Beauty Elixir

CeraVe · Moisturiser · leave-on

Is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream pore-clogging or fungal-acne safe?

59%clean
Pore-clog alert

Contains 1 ingredient 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

1 ingredient 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
6 Ceteareth-20 3/5 · Pore-clogging Trigger
3 Cetearyl Alcohol 2/5 · Mild risk Safe
5 Cetyl Alcohol 2/5 · Mild risk Safe
21 Tocopherol 2/5 · Mild risk Safe
4 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 1/5 · Low Safe
13 Dimethicone 1/5 · Low Safe
1 Aqua 0/5 · Low Safe
2 Glycerin 0/5 · Low Safe
7 Petrolatum 0/5 · Low Safe
16 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.

potassium phosphateceramide npceramide apceramide eopcarbomerbehentrimonium methosulfatesodium lauroyl lactylatecholesterolphenoxyethanoldisodium edtadipotassium phosphatephytosphingosinexanthan gumethylhexylglycerin

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 #6 in the list (high concentration).
  • Cetearyl alcohol + ceteareth-20 (the classic "emulsifying wax") is more pore-clogging together than either ingredient alone.

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

Compare CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotionvs 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, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin

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

Check price on Amazon Nykaa

Have another product on your shelf? Paste its ingredients.

Open the scanner →

Frequently asked questions

Is CeraVe Moisturizing Cream pore-clogging?

Pore-clog alert. Contains 1 ingredient 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 Moisturizing Cream safe for fungal acne?

No. It contains Ceteareth-20, which can feed Malassezia yeast.

What is the clean score of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream?

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream scores 59% on our pore-clog and fungal-acne scan, based on 10 recognised ingredients out of 24.

More free tools

Pore-Clog CheckerIs it acne & fungal-acne safe? Can I Mix…?Check two actives or your routine Routine Builder7-day AM/PM plan in 30s Hair Porosity TestOils & wash schedule for your hair Spray CalculatorHow many sprays is right? Perfume DupesLuxury smell, budget price Batch Code CheckerIs your makeup expired?