EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

I found this moisturizer to be adequate. I have sensitive dehydrated skin and I found it to be good basic moisturizer, but it didn't do anything special for my skin type. I have found other moisturizers I like more, but I think it gets the job done. I would reccomend this to clients with oily skin types that need something lighter.

My derm recommend this to me when I told her that everything breaks me out. Everything. I was skeptical but she was correct, this cream is really nice and no breakouts. Keeps my skin moisturized and less irritated from Retin A. Great moisturizer!!

I think I've gone through around 18 or 19 bottles of this. It's definitely my HG moisturizer mostly because it's the only thing I can find that doesn't clog my pores or break me out and is still moisturizing enough. I've tried countless moisturizers and most either break me out or leave my dry, flaky and irritated. I think the niacinamide has really helped with my redness and as a side effect I've noticed my lashes have gotten a bit longer since starting this (I use this as an eye cream as well out of laziness lol).

One thing that I really dislike is that I run through it relatively quickly which gets kind of expensive and annoying but it's totally worth it for me. Also, sometimes it's not enough on its own (during the winter mostly) and so I used to add a layer of Aquaphor on top every now and then but for the past 3 or 4 months I've been using the CosRX Snail Mucin (LOVE that stuff) essence underneath it and haven't had any problems with dry or flaky skin unless I overdo it on exfoliation.

I've been using this for two years now. It should break me out, but doesn't. Go figure. It's a light moisturizer, I use Elta MD Intense over it, I use it am/pm. Makes my skin luminous, gently exfoliates and NEVER balls up (wrong Paula, what a shock she says sarcastically) the only way I could see this balling up is if you use to much, you need to apply it to damp skin also. It is and will continue to be a staple in my routine. It's the only product I can use with niacin amide, which my skin loves. I can tell when I run out and don't use it for a week or two, my skin looks dull. It's a keeper for sure. I stock up when Lovelyskin.com has 25% off, grab it for $25.00. It's the most expensive product in my routine, and worth every penny.

I needed a gentle evening moisturizer preferably with niacinamide and was reluctant to try this because Beautypedia did not give it a great review saying that it balled up when applied. However, the reviews here said that didn't happen to them so I took a chance because I love EltaMD's products. I'm so happy I did. This does not ball up on me and I use Hada Labo Lotion underneath. Ever since I started using it, it really cut down on the irritation I get from using Retin-A. I even use it to make an spf-free tinted moisturizer by mixing with concealer.

Unfortunately this moisturizer can't handle my dry winter skin. Even if I layer Vaseline over it at night. It's less moisturizing than the cerave cream moisturizer and I did have some issues with it pilling on me when I tried to layer it.
Edit. I tried this again because my skin has been less dry lately, but it's still not moisturizing enough for me, even as a day time moisturizer. I also find the texture greasy and started breaking out where I usually don't get break outs. Not a match for my skin.

Like the other reviewers below, I have highly sensitive but dry skin that clogs at the drop of a hat. This is the only moisturizer other than the EltaMD AM Therapy moisturizer and EltaMD post procedure balm/melting balm that works for me and that I can use without fearing clogging or product reaction. For others who are sensitive to cyclopentasiloxane or niacinamide I don't think it would work. It is not very heavy, perhaps not as heavy as a nighttime moisturizer should be, but definitely provides enough coverage and moisturizing enough to counteract winter weather. At night I sometimes layer it under the EltaMD post procedure balm or a facial oil in areas where I am less clog prone and also dry, like the forehead and around the eyes. I go through it like water, unfortunately -- a bottle every three months -- but I think it's worth the expense to not worry about breakouts and to counteract the little fine lines that result from surface dryness. With this moisturizer, my skin is noticeably more plump, luminous, and has more clarity.

I LUV this stuff. I have rosacea and EltaMD products are the only ones that I've found that don't irritate it. I use the AM, PM and broad spectrum sunscreen and my skin looks moist and feels soft. Though these products are primarily sold by dermatologists, they are less than you will pay for Olay and other drugstore products. My dermatologist sells them for $30 each but you can find it online for a little less.

I've only been using this for a couple of weeks, so will update after some time passes.


What prompted me to go ahead and review it now, rather than later, was seeing that "Paula's Choice Beautypedia" only gave it an average rating, and clearly stated that the rating was this low, not due to its ingredients,but rather because it balls up on the skin during application.

She goes so far as to call it a "significant problem". Well, it has not pilled or balled up in the least for me. Not a teensy bit. I was surprised to read her take on it.

Directions state to apply to damp skin...

This product is fragrance free, has a great airless pump dispenser, contains niacinamide, and I like it A LOT! I just haven't used it long enough to review its effectiveness with continued use is all.

[UPDATE]

I continued to like this quite well. No criticism. Its not heavy enough for me to use as a nighttime moisturizer in winter though, and am using Embryolisse Laite Creme, which I use sparingly during the day under makeup, I've just been using a heavier layer of it at night.

This has been my HG moisturizer for several months now. My skin is sensitive to fatty alcohols (cetaryl alcohol, etc.), acne prone (thank you based gods for adult acne), oily during the summer, and dry during the winter. It's difficult and I've spent a lot of money finding products that work for me.

This does it. It also has helped a lot with my acne scarring due to the niaminicide. Some people do say it pills, but I have not found this to be the case. After use in the morning on damp skin, I do whatever around the house for ten minutes and then put on makeup. Absolutely no problems. Maybe people aren't giving it time to absorb completely, but who knows.

Now that it's cold out again, I've only been using this in the morning and have been trying out EltaMD's Intense Moisturizer at night. So far, so good! I have had good luck with this line.