Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser versus CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser .
Last updated on September 19, 2023. Published on August 20, 2021
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe face cleansers. They have a total of 15 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Face Cleanser
Face cleansers are used to remove makeup, dead skin cells, pollutants, oil, dirt, and/or clean out pores on the skin. Face cleansers may specialize in having one function (exa. just removing makeup) or may have multiple functions (exa. Removing makeup and cleaning pores).
Price
Ingredient Info
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 28 ingredients
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Contains Fragrance
Ingredients in this product that are forms of fragrance:
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Not Malassezia Safe
Ingredients in this product that are not malassezia safe:
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
Alcohol Free
This product is free of harsh alcohols 🎉
Silicon Free
This product is free of silicons 🎉
Fragrance Free
This product is free of fragrances 🎉
Sulfate Free
This product is free of sulfates 🎉
Paraben Free
This product is free of parabens 🎉
Oil Free
This product is free of oils 🎉
Malassezia Safe
This product is free of malassezia feeding ingredients 🎉
Reef Safe
This product is free of ingredients that damage reefs 🎉
EU Allergen Free
This product is free of EU allergens 🎉
Non Vegan
This product is not vegan 😥
Not Cruelty Free
This product is not cruelty-free 😥
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 28 ingredients
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Benefits
This product contains 5 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
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Concerns
This product contains 2 ingredients that may have this attribute:
This product contains 1 ingredient that may have this attribute:
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Join SkinSortIngredients Compared
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 28 ingredients
Salicylic Acid 2% • Water • Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine • Glycerin • Niacinamide • Gluconolactone • Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate • Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Calcium Gluconate • Triethyl Citrate • Sodium Benzoate • Sodium Hydroxide • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Cholesterol • Tetrasodium EDTA • Caprylyl Glycol • Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid • Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate • Xanthan Gum • Hectorite • Phytosphingosine • Benzoic Acid
Benzoyl Peroxide 4% • Water • Glycerin • Propylene Glycol • Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine • Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate • Xanthan Gum • Potassium Hydroxide • Ceramide NP • Ceramide AP • Ceramide EOP • Carbomer • Niacinamide • Glycolic Acid • Sodium Chloride • Sodium Citrate • Sodium Hyaluronate • Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate • Sodium Hydroxide • Cholesterol • Phenoxyethanol • Propanediol • Citric Acid • Tetrasodium EDTA • Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate • Phytosphingosine • Ethylhexylglycerin • Benzoic Acid
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.
Learn more about what what Com. / Irr. ratings are
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 WaterCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 2.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 2.
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a synthetic cleansing agent, though it is derived from coconut oil.
It is used to enhance the texture of products by boosting lather and thickening the texture. As a cleanser, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is mild.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 4.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 5.
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 GlycerinCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 5.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 3.
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 6.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 13.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide NPCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 10.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 9.
Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide NP Ceramide EOP
Learn more about Ceramide APCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 11.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 10.
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.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide NP
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 12.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 11.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create gel consistency within products.
Carbomer is commonly found in many types of cosmetics products. It is found to be safe in concentrations up to 15%. However, a high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Most products contain 1% of less of carbomer.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 13.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 12.
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 HydroxideCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 17.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 19.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.
Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl LactylateCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 18.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 18.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 19.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 20.
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.
Tetrasodium EDTA comes as a white solid and is soluble in water.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 20.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 24.
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.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 24.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 7.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine is already present in our skin. On our skin, it is a building block for ceramides.
Phytosphingosine tells our skin to increase its natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Phytosphingosine is also abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosineCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 26.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 26.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 27.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 28.
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 28 ingredients
Usage
Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.
When to use
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 27 ingredients
Love it! The Salicylic Acid helps me clear my most superficial acne (it obviously won't work on deep cysts) without being overly stripping as many other acne cleansers that contain mint or alcohols that will destroy your skin barrier....
Love it! The Salicylic Acid helps me clear my most superficial acne (it obviously won't work on deep cysts) without being overly stripping as many other acne cleansers that contain mint or alcohols that will destroy your skin barrier. It's so gentle, that I've been able to use it every day on both routines without a problem. So the possibility of a continuous use will also help with its effectiveness. And all of that while being super cheap. I think it's the best and most accessible acne cleanser I've ever tried.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser 28 ingredients
Doesn’t irritate and actually helps my acne without drying me out.
Doesn’t irritate and actually helps my acne without drying me out.
I can'T see any result.
I am using it 3 month now. The good part is that I don't have any skin reaction. I have very sensitive skin that reacts to everything, but this been good so far. I use it as a mask as well somethimes, but there is...
I can'T see any result.
I am using it 3 month now. The good part is that I don't have any skin reaction. I have very sensitive skin that reacts to everything, but this been good so far. I use it as a mask as well somethimes, but there is no effect on my pimples at all.
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