CeraVe
CeraVe was founded in 2005 and developed with dermatologists to create skincare products featuring three essential ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) that help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. The brand was acquired by L'Oréal in 2017 for approximately $1.3 billion and has since exploded in popularity, largely driven by skincare influencers and dermatologist recommendations on social media. CeraVe products are widely praised for their effective, no-frills approach to skincare, but formulations include conventional ingredients like phenoxyethanol, parabens (in some products), PEG compounds, and petroleum derivatives. The brand's scientific credibility and dermatologist endorsements create strong consumer trust in its ingredient choices.
Products Analyzed
Flagged Ingredients Found
Who Owns CeraVe?
Big Corp SubsidiaryParent Company
L'Oreal(OR.PA)
Parent Industry
Beauty & Cosmetics
Parent Revenue
Approximately $42 billion (2024)
Acquired
2017 for Approximately $1.3 billion (part of Valeant/Bausch portfolio acquisition)
Also Makes
L'Oreal acquired CeraVe in 2017 as part of a deal to purchase three skincare brands from Valeant Pharmaceuticals (now Bausch Health) for approximately $1.3 billion. CeraVe sits in L'Oreal's Active Cosmetics division.
Corporate ownership does not automatically mean a product is unsafe. It means ingredient and sourcing decisions are influenced by a parent company whose primary business is beauty & cosmetics. Consumers deserve to know who profits from their purchases.
Products by CeraVe
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe
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Organic Lip Balm
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
CeraVe
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Organic Lip Balm
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe
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Organic Lip Balm
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
CeraVe
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Organic Lip Balm
CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
CeraVe
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Organic Lip Balm
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Flagged Ingredients in CeraVe Products
We found 8 different ingredients of concern across CeraVe's product line. Each one links to a full safety analysis with details on health risks, regulatory status, and which other brands use the same ingredient.
Oxybenzone
A chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF-containing cosmetics. It absorbs UVA and UVB radiation but is a known endocrine disruptor, coral reef toxin, and one of the most frequently detected chemicals in human blood and urine.
Petroleum / Petrolatum
A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining. Widely used as a moisture barrier in lip balms, lotions, and ointments. When inadequately refined, it can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked to cancer.
Octinoxate
A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics. It absorbs UVB radiation and is one of the most common sunscreen ingredients worldwide. Like oxybenzone, it is an endocrine disruptor and harmful to coral reefs.
Synthetic Fragrance
An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Under US law, companies are not required to list individual fragrance components, which may include phthalates, musks, allergens, and sensitizers.
Homosalate
A chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB radiation. Used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics, homosalate is an endocrine disruptor that breaks down into more toxic byproducts under UV exposure.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food. Less studied than BHA but shares some endocrine disruption concerns.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties. Not toxic in itself, but creates a synthetic barrier that can trap impurities, clog pores, and is not biodegradable.
Phenoxyethanol
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens. At regulated concentrations (up to 1%), it is generally well tolerated, but higher concentrations can cause irritation and are toxic to infants.
