Oily skin doesn’t need less moisture—it needs the right one, and these two drugstore icons just got a 2026 reformulation face-off. I’ve been slathering both on my T-zone for three weeks, and honestly, the results are not what I expected.
The old CeraVe PM was a cult classic, but the new one? It’s lighter, faster-absorbing, and it doesn’t leave that weird tacky film on my palms. That alone is worth the price of admission.
This is the new CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion—about $16 for 3 ounces. The claim that got me? “Multi-functional moisturizer” that promises to repair the barrier without clogging pores. Bold.
Weightless Gel-Cream
Feels like water sliding on, then vanishes—no grease, no shine.
Niacinamide Boost
4% niacinamide to calm redness and shrink the look of pores by morning.
No-Drip Pump
Dispenses a perfect pea-size drop—no more over-pouring into my palm.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It’s not fancy, but it’s smart. The new formula swaps out some heavy emollients for lighter silicones that actually breathe. You get barrier repair without the slug-life feel.
- Niacinamide: zaps excess oil and fades post-blemish marks
- Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II: rebuilds the skin’s outer wall so it stops overproducing oil
- Hyaluronic Acid: holds hydration in the skin, not on the surface
- Dimethicone: gives that silky blur effect, keeps makeup from sliding
Photo: Mockup Free / Unsplash
It’s a milky gel that sinks in within 10 seconds—no joke, I timed it. My skin feels bouncy, not sticky, and my forehead looks matte for a solid 4 hours.
By week two, the surprise? My chin—usually a grease trap—stopped producing that midday slick. But my nose? Still a bit shiny by 3 PM. It’s not a miracle, just a better baseline.
Photo: Camille Brodard / Unsplash
My pores look smaller (they’re not, but they’re less noticeable), and I’m using half the blotting paper I used to. Blackheads? Still there. Let’s be real.
Photo: Alexandru Zdrobău / Unsplash
It’s the boring, reliable friend who actually shows up. CeraVe PM beats the La Roche-Posay for daytime wear—lighter, faster, and less shiny by lunch.