Are you looking for the best Cerave products for acne? Cerave is a skincare brand that was developed with dermatologists. They make products for every common skin concern including acne.

If you want to achieve clear skin a good skincare routine is essential. CeraVe is a skincare brand recommended and created by dermatologists. They have created products for acne prone skin which not only promote a clear complexion but also moisturise and hydrate the skin.
It’s possible to create your entire skincare routine using only Cerave products. The brand have created a face and body cleanser for acne prone skin as well as a serum and day and night creams.
This post is all about the best Cerave products for acne.
Best Cerave Products for Acne
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1. Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Best CeraVe Cleansing Product for Acne
Any skincare routine for acne prone skin needs an effective cleanser.
The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains 4% benzoyl peroxide which attacks the bacteria on your skin that causes acne, and helps to unclog pores.
The formula also contains hyaluronic acid which helps to retain moisture in your skin, keeping it hydrated and preventing it becoming dried out by the benzoyl peroxide. It also contains niacinamide which promotes cell turnover and helps to re-texturise and smooth the surface of the skin.
With regular use acne will clear and less new blemishes will form. The product is gentle on the skin and soothes and heals any existing inflammation. The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser also maintains the skin’s natural barrier with three different ceramides.
2. Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Best CeraVe Resurfacing Product for Acne
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is excellent at clearing acne scars or dark marks. It is a gentle serum that works to smooth and refine the surface of the skin, fading any hyperpigmentation or scars.
As well as reducing scars this serum makes your pores appear smaller and and improves the appearance of the skin’s surface. Retinol is well known for improving skin texture and increasing collagen production.
The product also contains licorice root extract which helps to lighten dark marks and make the skin appear brighter, as well as soothing niacinamide and three ceramides to protect the skin’s natural barrier.
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
Best CeraVe Day Product for Acne

If you are using a retinol serum, a moisturizer with sunscreen is essential. This is because retinol makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen is an excellent non-comedogenic moisturizer with SPF. The product contains a broad spectrum SPF 25 which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion was created with acne sufferers in mind. It is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause acne flare ups. It also contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides to protect the skin’s barrier and keep it moisturized.
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion helps repair damaged skin and maintains the skin's natural...
- CeraVe
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Best CeraVe Night Product for Acne

The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight, oil free night cream designed to suit acne prone skin.
It contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated throughout the night. The formula is non-comeodogenic which means it won’t cause acne flare-ups or clog pores.
Despite being a lightweight cream, it is rich and moisturizing, and provides a steady stream of hydration to the skin throughout the night. It is perfect for oily skin types since it contains niacinamide which helps to control excess oil and clear acne.
- Brand: Cerave
- Item form: Lotion
- Skin type: Combination
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Smoothing SA Cleanser
Best CeraVe Body Wash Product for Acne

