Beauty Elixir

CeraVe · Moisturiser · leave-on

Is CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion pore-clogging or fungal-acne safe?

46%clean
Pore-clog alert

Contains 2 ingredients rated 3–5 on the comedogenic scale and 1 pore-clogging combination. If you are acne-prone, patch test on your jawline first or pick an alternative.

Not fungal-acne safe

3 ingredients can feed Malassezia yeast (itchy, uniform forehead or chest bumps).

Combination alert: rated 4/5 together

Cetearyl alcohol + ceteareth-20 (the classic "emulsifying wax") is more pore-clogging together than either ingredient alone.

#IngredientPoresFungal acneIrritancy
11 Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate 4/5 · Pore-clogging Trigger
9 Ceteareth-20 3/5 · Pore-clogging Trigger
4 Cetearyl Alcohol 2/5 · Mild risk Safe
5 Cetyl Alcohol 2/5 · Mild risk Safe
24 Tocopherol 2/5 · Mild risk Safe
3 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 1/5 · Low Safe
6 Dimethicone 1/5 · Low Safe
8 Polysorbate 20 0/5 · Low Trigger
1 Aqua 0/5 · Low Safe
2 Glycerin 0/5 · Low Safe
23 Sodium Hyaluronate 0/5 · Low Safe
14 ingredients not in our pore-clogging database

These have no published comedogenic rating in our data. Most are preservatives, fragrance, extracts or actives that are not known pore-cloggers.

phenoxyethanolbehentrimonium methosulfatesodium lauroyl lactylateethylhexylglycerinpotassium phosphatedisodium edtadipotassium phosphateceramide npceramide apphytosphingosinecholesterolxanthan gumcarbomerceramide eop

Ingredients rated 3–5 that appear after position 15 are usually present below about 1%, so they are shown as "Low amount" and do not trigger the pore-clog alert. Ratings come from the Fulton comedogenic scale (0–5) and published Malassezia research. They are a rough guide: the concentration and the whole formula matter, and everyone's skin is different.

Why it was flagged

  • Ceteareth-20, rated 3/5, is at position #9 in the list (likely a smaller amount).
  • Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, rated 4/5, is at position #11 in the list (likely a smaller amount).
  • Cetearyl alcohol + ceteareth-20 (the classic "emulsifying wax") is more pore-clogging together than either ingredient alone.

Many people use CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion without problems. These flags matter most if you are acne-prone and have noticed small closed bumps after starting it.

Compare CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

vs CeraVe Moisturizing Creamvs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotionvs Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotionvs Cetaphil Moisturizing Creamvs COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Creamvs Minimalist Ceramides 0.3% + Madecassoside Moisturizervs Minimalist Vitamin B5 10% Moisturizervs Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel with Signature Fragrancevs The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Full ingredient list

Aqua / Water / Eau, 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

Source: official CeraVe product page, checked 27 Sep 2026. Formulas vary by country and change over time, so always check your pack.

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Frequently asked questions

Is CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion pore-clogging?

Pore-clog alert. Contains 2 ingredients rated 3–5 on the comedogenic scale and 1 pore-clogging combination. If you are acne-prone, patch test on your jawline first or pick an alternative. Cetearyl alcohol + ceteareth-20 (the classic "emulsifying wax") is more pore-clogging together than either ingredient alone.

Is CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion safe for fungal acne?

No. It contains Polysorbate 20, Ceteareth-20 and Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, which can feed Malassezia yeast.

What is the clean score of CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion?

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion scores 46% on our pore-clog and fungal-acne scan, based on 11 recognised ingredients out of 25.

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