# CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment for acne-prone skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for acne-prone skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/cerave)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for acne-prone skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent moisturizing for your combination skin due to petrolatum and ceramides, which enhance barrier resilience, but lacks ingredients specifically targeting oil control for your oily areas.
- While it provides general skincare benefits like hydration, these are largely supportive and not directly beneficial for your acne, blemishes, and breakouts.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/oily-skin): Caution
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin): Low (this page)
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Caution

## Key ingredients

Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone

## What the research says

- Emulsions containing ceramides 1 and 3 improved skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss in sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin of fifteen healthy Asian women compared to a control emulsion. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/))
- A lipid mixture enriched by ceramide NP with fatty acids of diverse chain lengths significantly improved skin barrier recovery rate, stratum corneum integrity, and hydration compared to a vehicle cream in healthy adult male volunteers with corticosteroid-impaired skin. ([Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))
- Wearing an N95 mask alone compared to using dimethicone cream or hydrocolloid dressing caused more adverse skin reactions among 73 military health care workers, with no significant differences in fit test failure rates between groups. ([Military Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771104/))
- A dimethicone skin protectant lotion significantly decreased visual scoring and transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control and SLS-only treated sites in 12 healthy humans exposed to sodium lauryl sulfate. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428946/))
- Treatment with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine increased epidermal thickness by 0.019 mm, improved barrier function by decreasing transepidermal water loss by 13%, decreased melanin intensity, and induced keratins 6 and 16 in fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms. ([Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17137484/))

## Why other moisturizers fit acne-prone skin better

- Co-delivery of paeonol and madecassoside via nanoemulsions improved transdermal delivery, promoted barrier repair proteins, inhibited inflammatory cytokine secretion in cellular and 3D models, and reduced transepidermal water loss and acne in human facial skin compared to free components. ([Molecules, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446936/))
- A facial serum containing snail secretion filtrate, Calendula officinalis, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract significantly reduced inflammatory acne lesions compared to placebo in 66 participants with mild-to-moderate maskne over 12 weeks. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35763437/))

## What reviewers say

While its texture is considered less greasy than alternatives and suitable for slugging, a moderate number of users note a shiny or heavy finish, making it less ideal for daytime facial application. Some users also report it can be difficult to spread or may cause breakouts.

- Liked: Versatile healing (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Barrier repair (often mentioned)
- Liked: Elegant texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Non-irritating (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Greasy finish (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Breakout potential (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Expensive price (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Thick consistency (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your moisturizer twice a day in your AM and PM routines. Apply it daily to help keep breakouts under control.
- Apply after your cleanser and toner, and make sure to use your SPF right after in the morning.
- Gently spread a small amount of moisturizer over your face using soft motions. Let it absorb into the skin for a minute before getting dressed or applying makeup.
- Apply on slightly damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. This keeps your combination skin balanced without feeling heavy.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use. Stop using if you feel any irritation.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment a weak match for acne-prone skin?

CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment is a weak match because it focuses heavily on heavy moisturizers like petrolatum and ceramides that do not help with oil control or breakouts. An acne-prone skin needs a product that provides hydration and soothing ingredients to help clear blemishes without causing irritation.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/), [Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/)

### Which ingredients make this ointment a poor fit for acne-prone skin?

Heavy ingredients like petrolatum and mineral oil make this ointment a poor fit for acne-prone skin because they can trap oil and clog pores. Acne-prone skin needs lightweight, non-clogging hydrators and ingredients that actively help clear blemishes and control oil.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/), [Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34348350/)

### What do Ceramides do for acne-prone skin?

Ceramides help acne-prone skin by restoring a weak water barrier, which is often damaged and low in these protective lipids in people with acne. Using them helps reduce dryness, redness, and irritation caused by acne treatments while keeping the skin calm and smooth.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Archives of Dermatological Research, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7763094/)

### What does Ceramide AP do for acne-prone skin?

Ceramide AP helps restore the skin barrier, which is often weakened by acne treatments, and reduces dryness, redness, and flaking. Using it alongside your acne routine may also lower inflammatory breakouts and make your skin feel more calm and smooth.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37605504/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?

This product is a weak match for your acne-prone skin, as it offers heavy moisturizing with petrolatum and ceramides but lacks ingredients to control oil and breakouts. A product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and oil-balancing ingredients to care for acne-prone skin effectively.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18717861/)

### Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this moisturizer with retinol to help keep your skin comfortable, applying it after your retinol treatment absorbs. Using a barrier-supporting cream like this is unlikely to interfere with your routine and may reduce dryness and irritation from acne treatments.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [The Journal of Dermatology, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24930436/)

### How often should I use this ointment?

You can use this ointment daily to keep your skin soft and hydrated, as heavier moisturizing products are typically applied once or twice a day. For acne-prone skin, this type of product needs ingredients that help control oil and target breakouts.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32141711/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?

This product is a weak match for acne-prone skin because its heavy petrolatum and mineral oil base can feel very greasy and may lead to breakouts. To properly care for acne-prone skin, a moisturizer of this type needs lightweight hydration and ingredients that actively help control oil and target blemishes.

### Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?

Yes, you can use it on the body and around the eyes because the skin on the body and the thin skin around the eyes benefit well from its rich moisturizing ingredients. This type of product needs heavy hydrators like petrolatum, mineral oil, and ceramides to lock in moisture and keep these areas soft.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this ointment fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for acne-prone skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.99 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$95.99 at Amazon
- [belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/belif/the-true-cream-aqua-bomb/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — CA$49.99 at Amazon

## Routine for acne-prone skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$41.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [CeraVe CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- SPF: [innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/innisfree/daily-uv-defense-mineral-sunscreen/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$24.50 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.95 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$31.99 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [CeraVe CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [B.LAB Matcha Hydrating Foam Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/b-lab/matcha-hydrating-foam-cleanser/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$22.95 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.50 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/origins/original-skin-retexturizing-mask-with-rose-clay/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$50.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/advanced-replenishing-toner/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$41.00 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/the-ordinary/niacinamide-10-zinc-1/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$6.60 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Petrolatum, Paraffinum Liquidum, Mineral Oil, Microcristallina Cera, Microcrystalline Wax, Paraffin, Caprylic, Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Water, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Wax, Panthenol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Benzoic Acid
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/advanced-repair-ointment/for/acne-prone-skin