Versus

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser Versus Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash

Updated on August 04, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 3 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain fragrances

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

New Comparison

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Face Cleanser

Canadian Brand Canada

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash

Face Cleanser

American Brand United States

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash 18 ingredients

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash 18 ingredients

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Notable Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products

Acne Control Cleanser

Salicylic Acid Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning

BHA • Preservative • 5 Benefits • 4 Concerns

Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is one of the most well-known ingredients for treating skin that struggles with blackheads and acne. It helps to exfoliate both the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Liked Full details ->

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Loved Full details ->

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Cleansing, Emulsifying, Foaming

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It is a surfactant derived from sarcosine, and a common source is coconut oil. As a surfactant, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate helps lift dirts, oil, and other molecules to be washed away. In leave-on products, this ingredient is used as an emulsifier. Emulsifier help prevent ingredients such as oils and waters from separating.

Disliked Full details ->

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a synthetic cleansing agent, though it is derived from coconut oil.

Disliked Full details ->

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

0 / 0

2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Niacinamide Smoothing

Niacinamide • 6 Benefits

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Loved Full details ->

Gluconolactone Skin Conditioning

PHA • 2 Benefits

Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs are a great gentle alternative to traditional AHAs.

Liked Full details ->

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate Cleansing, Foaming

Not safe for Fungal Acne

This gentle cleansing and foaming ingredient is known for leaving a smooth feeling in skin and hair. It is made using coconut oil.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate Emulsifying

Not safe for Fungal Acne

Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Ceramide NP Skin Conditioning

Ceramide • 4 Benefits

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Loved Full details ->

Ceramide AP Skin Conditioning

Ceramide • 4 Benefits

Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.

Loved Full details ->

Ceramide EOP Skin Conditioning

Ceramide • 4 Benefits

Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.

Loved Full details ->

Carbomer Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

1 / 0

Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.

1 Com. / 0 Irr.

Disliked Full details ->

Calcium Gluconate Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Calcium Gluconate.

Unknown Full details ->

Triethyl Citrate Masking, Perfuming

Fragrance

Triethyl Citrate is a fragrance.

Disliked Full details ->

Sodium Benzoate Masking, Preservative

Preservative

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.

Disliked Full details ->

Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Mixed Full details ->

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Emulsifying

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.

Liked Full details ->

Cholesterol Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

0 / 0

2 Benefits

Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Liked Full details ->

Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium EDTA is the salt formed from neutralizing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a chelating agent and used to prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps keep the product and ingredients stable.

Disliked Full details ->

Caprylyl Glycol Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

Liked Full details ->

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Hyaluronic Acid

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Liked Full details ->

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.

Liked Full details ->

Xanthan Gum Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

Disliked Full details ->

Hectorite Absorbent

We don't have a description for Hectorite.

Unknown Full details ->

Phytosphingosine Skin Conditioning

Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.

Liked Full details ->

Benzoic Acid Masking, Preservative

Preservative • May worsen Eczema

Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.

Disliked Full details ->

Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash

Water Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

Loved Full details ->

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Cleansing, Foaming

May cause irritation

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent made from a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts. It can also help produce foam.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cleansing

May worsen Eczema

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a fatty acid created by mixing similar compounds in coconut oil and dimethylaminopropylamine. Dimethylaminopropylamine is a diamine, an amine with two amino groups.

Disliked Full details ->

Sodium Chloride Masking

3 Concerns

Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate

Not safe for Fungal Acne

Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.

Unknown Full details ->

Citric Acid Buffering, Masking

AHA • 4 Benefits • 2 Concerns

Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).

Disliked Full details ->

Disodium EDTA

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

Disliked Full details ->

C12-15 Alkyl Lactate Emollient, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for C12-15 Alkyl Lactate.

Unknown Full details ->

Benzalkonium Chloride Antimicrobial, Preservative

Preservative • 2 Concerns

Benzalkonium Chloride is a preservative. It can cause irritation and worsen eczema.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Parfum Masking, Perfuming

Fragrance • 2 Concerns

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate

We don't have a description for Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate.

Unknown Full details ->

Glycerin Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

0 / 0

2 Benefits

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Loved Full details ->

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

Loved Full details ->

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract Masking, Skin Conditioning

2 Benefits

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.

Liked Full details ->

Propylene Glycol Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

0 / 0

May worsen Eczema

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

0 Com. / 0 Irr.

Very Disliked Full details ->

Sodium Hydroxide Buffering

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

Mixed Full details ->

CI 15985 Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.

Unknown Full details ->

CI 16035 Cosmetic Colorant

2 / 2

Ci 16035 is a synthetic dark-red dye. This dye is created from an acid called Allura red AC, an azo dye.

2 Com. / 2 Irr.

Unknown Full details ->

Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Peg-80 Sorbitan Laurate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Benzalkonium Chloride, Parfum, Cocamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 15985, CI 16035

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Water

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Glycerin

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Sodium Hydroxide

Buffering

Mixed

Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.

In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.

Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.

"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.

Learn more about Sodium Hydroxide

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

Acne Control Cleanser

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash

liked

mixed

disliked

not rated

When to use

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash 18 ingredients

1,108 Routines

46% use in am

54% use in pm

95% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

157 Routines

46% use in am

54% use in pm

92% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients

4.3 /5

from 8 ratings

Great Value (1) Hydrating (1) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1)

rcraun

11 months ago · Dry Skin

Review

Cerave

CeraVe

Acne Control Cleanser

elo_ise25

8 months ago · Combination Skin

Review

Helps with my acne so much

CeraVe

Acne Control Cleanser

Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Face Wash 18 ingredients

3.5 /5

from 2 ratings

davidalukkal_267

1 year ago · Normal Skin

Review

Didn't help with acne
Didn't help with whitehead and cystic acne, but it did improve skin complexion and helped with blackheads. But it also left...

Didn't help with acne
Didn't help with whitehead and cystic acne, but it did improve skin complexion and helped with blackheads. But it also left the skin very dry and tight.