Skincare Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser versus CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser .

  • these products are both face cleansers that both contain bha, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and pha.
  • they both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or silicones.
  • they both contain fragrances and sulfates.
  • they're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, brightening skin, oily skin and reducing pores.
  • they are reef safe.
  • these products have a total of 18 ingredients in common.
Face Cleanser Canadian Brand Canada
Face Cleanser Canadian Brand Canada

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).

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
ph level
5.5
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Pha
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (3)
Redness Reducing (4)
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (4)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating (2)
Eczema

Notable Ingredients

BHA
Pha
Niacinamide
Ceramides (3)
Hyaluronic Acid

Benefits

Good For Oily Skin (2)
Redness Reducing (4)
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging (3)
Acne Fighting (2)
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Drying
Irritating
Eczema (2)

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

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

1
What it does: Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

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 Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 2.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 3.

Learn more about Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin and helps moisturize and protect your skin. A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

Glycerin is a humectant, helping the skin retain moisture by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin. Having moisturized skin helps improve the skin barrier. Your skin barrier protects against skin 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, animal sources include tallow. It is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

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

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 3.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 4.

Learn more about Glycerin
3
What it does: Smoothing
Community Rating: Liked

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

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation fading dark-spots. It can strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

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.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 6.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 5.

Learn more about Niacinamide
4
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Gluconolactone is a PHA and exfoliates the skin. PHAs have a larger structure than AHAs and BHAs and are more gentle.

When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This helps improve texture and brightens the skin.

Gluconolactone is a humectant and helps draw moisture to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.

PHAs also exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free-radical molecules. This can help with anti-aging.

In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells. However, we still recommend wearing SPF especially after using exfoliating ingredients.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 7.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 6.

Learn more about Gluconolactone
5
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 8.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 8.

6
What it does: Cleansing, Foaming
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate isn't fungal acne safe.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 9.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 7.

Learn more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ceramide NP is one 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

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 11.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 9.

Learn more about Ceramide NP
8
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 12.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 10.

Learn more about Ceramide AP
9
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

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

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 13.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 11.

Learn more about Ceramide EOP
10
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 14.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 12.

Learn more about Carbomer
11
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Calcium Gluconate.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 15.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 13.

12
What it does: Masking, Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

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 the skin's surface and pores, and also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble, Salicylic Acid is oil soluble. This means that it's able to exfoliate the inside of pores and reduce blackheads.

Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.

It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing a Salicylic Acid into your routine.

In general, Salicylic Acid is a great ingredient for oily acne-prone skin.

If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 17.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 1.

Learn more about Salicylic Acid
13
What it does: Masking, Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium Benzoate is a preservative used in both cosmetic and food products.

Sodium Benzoate is the salt of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is found naturally in common foods such as cinnamon, tomatoes, berries, apples, honey, mushrooms, and more.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 18.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 15.

Learn more about Sodium Benzoate
14
What it does: Emulsifying

We don't have a description for Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 19.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 17.

15
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Stabilising
Community Rating: Liked

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.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 21.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 18.

Learn more about Cholesterol
16
What it does:
Community Rating: Disliked

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 Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 24.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 19.

Learn more about Tetrasodium EDTA
17
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

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.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 27.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 25.

Learn more about Phytosphingosine
18
What it does: Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

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.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 28.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains this as ingredient number 23.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

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

34% are loved or liked
7% have mixed ratings
28% are disliked or very disliked
31% have no rating yet
38% are loved or liked
8% have mixed ratings
27% are disliked or very disliked
27% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

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Ratings

Here's what our community thinks

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser 29 ingredients

2.7 /5
Not Good At All Lol

1. it didnt clear my acne 2. it irritated tf out of my skin\ 3. it broke me out

from kawaiidesuwu_683
Think Twice Befor Using On Dry/Combination Skin

I was super excited to start using this product because of all of the benefits but found it to be slightly drying and irritating to my skin.

from CarlaTriegaardt
Drastic Change

This is a great cheap alternative to get your skincare routine started

from KeatonHowell_23

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser 26 ingredients

Acne Control Cleanser hasn't been rated yet.
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