CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion Review: Niacinamide, Retinoids and Oily Skin

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a light, oil-free, fragrance-free face lotion with niacinamide, three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It suits all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, and it's popular as a buffer for retinoids and acne treatments. It's labeled for nighttime, but it works in the morning too if you add a separate sunscreen.

If you'd like to see how its ingredient list scores against your own skin type before you buy, scan the bottle's barcode or label with the ingredient scanner in Pori.

Below we look at what's actually in the bottle, why it became the default partner for retinoids, how it behaves on oily versus dry skin, and what to do if you want to wear it during the day. This is an ingredient-and-evidence review based on CeraVe's published formula and dermatology sources, not a hands-on test. The AM version, which adds sunscreen, gets its own article: CeraVe AM vs PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion.

What is CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion?

It's a lightweight night moisturizer for the face. CeraVe's product page lists it for all skin types and describes it as oil-free and non-comedogenic, with no added fragrance. The directions say to apply it to the face and neck at night, and the page tags it "PM only."

One practical note from CeraVe: the pump ships locked. You twist it to the left and may need to press it 10 to 20 times before lotion comes out, so a "broken" pump on first use usually isn't.

What's in it, and how much niacinamide does it have?

CeraVe doesn't publish the niacinamide percentage, but the ingredient is fourth on the list, right after water, glycerin and caprylic/capric triglyceride. That places it ahead of the fatty alcohol, the ceramides and the hyaluronic acid. The full order is on the product page, and CeraVe notes that the package is the most current source.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide (also listed as nicotinamide) is the reason this lotion is more than a basic moisturizer. In lab and human work, it increased ceramide synthesis in skin cells and, applied topically, raised ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the outer skin and lowered water loss in dry skin. DermNet adds that it may improve acne through its anti-inflammatory action and by reducing sebum, and that it's well tolerated and often usable by people who can't tolerate topical retinoids or fruit acids. For the full evidence, read our guide to niacinamide benefits.

Ceramides and hyaluronic acid

The three ceramides plus cholesterol mirror lipids that hold the skin barrier together, while glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water into the outer layer. There's no petrolatum, which is why it feels much lighter than CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

What it doesn't have

There's no retinol, no acid and no sunscreen in this lotion. People search for "CeraVe PM lotion with retinol" because the two are so often used together, not because the lotion contains it.

Why is CeraVe PM lotion so often paired with retinoids and acne treatments?

Because the most effective acne and anti-aging treatments tend to dry the skin, and this lotion adds moisture without heavy oils. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin and isotretinoin as treatments that tend to dry and irritate the skin, and says a daily moisturizer can help your skin tolerate them. For acne-prone skin, the AAD recommends moisturizers labeled oil-free, non-comedogenic or "won't clog pores". This lotion carries all three descriptions.

Niacinamide adds a second reason. Cleveland Clinic says niacinamide can soothe irritation caused by strong exfoliants like retinol or glycolic acid and lists retinol among the ingredients it pairs well with. DermNet's guidance on prescription retinoids notes that retinoid creams are the least irritating format, and that a daily sunscreen and moisturizer combination protects against the sun sensitivity and dryness they cause.

How to layer it with a retinoid

1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Apply your retinoid as directed. A dermatologist quoted by the AAD advises starting with the mildest formula every other night and building up slowly.
3. Follow with the PM lotion. If your skin stings or peels, ask your dermatologist whether to apply the lotion before the retinoid instead.
4. Wear sunscreen every morning. The AAD notes that retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, which is why it advises using them only at night and protecting your skin during the day.

If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, check with your doctor before using a retinoid. DermNet notes that some topical retinoids are contraindicated in pregnancy. The PM lotion itself contains no retinoid. Our retinol for beginners guide covers the full schedule.

Is CeraVe PM lotion good for oily skin?

Yes, it's one of the better drugstore choices for oily and acne-prone skin. It's oil-free and non-comedogenic, and the AAD suggests that people with oily skin opt for a lighter moisturizer, such as a gel, or skip it, since for some people too much moisturizer can clog pores. A thin lotion like this sits close to that advice. Its niacinamide is a bonus: in two trials of a 2% niacinamide moisturizer, one group showed a lower sebum excretion rate and the other lower casual sebum levels, so results varied by population. Because the lotion's percentage isn't published, don't expect it to replace a dedicated oil-control routine. Our oily skin routine shows where it fits.

Is CeraVe PM lotion enough for dry skin?

For mildly dry skin, often yes. For very dry, flaky or eczema-prone skin, it may not be. The AAD says creams add more moisture and preserve more water than lotions, and a dermatologist quoted there advises people with dry skin to start with a cream or ointment and bypass lotions. With no petrolatum or other heavy occlusive, the PM lotion won't seal skin the way a cream does.

If you like the PM lotion but wake up tight, try these fixes:

• Apply it to damp skin. The AAD suggests leaving some water on your skin after washing and then moisturizing.
• Layer a richer cream over the driest areas, such as the cheeks and around the mouth.
• Use it in the morning only and switch to a cream at night in winter.

Can I use CeraVe PM lotion in the morning?

Yes. It contains no retinoid or exfoliating acid, so the "PM" label describes where CeraVe places it in a routine. It isn't a sun warning. The catch is that it has no SPF. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on skin not covered by clothing. In the morning, use the PM lotion as your moisturizer and apply sunscreen on top, or switch to the AM version, which combines both.

Wearing it under sunscreen works well for oily skin that dislikes richer creams. Give the lotion a minute or two to settle before sunscreen and makeup so the layers don't pill.

How long does a bottle last, and is it worth the price?

At $19.99 on cerave.com (as of October 2026), it sits in the same drugstore range as CeraVe's other face moisturizers. What you pay for is a light, fragrance-free formula that combines niacinamide and ceramides without the heavy feel of a cream.

It's worth it if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin, if you use a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide, or if you want one gentle face moisturizer for both day and night under sunscreen. Skip it, or pair it with something richer, if your skin is very dry. Since moisture and barrier comfort change slowly, it helps to track how your skin responds over a few weeks; our guide to tracking acne progress explains how to compare fairly.

What are the downsides of CeraVe PM lotion?

The main limits are practical ones:

• Unlisted strength. CeraVe doesn't state the niacinamide percentage, so you can't compare it directly with a serum.
• Light occlusion. Very dry skin may need a cream on top.
• No SPF. Daytime use always needs a separate sunscreen.
• Pump quirks. The locked pump needs priming, as CeraVe's own instructions explain.

If niacinamide stings or causes redness, stop using it. Cleveland Clinic notes that reactions such as itching, mild burning and redness are rare and suggests a patch test before using a new product on your face.