New ArrivalsEasterClothing, Shoes & AccessoriesHomeKitchen & DiningOutdoor Living & GardenFurnitureGroceryHousehold EssentialsBabyBeautyPersonal CareHealthWellnessBackpacks & LuggageSports & OutdoorsToysElectronicsVideo GamesMovies, Music & BooksSchool & Office SuppliesParty SuppliesGift IdeasGift CardsPetsUlta Beauty at TargetShop by CommunityTarget OpticalDealsClearanceTarget New ArrivalsRoller Rabbit x TargetEasterHome Decor Ideas & TrendsTop DealsTarget Circle DealsWeekly AdShop Order PickupShop Same Day DeliveryRegistryRedCardTarget CircleFind Stores
CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel - 1.35 fl oz: Exfoliating, Face, Liquid, Acne-Prone - 2 of 4CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel - 1.35 fl oz: Exfoliating, Face, Liquid, Acne-Prone - 3 of 4CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel - 1.35 fl oz: Exfoliating, Face, Liquid, Acne-Prone - 4 of 4
CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel - 1.35 fl oz: Exfoliating, Face, Liquid, Acne-Prone - 1 of 4

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel - 1.35 fl oz: Exfoliating, Face, Liquid, Acne-Prone

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists
Available deals

Target Circle Deal: $5 Target GiftCard with $30 beauty products purchase

Eligible with Target Circle membership ∙ Expires Apr 4 ∙ Details

At a glance

About this item

Highlights

  • Salicylic acid acne treatment for face, a preventative acne gel for daily maintenance that helps to minimize the appearance of blackheads and pores without drying the skin
  • Provides a lightweight, hydrating full-face treatment for acne
  • 2% salicylic acid helps clear acne and prevent new breakouts
  • Treatment for acne leaves skin looking more radiant, smooth
  • Noticeably clearer skin after 3 days
  • 5.5% alpha hydroxy acids help smooth and soften skin
  • Niacinamide helps soothe skin and hyaluronic acid helps maintain skins natural moisture"
  • Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, drying alcohol-free

Description

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Control Gel is an acne treatment for face that provides a lightweight, hydrating full-face treatment to clear acne and help prevent new acne breakouts while minimizing the appearance of pores without drying the skin. Acne treatment for face is oil-free and free of drying alcohol, leaving skin looking more radiant, smooth and noticeably clearer after 3 days.

Key Ingredients:
•2% Salicylic acid (SA), a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) helps clear acne & prevent new breakouts
•5.5% alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), a blend of Lactic and Glycolic Acids, helps smooth and soften skin
•Niacinamide helps soothe skin
•Hyaluronic Acid helps maintain skins natural moisture
•3 essential ceramides help maintain the skin’s natural barrier
•MVE Technology provides a steady release of all-day hydration

How to Use:
Recommended for evening use:
•Clean the skin thoroughly with CeraVe Acne Treatment Face Wash before applying this product
•Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily
•Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor
•If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day
Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn, so apply CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30.

Brand Story:
Whether you need products for your sensitive, oily, acne-prone, combination or normal skin, need a soothing moisturizer for your baby, have specific skin concerns, like eczema or psoriasis, or just want a hydrating serum or anti-aging cream, CeraVe can help. 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 products that contain three essential ceramides enhanced with a revolutionary delivery system to help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Scent: Unscented
Health Facts: Contains Ceramides, Contains Salicylic Acid, Contains Hyaluronic Acid, Contains Alpha Hydroxy, Contains Glycolic Acid
Product Form: Liquid
Package Quantity: 1
Beauty Purpose: Acne-Prone, Skin Texture Improvement, Anti-Acne, Exfoliating
Recommended Skin Type: Acne-Prone, Combination, Normal
Net weight: 1.35 fl oz (US)
TCIN: 82403939
UPC: 3606000575172
Item Number (DPCI): 037-12-6098
Origin: Made in the USA
Healthcare Disclaimer:
Content on this site is for reference purposes only. Target does not represent or warrant that the nutrition, ingredient, allergen and other product information on our Web or Mobile sites are accurate or complete, since this information comes from the product manufacturers. On occasion, manufacturers may improve or change their product formulas and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on our Web or Mobile sites and that you review the product's label or contact the manufacturer directly if you have specific product concerns or questions. If you have specific healthcare concerns or questions about the products displayed, please contact your licensed healthcare professional for advice or answers.
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

Active ingredients

salicylic acid' '2.0%

Purpose

Acne treatment

Uses

Uses clears acne blemishes and allows skin to heal, helps prevent new acne blemishes from forming

