Key Takeaways
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is the internet's holy grail. Dermatologists recommend it. Skincare Reddit worships it. I've used it every single night for six months. Here's what nobody tells you.
What It Is
CeraVe PM is a lightweight nighttime moisturizer with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It's designed to restore your skin barrier while you sleep. The formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and developed with dermatologists.
It comes in a pump bottle (89ml), which is hygienic and lets you control how much product you use. The texture is a thin, milky lotion — not thick or heavy.
What It Claims
According to CeraVe, this moisturizer:
- Restores and maintains the skin's natural barrier
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- Calms and soothes skin
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines
- Is suitable for sensitive skin
Standard moisturizer marketing. But does it actually deliver? Let's get into it.
My Experience: 6 Months of Nightly Use
I started using CeraVe PM in July 2025. My skin type: combination, with an oily T-zone and occasional dryness around my cheeks. I'm prone to texture and occasional breakouts.
Weeks 1-2: The Adjustment Period
The first week felt... fine. Not amazing, not terrible. It absorbed quickly, didn't break me out, and didn't leave any greasy residue. My skin felt soft in the morning, but I wasn't blown away.
By week two, I noticed my skin looked calmer. Redness around my nose (which I've had for years) was less obvious. Still not life-changing, but promising.
Weeks 3-8: The Glow-Up
This is when I understood the hype. My skin texture smoothed out. Those rough patches on my forehead? Gone. My makeup started sitting better. People asked if I was using a new foundation.
I wasn't breaking out as much, and when I did, the spots healed faster. My skin just looked... healthier. Like I was taking care of myself, even when I wasn't sleeping enough.
Months 3-6: The Long Game
Six months in, my skin is the most balanced it's been in years. I'm not dealing with constant dryness or oil slicks. My barrier feels strong — I can use actives (like retinol) without irritation.
The niacinamide has visibly reduced the size of my pores on my cheeks. My skin tone is more even. And I've gone through three bottles, which tells you everything.
What I Love
- Lightweight but actually hydrating
- Never causes breakouts
- Absorbs in seconds
- Works under other products (serums, oils, etc.)
- Fragrance-free and gentle
- Affordable and easy to find
What Could Be Better
- Not rich enough for very dry skin in winter
- The pump can be finicky near the end of the bottle
- Won't give you that "dewy" finish some people want
How to Use CeraVe PM
Here's my exact routine:
- Cleanse: Double cleanse if you wore makeup or sunscreen
- Tone (optional): I use a hydrating toner, but you can skip this
- Serums: Apply any active serums (niacinamide, retinol, etc.)
- Moisturize: Pump 2-3 pumps of CeraVe PM into your palms, warm it up, then press into your face and neck
- Seal (optional): If your skin is extra dry, layer a facial oil or occlusive on top
Pro tip: Apply it on damp skin. It helps the hyaluronic acid work better and gives you an extra boost of hydration.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If CeraVe PM doesn't work for you, here are three alternatives I've also tried:
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA ($8 / 180,000₫): Thicker texture, better for dry skin, but can feel heavy on oily skin.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel ($14 / 340,000₫): Ultra-lightweight, great for oily skin, but not as barrier-repairing.
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair ($22 / 520,000₫): Similar to CeraVe but with added SPF 30 (good for daytime).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CeraVe PM good for oily skin?
Yes. It's lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. My T-zone stayed balanced.
Can I use CeraVe PM during the day?
You can, but it doesn't contain SPF, so you'll need sunscreen on top. I prefer using it at night only.
Does CeraVe PM help with texture?
The niacinamide helps smooth texture over time. I saw improvement in rough patches after about 3 weeks.
How long does one bottle last?
About 2-3 months with nightly use. A little goes a long way.
Is this moisturizer fragrance-free?
Yes, completely fragrance-free. Great for sensitive skin.