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CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 2 of 4CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 3 of 4CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 4 of 4
CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 1 of 4

CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin

$16.99
Eligible for registries and wish lists

At a glance

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About this item

Highlights

  • [ EXFOLIATING FACE WASH ] Salicylic acid (SA) is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps remove dead skin cells, reduce blackheads & the appearance of pores, and treats & prevents acne. Chemical exfoliants feel less harsh than physical ones like face scrubs
  • [ EVERYDAY ACNE TREATMENT ] Cleanse skin morning and night, then apply CeraVe Acne Control Gel all over the face for targeted acne treatment. As product can increase skin’s sun sensitivity, we recommend using CeraVe Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30
  • [ FOAMING CLEANSER ] Dispenses as a clear gel and transforms into a light, foaming face wash as you lather. The gentle wash and exfoliation smooths, hydrates and cleanses skin without leaving a stripped, tight feeling
  • [ BREAKOUT PREVENTION ] CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser helps prevent new breakouts from forming. With Oil-absorbing purifying clay to help reduce clogged pores and Niacinamide to helps soothe skin
  • [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier

Description

Developed with Dermatologists, CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is formulated with 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to clear acne and reduce blackheads and purifying Hectorite clay to improve the appearance of pores by helping absorb oil and minimize shine. Formulated with Oil-Absorbing Technology, in a refreshing gel-to-foam texture, cleanses skin and targets pores, helping prevent new acne breakouts while maintaining the protective skin barrier with 3 essential ceramides. Formulated with Niacinamide to help calm skin. Preventative Acne Cleanser for daily maintenance.
Health Facts: Paraben-Free, Contains Salicylic Acid
Product Form: Liquid
Beauty Purpose: Basic Cleansing
Recommended Skin Type: Dry, Normal
Features: Dermatologist Tested, Dermatologist Recommended, Safe to Use On Sensitive Skin, Non-Comedogenic
TCIN: 88532687
Item Number (DPCI): 037-12-8889
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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%).

Purpose

Acne Treatment..

Warnings

skin irritation and dryness is more likely to occur if you use another topical acne medication at the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne medication at a time.

Directions

Use twice daily. Shake well, wet face, then work product into a lather. Massage onto face avoiding the eyes. Rinse well.

Other information

Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)., Protect from excessive moisture.

Inactive ingredients

water, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, glycerin, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, niacinamide, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, gluconolactone, sodium cocoyl isethionate, ceramide np, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, carbomer, calcium gluconate, triethyl citrate, sodium hydroxide, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, sodium lauroyl lactylate, cholesterol, coconut acid, tetrasodium edta, caprylyl glycol, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, hectorite, phytosphingosine, xanthan gum, acrylates copolymer, benzoic acid

Question or comments?

1-888-768-2915

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.634 inches length x 3.189 inches width x 7.52 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.869 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, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Q: Can I use this product as well as Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, or would that be too much salicylic acid on my face?

submitted by Ryan - 5 months ago
  • A: Hello Ryan. Thank you for your interest in CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin. it is generally safe to use both a salicylic acid cleanser and a salicylic acid toner in your skincare routine, but it's crucial to use them with caution and consider rotating them on separate days. We hope this information has been helpful and that you can use our products with great success!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 5 months ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hey Ryan, Yes, it is generally safe to use both a salicylic acid cleanser and a salicylic acid toner in your skincare routine, but it's crucial to use them with caution and potentially adjust the frequency of use based on your skin's reaction. 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 - 5 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: How well does this lather? Or is it more like a cream cleanser?

submitted by toni - 5 months ago
  • A: Hey Toni, Great question! The Cerave Acne Face Cleanser dispenses as a clear gel and transforms into a light, foaming face wash as you lather. The gentle wash and exfoliation smooths, hydrates, and cleanses skin without leaving a stripped, tight feeling. 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 - 5 months ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hello toni, Thank you for your interest in CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purfiying Clay for Oily Skin. The Cerave Acne Face Cleanser dispenses as a clear gel and transforms into a light, foaming face wash as you lather. The gentle wash and exfoliation smooths, hydrates, and cleanses skin without leaving a stripped, tight feeling. We hope you will give it a try soon!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 5 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Is this like a lotion or like a soap to wash off

submitted by Uriel - 9 months ago
  • A: Great question Uriel! CeraVe Acne Control is a face cleanser that is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to clear acne and reduce blackheads and improve the appearance of pores by helping absorb oil. 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 - 9 months ago
    Brand expert
  • A: Hello Uriel! Our CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is designed to be used as a wash-off cleanser, similar to a facial soap. You'll want to apply it to wet skin, massage it gently to create a lather, and then rinse completely. It's not a leave-on product like a lotion.

