CeraVe Pm Facial Moisturizer (v2017) (Discontinued)
The CeraVe Pm Facial Moisturizer (v2017 version) was developed as a lightweight nighttime lotion intended to hydrate and restore the skin barrier while you sleep. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like Niacinamide to calm redness and Glycerin for deep humectant hydration, it aimed to provide a soothing end to a daily skincare routine. This discontinued formula utilized a blend of emollients to maintain the skin's natural defenses throughout the night. While the texture appears fluid and non-greasy upon application, the ingredient profile reveals a more complex story for those with congestion-prone skin. It features a mix of surfactants and fatty alcohols that contribute to its spreadability but also significantly impact its pore-clogging potential. Understanding the makeup of this specific legacy formulation is essential for users who may still have stock or are looking for alternatives, as it highlights how certain ingredient combinations can affect skin health differently depending on individual sensitivities and acne triggers.
Our Analysis
Our analysis of the CeraVe Pm Facial Moisturizer (v2017) reveals a HIGH comedogenic risk. The primary concern is Ceteareth-20, a highly comedogenic ingredient (5/5) that acts as a penetration enhancer, potentially dragging other ingredients deeper into the pores. Critically, when Ceteareth-20 is combined with Cetearyl Alcohol, their synergistic effect significantly increases the likelihood of congestion. Additionally, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate acts as a heavy emollient that can form a suffocating film on the skin. While Niacinamide offers benefits, the presence of these high-risk ingredients makes this formula problematic for those prone to breakouts.
Skin Type Recommendations
This moisturizer is best suited for individuals with very dry, non-acne-prone skin who require intensive barrier support. However, it is strongly discouraged for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin types. The combination of Ceteareth-20 and fatty alcohols is likely to cause localized congestion, whiteheads, and stubborn breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Flagged Ingredients
Highly comedogenic penetration enhancer. Opens the skin barrier to drag other ingredients deeper, causing congestion.
Heavy emollient that can form a suffocating film on the skin.
Fractionated coconut oil; removed most clogging long-chain acids but can still affect some.
Fatty alcohol emollient with low-moderate comedogenicity on its own. However, when combined with Ceteareth-20, the synergistic effect can significantly increase pore-clogging potential (combined rating of 4).
Want Deeper Analysis?
Run our MACR (Multi-Axis Comedogenic Risk) analysis to get a comprehensive 5-axis risk assessment. This AI-powered analysis evaluates ingredients for Plugging Risk, Barrier Damage, Fungal Acne Risk, Oxidation Risk, and real-world User Reports — giving you personalized scores for your skin type.