Directions

Directions clean the skin thoroughly before applying this product, cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily, because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor, if bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day

Inactive ingredients

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

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.34 inches length x 1.8 inches width x 6.43 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.13 pounds

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, delivered to the guest, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or picked up by the guest.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: I am looking for a gentle treatment for a pre teen girl. Can you recommend one?

submitted by D - 2 years ago
  • A: If her skin is suited to salicylic acid and it doesn’t bother her, than probably. I would start with using it up to three times per week though.

    submitted byNotmyname75 - 1 year ago
  • A: Yes probably,if she has acne and her skin is suited with salicylic acid

    submitted byNotmyname75 - 1 year ago
  • A: Hi there, D! Unless specifically labeled for use on children, our products are not formulated for or tested for use on children. Our children’s products are not tested on children under the age of 3 years except those labeled as baby products. Please check with your child's pediatrician if you have questions about the use of a specific product. In accordance with US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s definition, we consider a child to be 12 years old and under.

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: When in my routine would I apply this? Right after I cleanse, or after serums and acids?

submitted by Lostinlasvegas - 2 years ago
  • A: Hi Lostinlasvegas. Thank you for reaching out to CeraVe regarding the Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel. We suggest applying this product after you cleanse your face and before using any serums and moisturizers.

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 2 years ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hey, Great question! We recommend to wash your face with your favorite cleanser and then apply the Cerave Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel in the affected area with a thin layer. Then you can apply your serums and moisturizers after. Salicylic acid can be used with other acids in some cases, but it's important to take precaution. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page.

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: For my skincare routine, I use a cleanser, toner, then a moisturizer. I know I should cleanse first and then use moisturizer after applying this gel. Can I use this gel with facial toner? If so, should I apply the gel before or after toner? Thanks!

submitted by Meowcat - 7 months ago
  • A: Hey, Great question! We recommend following these essential steps in order: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities, then apply toner to balance your skin. Next, target problem areas with the CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Gel for effective treatment. Finally, seal in moisture with your favorite moisturizer for optimal hydration. For real-time answers to all your beauty questions, use the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button on any beauty product page

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 7 months ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi there! We’re so glad to hear about your interest in our Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel. For best results, start by cleansing your face, then apply a toner. After the toner, cover the affected area with a thin layer of the gel. After it absorbs, finish with a moisturizer. Let your skin dry in between steps. We hope you enjoy this routine!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 7 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Is this okay to use with the Cerve retinol? Or the cerve salyctic acid face wash?

submitted by Ashlee - 1 year ago
  • A: Hey Ashlee, Great question! Yes, retinol and salicylic acid together in your skincare routine, but we recommend to use with caution and knowledge. Both ingredients are potent and can cause side effects like dryness and irritation if used at the same time! For all your future beauty questions, get real-time answers using the “Chat with a Virtual Beauty Consultant” button, found on every product page.

    submitted byTarget Beauty Consulting - 1 year ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hi there! We appreciate your inquiry about the Acne Control Gel. We recommend using this product separately from the Skin Resurfacing Retinol. Additionally, we recommend pairing this product with a sunscreen. For best recommendations, please speak with your dermatologist. Thank you for choosing CeraVe!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Does this product help with skin texture improvement?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: Yes, the formula contains ingredients that help to smooth and improve skin texture.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: What types of skin are suitable for this treatment?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: This acne treatment is recommended for acne-prone, combination, and normal skin types.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: How long before noticeable results are observed?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: Users can expect noticeably clearer skin after just three days of regular use.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: Can this gel be used with other skincare products?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: Yes, it can be integrated into a skincare routine, but avoid mixing with drying products.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: What is the main purpose of this acne treatment gel?

submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
  • A: The gel is designed to clear acne and help prevent new breakouts while minimizing pores.

    submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 1 month ago
    Ai generated

Q: What is the percentage of niacimide in this? I already use 10% serum and don't want to put too much.

submitted by Nikki - 2 months ago
  • A: Hello Nikki. Great question! CeraVe Acne Control Gel is a hydrating, daily acne treatment with 2% salicylic acid that clears acne and helps prevent new breakouts from forming. It also offers gentle exfoliation with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) that help improve the appearance of pores along with calming niacinamide and barrier-strengthening ceramides. Except for active ingredients, information regarding the function and percentage of specific ingredients in our products is proprietary. If you would like more information regarding this subject, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org. This website contains safety information about cosmetic products, their ingredients and how they are tested and regulated. We hope this information is helpful and that you can use our products with great success!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 2 months ago
    Brand expert