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 9 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: May I ask if this facial cleanser can remove sunscreen?

submitted by Irina - 2 months ago
  • A: Hello Irina. Thank you for your interest in CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin. This refreshing, gel-to-foam salicylic acid cleanser effectively removes dirt and excess oil, make up and sunscreen and gently exfoliates and penetrates clogged pores to help prevent new acne breakouts. Acne Control Cleanser also maintains the skin’s protective barrier with 3 essential ceramides, calms the skin with niacinamide and reduces acne while leaving the skin soft, smooth and hydrated. We hope you will give it a try soon!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 2 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Is this good to use for sensitive skin

submitted by Mike - 5 months ago
  • A: Hello Mike Thank you for your interest in CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin. This product is tested for all skin types including sensitive skin. This gentle, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrances and parabens, in a consumer trial, almost all users agreed it relieved skin discomfort after 2 weeks of using it twice a day, and 100% agreed this clay face wash felt soothing on their skin after 6 weeks. We hope this information has been helpful and that you can use this product with great success!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 5 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Is this pregnancy safe? Im on my 3 month and just concerned about if it is safe to use during pregnancy

submitted by Kb - 5 months ago
  • A: Hello Kb. Thank you for your interest in CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin. While every ingredient we use in our products is evaluated for safety, we do not specifically test our products on women who are pregnant or nursing. CeraVe ensures there is a substantial information supporting the safety of our products when used as directed by consumers. However, as there could be certain ingredients that physicians may not recommend for use during pregnancy and nursing, we always recommend that you discuss this with your physician and follow their advice. We hope this information has been helpful and we appreciate you taking the time to reach out!

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 5 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can you provide list of ingredients

submitted by Judy - 8 months ago
  • A: Hey Jr, Great question! Here's the list: Active ingredients: salicylic acid 2.0% and Inactive Ingredients: water, cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, glycerin, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, niacinamide, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, gluconolactone, sodium cocoyl isethionate, ceramide np, ceramide ap, ceramide eop, carbomer, calcium gluconate, triethyl citrate, sodium hydroxide, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, sodium lauroyl lactylate, cholesterol, coconut acid, tetrasodium edta, caprylyl glycol, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, hectorite, phytosphingosine, xanthan gum, acrylates copolymer, benzoic acid. 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 - 8 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can it remove makeup?

submitted by TheShopper - 9 months ago
  • A: Hi TheShopper! Yes, our Acne Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid helps to remove dirt, makeup and debris from your skin. Ideal for daily use to gently exfoliate the dead skin cells that can clog pores and contribute to acne.

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 9 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: If using this for oily skin, should I still double cleanse with an oil face wash?

submitted by Petra H - 10 months ago
  • A: Hello Petra H! We appreciate you reach out about CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser. Since individual's skin concerns differentiate, we recommend consulting with your medical doctor to see which products are appropriate for your skin concerns and will best benefit you. We hope you find this information helpful.

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 10 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: can I use this to help stop my skin from being so oily even if I’m not prone to acne or if experience extremely dry skin on my chin , a dime size spots on my cheek and forehead. can I still use this to help stop my skin from being so oily?

submitted by Ms2024 - 1 year ago
  • A: Hello there! While CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay is formulated for oily, acne-prone skin, its suitability for your specific situation depends on a few factors. Salicylic acid can be helpful for managing oiliness, but it can also be drying. Since you experience dryness on your chin, using this cleanser might exacerbate that dryness. It’s generally recommended to patch test any new product, especially one designed for acne, on a small area of skin before applying it to your entire face. This can help you see how your skin reacts. If you're unsure, consulting a dermatologist is always the best approach. They can accurately diagnose your skin concerns and recommend the most appropriate products for your specific needs.

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Related Categories

Guests are saying

The Cerave Acne Control Cleanser is a highly effective solution for managing acne and breakouts, featuring key ingredients like salicylic acid and ceramides that cleanse without over-drying the skin. Guests appreciate its gentle gel texture, which foams lightly and rinses off cleanly, leaving skin feeling soft and balanced. Many have noted improvements in their skin's clarity and smoothness over time, making it a reliable choice for daily skincare routines.
    Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
    4.6 out of 5 stars with 2683 reviews
    effectiveness: 3.5 out of 5
    quality: 3.68 out of 5
    value: 3.55 out of 5
    61% would recommend
    162 recommendations
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    21 October, 2025Verified purchase

    Simply the best for sensitive skin

    This is my nightly facial wash. It is gentle on my skin, yet very effective in preventing breakouts.
    ChiliBean22
    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 down graphic, would not recommend
    15 October, 2025Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    You don't need a lot for it to lather. I like to use it with a silicone facial scrubber. My face feels super clean after every use.
    Cabs1126
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    13 October, 2025Verified purchase

    The best of the best!

