Acne is a widespread concern experienced by people of all ages and gender. The goal of the best CeraVe products for acne is to help people worldwide treat acne, blemishes, and other skincare concerns to get clear, brighter, and healthier skin they can feel comfortable in.

CeraVe emerged when dermatologists discovered that many skin conditions had one thing in common – a compromised skin barrier. CeraVe products, therefore, comprises of three essential ceramides that help to rebuild the skin protective barrier, promote hydration, and soothe dry skin by minimizing moisture loss while replenishing the skin's existing ceramides. Because of the myriad of benefits and results, CeraVe products are highly recommended by dermatologists.

Dr. Jenny Liu, a certified dermatologist and blogger, says “As a dermatologist, I really appreciate the fact that all CeraVe products are fragrance-free so it's ideal for individuals with sensitive skin, dry skin, and eczema prone skin.”  
Now that we’re assured that CeraVe products are safe to use, let’s jump right into the skincare goodness and look at the best CeraVe products for acne control, blemishes, and other skin concerns.

• 1
  Best Foaming Cleanser

  CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a foaming gel cleanser that you can incorporate in your daily skincare routine, especially at night. The CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is good for acne-prone normal to oily skin type as it is formulated with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. Ceramides play a vital role in removing oil and impurities without disrupting the protective skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, aids in retaining the skin's natural moisture and hydration (1). And niacinamide soothes the skin. This clear gel cleanser transforms into a foam as you lather and cleanses the skin without stripping away essential moisture.  

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides (1, 3, 6-11)

2

Best Daytime Moisturizer

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

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With the help of MVE Technology, CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion keeps your skin hydrated all day. It doubles up as CeraVe sunscreen for acne prone skin and contains micro-fine zinc oxide to block UVA and UVB rays. This SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen distributes and absorbs effortlessly into the skin without leaving any residue or white cast. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides are also present in this CeraVe moisturizing lotion for acne-prone, sensitive, dry, and oily skin. The formulation is free of oils and doesn't include any synthetic fragrance. It is comfortable on the skin and does not feel heavy.

Key Ingredients

Hyaluronic Acid, Homosalate (10%), Meradimate (5%), Octinoxate (5%), Octocrylene (2%), Zinc Oxide (6.3%)

3

Best Exfoliating Cleanser

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

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CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is enriched with Salicylic acid (SA), which is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), a powerful exfoliant that eliminates dead skin cells and enhances brightness (2). In contrast to physical exfoliants like face scrubs, salicylic acid works as a chemical exfoliator that feels less harsh on the skin. Moreover, it reduces active inflammation and targets acne-causing bacteria. With the combination of three ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin D (antioxidant), this CeraVe moisturizer with salicylic acid cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates skin, making it softer and smoother. Adding to the goodness of it, the acne-fighting formula is made for normal skin type and is also free from abrasive microbeads that does not irritate the skin.

Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides (1, 3, 6-11)

4

Best Night-time Hydration

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

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The fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating formula of the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is highly praised and recommended by its users. This night cream includes biomimetic peptides (Kollaren and Chronoline) as well as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Its unique composition helps to lessen the appearance of fatigued skin overnight and makes it look fresh and radiant in the morning. This CeraVe night cream also aids in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting skin elasticity. The consistency is thick and very hydrating, suitable for normal skin type.

Key Ingredients
Biomimetic Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides (1, 3, 6-11)

5

Best for Acne Scars

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

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Among some of the best CeraVe products for acne is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum. This formulation is also unscented, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. It is suitable for oily, sensitive, and dry skin, and is a fast-absorbing, lightweight, and non-greasy serum. The ingredients mainly target acne scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone. The encapsulated retinol helps rejuvenate skin texture by reducing the appearance of post-acne marks and visible pores over time. The licorice root extract aids with brightening the skin and reducing visible signs of aging.

Key Ingredients
Encapsulated Retinol, Licorice Root Extract, Niacinamide, Ceramides (1, 3, 6-11)

6

Best to Improve Skin Texture

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

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Dermatologists created CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum for all skin types to rebuild the protective skin barrier and even out the skin tone. There are many forms of vitamin C available, but only the purest form, l-ascorbic acid, is known to absorb vitamin C most effectively (3). The CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum contains 10% l-ascorbic acid that helps to brighten the skin and provides antioxidant benefits. The product's protective packaging aids in preventing oxidation and maintaining functionality. The hyaluronic acid in the formulation contributes to the enhancement of skin texture and hydrates it for a youthful, glowing complexion. While many customers review this serum as one of the best CeraVe for hormonal acne, we will advise you to use it at your discretion or consult a dermatologist. 

Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C + 3 essential Ceramides

7

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

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If you are thinking about which CeraVe cleanser is best for acne, we might have just the right solution for you! The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is a cream-based cleanser that transforms into foam as you lather it on your skin. It is ideal for oily and acne prone skin, as this foaming cream cleanser includes 4% Benzoyl Peroxide that helps to clear and treat acne by extracting excess oil and pollutants while penetrating deep into pores to treat active breakouts. It clears out whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, pimples, and pustules as well. And because benzoyl peroxide can be slightly drying, this formulation contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that soothes the skin, protects and hydrates, and locks in moisture.

Key Ingredients

4% Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides (1, 3, 6-11)

8

CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough and Bumpy Skin

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The CeraVe SA Body Wash is developed as a skin-smoothing formula containing the three essential ceramides and salicylic acid. Being a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid (SA) functions as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. It is a chemical exfoliant and does not feel rough on the skin as it is free from abrasive microbeads. The skin feels softer and more supple after using this body wash. Hyaluronic acid attracts hydration to the skin’s surface and helps the skin retain moisture, while niacinamide soothes the skin. This body wash is fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic. If you have oily, sensitive, or dry skin, you can use this body wash without a blink.

Key Ingredients
Salicylic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides (1, 3, 6-11)

9

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

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Although many consumers use CeraVe products for oily skin, the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is particularly excellent for dry and normal skin. This facial cleanser is a one-step skincare for every day cleansing, removal of makeup, and long-lasting hydration. The non-drying solution delicately removes dirt, excess sebum, makeup, and even residual SPF sunscreen. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, pH balanced, and contains amino acids that are known to attract and retain moisture and support the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF).

Key Ingredients

Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides (1, 3, 6-11)

10

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar

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Wondering if CeraVe foaming cleanser is good for acne? Take a look at the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar, rated 4.7 on Amazon. This is a daily body and facial cleanser for normal to oily skin that leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean. This formulation also contains CeraVe’s three vital ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, that cleanse, nourish, and calm the skin. But the star ingredient is kaolin clay, which absorbs excess oil without stripping away the moisture or clogging pores. It is pH balanced and gentle on the skin.

Key Ingredients
Kaolin Clay, Niacinamide

Products from CeraVe for acne treatment are favored by many. A household name, this brand is developed by dermatologists and recommended by skin experts globally. From eye creams, facial cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to baby products, CeraVe offers a range of products, and all are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and free from damaging toxins.

Here are some factors you should consider while choosing the best CeraVe product for acne.

1. Skin Type

It is important to assess one’s skin type to draw advantage from the best skincare products. While sharing a tip to determine the skin type, our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Determine your skin type by observing factors such as oiliness, dryness, sensitivity, and acne. Consult a dermatologist for a more accurate assessment.”other skin texture. Regularly using a retinol serum can enhance the skin texture and make it

• Combination Skin -  Effective cleansing and hydration are essential components of a balanced skincare regimen if you have combination skin that is dry in some areas and oily in others. This is taken care of by the ceramides present in the formulation of CeraVe skincare products that protect and maintain the skin barrier to balance moisture levels for combination skin.
• Dry Skin - When your skin's protective barrier is compromised, it can lead to dry skin by causing moisture to escape from the top layer of your skin. Hyaluronic acid, which is present in CeraVe products, moisturizes and locks in moisture in the skin thereby fixing tight, itchy, and uncomfortable feelings that usually result from dry skin
• Oily Skin - People with oily skin tend to over-exfoliate or dry out their skin, which increases sebum production and does more harm than good. Thus making hydration and minimal moisturization necessary for oily skin. That’s why regular use of gentle face cleansers, toners, and moisturizers is recommended to remove pollutants and stop pores from clogging.
• Sensitive Skin - Dryness, environmental causes, skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc., can all aggravate sensitive skin. Salicylic acid and retinol, in combination with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, help with soothing the skin and treating inflammation.

