Struggling with acne and looking for the best CeraVe products to help? CeraVe, a dermatologist-developed skincare brand, offers effective solutions for acne-prone skin. In this guide, we’ll explore the top CeraVe products that target breakouts, unclog pores, and keep your skin balanced.
A consistent skincare routine is essential for achieving clear, healthy skin. CeraVe, a dermatologist-developed brand, offers a range of products specifically designed for acne-prone skin. Their formulas not only help clear breakouts but also provide essential hydration to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
With CeraVe, you can build a complete skincare routine using just their products. From cleansers to serums, and day and night creams, their lineup includes everything you need to target acne while keeping your skin balanced and moisturized.
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1. Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Best CeraVe Cleansing Product for Acne
A good cleanser is the foundation of any skincare routine for acne-prone skin.
The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is formulated with 4% benzoyl peroxide, which targets acne-causing bacteria and helps unclog pores. Unlike many acne treatments that can be harsh, this cleanser also contains hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and prevent dryness, along with niacinamide to promote cell turnover and smooth skin texture.
With consistent use, this cleanser helps clear breakouts and reduces the formation of new blemishes. It’s gentle on the skin, soothing inflammation while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier with three essential ceramides.
- Developed with Dermatologists.
- Contains 3 Essential Ceramides to help protect the skin’s natural barrier.
- Refreshing gel-to-foam facial cleanser for gently removing dirt, impurities and excess oils.
Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Best CeraVe Resurfacing Product for Acne
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is an excellent choice for fading acne scars and dark spots. This gentle yet effective serum works to smooth and refine the skin’s surface, gradually reducing hyperpigmentation and improving overall skin texture.
Beyond scar reduction, this serum also minimizes the appearance of pores and enhances skin clarity. Retinol is well-known for boosting collagen production, which helps with skin renewal and long-term texture improvement.
The formula is enriched with licorice root extract, which helps brighten dark marks, along with soothing niacinamide and three essential ceramides to support the skin’s natural barrier.
Last update on 2025-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
Best CeraVe Day Product for Acne
If you’re using retinol, a moisturizer with sunscreen is essential, as retinol increases sun sensitivity. The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen is a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that provides broad-spectrum SPF 25, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.
Designed with acne-prone skin in mind, this moisturizer won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts. It also contains hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide to soothe irritation, and three essential ceramides to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, keeping it balanced and moisturized throughout the day.
- CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM 3 fl oz
- Brand : CeraVe
- Product type: SKIN MOISTURIZER
Last update on 2025-03-24 / 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 specially formulated for acne-prone skin.
Its non-comedogenic formula ensures it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts, making it ideal for those prone to acne. Infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides, this moisturizer works overnight to hydrate, restore, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Despite its light texture, it delivers long-lasting hydration, making it a great choice even for oily skin types. The niacinamide helps regulate excess oil production, while also calming irritation and promoting a clearer complexion.
- CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM Ultra Lightweight 3 oz
- Product type: SKIN MOISTURIZER
- Brand: CeraVe
Last update on 2025-03-25 / 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 formulated with salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin while removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells—without causing dryness. Suitable for both face and body, it’s an excellent choice for tackling acne beyond the face, such as back or chest breakouts.
Salicylic acid works to unclog pores and smooth rough skin, while the non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula ensures it won’t cause irritation or breakouts. Unlike harsh scrubs, it exfoliates without abrasive microbeads, preventing scratches and irritation.
Enriched with vitamin D, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and essential ceramides, this cleanser hydrates, soothes, and protects the skin, making it an ideal option for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
- Developed with Dermatologists.
- Contains 3 Essential Ceramides to respect the skin’s natural barrier.
- With Salicylic Acid, the formula cleanses and exfoliates the face and body.
Last update on 2025-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.
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CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum with... | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-03-24 / 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.
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CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid... | View on Amazon |
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CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream Moisturiser with... | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-03-25 / 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.
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CeraVe 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic... | View on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-03-24 / 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
Last update on 2025-03-25 / 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 Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Spf 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, 4 Ounce
- Brand : Cetaphil
- Product Type : Skin Moisturizer
Last update on 2025-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.
- FOR COMBINATION TO OILY-SENSITIVE SKIN: Clinically proven to remove dirt, excess oils and make up…
- PROTECT SKIN MOISTURE: Deeply cleans and minimises pores without stripping skin of natural moisture
- NEW & IMPROVED FORMULA: Low-lather gel formula with Niacinamide (essential vitamin B3) and Panthenol…
Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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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- Want to Get Clear Skin? Try These 11 Evidence-Backed Tips
- 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.