CeraVe · Moisturizer
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Lower concern. Standard facial moisturizer with no known PFAS triggers.
CeraVe PM is a conventional water-based facial lotion with no waterproofing, grease-resistance, or nonstick coating that would typically require PFAS. The brand has made no PFAS claims either way. No public lab testing or recalls on this product for PFAS contamination.
Shop CeraVe on Amazon →Material
water-based emulsion lotion with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
CeraVe PM is a water-based emulsion lotion built around three core ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. These are all widely used humectant and skin-barrier ingredients with no documented toxicity at cosmetic concentrations. The lotion contains no occlusive oils or silicones that might trap irritants, and the preservative system is standard for the category (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone). No fragrance, dyes, or particulate fillers are listed.
The brand's record and disclosure
CeraVe (owned by L'Oreal) publishes full ingredient lists and has no history of FDA warning letters or significant product recalls related to contamination or undisclosed hazards. The brand markets itself on dermatologist collaboration and third-party testing, though they do not independently disclose PFAS testing results. No formal sustainability or chemical disclosure certifications (like EWG Verified or Made Safe) have been claimed for this specific product.
How it compares in its category
CeraVe PM occupies the middle-market dermatological moisturizer space. It avoids common irritant triggers (fragrance, essential oils, alcohol denat) that plague budget and premium alternatives. Its ceramide formulation is similar to prescription-grade barrier repair creams but at lower concentration and cost. Competitors like Cetaphil and Eucerin offer comparable ingredient profiles; CeraVe's main advantage is wider retail availability and consistent formulation.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; water-based emulsions degrade slowly when exposed to heat or humidity. Use within 12 months of opening to minimize bacterial growth in the pump dispenser. Discontinue if you experience unexpected redness or irritation; sensitized skin may react to phenoxyethanol at concentrations above 1%. No special precautions needed for skin application; this is a leave-on product and does not require rinsing.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Preservative sensitization (phenoxyethanol)
Phenoxyethanol is a mild skin sensitizer in rare cases, particularly for eczema-prone individuals. CeraVe PM contains it at typical cosmetic levels (under 1%); incidence of allergic contact dermatitis is well below 1% in population studies.
Bacterial growth in pump dispenser
Water-based emulsions in open-air pump systems can support microbial growth if contaminated during use or stored in humid bathrooms. Risk is minimized by keeping the pump clean and cap sealed; no widespread contamination reports exist for CeraVe products.
Heavy metals in mineral content
Water-based cosmetics carry minimal heavy metal risk compared to powders or pigmented products. CeraVe PM contains no talc, mica, or colorants that would concentrate trace metals; no regulatory alerts have been issued.
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
This product is fragrance-free and does not list masking fragrances or essential oils. The minimal scent present is from raw materials (glycerin, ceramides) rather than added fragrance compounds.
Formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasers
CeraVe PM uses modern non-aldehyde preservative chemistry (phenoxyethanol, methylisothiazolinone). No formaldehyde donors or releasers appear on the ingredient list, and no FDA safety alerts have been issued for this product line.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Moisturizer
Tatcha
Starter The Ritual Set Ultra Hydrating For Dry Skin
Water-based cosmetic creams and serums; glass/plastic packaging
Lower PFAS concern for a cosmetic moisturizer set, but Tatcha makes no public PFAS commitment.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Orchid Facial Oil
plant oils, botanical extracts, glass bottle
Lower concern; facial oil with no known PFAS triggers, but brand offers no transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
plant oils, mineral pigments, glass bottle
Lower concern for PFAS; facial oil in glass, typical formulation poses minimal risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More moisturizer grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.