CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash – Calming Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Nightly Self-Care Rituals, 8 Ounce
CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash – Calming Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Nightly Self-Care Rituals, 8 Ounce
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Dermatologist-developed formula offers clinical credibility over generic drugstore cleansers
- Maintains skin barrier with 3 essential ceramides so skin does not feel stripped or dry after washing
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic formulation is safer for sensitive and reactive skin
- 2% salicylic acid delivers a recognized, effective acne-fighting concentration without harshness of physical scrubs
- FSA and HSA eligible, making it a reimbursable healthcare purchase for budget-conscious buyers
- Available in 8 oz and 16 oz sizes so users can choose between starter and value refill options
Perfect for
- Daily morning and evening facial cleansing to treat and prevent acne breakouts
- Blackhead removal and pore-minimizing routine for oily T-zones
- Gentle exfoliation step to slough off dead skin cells without irritation
- Oil-control cleansing during hot weather or after workouts
- Pre-treatment cleansing to prep skin for serums, moisturizers, or acne spot treatments
Gel to Foam Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Dispenses as a clear gel and transforms into a light, foaming face wash as you lather.
Effectively removes dirt and excess oil, gently exfoliates and penetrates clogged pores to help prevent new acne breakouts.
How to Use
Wet skin with lukewarm water. Massage dime-size amount of Acne Control Cleanser into skin in a gentle circular motion. Rinse.
If going outside, apply sunscreen after using this product. If irritation or sensitivity develops, stop use of both products or ask a doctor
Suitable for Acne Prone Skin
All CeraVe products are developed with dermatologists.
Acne Control Cleanser is formulated without fragrance & parabens and is non-comedogenic & allergy-tested. It is suitable for acne prone skin types.
2% Salicylic Acid, Hectorite Clay , Niacinamide, and Ceramides
2% Salicylic acid treats acne, reduces blackheads, improves the appearance of pores, and penetrates pores to help prevent new breakouts.
Hectorite clay helps absorb oil & helps skin look less shiny.
Niacinamide helps calm the skin.
Ceramides are naturally found in your skin and play a vital role in helping your skin protect you. They help fill in the gaps between your skin cells so your skin can seal in moisture and seal out impurities.
Shop Bestselling Skincare
Visit the Store
NEW Scalp & Haircare For All
Visit the Store
Discover All New Products
Visit the Store
Shop Facial Moisturizers
Visit the Store
Shop Facial Cleansers
Visit the Store
Shop All Categories
Visit the Store
The CeraVe story began in 2005 after experts noticed that many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin all had one thing in common: a compromised skin barrier. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe offers a complete line of skincare & haircare products that contain three essential ceramides enhanced with a revolutionary delivery system to help restore the skin & scalp's natural protective barrier.
Product Information
[ACNE FACE WASH WITH SALICYLIC ACID] Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, reduce blackheads & the appearance of pores, treats & prevents acne. BHA exfoliants are less harsh than face scrubs
[FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER] This CeraVe face wash dispenses as a clear gel and transforms into a light, foaming face wash as you lather. The gentle wash and exfoliation smooths and cleanses skin without leaving skin feeling stripped of moisture
[ACNE WASH WITH OIL ABSORBING TECHNOLOGY] CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser helps prevent new breakouts from forming with purifying clay to help absorb excess oil and niacinamide to help calm skin. Fragrance free, paraben free, & non-comedogenic
[ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products, formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II)to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
[ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has products suitable for dry skin; sensitive skin; oily skin; acne-prone; and more. FSA Eligible & HSA Eligible
Developed with dermatologists, a gel-to-foam cleanser with 2% salicylic acid and purifying clay to remove dirt & excess oil, clean pores, gently exfoliate, and deeply reduce oiliness while helping to not disrupt the protective skin barrier or cause dryness and discomfort with 3 essential ceramides. Featuring Oil-Absorbing Technology to minimize visible shine. Formulated to clear acne, reduce blackheads, and improve the appearance of pores.
Features & Specs
Scent Name: Fragrance Free
Skin Type: Acne Prone Skin, Oily
Product Benefits: Soothing; Acne Preventing; Cleansing
Additional Features: Not Tested On Animals
Active Ingredients: hyaluronic_acid, salicylic_acid
Item Form: Gel
Special Ingredients: 2% Salicylic Acid, Hectorite Clay, Niacinamide, Ceramides
Target Use Body Part: Face
Container Type: Bottle
Recommended Uses For Product: Face
Package Type Name: Bottle
Skin Cleaning Agent Use: Facial Cleanser
Sun Protection: 30 sun_protection_factor
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this face wash feel calming during my evening wind-down routine or is the salicylic acid harsh?
The 2% salicylic acid works as a gentle chemical exfoliant, while three essential ceramides and niacinamide help calm the skin. Most users find it leaves their face feeling clean and comfortable, not tight or stripped, which suits a relaxing nightly ritual.
Does this cleanser have a fragrance that adds to a spa-like atmosphere in my bathroom?
