Is CeraVe's New PM Facial Lotion Formula Better or Worse?

Reformulation Alert

CeraVe changed the cult-favorite PM lotion—and the ingredient list is sparking outrage.

Expert Analysis · Honest Reviews · Real Results

1.🔍They Changed It. Again.

So CeraVe quietly swapped the formula on the PM lotion that basically ran the internet for a decade. No fanfare. Just a new ingredient list that has people in the skincare corner yelling “betrayal.”

The old one had a specific creamy texture that felt like a hug. The new one is… thinner. And the niacinamide percentage is a mystery now, which is a weird flex for a brand that built its name on transparency.

2.🧪What You’re Actually Buying

It’s $14.99 for 3 oz. The claim is the same: overnight moisture repair without clogging pores. I bought it because I have a stockpile of the old version and wanted to see if the hype survived the reformulation.

New Texture Base

Gone is the thick, balmy feel — it’s now a lighter gel-cream that sinks in fast.

Niacinamide Placement

It’s still there but dropped lower on the list. That’s the big controversy.

Ceramide Blend

They added a fifth ceramide type. More is better, right? Maybe.

Skincare products with leaves on a light background

Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash

3.💬The Ingredient Tea

The old formula was 4% niacinamide, which is the sweet spot for oil control and brightening. The new one doesn’t disclose percentages, but it feels weaker. They also swapped out some fatty alcohols for squalane, which explains why it’s less rich.

Niacinamide: Still brightens but likely not the same punch
Squalane: Lightweight hydration, good for oily skin
Ceramide NP: Rebuilds barrier, but feels less occlusive
Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts water, but dries tacky without a seal

Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash

4.📊The Skin Test

Pumped out a dime-sized drop. It’s watery on the fingers, almost like a serum. Absorbs in 12 seconds flat, which is nice under makeup, but my cheeks felt a little tight by morning.

Week two: My nose isn’t as shiny at 3pm, but my chin has a few dry flakes that the old formula would’ve handled. The average is fine — but “fine” isn’t why you bought the cult classic.

💡

One Thing: Layer it over a damp face. The squalane needs water to pull from, or it leaves a weird film.

Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash

5.🔄Did It Work?

My redness calmed down a touch, but my pores look the same. The old one made my skin look “glowy” by morning; this one just looks… hydrated. Not a disaster, but not a glow-up.

✅

Buy if

You have combo/oily skin and hate heavy night creams.

⏭️

Skip if

You’re dry and relied on the old formula’s richness.

💰

Worth it?

For $15, it’s a decent basic. But you’re not missing out if you skip it.

Photo: Marius Muresan / Unsplash

6.💡Bottom Line

The reformulation is a downgrade for dry skin and a lateral move for oily skin. It’s fine. But “fine” is a weird way to treat a legend.

6.8/10

Lighter, but lost its magic touch.

🛍️

Where to Buy: Target or Ulta. Grab the $5 travel size first if you’re nervous.