CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser, 2% Salicylic Acid Treatment Formulated With Niacinamide + Ceramides + Oil Absorbing Clay, Gentle Face Wash Helps Clear & Prevent Acne, Fragrance Free, 16 Ounce

I’ve struggled with mild to moderate acne for years, and I’ve tried so many cleansers that either did nothing or completely dried out my skin. I decided to give the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser a try because I already love their moisturizer, and I’m SO glad I did!First off, the 2% salicylic acid really helps keep my breakouts under control without being too harsh. Within a week, I noticed fewer active breakouts and my skin looked calmer overall. What I love most is that it doesn’t strip my skin like some other acne cleansers. I think the niacinamide and ceramides really help balance things out—my face feels clean but not tight or irritated.Another big plus: it’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for my sensitive skin. The texture is smooth with a light, almost creamy feel that rinses off easily. I also like that it includes oil-absorbing clay, which has helped reduce the shine on my T-zone.I use it once a day in the evening, followed by a moisturizer, and it’s become a staple in my skincare routine. If you’re looking for an acne cleanser that’s effective but not overly aggressive, this is it. Highly recommend!

In 12 hours, overnight, my breakout issue is vastly improving. I’m one evening and one morning cleanse in.I lean rosacea with breakouts. A tough combo to treat. The breakouts are disappearing this am, former angry spots are smaller and sloughing off - the swelling and redness is diminished, less inflamed.I tried many, most far more expensive that weren’t working.It’s not exactly ‘drying’ like non-cream others, it’s softer. I do feel like pores are tighter, but my skin is not. It’s comfortable. Overnight, my T Zone had surface oil - so I cleansed again this morning. This leaves a matte finish and really takes care of that - meaning no shine zones.It doesn’t leave a perceptible residue, but doesn’t ‘strip’ skin either. I felt a smoothness upon rising it off that was nice, but dry upon blotting water away. Feels ‘clean,’ not tight.It dissolves and removes the SA peel-slough from former breakout areas gently. I was using my fingers in circular motions, nothing ferocious.It’s not really foamy, but does mini-foam more than non-foaming cream cleansers recommended for rosacea (that tended to break me out). It’s definitely less foamy than gel ‘foaming’ cleansers. Is quasi-foam a thing? Let’s just say it’s pleasantly, very slightly foamy, no more, no less.There’s zero scent.The cleanser is clear to very light griege (due to beneficial clay I guess?).It opens and closes with a 1/4 nozzle twist easily.The pump dispenses a small, but face and neck ample dollop, about dime size - well done there!The container isn’t the most attractive, it’s opaque white and branded overtly - so, every viewer sees ‘acne’ on approach. Lol.25X skin magnification: there’s less buildup or visible pores, no white or blackheads I can see. I was getting these daily, tiny, white random pustules in areas of rosacea flare. Ew! Gone now - yay. Surface capillaries are less inflamed. Older breakouts are peeling away. Inflamed or bumpy areas have leveled. Skin tone is more uniform and less ’rosacea’ in appearance. I hope I’m pleasantly human hued in another few days.It’s Day 1.A few times in the past, new products have this effect then, skin re-tantrums into its bad behavior. So, I’ll update this in a month, but I’m really impressed so far. Overnight, it abated what felt like an uncomfortable, unsightly flare up that wasn’t resolving. I’m glad I purchased the larger volume ‘value’ size.Though everyone U.S. uniquely different, I don’t think you’d regret this. The only match to it for me, so far, was an insanely priced esthetician brand line with way too many steps. This is wash and go, easy, very economical considering. Happy I tried it.I hope this review helps.

Absolutely love this item! I struggle with acne and blackheads. I have tried what feels like a million different products. The first night I used this, I woke up to smoother, healthier skin. My pores and blackheads have disappeared completely! I still have the occasional pimple, but they have become easier to pop and less painful, while using this product. Keep in mind I’ve only been using it for 5 days. The product does have a slight smell that bothers my nose, but it goes undetected after rinsing. Highly recommend trying this!

The CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser has become a staple in my skincare routine. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, it effectively targets acne and blackheads without over-drying the skin. The inclusion of niacinamide helps soothe and calm the skin, while ceramides and hyaluronic acid work to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. The addition of hectorite clay aids in absorbing excess oil, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Its fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula makes it suitable for daily use on acne-prone

It works. It just didn’t work for me. Of course I felt very clean after using it but I feel like that after using anything I use to wash my face. Definitely didn’t leave me dry but didn’t help with my mild acne.

The CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser has worked wonders for my skin. It’s formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which really helps keep breakouts under control without drying out my face. What I love most is how gentle it is—it doesn’t strip my skin or leave it feeling tight. After consistent use, my skin feels smoother, less oily, and my acne has significantly reduced. The addition of ceramides keeps my skin barrier healthy, and the formula is fragrance-free, which is perfect for sensitive skin. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a reliable and dermatologist-approved acne solution!

Why did you pick this product vs others?:This is the only face wash that controls my teenage daughters acne and mine. It does not make her skin dry, your skin feels clean after using it, our face always feel soft, and if you would need a moisturizer, they also offer their own. It is a little expensive but well worth the money.

My dermatologist recommended this along with the moisturizing cleanser to treat my mild HS (hydradenitis suppurativa). I use them on alternating days as a full body wash and my condition has improved.