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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 fl oz

14 Questions
$17.29 ($1.08/fluid ounce)

Size16 fl oz

In Stock

Eligible for registries and wish lists
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With Target Circle™ Card (restrictions apply)

At a glance

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.
Scent: Unscented
Health Facts: Paraben-Free, Contains Ceramides, Alcohol-Free, Contains Salicylic Acid, No Fragrance Added, Contains Niacinamide
Product Form: Gel
Beauty Purpose: Anti-Acne, Pore Cleansing, Exfoliating
Recommended Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Acne-Prone
Features: Dermatologist Recommended
TCIN: 88532685
UPC: 3606000608405
Item Number (DPCI): 037-12-0488
Origin: Assem USA w/foreign/dom. parts
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 use twice daily, shake well, wet face, then work product into a lather, massage onto face avoiding the eyes, rinse well

Other information

Other information store at 20 - 25℃ (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

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 7.6 inches length x 3.31 inches width x 1.93 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.21 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: 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 - 1 year ago
  • 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 - 1 year ago
    Brand expert
  • 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 - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

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

submitted by toni - 1 year 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 - 1 year 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 - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

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

submitted by Uriel - 2 years 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 - 2 years 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 - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can a 9 year old use this or is it too harsh for a young child’s skin?

submitted by KA - 11 months ago
  • A: Hello KA. Thank you for your interest in CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin. 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 - 11 months ago
    Brand expert

Q: Will this stain or bleach my towels?

submitted by Sarah - 1 year ago
  • A: Hello Sarah. Thank you for your interest in CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin. Typically Salicylic Acid will not stain fabrics (Benzyol Peroxide will though-this product does not contain that ingredient). We would recommend letting your skin air dry after using this product as a precaution. We hope this information has been helpful and that you can use our products with great success.

    submitted byCerave Product Expert - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

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

submitted by Irina - 1 year 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 - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Is this good to use for sensitive skin

submitted by Mike - 1 year 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 - 1 year 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 - 1 year 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 - 1 year ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can you provide list of ingredients

submitted by Jr - 2 years 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 - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Q: Can it remove makeup?

submitted by TheShopper - 2 years 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 - 2 years ago
    Brand expert

Additional product information and recommendations

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Guests are saying

This cleanser is highly praised for its effectiveness in treating acne and maintaining skin clarity without causing irritation. Guests appreciate its gentle formula, which includes salicylic acid, making it suitable for oily and sensitive skin types. Many have reported significant improvements in their skin texture and a reduction in breakouts. The product is also noted for being fragrance-free and easy to use, making it a staple in 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 3855 reviews
    effectiveness: 3.66 out of 5
    quality: 3.82 out of 5
    value: 3.7 out of 5
    64% would recommend
    179 recommendations
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    7 October, 2026

    Best face cleanser I've ever used

    I've used other brands of face cleanser for acne prone skin. This one from Cerave is one of the most gentle ones ever. It doesn't dry out my skin and I'm going to use this brand of face cleanser from here on out.
    Beautiful sundress
    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
    3 October, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Perfect for remove oil on your skin

    It help remove the oil from the skin quite well. I like it a big bottle, very affordable. One plus points is that it is easy to rinse out, does not give my skin any irritation. Not quite help with the Acnes. But it remove oil really well. Not too strong scent, great with sensitive skin.
    ThaiHaT
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    26 September, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Works great

    This is a great product for controlling acne, it really cleans the pores with a mild scent, it’s easy to rinse on the skin, it cleans super easily with out any tightness on the skin! I would highly recommend!
    LashellD
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    22 September, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Effective facial cleanser

    I love this because I got rid of almost all of the extra texture on my skin. It doesn’t irritate and it doesn’t have any scent which is why I love their products in general. It’s a very effective for helping with acne. It also gives your face a good clean at the end of the day. 
    ClaraB
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    16 September, 2026Verified purchase

    Cleanser

    The cleanser is really good. It leaves my skin feeling fresh, clean, and refreshed.
    Li
    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 September, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Effective

    For a long time, I have had acne on my face and body. I have been using this since 2023 and my acne has disappeared. It lathers well and cleans the face completely. If you have oily skin, it helps reduce the oil.
    DamilolaO
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    3 September, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    It doesn’t give me breakouts

    I love this product so much because for my type of skin which is oily skin is really perfect, it reduced my acne. I love that has salicylic acid, which is perfect for oily skin. 
    ZharickR
    Did you find this review helpful?
    1 out of 5 stars
    3 September, 2026
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    No foaming