It is fragrance-free, so it will not scent your bathroom. This is intentional, as added fragrance can irritate acne-prone and sensitive skin, and many people prefer pairing their own essential oils or towels with a neutral cleanse.
Can I use this face wash as part of a mindful morning skincare ritual, or is it only for nighttime?
It is formulated for both morning and evening use. In the morning, it removes oil that built up overnight, and at night it clears sunscreen, sweat, and pore-clogging debris so your skin is prepped for serums and moisturizer.
Will the gel-to-foam texture make my self-care routine feel indulgent, or is it clinical and basic?
The gel-to-foam texture lathers lightly and rinses clean, giving a satisfying sensory cue that your skin has been properly washed without leaving a heavy residue, which many wellness-minded users describe as a small daily moment of care.
Is this cleanser a good choice if my skin tends to feel stressed and breakout during busy or anxious weeks?
Yes. The 2% salicylic acid targets breakouts, niacinamide helps calm visible redness, and ceramides reinforce the barrier, making it a well-rounded option for skin that flares during stressful periods.
Is this face wash a good option for my nightly acne care ritual if I also use a serum and moisturizer?
Absolutely. It is designed as the cleansing step that preps skin for the rest of your regimen, removing oil and debris so serums, acne spot treatments, and moisturizers can absorb more effectively.
Will this cleanser fit into a wellness-focused routine that values simple, effective steps?
Yes. It combines treatment, exfoliation, and barrier support in one bottle, so you do not need a separate scrub, toner, and treatment wash to keep acne-prone skin in good shape.
Can I pair this face wash with a warm towel or facial massage for a spa-like experience at home?
Yes. Many users layer it with a warm damp cloth or a gentle facial massage to enhance relaxation. Just rinse thoroughly afterward and follow with your usual serum and moisturizer.
Is this a good choice if I want a cleanser that supports long-term skin health, not just a quick fix?
It is designed for ongoing daily use. The ceramides help maintain a healthy barrier, niacinamide supports an even-looking tone, and salicylic acid manages breakouts over time, which aligns with a long-term, wellness-first approach.
How does this compare to using a generic drugstore acne scrub as part of my self-care routine?
Unlike many physical scrubs that can irritate and micro-tear the skin, this is a chemical exfoliant with a 2% BHA concentration. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and includes ceramides, making it a more skin-friendly daily option.
Will the salicylic acid make my skin feel tight and uncomfortable after washing, ruining the relaxing feel?
No. The formula includes three ceramides and is designed to cleanse without stripping, so most users do not experience the tight, dry feeling common with harsher acne washes.
Is it safe to use this cleanser every single day as part of my long-term wellness routine?
Yes, it is designed for daily morning and evening use. If you have very sensitive skin, you can start with once daily and build up, but most users tolerate twice-daily application well.
My main concern is that acne treatments dry out my skin. Will this one feel soothing instead?
That is a common concern, and one of the main reasons ceramides are included. They help retain moisture and reinforce the skin barrier, so the cleanser treats acne while keeping the skin more comfortable than many traditional treatments.
How do I use this CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash in my daily routine?
Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply a small amount to your fingertips, and gently massage it into the skin for about 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. It can be used both morning and night, followed by your usual serum, moisturizer, or acne spot treatment.
Can I use this face wash every day, or should I alternate with a gentler cleanser?
It is designed for daily use, both morning and evening. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you can start with once a day and increase to twice daily as your skin adjusts.
Should I use this before or after other acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids?
Use it first, as the cleansing step, to remove oil and debris. Then apply your targeted treatment, whether that is benzoyl peroxide, a retinoid, or an acne spot treatment, and finish with a moisturizer.
Is this cleanser compatible with vitamin C serums and hyaluronic acid?
Yes. After rinsing off the cleanser, you can apply vitamin C in the morning and hyaluronic acid serum in the morning or evening. The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula layers well with most water-based serums.
Can I use this face wash with a clarisonic or silicone cleansing brush?
You can, but use the brush gently and only once a day or a few times per week. Over-exfoliating with a brush plus salicylic acid can lead to irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
What is included in the box when I order this face wash?
You will receive one bottle of CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash in the size you selected, either 8 fl oz or 16 fl oz. No additional tools or accessories are included. A separate pump or dispenser is not part of the standard packaging.
Is it safe to use this face wash if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Salicylic acid in small, rinse-off amounts is generally considered low risk, but you should always check with your OB-GYN or healthcare provider before starting any new acne treatment during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Will this cleanser cause purging, and is that normal?
Some users experience mild purging in the first few weeks as salicylic acid brings underlying clogs to the surface. This usually settles as skin adjusts. If you experience persistent redness, burning, or peeling, reduce use and consult a dermatologist.
What is the difference between a salicylic acid cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide cleanser for acne?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside the pore and helps with blackheads and whiteheads, while benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and is better for inflammatory breakouts. Salicylic acid is often gentler and less drying, while benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics.
