CeraVe Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin
Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Ceramide np + 9 moreWorks well
“A hydrating gel treatment developed specifically for blemish-prone skin, CeraVe’s Blemish Control Gel targets breakouts and blackheads to promote a visibly clearer complexion.”
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, lactic acid.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: cholesterol, cetearyl alcohol.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide ap, ceramide eop, ceramide np, niacinamide, phytosphingosine
ExfoliationGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“A blend of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid (AHAs) and 2% salicylic acid (BHA), gently exfoliates dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities.”
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: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid.
Evens skin toneGlycolic acid, Lactic acid + 2 moreWorks well
“Supported by three essential ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, the gel locks in moisture for up to 24 hours, protects the skin’s barrier and helps to even the look of skin tone.”
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishSalicylic acid, Niacinamide + 2 moreWorks well
“A hydrating gel treatment developed specifically for blemish-prone skin, CeraVe’s Blemish Control Gel targets breakouts and blackheads to promote a visibly clearer complexion.”
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: glycolic acid
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · Glycolic acid, Lactic acid + 1 moreWorks well
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid, niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: lactic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy11 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Salicylic acid2%
- Irritation risk
- High
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 acidWater~45–55%
Glycerin~6.8–8.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinSodium hydroxide~5.1–6.2%
Glycolic acid~3.4–4.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidLactic acid~2.3–2.8%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)
More about Lactic acidNiacinamide~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 NiacinamideCeramide np~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 npCeramide ap~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 apCeramide eop~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 eopCarbomer~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerCetearyl alcohol~0.9–1.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 2/5
A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture
More about Cetearyl alcoholBehentrimonium methosulfate~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Behentrimonium methosulfateTriethyl citrate~0.5–0.75%
Sodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateSodium lauroyl lactylate~0.35–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Sodium lauroyl lactylateCholesterol~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally found in skin
More about CholesterolChlorphenesin~0.16–0.32%
Disodium edta~0.15–0.3%
Hydroxypropyl guar~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions
More about Hydroxypropyl guarCaprylyl glycol~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolXanthan gum~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumPhytosphingosine~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 PhytosphingosineBenzoic acid~0.05–0.15%
Ingredient list view
Salicylic acid, Water, Glycerin, Sodium hydroxide, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Niacinamide, Ceramide np, Ceramide ap, Ceramide eop, Carbomer, Cetearyl alcohol, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Triethyl citrate, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium lauroyl lactylate, Cholesterol, Chlorphenesin, Disodium edta, Hydroxypropyl guar, Caprylyl glycol, Xanthan gum, Phytosphingosine, Benzoic acid
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
.png)
Affiliate links
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.
| CeraVeBlemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone SkinYOUR PRODUCT | GlossierSolution | AcneFree Dermatology Inspired CareBlackhead Removing Scrub With Charcoal | Zombie BeautyBloody Peel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 71% | 67% | 63% |
| Price | $11.89 | $30.00+$18.11 | — | $18.20+$6.31 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 5 of 11 | 8 of 11 | 6 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Gluconolactone | Xanthan Gum | Gluconolactone |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: MALIN + GOETZ Salicylic Gelskintific AHA BHA PHA Exfoliating Pads
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "CeraVe - Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin" works well for improving skin hydration To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. CeraVe - Blemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin ticks this box. Glycerin, lactic acid, sodium hyaluronate and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide eop, ceramide np, phytosphingosine, cholesterol and cetearyl alcohol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.
Ingredient callouts
- We love that this moisturizer contains a good concentration of niacinamide 1.70% - 2.50%. Niacinamide is a perfect active in a moistruizer because it helps calm down inflamation in skin and support the skin barrier. More than that, it is helpful for most common skin concerns: it helps regulat oil production, help reduce acne and clogged pores, improve skin tone and prevent pigmentation marks. It also helps fight photodamage.
- As a plus, this moisturizer also contains ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.10% - 0.30%, ceramide eop 1.10% - 1.70%, ceramide ap 1.20% - 1.80% and ceramide np 1.50% - 2.20%). Ceramides are a type of lipids that our skin produces itself. They are a building block of the skin's barrier. Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or extracted from plants. They work well for softening the skin surface and "patch holes" in the skin's barrier.
Irritation risk
There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 11.00£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 18 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 3A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.