CeraVe

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Name: CeraVe - Acne Control Cleanser
Brand: CeraVe

Efficacy100/100IrritancyLow·

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Salicylic acid, Gluconolactone

Works well

What the product description says

“Ideal for daily use to gently exfoliate the dead skin cells that can clog pores and contribute to acne, a cleanser with salicylic acid offers acne-controlling benefits and may complement other over-the-counter and prescription-based acne treatments to help maintain clear, healthy skin—just be sure to check with your dermatologist.”

Source: CeraVe

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: gluconolactone, salicylic acid.

Salicylic acidKey activeEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~1.7–2.1%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: HighA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~1.6–2%

Cleansing

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine + 8 more

Cleanses gently

What the product description says

“Acne Control Cleanser”

Source: CeraVe

This product works by removing dirt and oil from the surface of the skin. It uses a combination of mild cleansing agents (carbomer, cholesterol, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, coconut acid, peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, xanthan gum) and should be able to cleanse the skin gently. Still keep in mind that any cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, and most people do not need to cleanse their skin more than once per day.

Even though this formulation is mild, the following cleansing agents could trigger an irritation or allergy for some people: sodium methyl cocoyl taurate

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent~11–13%

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineEffect: HighUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together~5.9–7.3%

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent~1.6–2%

Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearateEffect: HighHelps oil and water mix together~1.2–1.4%

Sodium cocoyl isethionateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent~1–1.2%

CarbomerEffect: HighHelps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations~0.5–0.75%

Coconut acidEffect: High~0.45–0.65%

CholesterolEffect: HighAn emollient that is naturally found in skin~0.3–0.6%

Sodium lauroyl lactylateEffect: HighHelps water and oil mix together~0.3–0.55%

Xanthan gumEffect: HighUsed to create a thicker product consistency~0.15–0.3%

Anti-blemish

Niacinamide, Salicylic acid + 2 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Acne Control Cleanser”

Source: CeraVe

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide, salicylic acid. These ingredients is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: gluconolactone

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~2.3–2.8%

Salicylic acidHeroEffect: HighUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)~1.7–2.1%

GluconolactoneKey activeEffect: MediumA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~1.6–2%

PhytosphingosineEffect: LowA type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect~0.15–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

14 flagged ingredients

Low risk

We flag 14 ingredients with irritancy potential; the product's overall irritancy is low. The table lists each ingredient's own rating.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Salicylic acidUsed for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)High~1.7–2.1%est.

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurateHelps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agentHigh~1.6–2%est.

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinateHelps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agentMedium~11–13%est.

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaineUsed as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix togetherMedium~5.9–7.3%est.

GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~1.6–2%est.

Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.2–1.4%est.

Sodium cocoyl isethionateHelps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agentMedium~1–1.2%est.

Triethyl citrateUsed as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritationMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Sodium lauroyl lactylateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Tetrasodium edtaHelps to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.5%est.

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinateUsed to improve stability of the formulationMedium~0.2–0.35%est.

Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

Face facts Ceramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser

Cheaper73% match

$7.82

Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser

Cheaper68% match

$10.00

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

80%·yes

4 of 5 community members would buy it again.

80% would20% wouldn't

Altra· Feb 2023Recommends
It's your basic cleanser. Put it on for 1 to 2 min. Then wash off. Easy peasy. I leave it on longer for salicylic acid to do its acne fighting job.
Stripping feel
Not stripping
Makeup removal
Removes light makeup
Foam
No foam
Smell
No smell

What reviewers noticed

Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate~11–13%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate

Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine~5.9–7.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used as a cleansing agent. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine

Glycerin~3.1–3.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Niacinamide~2.3–2.8%

Hero · Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces redness

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Salicylic acid~1.7–2.1%

Hero · Anti-blemishIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishExfoliationAnti-inflammatoryAntibacterialEvens skin tone

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)

More about Salicylic acid

Gluconolactone~1.6–2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

ExfoliationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-blemish

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate~1.6–2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Can be used as cleansing agent

More about Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate

Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate~1.2–1.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate

Sodium cocoyl isethionate~1–1.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together. Can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Sodium cocoyl isethionate

Ceramide np~0.75–1.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritation

A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin

More about Ceramide np

Ceramide ap~0.6–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide ap

Ceramide eop~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatory

More about Ceramide eop

Carbomer~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Calcium gluconate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and helps to improve appearance of the product

More about Calcium gluconate

Triethyl citrate~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used as a fragrance. Rarely causes irritation

More about Triethyl citrate

Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Sodium hydroxide~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Sodium chloride~0.35–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride

Sodium lauroyl lactylate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Sodium lauroyl lactylate

Cholesterol~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingCleansing

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

More about Cholesterol

Coconut acid~0.45–0.65%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

More about Coconut acid

Tetrasodium edta~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps to stabilize the product formulation

More about Tetrasodium edta

Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. A version of it is naturally present in skin

More about Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to improve stability of the formulation

More about Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Hectorite~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Hectorite

Phytosphingosine~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-inflammatory

A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect

More about Phytosphingosine

Acrylates copolymer~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency

More about Acrylates copolymer

Benzoic acid~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Salicylic acid, Gluconolactone, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Carbomer, Calcium gluconate, Triethyl citrate, Sodium benzoate, Sodium hydroxide, Sodium chloride, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Cholesterol, Coconut acid, Tetrasodium edta, Caprylyl glycol, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, Xanthan gum, Hectorite, Phytosphingosine, Acrylates copolymer, Benzoic acid

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	CeraVeAcne Control CleanserYOUR PRODUCT	Face factsCeramide Blemish Foaming Cleanser	VERSOAcne Deep Cleanse	Community Sixty-SixDetoxifying AHA/BHA Gel Cleanser
Match	—	73%	73%	70%
Price	$14.24	$7.82−$6.42	$30.08+$15.84	$15.82+$1.58
Shared key ingredients	—	7 of 19	5 of 19	6 of 19
Key difference	—	Ceramide As	Zinc Pca	Glycolic Acid
Irritancy	Low	Low	Low	Low
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop