Beauty Elixir

CeraVe · Moisturiser · leave-on

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

55%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

2 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
23 Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate 4/5 · Low amount Trigger
12 Ceteareth-20 3/5 · Pore-clogging Trigger
5 Cetearyl Alcohol 2/5 · Mild risk Safe
3 Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride 1/5 · Low Safe
11 Dimethicone 1/5 · Low Safe
1 Aqua 0/5 · Low Safe
2 Glycerin 0/5 · Low Safe
4 Niacinamide 0/5 · Low Safe
15 Sodium Hyaluronate 0/5 · Low Safe
15 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 phosphatecaprylyl glycolphytosphingosinexanthan 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 #12 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 PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion without problems. These flags matter most if you are acne-prone and have noticed small closed bumps after starting it.

Compare CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

vs CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotionvs CeraVe Moisturizing Creamvs 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, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-20, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin

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 PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion 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 PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion safe for fungal acne?

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

What is the clean score of CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion?

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion scores 55% on our pore-clog and fungal-acne scan, based on 9 recognised ingredients out of 24.

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