CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid, 16 oz — Niacinamide, Ceramides & Oil-Absorbing Clay

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is a dermatologist-developed gel-to-foam face wash with 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and oil-absorbing clay to help clear acne-prone skin while preserving the skin barrier.

This 16-ounce cleanser pairs chemical exfoliation and pore-purifying clay with CeraVe’s signature three ceramides and niacinamide to reduce excess oil, minimize visible shine, and address blackheads and breakouts without over-drying. The formula is fragrance- and paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested, designed for regular use as part of an acne-focused skincare routine.

How does this cleanser reduce breakouts without stripping skin?

The 2% salicylic acid penetrates pores to help loosen and remove trapped debris, while hectorite clay soaks up excess oil that contributes to shine and blocked follicles. Ceramides help maintain the skin’s protective barrier, and niacinamide soothes and supports more even-looking skin, reducing irritation often linked to acne treatments.

• 2% salicylic acid: gentle beta-hydroxy exfoliant that targets pore congestion
• Hectorite oil-absorbing clay: reduces surface oiliness and visible shine
• Three essential ceramides: reinforce and restore the skin barrier
• Niacinamide: calms and supports skin tone

Will this work for sensitive or combination skin?

The formulation aims to balance oil control and barrier support, making it suitable for many with sensitive or combination skin when used as directed. Because it avoids fragrances and common irritants like parabens, users often tolerate it better than harsher acne washes—still, patch testing is wise for very reactive skin.

• Fragrance-free and paraben-free: fewer common irritants
• Non-comedogenic: won't clog pores
• Gel-to-foam texture: cleanses without excessive tightness

How should I incorporate it into my daily skincare routine?

Use this cleanser once or twice daily depending on your skin’s tolerance—massage onto wet skin, rinse thoroughly, and follow with a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen during the day. For new users, start with a single nightly cleanse to assess tolerance before increasing frequency.

• Start gently: begin with nightly use if your skin is reactive
• Follow with a moisturizer containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid
• Use broad-spectrum SPF each morning to protect treated skin

What results can be expected and how quickly?

Improvements in oil control and reduced visible shine are often noticed within days; reduction in blackheads and fewer new breakouts may take several weeks with consistent use. As with all exfoliating acne products, continued use and appropriate complementary products yield the most noticeable benefits.

• Short-term: cleaner-feeling skin and reduced shine
• 4–8 weeks: fewer breakouts and diminished blackheads for many users
• Maintain barrier-supporting care to prevent dryness

Who is this for: CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is intended for people with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin seeking a daily treatment that combines salicylic acid exfoliation, oil-absorbing clay, and barrier-supporting ingredients. It’s a practical choice for those who want a fragrance-free, dermatologist-developed face wash that pairs well with moisturizers and sunscreen as part of a complete acne-management routine.

Ingredients

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: SALICYLIC ACID 2% INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE, GLYCERIN, NIACINAMIDE, GLUCONOLACTONE, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, XANTHAN GUM, HECTORITE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, BENZOIC ACID