Product Reviews Rated 3.97 out of 5 stars
115 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Overnight results! Before you read just know that I don't have acne prone skin. I'll get the occasional breakout, but nothing more than that. What I DO have problems with are clogged pores & sebum on my nose and chin area, causing some major skin congestion and creating uncomfortable little bumps. I was going to try the CeraVe SA cleanser, but considering that salicylic acid is an exfoliant, I decided to go with this.
After using it for the first time during my nighttime routine, I woke up the next day to clear, smooth skin!! My pores even appeared smaller bc of all the gunk it managed to get rid of and I literally did not have any more congestion!
But here's the catch.. benzoyl peroxide can be a little drying to the skin no matter what skin type you are (yes, even you normal to oily skin peeps). Although this did not make my face feel completely stripped of moisture nor did it disrupt my protective skin barrier, I still made sure to use the CeraVe hydrating facial cleanser after then followed up with an extremely thick, hydrating moisturizer (the tatcha dewy skin cream to be exact) after I applied my serums.
So, as long as you are taking the precautions to keep your skin hydrated after you use it (aka using hyaluronic acid based products), you should not experience any dryness to your skin. I'd definitely recommend using this only once a day at night bc 1. it works good enough to use only once a day and still be really effective, and 2. you can pack alllll that moisture on your face and sleep in it to ensure ultimate hydration!
Most Helpful Critical Review Do Not Buy If Skin Is Sensitive/Acne Prone I love Cerave and their brand actually comprises 95% of my skin care routine and I clearly have to love their products. However, THIS IS HORRIBLE. Or at least it was for my skin. I used this product for a week before I couldn't take it anymore. I bought this product to prevent or stop my acne but it made it 10x worse. I had giant cystic acne while using this product. My face had maybe 2 small pimples on it when I started use and within the first night 4 swollen and painful pus filled cysts popped up on my face. And I have never had that bad of a breakout before. However, the most unbearable part was the fact that my lips dried out overnight. I mean to the point they bled. And it's not like I was washing my lips with this stuff. I always have carmex on my lips and they are nice and moisturized is for them to dry out that bad overnight has to have been from the wash. Overall I do not recommend this product. However, everyone's skin is different. If you think it could work for you it doesn't hurt to try!
Reviewed by 115 customers Helped my mask acne 4
Jessie from Southern Ca
I'm really happy I gave this a try. I was getting pretty bad acne on my jaw and cheeks from wearing a face mask all the time during this pandemic. My normal face wash wasn't helping at all so I needed something specifically for acne but not too harsh for my sensitive skin. I've been using this for 10 days and my painful acne is clearing up finally! My face feels better than it has for months and this hasn't dried my skin up or irritated it.
Haven't Decided Yet 3
Bebe from Florida
I have been using this for a couple of weeks because I have a few breakouts and very oily skin. It hasn't done anything for the oily skin and I still have a few break on my cheek. Not sure if I will repurchase or not.
mehh 2
dyl from VA
It's a good cleanser, my face does feel clean after use. Not sure if it does anything for my acne though, I can't tell if it's stayed the same or if it made it worse. Either way I have very acne prone skin and I've been using this for about a month with no results.
Love 5
Courtney from Indiana
I love the cerave line... I needed something to help clear up my hormonal cystic acne, I used it for about a week just at night and it worked amazing!! I'm so happy with this purchase.
I have moderate acne prone skin, I use it once every day 5
Misty from CA
So my skin breaks out pretty often. It's normal only a few bumps here and there but it's still not fun as a young adult who tries to have great skin. This product works. I often wash with this and a salicylic acid wash but I had recently ran out of this product and my skin started to break out more often during the week I wasn't able to get to the store to buy more. One wash and my skin starts to clear up pretty immediately. It's amazing. I love it. A little goes a long way and it's even helped with my shoulder acne.
I don't know yet. 3
Sani from New York
I've been using this for my backne, but haven't seen drastic changes yet🤷🏻♀️ hope it helps 🥺
Recommend 5
Gabrielle from Texas
I ordered this for my boyfriend and I see a difference in his acne!
Almost acne free for the first time in years 5
savvy from Chicago, IL
I have sensitive, dry skin and am always careful when adding anew product to my routine. This cleanser was a total game changer. I suffer from deep cystic acne as well as those annoying little bumps on my chin and near my temples. This cleared the small bumps within a few weeks and now I seldom ever have a break out. I only use it once a day in the evening and then I use the hydrating cleanser in the am. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a gentle and effective cleanser for stubborn acne.
