. Discontinue if you experience unexpected redness or irritation; sensitized skin may react to phenoxyethanol at concentrations above 1%. No special precautions needed for skin application; this is a leave-on product and does not require rinsing.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- CeraVe has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.