Additional product information and recommendations

Guests are saying

This acne control gel has garnered a mix of enthusiastic praise and some disappointment from guests. Many have found it effective in treating breakouts, reducing redness, and improving overall skin texture, especially for those with sensitive skin. Guests appreciate its lightweight formula and the absence of harsh ingredients, making it suitable for daily use. However, some guests experienced irritation or no noticeable results, highlighting the importance of individual skin responses. Overall, it is a promising option for acne management.
    Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
    4.4 out of 5 stars with 662 reviews
    effectiveness: 4.06 out of 5
    quality: 4.06 out of 5
    value: 3.98 out of 5
    75% would recommend
    103 recommendations
    4 out of 5 stars
    15 February, 2026
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    BLEMISH CONTROL AND ACNE CONTROL BOTH ARE SAME GEL

    well i just started using its been 4 to 5 days ofc didnt get result in 3 days as i have closed comodones(white heads ....it will take about 4 to 5 weeks u will also see some new acne forming but its good means its just taking out the remain acne to give u smooth and reduction in acne skin so i hope i will see results ...BEST OF LUCK TO ME AND U GUYS TOO....BLEMISH CONTROL AND ACNE CONTROL BOTH ARE SAME GEL AS TEY BOTH INCLUDE AHA BHA
    AABBCC
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    21 January, 2026Verified purchase

    Gave me a rash

    This gave me an itchy blotchy rash on my face. I’ve used plenty of products but this is the only one I’ve ever had a reaction to. I returned it.
    1 reply from Cerave Product Expert team - 2 months ago
    Hi Lauren. Thank you for reaching out to CeraVe. We are sorry to hear about the experience you had with the Acne Treatment Gel. We would like to speak with you directly about it. Please give us a call at 888-768-2915, M- F, 9am - 5:30pm, ET and let us know you contacted us through a review. It would be helpful if you could have the product available when you call, as well as providing the agent with your username. Looking forward to speaking with you.
    Lauren
    effectiveness: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    1 out of 5 stars
    19 January, 2026
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    Most horrible product ive used EVER.

    I got this from the CeraVe Anti-Acne Starter Kit, Which includes the Acne Control Cleanser, Most reviews say it is amazing, but the thing is is that it caued my skin to irritate so bad that it looks worser than what my skin used to look like, I followed the instructions and it turned out horribly, The first 2 days looked good, but then all of a sudden my skin is irritated, i have no allergies, and i have seen photos of other people getting the same issue like before, Not a chemical burn, nor infection Im really dissapointed how my skin has turned out when i bought and used a product that is from a brand that was developed by dermatologists, but yet cannot even make proper products to even solve something that alot of teens go through in puberty.
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 2 months ago
    Hello Customer! We are very sorry to hear about your experience with our Acne Control Gel. We would like to speak to you directly about this. Please contact us at 888-768-2915 M-F 9:00 am – 5:30 pm ET for assistance and provide the reference #44879375. We look forward to speaking with you!
    Customer
    3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    13 January, 2026Verified purchase

    Helps minimize sebaceous filaments

    Salicylic acid doesn't work on my acne; however, it work wonders for sebaceous filaments on my nose. I noticed it was working after one week of use. By week two, my nose was more smooth than ever and the scars from the constant extracting I was doing before starting this product were almost completely faded.
    TallGal301
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    26 December, 2025
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    Awesome Product!

    I love it! I've recently been breaking out a lot, and once i started using this, it's starting to clear up! My skin is extremely sensitive and dry, but this is perfect! 10/10!
    Jess
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    9 November, 2025Verified purchase

    Before(right) and After (left)

    This product really works i've been using it since september for my acne. It takes time but it definitely works
    food
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    28 September, 2025Verified purchase

    WORKS FORREAL!!! and on sensitive skin!

    Literally cleared my problem area in 2 weeks! I don’t even leave reviews so this how you know it’s real lol! Trust me.
    monae
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    9 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    27 September, 2025Verified purchase

    Cleared up stubborn acne in 1 day.

