# CeraVe AM vs PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

**Question answered:** Should I use CeraVe AM or PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion?

**Short answer:** Use AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 in the morning; it combines moisturizer with broad-spectrum sunscreen (homosalate 10%, octinoxate 5%, octocrylene 2%, zinc oxide 8%). Use PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion at night; it has no SPF. Both have niacinamide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid and are sold as free of added fragrance.

By Nora Ellison. Published 2026-10-23. Data is taken from manufacturer labels; the products have not been tested.

## What this means for you

### Start with what you notice

If you want one moisturizer for the morning that also covers sunscreen, and a lighter one for night, this pair is designed for exactly that.

### The ingredient names, translated

The AM lotion is a moisturizer plus sunscreen, using both mineral (zinc oxide) and chemical filters. Sunscreen filters aren't needed at night, so the PM lotion leaves them out. Both share CeraVe's ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Sunscreen only protects if you apply enough and reapply when you're outdoors.

### How to decide

- Morning, going outside? AM lotion, applied generously, and reapplied if you're out for hours.
- Night, or under a separate sunscreen? PM lotion.
- Want a mineral-only sunscreen? The AM lotion isn't one; look at a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-only formula.

### What to expect

The AM lotion gives SPF 30 protection when used as directed; the PM lotion moisturizes without sunscreen. Neither treats skin conditions. We haven't tested either product.

General guidance, not a test of these products: [AAD: how to select a sunscreen (broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher)](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen); [FDA: sunscreen, how to help protect your skin from the sun](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun). Each product's label source is linked on its product page.

## Sunscreen is the difference

[CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30](product:cerave-am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30) is a morning moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30. Its filters are homosalate 10%, octinoxate 5%, octocrylene 2% and zinc oxide 8%, a mix of chemical and mineral. CeraVe lists it for normal to dry skin and says it carries the Skin Cancer Foundation's seal for daily use. Apply it about 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours outdoors.

[CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](product:cerave-pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion) is a lightweight night lotion for all skin types with no SPF. CeraVe sells it as fragrance free, oil free and non-comedogenic.

Both list niacinamide, ceramides NP, AP and EOP and hyaluronic acid. The [AAD recommends](https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen) broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for daily use, which the AM lotion meets.

## Using them together

Most people use the AM lotion in the morning and the PM lotion at night. If you'd rather keep your sunscreen separate, use the PM lotion twice a day and add a sunscreen in the morning. See our [daily sunscreen guide for men](/articles/daily-sunscreen-for-men/) for other options.

## Manufacturer sources

- [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30](https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-with-sunscreen)
- [CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion)

Sources and label-check dates are recorded on the product pages.

| Product | Key ingredients | Skin types | Fragrance | Flagged ingredients | Size | Source | Buy |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30](https://dermalguide.com/products/cerave-am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/) | Brand doesn't name one | normal, dry | Marketed as fragrance free | No flags recorded; not a safety guarantee | Brand doesn't list it | [Manufacturer label](https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-with-sunscreen), checked 2026-10-23 | [Amazon (affiliate)](https://link.amazon/B0dZCWViY) |
| [CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://dermalguide.com/products/cerave-pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/) | Niacinamide, ceramides NP, AP and EOP, hyaluronic acid | oily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal | Marketed as fragrance free | No flags recorded; not a safety guarantee | Brand doesn't list it | [Manufacturer label](https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion), checked 2026-10-23 | [Amazon (affiliate)](https://link.amazon/B00OCZem5) |

## Which to choose

Consider CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 when: You want moisturizer and SPF 30 in one morning step; You're comfortable with a mixed mineral and chemical sunscreen that includes octinoxate.

Consider CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion when: You need a light night moisturizer with no sunscreen filters; You already wear a separate sunscreen in the morning.


## Questions

### Can I use CeraVe PM lotion in the morning?

Yes, but it has no SPF, so you'd need a separate sunscreen on top.

### Is the AM lotion water resistant?

No water-resistance time is stated. Use a water-resistant sunscreen for swimming or heavy sweating.

### Is CeraVe AM lotion a mineral sunscreen?

No. It combines zinc oxide 8% with homosalate, octinoxate and octocrylene.