December 19, 2017

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion Review & Swatches

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 30 ($17.99) is a new facial lotion with a matte finish that contains ceramides as well as a broad spectrum protection. I’m actually not a fan of moisturizers that contain SPF as I tend to like to apply my own high-level sunscreen on top of my own moisturizer which doesn’t contain SPF already built in. I just don’t trust something created to protect my skin and hydrate it as the same time. Another reason is because most moisturizers that contain sunscreen contain rather low levels of sunscreen and also, I sunscreen needs to be applied quite liberally and I don’t feel like applying a quarter-sized moisturizer with sunscreen is nearly enough to protect my skin. So, I apply my a separate sunscreen in conjunction with my own moisturizer.

However, this doesn’t mean I’m not up for trying new things. Cerave has been very good to me which made me purchased their new Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion. I thought maybe this would make a nice Winter moisturizer since I don’t need as much SPF as I do in the Summer months plus I get the benefits of a moisturizer that contains good for my skin Ceramides.

Here’s my thoughts!

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion is just popping into stores at the moment but don’t confuse it with the Skin Renew Day Cream SPF 30 which launched last year as apparently they are two different products. What’s the difference between the two!? No idea texture wise! I purchased Skin Renew Day Cream last year but didn’t use it before it was swiped by one of my friends when he was digging through my beauty closet. I do know the Skin Renew Day Cream contains retinol though where as this new formula does not. Also, this was created with normal to oily skin types in mind where as the Skin Renew Day Cream was created for those with aging skin.

I don’t like this formula because it falls into the matte sunscreen category that so many sunscreens fall into. It’s a light, thin sunscreen-like lotion that absorbs very easily into my skin and provides a smooth matte finish. That’s actually what I hate about it but it wasn’t created for skin types like my own (dry) so, no ranting here just explaining why I dislike it. It’s actually a texture that absorbs really easily, doesn’t leave a white cast behind, and doesn’t make me itchy as some matte sunscreens have been known to do. I just don’t like that weird silicone-like matte finish it leaves behind. It feels weird on my drier skin like it’s locking away moisture and making me feel drier. On the upside, this sort of finish is ideal for oily skin types. For something enriched with two different ceramides I had hopes it would be more moisturizing but it only provides the very lightest of hydration.

Bad review? Not really. It’s just that this isn’t right for my skin type but I wouldn’t write it off completely especially if you’re oily as this should wear well under makeup and while giving you a smooth, matte finish and fair enough protection if you aren’t spending a ton of time outdoors. It’ll make a good Winter SPF in my opinion as you’ll want way more protection come the Summer.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion is available now at ulta.com and available soon at drugstores.

Tried it already?

Do share!

I purchased this item and I receive a small commission if you shop using the links in this post.

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Emily

    Any pilling with this one? I used to like their AM moisturizer with SPF 30 for normal to dry skin, but then they changed the formula and it became very finicky to apply. Wonder if this would be any better. I think I’ll give this a try. I’m especially looking for something easy for my daughter to apply every day. She also liked the old CeraVe lotion but is unable to use the newer one. I really appreciate CeraVe for loading us up with ceramides without charging high prices.

    • Isabella Muse

      None that I experience it just feels a little silicone-y on my dry skin but it absorbs fully and no pilling at all! Foundation applies evenly and smooth over it.

  • Silvia

    I’ll be skipping this myself I also prefer having to apply a separate spf so I have the choice of using it if I need to or not. I’m a runner so I really depend on good coverage and own tons of Chapsticks I find them the best many others iCloud no Burt’s Bees too soft, just melt and pieces fall off on the ground.
    I do love Cera Vé moisturizing lotion under my light foundation it goes on very smoothly.

  • Brandy

    I’ve been using the Cerave gel oil and Cerave PM and they’ve been great for my dry, sensitive skin. This sounds too light for my skin type and I had issues with the Cerave AM making my face hot and itchy . I saw that Cerave is coming out with a hydrating micellar water. I can’t wait to find it in stores and try it.

    • Isabella Muse

      I would interesting in a hydrating micellar water def want to check that out!