    I am bad about being consistent about my face care. I am busy and live in an hot climate so I sweat a lot. I noticed some acne on my temple that stayed with regular face washing. I washed and then put this on and next day it was shrunken. It works well and does what it’s supposed to.
    VeronicaC
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    24 September, 2025Verified purchase

    spot treat any blemishes

    love it, helps out with skin breakouts
    Yvonne
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    21 August, 2025Verified purchase

    Acne

    My son loves this product
    A ne
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    31 July, 2025Verified purchase

    Great for acne blemishes

    This cream goes in better than most and doesn't have a greasy after feel. It has also stopped acne in its tracks unlike other creams I've used in the past!
    TiffanyH506
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    14 May, 2025Verified purchase

    Great

    Great for acne. I recommend it.
    Subrina Aayan
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    15 April, 2025Verified purchase

    Holy Grail

    I had a friend of mine recommend this to me and I cannot believe how good of a product this has been. I lucked out and don’t usually get much bad acne but whenever I get a few bad spots like blind acne spots that get really inflamed, I use this 3 times a day and it’s usually almost nonexistent within a day and a half.
    Rower
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    7 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    23 February, 2025Verified purchase

    Amazing

    It really helped my son.
    Alexis
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    31 January, 2025Verified purchase

    Great for black and white heads, not for deep cystic acne

    Amazing gel for "light" acne. I'm in my early 40s and was considering this or the very expensive Tula or La Roche-Posay at $40 each but decided to give this a try and so glad I did! Within 4 days, my pores were smaller and I could tell it was squeezing out the little hard oil plug from my pores. Sometimes I could literally just brush off the clogged pore. I would NOT recommend this for people with cystic acne (you need a dermatologist for that since it's systemic and not a topical treatment (maybe Retin-A)). Highly recommended for white and black heads and occasional pimples. I used this in conjunction with a cotton pad and nightly toner from La Roche-Posay 0.5% salicylic acid. If it matters, I was a dermatology medical assistant for years at a top rated dermatology office with 5 doctors. I literally watched exactly what the doctors would prescribe for any skin ailment for years. This stuff is great and way, way more affordable than a Rx (but do still shop around for best pricing).
    NYC Fashion Girl
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 3 out of 5
    33 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    26 January, 2025Verified purchase

    Will buy over and over again!

    I have struggled with acne my whole life. Nothing seemed to work, until I tried this gel. It is Miracle cream and I am so happy with the results!
    Bb345
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    26 January, 2025Verified purchase

    Helps so much

    As someone who has dealt with acne for years, this seems to be one of the only things that works for me. I have combination skin and this works really well for me. I use after washing my face and it has helped prevent/treat breakouts. I also feel like it has helped reduce the appearance of scars. 100% recommend!
    Hannah221
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    11 December, 2024

    IT WORKS!

    I have NEVER left a a review for any item before. BUT I had to do one for this one because it is that good! I’ve only been using it for a week and I notice a HUGE DIFFERENCE! A cleanser wasn’t working for me and I needed something that could last on my face. I’ve been using this as a part of my day and night routine! My skin texture is already looking and feeling smooth!
    sr23
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    7 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    18 November, 2024
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    Amazing Product, highly recommend.

    I received a sample after purchasing the hydrating cleanser and I used it on my sebaceous filaments that I have been straggling with around my cheeks and in 3 days, I could tell the difference. Love love love love this product.
    Anny
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    12 November, 2024Verified purchase

    Pass! Don't waste your time

    Does not work! Do not recommend. I applied this product as instructed and nothing happens. I’ve used it consistently and no results. I had high hopes for this product but it sadly did not deliver.
    1 reply from Cerave Product Expert team - 1 year ago
    Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with our Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Control Gel. Consumer feedback is very important to us and allows us to improve all our products. We will be sure to pass all your feedback along to the appropriate teams. We hope you will continue using more of our products soon with full satisfaction with the results!
    Idk
    value: 1 out of 5
    effectiveness: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

    Get top deals, latest trends, and more.

    Privacy policy

    Footer

    About Us

    About TargetCareersNews & BlogTarget BrandsBullseye ShopSustainability & GovernancePress CenterAdvertise with UsInvestorsAffiliates & PartnersSuppliersTargetPlus

    Help

    Target HelpReturnsTrack OrdersRecallsContact UsFeedbackAccessibilitySecurity & FraudTeam Member ServicesLegal & Privacy

    Stores

    Find a StoreClinicPharmacyTarget OpticalMore In-Store Services

    Services

    Target Circle™Target Circle™ CardTarget Circle 360™Target AppRegistrySame Day DeliveryOrder PickupDrive UpFree 2-Day ShippingShipping & DeliveryMore Services
    PinterestFacebookInstagramXYoutubeTiktokTermsCA Supply ChainPrivacy PolicyCA Privacy RightsYour Privacy ChoicesInterest Based AdsHealth Privacy Policy