Cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) formation is a key process that impacts the performance of lithium ion batteries. In this work, we characterized the composition and stoichiometry of CEI layer on LiNixMnyCo1-yO2 (NMC) cathodes via a novel combination of quantitative correlation analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectra and binder-free cathode formulation. By comparing the CEI formation in NMC-based cells with lithium, graphite and lithium titanate anodes, we demonstrate a CEI formation pathway via migration of surface species that originally formed on the anode side. A case study of cathodes coated by atomic layer deposition with a thin layer of Al2O3 demonstrates that anode-to cathode migration can be mitigated by ALD cathode coatings. This work highlights the importance of anode-mediated processes in order to correctly interpret surface phenomena on the cathode side and to guide further development of surface protection strategies. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.