Not for me 1
Kayla from Austin
Was really excited about this product bc I love the Cerave line, but after 3 days of using this....under my lips and under my nose is completely covered with little white pimples. I have combination skin and sensitive skin. I do not recommend if you have sensitive skin
Amazing!! 5
Ash from Las Vegas
I have always had acne issues. I have pcos, which causes acne. I bought this few weeks ago and my husband said your skin never looked better ❤️
Best face wash 5
Martha from California
I love this face wash bc leave my skin clean and in control of my acne problem
I wash my face with cold water morning and before bed
Not for sensitive skin unfortunately 2
HannahL from Phoenix
Three uses and I blistery red itchy rashes on my face that are now try patches of skin now I've stopped using it. I personally don't think benzoyl peroxide is the best ingredient for sensitive acne prone skin.
My skin has never looked better! 5
HMack from North Carolina
This product is amazing! I am glad I changed my whole skin care routine to this. This has changed my skin's life!
So So Good 5
Danielle G from Livermore
Love anything by this brand they have the most gentle clean products for your skin. Seriously reduces my acne and oil so much when I use this product. Scentless.
Gentle and Effective 5
Alex from New Mexico
Been using for about two weeks and I really love this cleanser. It has a water like consistency so it absorbs into wet skin right away. Also helped clear my acne! I have very mild acne and it helps prevent and treat the small breakouts I do get. Can be a little drying so if you have dry skin like me just use a good moisturizer. (The cerva moisturizing cream is perfect) 10/10
Love this! 5
Katy from North Carolina
I use this as a nightly cleanser after taking makeup off and it works wonders! My face settles down and it truly cleans my skin. Although my skin is dry, it doesn't bother it any. I use this every night then pair with the Cerave pm moisturizer and then The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid. In the morning I use the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser and then top with my Cerave Am moisturizer and then do my makeup. My skin thanks me everyday! Fights acne well but give it time. Doesn't work overnight of course.
Not for me 1
amc from Nm
This product gave me cystic acne, I have never had that before. I am about two months off this product and still trying to heal what it did for me..
Didn't work for me 1
Ashley from Albuquerque
I feel like my breakouts got worse. Used one bottle just to give it time to work.
It helped clear my skin 5
City Girl from Brooklyn, NY
When I first started using this cleanser, I will be honest and say my skin definitely purged for a week. I didn't mind becuz I knew once the purging was over there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
AND THERE WAS DEFINITELY LIGHT!
My skin is so smooth now. I used to consistently break out so bad around my chin from wearing a mask everywhere (COVID-19). My acne scars have diminished as well. I also use the CeraVe retinol serum in conjunction with this cleanser, which sped up the healing time for my acne.
Another thing I love is that it doesn't get too foamy. I place a dime size amount in my hand then I lather it up to put on my wet face. It foams up just enuff for me to control where I place it. I'm not a fan of big foam cleansers because it gets everywhere.
Best cleanser for me. 5
Kelly from New Jersey
This is the best cleanser I've used so far for a great price. The Dermalogica "clearing skin wash" cleanser irritated my skin badly and dried it out. This cleanser kept my skin feeling comfortable and not too dry, and it feels great when applying. Take 60 seconds in the morning and during your shower to massage onto your face--the 60 seconds really makes a difference.
Don't look any further!!! 5
P from Tennessee
If you are looking elsewhere for an acne (including "maskne") treatment, stop!! This is THE BEST. It is gentle, effective, and a great price. Haven't used a product this effective since proactiv many years ago. Proactiv was too harsh (and expensive) for my skin. Make sure to use a moisturizer and sunscreen with this and you won't regret it!!!
Works well and quickly but very drying. 4
Sara from NC
The only con is the drying it causes
100% Reccomend 5
Jen from Bako
I struggle with acne and have had this for a month and my skin is almost clear. I have oily/combination skin. It also got rid of my whiteheads!!!< 3love it!!!
Definitely buying this again 5
A from Brentwood
Such a great product
not bad 3
coda from michigan
this isn't a bad cleanser, it just didn't clear up my acne, prevent new acne or blackheads like it said it would. it cleanses super nicely though. it's kinda like cetaphil, super simple ingredients but cleanses like it's suppose to. except this cerave cleanser has more advance ingredients.