written by Allison Goins, Ph.D. | Published on February 2nd, 2024 at 12:00 pm
As a person with oily, acne-prone skin I am constantly battling a breakout. One day your skin is so smooth, and you feel like you are making great progress fading your hyperpigmentation; and the next day BOOM a huge ugly breakout is on your face. It is so frustrating and honestly defeating, but there can be ways to combat it. I am constantly on the lookout for products to help me prevent and manage my acne. And the right face wash for acne prone skin is an excellent first step. Today, we’re cracking the code on CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser, a contender in the face wash fight against those pesky breakouts.
Why Salicylic Acid in Your Face Wash | Basics of the CeraVe SA Cleanser | My Experience with the Product | Did it Work for Me? | Is It Worth the Price? | Some Other Salicylic Acid Face Washes Worth Trying
About the Author: Hey there, skincare sleuths! I’m Allison, a science-loving skincare enthusiast on a mission to decode the beauty industry’s marketing claims and empower you to make informed choices about the products you put on your face. Through my research and testing, I’m passionate about separating the science from the hype and helping you build a skincare routine that actually works for your unique skin. I have acne-prone skin so I am always looking for products that work! Join me on this journey to radiant, healthy skin! Don’t forget to follow me on social media for more skincare tips and tricks.I hope you enjoyed this article! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Why a Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Acne Prone Skin?
Salicylic acid is an FDA-approved over-the-counter drug to treat acne. The FDA considers concentrations of 0.5-2% effective in treating acne. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by getting into your hair follicles and oil glands and breaking down the gunk in your pores. The various oils, dirt, and dead skin cells can all clog your pores and cause inflammation or irritation which turns into acne. It can also help control your skin’s oil production to help prevent new breakouts from forming.
I also really like salicylic acid face washes for my acne-prone skin because they do not stain my towels like benzoyl peroxide, and they do not smell as strongly as sulfur-based products. My go-to face wash for acne-prone skin is the La Roche Posay Medicated cleanser, but I am always looking to see if there is anything better to try. So now let’s talk about CeraVe’s salicylic acid face wash for acne prone skin.
The CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser
The Basics
Designed for oily and acne-prone skin, the star ingredient of this face wash is salicylic acid– to gently exfoliate and unclog pores. It also contains CeraVe’s signature ceramide complex for barrier restoration, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and the skincare Swiss army knife, niacinamide. It also is fragrance-free so that it is gentle on your skin while it unclogs your pores.
Appearance and Packaging
This cleanser comes in a plastic, pump-topped bottle with 8 ounces of product. It comes out as a gel, but as soon as you apply it to your skin, it turns into a creamy product. It’s easily accessible at drugstores and online retailers, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
Key Ingredients:
- Salicylic Acid: The star player! This BHA exfoliates dead skin cells, prevents clogged pores, and reduces inflammation. There is a 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid which means it is on the lower end, but still an effective dosage of salicylic acid.
- Niacinamide: This Vitamin B3 derivative is such a popular skincare ingredient. Known for its anti-oxidant properties and helps regulate oil production.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration powerhouse, it attracts and retains moisture.
My Experience with the Product
As an oily-skinned, acne-prone gal, I’m a big fan of salicylic acid cleansers. I used CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser for two months, and here’s my opinion:
- Texture: The creamy lather feels gentle on my skin, unlike some other cleansers it does not feel stripping or drying.
- Scent: The fragrance-free formula is targeted towards people with sensitive skin.
- Application: I loved the pump bottle because it made getting the right amount of product easy.
Did it work for me?
Did it banish my acne breakouts? Not entirely; I have yet to find any cleanser that completely gets rid of my breakouts. However, it definitely kept them manageable like my favorite salicylic acid cleanser, La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash.
Is it worth the price?
At around $14, this face wash is a great budget option. Although it is priced similarly to some of the other salicylic acid face washes for acne prone skin you get a lot more product. Considering its gentle formula and effective ingredients, it offers great value for money.
Other Face Washes Worth Trying For Acne Prone Skin
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser: A higher salicylic acid concentration at 2%, gel texture, and cooling menthol scent.
- Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser: Another fragrance-free and gentle face wash for acne prone skin, with comparable salicylic acid concentration to the CeraVe face wash it is formulated for sensitive skin. This cleanser has clinical data from a consumer perception study using all of the products in the Clear system by Paula’s Choice.
- Differin Daily Deep Cleanser: This face wash for acne prone skin combines benzoyl peroxide with salicylic acid for a more potent acne-fighting punch. Benzoyl peroxide is a bacteria-fighting ingredient so you are getting a double dosage of acne-fighting ingredients. However, it can be drying for some.
My Final Verdict
The CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is a solid face wash for acne prone skin, especially for those seeking a gentle, fragrance-free option at an affordable price. While it might not be a one-stop solution for completely removing acne; it effectively keeps skin clear and minimizes breakouts.
I do not have sensitive skin. So I do still prefer the cooling menthol effect and smell from the La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, but if you do not like that, then this is a solid option.
Related Post: A Great Facial Cleanser with Salicylic Acid: La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash
So, if you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly, everyday cleanser that plays nice with your sensitive skin, give CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser a try!
I hope this article helps you navigate the world of face wash for acne prone skin and find the perfect one for your skin! Remember, knowledge is power, and with the right information and tools, you can conquer those pesky breakouts and achieve the radiant, healthy skin you deserve. Now go forth and cleanse, my friends!