    The tube I bought does not foam. It is within its expiration period so is there something wrong with it?
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 1 month ago
    Hello nks6! Thank you for reaching out to CeraVe regarding your Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. Our cleanser features a unique cream-to-foam formula designed to gently cleanse and help clear acne without disrupting your skin barrier, but it typically creates a very soft, lightweight lather rather than a heavy, bubbly foam. Since your product is within its expiration date, it is likely functioning as intended, but we completely understand wanting to ensure everything is just right with your routine. We truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we hope this gentle cleanser helps keep your skin clear and comfortable.
    nks6
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    2 September, 2026
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    Lowkey helping a lot

    I started using this like two weeks ago, I grabbed it on accident instead of my usual face wash. It’s actually working pretty well and I’m genuinely surprised. I’ve noticed the difference in my skin, and along with moisturizing it’s helping with my acne scars. I’m not trying to sing its praises or anything- I just genuinely think this is helping a lot and wanna tell others.
    Grace T
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    28 August, 2026
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    The best product yet for my acne

    This product is the best product I've ever gotten. It helped me with my acne. Thank Cera Ve for making such a product. I highly recommend this product
    Somyiah
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    20 August, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Works really well

    It’s a clear gel that glides on to the skin. I use this twice a day. This is great for acne prone skin. I like to use it want I feel a zit coming on and put it on active zits too. It work really fast and the zits are gone within a couple of days.
    AnalouiseT
    Did you find this review helpful?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    16 August, 2026Verified purchase

    Great!!

    My sister and I love this face wash!!
    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
    14 August, 2026Verified purchase

    (no review title)

    My teenager swears by this stuff
    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
    11 August, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    SUPERSTAR against acne!

    If the dirty packaging tells you anything, its that I dont leave my house without this stuff! It is beaten up because it is that good! I put it on as soon as I feel a breakout coming on and it really helps dry the zit before it can get any worse! While I love a pimple patch, this is what I reach for when my acne gets bad!
    EmmaA
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    11 August, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Bye Bye Acne

    I love this cleanser! It really helps keep my acne at bay while still being sensitive enough to not irritate my skin. I use this face wash about 5 times a week as to help combat the acne while keeping my skin from drying out. I highly recommend this cleanser if you are dealing with stubborn breakouts!
    EmmaA
    Did you find this review helpful?
    4 out of 5 stars
    11 August, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    Good, but be careful to not overdo it!

    This product is great because it doesn’t have dyes or fragrances that hurt the skin. However, I do have sensitive skin and I put too much of this on, resulting in a burn. Other than that, the product is useful. I’d use it 2-3x a week, not every night. I like cerave for its quality ingredients and dermatologist recommendation.
    GraceM
    1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    10 August, 2026Verified purchase

    My dermatologist recommended and it works

    Give it time to work and you will be very happy.
    Ms Miracle
    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
    9 August, 2026
    originally posted on cerave.com
    Image

    Overall I believe it works well

    I have used CraVe for years. My cupboard is full. I have one of everything. I tend to switch around. I have acne and scars. My skin is sensitive and I have big pores. I do tend to wash my face too often but it feels dirty. I believe I have used Acne Control the most. But when I get a zit it is usually deep and I struggle popping it and getting all of it. Then my skin gets really red and I peel at the zit site.Then I deal with it for a week or so. It’s been like this for years. Sometimes I think it may be hormones. I don’t know. By the way…I am 73 and recently became a widow. I’ve always said that I show my emotions and my disposition on my face. There are quite a few washes that you recommend so I think I will start to work on cleaning my closet out of products suggested. Surely one of them will be superior. Thank you for all of the information
    Susie
    4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
    7 August, 2026

    (no review title)

    I love this face wash! If I have acne, it clears up my face within a couple days. I also have very sensitive skin and this is so gentle! 100% recommend!
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
    5 out of 5 stars
    4 August, 2026
    originally posted on influenster.com
    Image

    fights teenage acne perfectly

    My son has been using this cleanser for about a month now and we have already noticed an improvement. He has much less breakouts and his skin looks cleaner overall. It lathers well, rinses off easily and doesn't irritate the skin. The only downside is that it can be a bit drying so we make sure to use a moisturizer afterwards.
    1 reply from Consumer Care Center team - 2 months ago
    Hello there! We apperciate you sharing your son's experience with our Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser. We are sorry to hear that he found the product to be drying. We would like to speak to you directly about this and learn more. Please contact us at 888-768-2915 M-F 9:00 am – 5:30 pm ET for assistance and provide the reference #47740118. We look forward to speaking with you!
    IrynaL
    2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

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