Compare Products: PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

The Inkey List

Niacinamide Oil Control Serum

Budget10%
$10.5 / 30ml — $0.35/ml

Who It's Designed For

CeraVe
  • 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
The Inkey List
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Acne-prone skin wanting to reduce blemishes
  • Enlarged pores and uneven texture
  • Those sensitive to zinc who want a niacinamide serum
  • Niacinamide beginners looking for a gentle entry point

Key Ingredients

CeraVe

3 Essential Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, MVE Technology

The Inkey List

Niacinamide (10%), Hyaluronic Acid (1%)

Product Composition

22% similarity (8 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
purified waterglycerinniacinamidehyaluronic acidsodium lauroyl lactylatedisodium edtaphenoxyethanolxanthan gum
Only in CeraVe (15)
caprylic/capric triglyceridebehentrimonium methosulfatecetearyl alcoholceteareth-20ceramide npceramide apceramide eopphytosphingosinecholesteroldimethiconepolyglyceryl-3 diisostearatepotassium phosphatedipotassium phosphatemethylparabencarbomer
Only in The Inkey List (14)
propanediolbutylene glycolhydroxyethylcellulosephospholipidssqualaneglycine soja (soybean) oilallantoinpolysorbate 60panthenolglycolipidsleuconostoc/radish root ferment filtratesorbitan isostearateglycine soja (soybean) sterolscitric acid

User Feedback Patterns

CeraVe
Ideal for oily and combination skin

Users with oily skin consistently praise the ultra-lightweight texture. It provides enough moisture without triggering excess oil production.

Perfect layering base

The thin consistency makes it easy to layer under treatments, actives, or heavier moisturizers without pilling.

Not enough for very dry skin

Users with dry skin often supplement this with a heavier cream or facial oil, especially in cold weather.

Formulation changes concern

Some longtime users report that CeraVe has subtly reformulated over the years. Packaging and ingredient order changes have sparked discussion in skincare communities.

The Inkey List
No pilling

Multiple users note this formula does not ball up under other products or makeup, unlike some competing niacinamide serums.

More hydrating than expected

Users with dry or combination skin report this feels more hydrating than pure niacinamide serums with zinc, likely due to the squalane, HA, and lack of zinc.

Packaging frustrations

The squeeze bottle with press-down cap makes it difficult to control how much product dispenses. Some users report buildup around the opening.

Visible pore improvement

Consistent feedback about reduced pore appearance within 2-4 weeks of daily use.

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