Compare Products: PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion vs Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

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 Ordinary
  • Oily and combination skin seeking oil control
  • Those who want a no-frills, high-potency niacinamide serum
  • Budget-conscious skincare users
  • People targeting enlarged pores and textural irregularities
  • Users building ingredient-focused routines

Key Ingredients

CeraVe

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

The Ordinary

Niacinamide (10%), Zinc PCA (1%)

Product Composition

10% similarity (3 ingredients in common)

Shared Ingredients
niacinamidephenoxyethanolxanthan gum
Only in CeraVe (20)
purified waterglycerincaprylic/capric triglyceridebehentrimonium methosulfatecetearyl alcoholceteareth-20ceramide npceramide apceramide eopphytosphingosinehyaluronic acidcholesteroldimethiconepolyglyceryl-3 diisostearatepotassium phosphatedipotassium phosphatesodium lauroyl lactylatedisodium edtamethylparabencarbomer
Only in The Ordinary (8)
aqua (water)pentylene glycolzinc pcadimethyl isosorbidetamarindus indica seed gumisoceteth-20ethoxydiglycolchlorphenesin

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 Ordinary
Holy grail for oily skin

Many users with oily skin report significant oil control and fewer breakouts. High repurchase rate in this demographic.

Pilling under other products

Commonly reported issue. Users recommend applying to damp skin or mixing with a hydrating serum to improve layering.

Tacky texture

The formula can feel sticky, especially if too much is applied. Most users adapt application technique over time.

Purging or breakouts

Some users report initial breakouts. Unclear whether this is purging, sensitivity, or coincidence. Most who push through report improvement.

Value for money

Almost universally praised for price-to-performance ratio. Common comment: 'can't believe this costs $6.'

View Full Product Details

Related Comparisons