# CeraVe Moisturising Lotion for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin

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

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

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for combination skin; the moisturizers alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate moisturizing for your combination skin due to glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, which hydrate and plump without exacerbating oiliness.
- While beneficial for general hydration, the formula lacks sufficient ingredients to optimally control oil shine on your oily areas.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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/))
- Topical application of an emulsion containing a complete mixture of ceramides III, IIIB, VI, phytosphingosine, cholesterol, and linoleic acid significantly accelerated barrier recovery after SLS damage and improved skin hydration after acetone treatment in human volunteers compared to an emulsion containing only two types of ceramides. ([Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12482041/))
- Phytosphingosine demonstrates anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity with excellent clinical results in acne vulgaris. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2007](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18489348/))
- Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28936777/))
- Botulinum toxin-A encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol nanoliposomes delivered transdermally achieved a diffusion depth of 380 μm and showed a nonsignificant advantage in relieving post-acne scarring compared to hyaluronic acid hydrogel treatment in 12 facial patients. ([Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39073502/))
- Topical application of cholesterol sulfate increases stratum corneum thickness and inhibits protease-induced cell dissociation by competitively inhibiting serine proteases in mice and human stratum corneum. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9699715/))
- Topical lovastatin treatment impairs the recovery of cutaneous permeability barrier function and stratum corneum cholesterol levels after acetone disruption in mice, an effect normalized by simultaneous treatment with mevalonate or cholesterol. ([The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1990](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2243142/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users consistently praise this lotion as a holy grail staple for its lightweight, non-greasy formula that effectively hydrates without clogging pores.

- Liked: Lightweight non-greasy (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Gentle fragrance-free (often mentioned)
- Liked: Value for money (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective barrier repair (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Versatile face body (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Too thin for dry (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Basic experience (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging pump issues (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Pilling texture (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Rare stinging (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this moisturizer in your AM and PM routine every day to control shine. Always pair with SPF in the morning.
- Apply this moisturizer after your cleanser and toner, right before your morning SPF.
- Gently press a small amount of the moisturizer into your skin and avoid harsh rubbing. Let it ⏳absorb for a minute.
- Apply the moisturizer on slightly damp skin to help it lock in moisture better. This keeps your combination skin balanced.
- Avoid the eye area when applying the moisturizer. Do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is CeraVe Moisturising Lotion a weak match for combination skin?

This lotion is a weak match for combination skin because it lacks sufficient ingredients to optimally control oil shine on your oily areas. A better product for this skin type needs effective brightening and moisturizing ingredients that reduce oily shine while providing balanced hydration.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this moisturizer a poor fit for combination skin?

This moisturizer is a weak match for combination skin because it lacks sufficient ingredients to optimally control oil shine on your oily areas. To fit combination skin well, a product of this type needs effective brightening ingredients, soothing agents, antioxidants, and multiple peptides that reduce oily shine while keeping the skin hydrated.

### What do Ceramides do for combination skin?

Ceramides help balance combination skin by supporting the skin barrier in dry areas without feeling heavy on oily zones, keeping the skin smooth and comfortable. They play an essential role in maintaining the outer water barrier, and a moisturizer with ceramides and light hydrators works well for this skin type.
Sources: [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/)

### What does Ceramide AP do for combination skin?

Ceramide AP helps keep combination skin feeling soft and balanced by supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier and holding in hydration. This type of product works best when it contains lightweight hydrators and skin-softening ingredients that nourish dry areas without feeling heavy on oilier spots.
Sources: [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40408261/), [American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

For combination skin, this moisturizer goes after your toner in the morning and after your treatment step at night. Because this product is a weak match for combination skin, a moisturizer of this type needs ingredients that control oil shine to better balance both oily and dry areas.
Sources: [The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32239984/)

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

You can use this moisturizer with retinol, applying it after your retinol treatment to help soothe the skin and reduce potential dryness. Using a barrier-enhancing moisturizer alongside retinoids is supported by studies showing it helps improve skin tolerance and comfort during treatment.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/)

### How often should I use it?

You can use this moisturizer twice a day as part of your morning and evening routine. Regular use helps keep your skin hydrated and supports the skin barrier, though combination skin also needs ingredients to control oil shine on your oily areas.
Sources: [Health Science Reports, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34141902/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Can this moisturizer clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

This moisturizer is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on combination skin, but it may not keep oil shine under control in your oily areas. To properly care for combination skin, a product of this type needs lightweight hydrators along with oil-balancing ingredients that manage shine without heavy layers.

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

You can use this moisturizer around your eyes and on your body, as its light ingredients suit thinner and thicker skin alike. The glycerin and sodium hyaluronate help hydrate and keep skin soft.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $15.50 at Amazon
- [Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/drunk-elephant/protini-polypeptide-cream/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $49.95 at Amazon
- [The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/natural-moisturizing-factors-ha/for/combination-skin) — High fit — $12.50 at Amazon

## Routine for combination skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $14.97 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Cleansing Toner: [Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad-2-0/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $18.99 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/shu-uemura/ultime8-sublime-beauty-cleansing-oil/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $50.00 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $28.08 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dermalogica/daily-microfoliant/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $69.00 at Amazon
- Cleansing Mask: [Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Resurfacing Clarity Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/herbivore-botanicals/blue-tansy-bha-and-enzyme-pore-refining-mask/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $58.00 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $25.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/peach-and-lily/glass-skin-refining-serum/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — $39.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com: $20.15 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RK4HST7?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Ceteareth-20, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Phosphate, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ceramide Eop
## 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/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/moisturising-lotion/for/combination-skin