Can The CeraVe AM SPF 50 Facial Lotion Work For Oily Skin?

I love trying new skincare products, whether it’s the latest launch or just something new to me. That said, I’m very particular about what I put on my face. So when CeraVe gifted me their AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 50, I wasn’t sure how things would go. Especially since this formula says it’s for normal to dry skin, and I have oily skin that sometimes leans combination.

Most of the time, when I see “for dry skin” on the label, I’m expecting my face to be greasy by noon. But there have been a few exceptions where a product geared toward dry skin worked surprisingly well on me. I was curious to see if this would be one of those exceptions.

So, how did it perform on my skin? Keep reading to find out.

(I received this product free from CeraVe to review, but all opinions are my own. This post includes affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission.)

About the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion w/SPF 50

Sometimes brands will send me products to try, and I don’t use them because I don’t think they will work on my skin. As I dug more into this facial lotion, I realized it has a few things going for it in the description and claims that made me want to try it.

• Acts as a two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen (yes, please)
• Lightweight formula (another plus for oily skin)
• Fast-absorbing with no white cast, and works across all skin tones (a big deal for darker skin like mine)

Related read: Neutrogena Hydroboost Moisturizer With Hyaluronic Acid And SPF 50 Review

How I use it in my oily skin routine

Because it has SPF 50, I only use this lotion in my morning skincare routine. Here’s how I apply it: Cleanse, tone, apply a niacinamide serum, and finish with the CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion.

This has been my go-to layering method for years, and this product fits in without causing any issues or pilling.

My experience using CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Let’s start with the good:

• It didn’t irritate my skin, which is always my number one concern.
• It truly feels lightweight—I didn’t feel like it was clogging my pores or sitting heavy on my face.
• My skin felt hydrated, not oily, which I think helped minimize midday shine.
• It has skin-loving ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid—all of which support a healthy skin barrier and help retain moisture.
• No noticeable fragrance, which is a big win for me.

Now, the not-so-good. The first time I applied it, I saw a white cast that had me concerned. But I waited a few minutes, and it did fade as the product absorbed. I also realized I had applied too much. When I used a smaller amount the next time, the white cast wasn’t an issue. I share more about my first impressions in this video, which you can watch on TikTok or YouTube, your choice.

Related read: Review of The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum

I’ve been using this moisturizer on my skin for a few weeks now, and even though it’s marketed toward normal to dry skin, the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion w/SPF 50 worked well for my oily skin. It kept my skin hydrated without making me greasy, didn’t feel heavy, and didn’t cause any breakouts. Plus, it’s easy to find at stores like Target, Walmart, Amazon, CVS, and Ulta, so if I decide to repurchase, it’s right within reach.

If you’re looking for a daytime moisturizer with a high SPF and you have oily or combination skin like me, this might be worth a try. Just make sure to start with a small amount to avoid the white cast.

Shop the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion w/SPF 50