2. Formula of the Product

Acne solutions are not a one-size-fits-all model. The causes and consequences of acne differ across skin types, and therefore you may want to use CeraVe products for acne with potent ingredients that specifically target your acne problem. Here is a quick summary of some prominent ingredients in CeraVe products and their function.

• Salicylic Acid - The key to reducing acne, particularly blackheads and whiteheads, is to keep your pores clean of dirt, oils, and germs. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). It penetrates deep into the pores to help unclog them and gently exfoliate the skin. 
• Retinol - Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks and support smoother skin texture. Regularly using a retinol serum can enhance the skin texture and make it more radiant. Our contributor Dr. Chacon says, “All those pregnant women who wish to use something else other than retinol, can consider alternatives like bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient with properties similar to retinol but considered safe during pregnancy.”
• Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl peroxide is an effective ingredient for treating acne and generally well-tolerated by all skin types. A mild and non-irritating facial cleanser with benzoyl peroxide, like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, helps clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples, in addition to preventing new acne blemishes from forming.
• Glycolic Acid - One of the most popular and useful alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) in cosmetics, glycolic acid was first extracted from sugar cane. Glycolic acid is used to treat hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and acne. It also exfoliates the skin gently to reveal a smoother, softer, cleaner, and healthier-looking complexion.

3. Price

CeraVe products for acne scars, treatment, and regular daily usage are liked and preferred not just because they are effective but because they are reasonably priced. If you choose the right CeraVe product for your skin type and use it as prescribed, you will get results worth every penny you've spent. 

The daily facial cleansers and moisturizers are less expensive than eye creams, but the latter lasts longer because of the amount of product you use. Investing in quality skincare products is ideal, and CeraVe skincare will not let you down.

4. Benefits

Advantages could include anything from targeted acne treatments to regular skincare routines to controlling acne-prone skin. CeraVe offers a range of items that aid in cleansing alone, in cleaning and exfoliating together, as moisturizers with SPF, and much more.
If you are confused about what product suits you the best, CeraVe Skincare Solution Finder can help you find specific skincare products to address your acne-related needs.

Clogged pores are frequently the main factor in acne and breakouts. The buildup of dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oil causes pores to clog, resulting in little bumps or blemishes on the skin, known as comedones (4).

By using the correct skincare routine and making the right lifestyle choices, you can manage and control acne. For instance, refrain from pinching or squeezing spots to prevent possible scarring. Leverage skincare products with active ingredients that are gentle but helpful in treating acne and hydrating the skin.

The acne-fighting skin care products will be different for everyone based on the skin condition, skin type, and problem areas, but here are the 3 basic steps to include in your CeraVe acne treatment routine:

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step is cleaning the surface you are working on. Whether it's the entire body or just the face, start by using an effective cleanser. For example, normal skin types can opt for CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser or CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. Oily skin types can choose from CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser or CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar. For dry skin CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is a good choice.

Step 2: Hydrate

After cleansing and exfoliating the surface, you would want to hydrate the skin. Serums provide instant hydration to the skin, but usually, they are sticky or feel heavy on the face. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum and CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum are fast-absorbing, lightweight, and non-greasy serums that target acne scars and rebuild the protective skin barrier while evening out the skin tone.

Step 3: Moisturize

All skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, need to use a moisturizer daily. A moisturizer seals hydration and rejuvenates the skin. Your daytime moisturizer and nighttime cream must be oil-free and non-comedogenic. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen is great to wear during the day as it not only keeps the skin hydrated but also adds a layer of SPF that shields the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. For the nighttime, CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream is ideal as it helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles while supporting skin elasticity.

It is important to understand that though acne is a common skin issue, every person's acne is unique. Getting rid of blemishes and stopping new ones from emerging starts with the awareness of the various forms of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts, and the best ways to treat each. CeraVe products are formulated on MultiVesicular Emulsion Technology (MVE) that helps in protecting skin barrier, which in turn ensures long-lasting hydration (5). Further, the secret to controlling outbreaks and regaining a clear, healthy-looking complexion is figuring out which type of acne you're suffering and the appropriate skincare products and components to manage it. Making a commitment to a skincare routine that contains tried-and-true, dermatologist recommended components is the key to properly addressing acne troubles. 

NOTE: Always seek the advice of a dermatologist if at-home treatment fails to reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne in six to eight weeks. Your dermatologist can then recommend extra steps to help you control your acne.

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam