Compare Products: PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs 345 Relief Cream
Ingredient Analysis
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a dedicated ceramide-barrier repair cream with three ceramide types plus cholesterol and phytosphingosine, closely mimicking skin's natural lipid matrix. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream is a soothing-focused moisturizer with Centella Asiatica actives, antioxidants, and panthenol, but only one ceramide type. The better pick depends on whether barrier repair or calming and antioxidant support is the priority.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion delivers three ceramide types plus cholesterol and phytosphingosine, closely copying the skin's own lipid matrix. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream has only one ceramide type.
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream contains multiple Centella actives, beta-glucan, allantoin, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion has niacinamide only for calming.
Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream provides resveratrol and tocopherol. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains no antioxidants.
Both use glycerin and hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate as humectants, with similar occlusive support from dimethicone.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains methylparaben, which some users prefer to avoid. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream uses paraben-free preservation with caprylyl glycol and ethylhexylglycerin.
- •Exact concentrations of all actives are undisclosed; ranking by list position is an estimate only.
- •Resveratrol is notoriously unstable in water-based formulas; its efficacy in product Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream depends on packaging and formulation pH.
- •CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion's ceramide complex effectiveness depends on the ratio of ceramides to cholesterol to fatty acids, which is not stated.
- •Centella Asiatica actives in product Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream may be present at very low concentrations; their clinical benefit at unknown doses is uncertain.
- •Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream's identified name is not confirmed; the formula matches several Korean-style barrier creams but no specific product was identified with confidence.
Analysis generated from both INCI lists using Claude. Ingredient order indicates relative concentration; exact percentages are usually undisclosed.
Who It's Designed For
- Those seeking a lightweight, affordable nightly moisturizer
- Oily and combination skin types who find creams too heavy
- Users who want ceramide barrier repair without heaviness
- People looking for a niacinamide moisturizer at a budget price
- Those building a simple, effective skincare routine
- Users on tretinoin or active treatments who need a gentle moisturizer
- Those with compromised or sensitized skin barriers
- Users recovering from skin procedures or environmental damage
- Sensitive skin types seeking a fragrance-free calming cream
- People who want centella benefits with added antioxidant support
- Those looking for a non-greasy barrier repair cream
Key Ingredients
3 Essential Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, MVE Technology
Centella Asiatica Extract, Resveratrol, Ceramide NP, Panthenol, Madecassoside
Product Composition
36% similarity (16 ingredients in common)
Only in CeraVe (7)▾
Only in Dr. Althea (22)▾
User Feedback Patterns
Users with oily skin consistently praise the ultra-lightweight texture. It provides enough moisture without triggering excess oil production.
The thin consistency makes it easy to layer under treatments, actives, or heavier moisturizers without pilling.
Users with dry skin often supplement this with a heavier cream or facial oil, especially in cold weather.
Some longtime users report that CeraVe has subtly reformulated over the years. Packaging and ingredient order changes have sparked discussion in skincare communities.
Users frequently report reduced redness and calmer skin within days of use. Popular among those with rosacea-prone or post-procedure skin.
Multiple reviewers note the texture is lighter than expected for a repair cream. Absorbs well and works under makeup.
Many users report using this as their primary moisturizer long-term, not just for recovery periods. Consistent performance across seasons.
Some users with significantly compromised barriers note the cream helped but was not sufficient on its own. Needed pairing with other barrier products.
Which Should You Buy?
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion offers great value at a lower price point. Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream may be worth the premium if you want Centella Asiatica Extract.
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