    I have tried every acne face wash on the market and this is the ONLY face wash that my skin doesn’t get prone to/cause me to breakout. Will never use anything else
    CN
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    6 October, 2025Verified purchase

    Like It💗

    I like how the products lathers well. I use as directed a pea size drops goes a long way. I use the remaining lather on my back. I notice my back Is pimple free also. It does exactly what it suppose to
    Meme
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 4 out of 5
    value: 4 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    28 September, 2025
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    Broke me out

    Find a new product! I’ve been using this face wash for almost a year now, as I have pretty oily skin and breakouts here and there. This product made my skin worse. I noticed extra oily skin and even more breakouts than I was having before using this product. It was so frustrating for me as my skin was not as bad before as it was when I was using this product. I’m now using a gentle cleanser with a salicylic acid serum and the results have been so good so far. the salicylic acid in this face wash does not stay on your skin long enough to actually have a good impact on your skin. Save your money and save your skin.
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 28 days ago
    Hello Jenna. We are very sorry to hear about your experience with our Acne Control Cleanser. 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 #43009081. We look forward to speaking with you!
    Jenna
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    28 September, 2025Verified purchase

    great for someone who's starting to get acne

    my son started to get some pimples here and there, stubborn. I got him this product and make it part of his daily routine at shower, pretty easy to use and he stop having breakouts. Controls the oil and doesn't dry his skin
    Nena
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
    16 September, 2025Verified purchase

    waste of money

    doesn’t work as soon as i put it on my face i wash like i usually do couple hours later i start getting bumps on my face like pimples and im like wth this never happens thats so weird then i realized i used something different
    1 reply from Cerave Product Expert team - 1 month ago
    Hello Jane. Thank you for sharing your experience with CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 8 fl oz. We’re sorry to hear that this product did not work for your skin, and we would like to assist you further. Please give us a call at: 888-768-2915 M-F 9:00am-5:30pm EST. It would be helpful if you have the product available when you call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
    Jane
    effectiveness: 1 out of 5
    quality: 1 out of 5
    value: 1 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    7 September, 2025Verified purchase

    Excellent product

    Excellent product, my son liked it.
    Subrina Aayan
    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
    4 September, 2025Verified purchase

    Combo skin

    I have combination skin. This helps to remove oil from my T zone but doesn’t dry out my cheeks. Has also been helping maintain my acne a bit with consistent use.
    M
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    30 August, 2025Verified purchase

    Love this!

    I like it because it’s gentle in my skin while treating acne
    Traci
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    4 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    20 August, 2025Verified purchase

    Loved it !

    I’ve always had oily skin and I LOVED this product when I had hormonal acne this helped clear it up pretty fast.
    me
    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
    16 August, 2025Verified purchase

    Great prodcut

    Great product. Suggested by dermatologist for my sons acne.
    Mom of 3
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    16 August, 2025Verified purchase

    Happy face

    Love how clean my face feels and helps keep acne away. It doesn't dry my face like other acne face washes.
    Momof6
    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
    7 August, 2025
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    I use it once and twice a day

    I’ve been using the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser for a while now, and what I like is that it actually helps with breakouts without wrecking my skin in the process. The gel texture is light, it foams just enough, and it rinses off clean — no tight or dry feeling afterward, which is rare for an acne cleanser. For me, the difference showed up gradually. After a week or two, my breakouts looked calmer and my skin felt smoother. It’s not a quick-fix miracle, but it’s steady, and that consistency has made my skin a lot easier to manage. I use it once or twice a day, depending on how my skin’s behaving, and I always follow with moisturizer. If your skin’s sensitive, it’s worth starting slow and letting it adjust. Overall, it’s low-fuss, does what it says, and it’s something I can see myself keeping in my routine whenever I want to keep breakouts under control without irritating my skin.
    rachellei4_1209
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    6 August, 2025
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Gentle care for your skin!

    CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser tackles breakouts with salicylic acid while hydrating with ceramides. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it's perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin. My skin's clearer and calmer – love it!
    makog1_7245
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    6 August, 2025Verified purchase

    Coupon & great product combined!

    Great cleanser. Love that it also works for my preteen. And a great coupon was offered on a staple so, time to stock up!
    mwylie
    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
    2 August, 2025
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Love it

    This is my ride or die face wash. If I use anything else I break out. I love their product line. This face wash is so helpful for my acne. I’ve had it for a long time so this soap helps immensely
    lexis273_1650
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    30 July, 2025
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Controls breakouts

    Brought this for my daughter who was having hormonal break outs with her skin, this cleanser really helped to clear her skin with regular use and she used the moisturiser as well as part of her routine, it wasn’t too harsh on her skin, controlled the breakouts and her skin was much more glowy after two weeks use. Good value for money, easy to use from the packaging
    emmaj281_8385
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    26 July, 2025
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    A reliable breakout cleanser that works well, just

    CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser is a good option when my skin’s acting up. It helps clear breakouts and keeps oil in check without being too harsh, but it can feel a bit drying if I use it too often. Still, it does what it says and I keep it around for when I need it.
    domi1_5361
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    20 July, 2025Verified purchase

    Face wash

    My son loves it and use it everyday
    Shampoo
    effectiveness: 5 out of 5
    quality: 5 out of 5
    value: 5 out of 5
    Did you find this review helpful?

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