The CeraVe Smoothing SA Cleanser is a foaming gel cleanser with salicylic acid. It can be used on both the face and body and gently removes dirt, oil and dead skin cells without drying the skin.
This product is excellent if you want to target acne that is not on your face, such as back or chest acne. Salicyclic acid is effective at gently exfoliating and smoothing the skin, and there are no harsh micro-beads that could leave scratches.
The formula is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores, fragrance-free and enriched with vitamin D. It also contains essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to moisturize and protect the skin.
Best CeraVe Products for Acne by Ingredient
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most common ingredients used in acne products as it is able to clear breakouts and prevent new blemishes from forming. Benzoyl peroxide is so effective because it encourages the skin to shred dead cells that can lead to clogged pores.
It is advised to incorporate both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid into your skin-care routine if you are trying to prevent acne breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide reduces the bacteria that cause acne and salicylic acid clears out the pores. When used together they are very effective at reducing acne.
When using benzoyl peroxide however you should avoid getting the product near the eye area as it may cause irritation.
CeraVe products containing benzoyl peroxide include the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) is naturally produced by the body and is found in high concentrations in the skin. It is a sugar which is essential for maintaining your skin’s hydration levels. It helps to keep your skin smooth and plump.
Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge and is able to hold a thousand times its weight in water. Since the body’s natural production of hyaluronic acid declines as we get older it’s important to ensure it’s in your skincare products.
This ingredient is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. For some acne sufferers having dehydrated skin actually makes their skin produce more oil, making their acne worse. Hyaluronic acid will help to solve this problem by keeping the skin well hydrated.
I recommend the following CeraVe product which contains hyaluronic acid, but this ingredient is also found in many other CeraVe products including the CeraVe moisturizing cream.
Preview | Product | |
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CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum For All Skin Types with Hyaluronic Acid and 3 Essential... | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a remedy for a variety of skin concerns including acne, smoothing rough and bumpy skin and psoriasis. It is a beta-hydroxy acid derived from willow which helps to exfoliate the skin leaving it softer, smoother and clearer.
CeraVe use salicylic acid rather than glycolic acid as their skincare exfoliant. Salicylic acid is able to penetrate deeper into the pores than glycolic acid and can therefore better target acne. Glycolic acid doesn’t get to the deeper layers of the skin but acts as a exfoliant for the top layer.
CeraVe make an excellent salicylic acid face wash which is perfect for acne-prone skin. The SA smoothing cleanser is also an effective acne cleanser for body acne.
I recommend the following CeraVe products which contain salicylic acid.
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Essential Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain a unique blend of ceramides (ceramide np, ceramide ap and ceramide eop) that are identical to those found naturally in your skin. They help to restore a healthy skin barrier, keeping moisture in and protecting the skin from harm.
There has been research to show that skincare products which contain ceramides can improve the texture of the skin. They benefit all skin types including dry skin and acne prone skin. All CeraVe products are also specially formulated to be gentle for sensitive skin types.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C when applied to the skin helps to improve the visible signs of sun damage as well as defend the skin from free radicals. It also helps to brighten the skin, improve uneven skin tone and fade dark marks from acne scars.
Our bodies do not produce vitamin C, and although we obtain this vitamin in our diet, after it’s digested there is little left for the skin. To ensure your skin gets a boost of vitamin C you can add a vitamin C product to your skincare routine.
Vitamin C is especially helpful to acne sufferers as it helps to fade the marks left on the skin after the blemish has gone.
I recommend the following CeraVe products which contain Vitamin C.
Preview | Product | |
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CeraVe 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and for Skin Brightening,Face | Fragrance... | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that helps to exfoliate the skin. It makes the skin smoother and softer and also helps it hold onto moisture.
When it comes to oily and acne prone skin, lactic acid can reduce pore size and remove dead skin cells that could cause blemishes. It also helps to minimise acne scars and red marks.
CeraVe have lactic acid in both their SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin and their SA Lotion.
- Developed with Dermatologists
- Contains 3 Essential Ceramides to help protect the skin's natural barrier
- With Salicylic Acid, the rich cream formula works to gently exfoliate the body
- Formulated with MVE Technology lock in moisture, providing 24-hour hydration
- Gentle on Skin. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Suitable for Keratosis Pilaris and...
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
CeraVe vs Cetaphil
Another popular dermatologically tested brand which create excellent products for acne prone skin is Cetaphil. CeraVe and Cetaphil are often mixed up since they look so similar!
Cetaphil create a range of skincare products for all skin types including oily or blemish prone skin. Like CeraVe, their products help the skin to retain moisture whilst at the same time reducing any inflammation or irritation.
When is comes to looking for products for acne prone skin, the brand you choose will depend slightly on your skin type. You may find the videos below helpful in making your decision, or check out this post comparing CeraVe and Cetaphil.
Best Cetaphil Products for Acne
If you want to try creating your acne skincare routine with Cetaphil instead of CeraVe I have listed below two of the top recommended products. They are similar to the best CeraVe products for acne. In my opinion CeraVe is better but if you are unable to get the CeraVe product in your country then Cetaphil would be the next best thing.
Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin with SPF 30
This is a moisturizer that has broad-spectrum SPF protection. It leaves a matte finish on the skin and won’t clog the pores. It is helpful for patients using prescription acne treatments as it has been shown to reduce dryness.
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser was developed for oily and acne prone skin. The product removes any excess oil by up to 60% without drying the skin or causing irritation. It is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog the pores or cause acne flare ups. It is also soap-free so it won’t strip the skin of too much of its natural oils.
FAQs on the Best Cerave Products for Acne
Is CeraVe good for acne?
Yes. CeraVe’s facial cleanser for acne has been recommended by dermatologists.
How long does it take CeraVe to clear acne?
You should use the products for six to eight weeks before you will start to see an improvement.
Does CeraVe clear acne scars?
Yes. CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum can help to clear acne scars by smoothing the skin’s surface and reducing the appearance of marks.
Which CeraVe lotion is best for acne?
The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is excellent for acne prone skin as it is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog the pores. It is also a sunscreen which is important in any skincare routine.
Other Posts You May be Interested in
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- The Ordinary for Acne Scars: 9 Best Products and How to Use Them
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- How to Identify and Find the Best Treatment for Every Kind of Acne
- How to Get Rid of Acne: 25 Skin Care Tips from Dermatologists
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This post was all about the best Cerave products for acne
Thank you for reading my post about the best CeraVe products for acne. If you have tried any of the recommended products please leave me a comment below. Skin conditions like acne after often the result of a compromised skin barrier. Fortunately all CeraVe products focus on strengthening the protective skin barrier.