Dermatologists recommend CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for people with acne as it works to cleanse the skin and remove oil, without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. It won't clog pores or dry the skin out, and contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.
CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand*, and our products for acne-prone skin promote a clear complexion without dryness or flaking while helping maintain the skin's barrier with three essential ceramides.
The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser makes an ideal cleanser for sensitive skin as not only is it fragrance-free, but it is also allergy-tested and therefore free from irritants.
Cerave Moisturizing Lotion
The combination of ingredients like polyglyceryl-3-diisostearate and cetyl alcohol both can contribute to some pretty serious breakouts. As well propylparaben, shown further down on the extensive ingredients list, is ranked at 7 out of a scale of 9 in regards to safety.
“Skin purging is a flare-up where pimples, whiteheads and blackheads underneath the skin are brought up to the surface after using a skin-care product that speeds up the skin's cellular turnover rate,” says Dr.
CeraVe Acne Control Gel
This product is perfect for those who don't experience rampant acne but get acne when their hormones act up. It can be used as a spot treatment for active breakouts because it contains salicylic and lactic acids, which clear clog pores and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Dermatologists recommend CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for people with acne as it works to cleanse the skin and remove oil, without disrupting the skin's protective barrier. It won't clog pores or dry the skin out, and contains niacinamide and ceramides to help calm and moisturize irritated skin.
Ceramides on their own, won't clog skin, but be mindful of the formulas you choose for your skin. “Skin which is prone to acne congestion and clogged pores will benefit from a lighter oil-free ceramide serum rather than a thicker cream which can be a little too rich,” explains Waterman.
Overall, there is no clear winner. It just depends on the needs of your own skin. If you experience dry skin, oily skin, acne-prone skin then CeraVe might be the clear choice. However, if you experience sensitive skin the Cetaphil is the better option.
It's a great choice for sensitive skin
According to Mamelak, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser has a few key ingredients that make it stand out from the pack.
If you're looking for a quick answer, Cerave is better for those who deal with dry skin and Cetaphil is more geared towards those with sensitive skin. Not to say they can't work for either skin type, of course. Cetaphil is also the older brand, having been around for longer.
These include fragrances, dyes, exfoliants like alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, sulfates, and preservatives. Don't feel like you have to search for moisturizers, cleansers, or other products that claim to be made for sensitive skin.
CeraVe claims it is the top dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand for acne treatment. This cleanser contains 4% benzoyl peroxide. It also features hyaluronic acid to moisturize and niacinamide to soothe the skin. It contains three essential ceramides to help lock in moisture.
Both CeraVe and Cetaphil are recommended by dermatologists. In fact, dermatologists warn that the real good creams for your skin are the creamy rich creams, with no fragrances and cerave and cetaphil are part of these products.
But you might be surprised by how much there truly is to know about the brand—or why its products are highly recommended by both dermatologists and influencers alike. Fun Fact: CeraVe's name is a nod to the three ceramides that are found in every single one of its products.
Final Verdict. Sliding into first place, the best face wash overall is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. The dermatologist-approved formula is extra-gentle and super-hydrating, effortlessly dissolving sebum and makeup while reinforcing the skin barrier.
Ceramides are 'skin-identical' ingredients, because they occur naturally in skin. This makes them an ideal ingredient for all skin types, even sensitive, breakout-prone or oily skin. Ceramides are also safe to use around the eyes.
Ceramides are instrumental in the skin barrier function. Topical ceramides help improve skin barrier function in acne-affected skin.
Ceramides help repair the skin's barrier, and therefore, they help the skin have the ability to retain moisture again. Acne-prone skin can also benefit from ceramides. Those with acne-prone skin can benefit from skincare products containing ceramides because their skin has been shown to lack ceramides.
If you have sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea/eczema/psoriasis, this cleanser will sting your skin and /or cause a rash or acne in the very first week. If you have normal skin, it will eventually sensitive your skin and it will thereafter start reacting to PG.
However, it can take six to eight weeks to see an improvement,10 so it's important to continue using anti-acne products to achieve the results you want. When looking for a solution, try to choose a simple, yet effective regimen.
Salicylic acid can be helpful for all types of acne.” Salicylic acid is a go-to OTC ingredient for acne since it dissolves the dead skin cells in clogged pores, helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts.
The unifying concept is that of strengthening the skin barrier; while these products won't brighten, resurface or plump like an active-packed regime, they will keep your skin surface protected which, in turn, prevents a host of skin issues (such as moisture loss and irritation) from arising.
Beyond those perks, the CeraVe daily moisturizing lotion is intended for all skin types. It's suited to acne-prone skin since it's lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, according to the brand. (Read: It's less likely to clog your pores and contribute to acne.)
The product continues to work after it is applied, hydrating your skin all day in just one use. This system—along with our unique combination of skin-identical ceramides—helps replenish your skin's existing ceramides, relieves dry skin by reducing moisture loss, increases hydration and helps restore the skin barrier.