CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 8 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free, Gel Form, Exfoliating

Common questions

Is CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 8 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free, Gel Form, Exfoliating healthy?

CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 8 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free, Gel Form, Exfoliating scores 78/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This face cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which support skin hydration and barrier restoration.

Which ingredients drive CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 8 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free, Gel Form, Exfoliating's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone count in its favor; Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Benzoate, Acrylates Copolymer are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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CeraVe Acne Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid and Purifying Clay for Oily Skin - 8 fl oz: Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free, Gel Form, Exfoliating

CeraVe
78 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$15.97 · 16 fl oz · $1.00 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 10
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by L'Oréal
Category Face Wash
Summary

This face cleanser contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, which support skin hydration and barrier restoration. However, the presence of PEG compounds and acrylates copolymer introduces some synthetic elements, which slightly detract from the overall ingredient safety. The product is processed, which limits its maximum potential score despite its beneficial components.

Key ingredients 31

Ceramide AP
Very Good

Ceramide AP is a skin-identical lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier. It improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with ceramides.

Benefits

Ceramide AP helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.

See more about Ceramide AP →
Ceramide EOP
Very Good

Ceramide EOP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier. It improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with ceramides.

Benefits

Ceramide EOP helps to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.

See more about Ceramide EOP →
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Very Good

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid. It penetrates the skin more easily and provides deep hydration. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and is a popular ingredient in skincare.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with hyaluronic acid.

Benefits

It helps to hydrate the skin and improve its elasticity.

Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It helps to hydrate and maintain the skin's moisture barrier. It is widely used in skincare for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin, though it may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Glycerin helps to keep the skin soft and supple by drawing moisture from the environment.

See more about Glycerin →
Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that offers multiple skin benefits. It helps improve skin texture, reduce redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. It is well-tolerated by most skin types and is a popular ingredient in skincare.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though high concentrations may cause irritation.

Benefits

Niacinamide helps to brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.

See more about Niacinamide →
Gluconolactone
Good

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle exfoliation. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is suitable for sensitive skin due to its mild nature.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

Benefits

Gluconolactone helps to exfoliate the skin gently and improve moisture retention.

See more about Gluconolactone →
Ceramide NP
Good

Ceramide NP is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier. It improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss. It is beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with ceramides.

Benefits

Ceramide NP helps to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.

See more about Ceramide NP →
Cholesterol
Good

Cholesterol is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier. It improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with cholesterol.

Benefits

Cholesterol helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.

See more about Cholesterol →
Phytosphingosine
Good

Phytosphingosine is a lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with phytosphingosine.

Benefits

It helps to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

See more about Phytosphingosine →
Salicylic Acid 2%
Good

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used for its exfoliating properties. It helps to unclog pores and reduce acne. It is effective for oily and acne-prone skin.

Risks

It may cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Salicylic Acid helps to exfoliate the skin and reduce acne breakouts.

See more about Salicylic Acid 2% →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of the product.

See more about Water →
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create foam and cleanse the skin without stripping natural oils. It is generally well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

In rare cases, it may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

It provides gentle cleansing and helps maintain skin moisture.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine →
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
Neutral

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used for its foaming and cleansing properties. It is considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

It may cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

It provides effective cleansing while maintaining skin moisture.

See more about Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate →
PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate
Neutral

PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate is an emulsifying agent used to stabilize formulations. It helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a potential risk of contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane.

Benefits

It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product.

See more about PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate →
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Neutral

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used for its cleansing and foaming properties. It is considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

It may cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

It provides effective cleansing without stripping the skin of natural oils.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate →
Carbomer
Neutral

Carbomer is a thickening agent used to stabilize cosmetic formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

Carbomer helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product.

See more about Carbomer →
Calcium Gluconate
Neutral

Calcium Gluconate is used as a skin-conditioning agent. It helps to improve skin texture and hydration. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with calcium gluconate.

Benefits

It helps to condition the skin and improve its overall appearance.

See more about Calcium Gluconate →
Triethyl Citrate
Neutral

Triethyl Citrate is used as a fragrance ingredient and stabilizer. It helps to improve the scent and stability of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to enhance the fragrance and stability of the product.

See more about Triethyl Citrate →
Sodium Hydroxide
Neutral

Sodium Hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the product. It is used in small amounts and is generally considered safe.

Risks

In high concentrations, it can be irritating to the skin.

Benefits

It helps to maintain the desired pH level of the product.

See more about Sodium Hydroxide →
Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Sodium Chloride is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to enhance the texture and stability of the product.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Neutral

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant and emulsifier. It helps to cleanse the skin and stabilize formulations. It is considered gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.

Risks

It may cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

It provides effective cleansing and helps to stabilize the product.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate →
Coconut Acid
Neutral

Coconut Acid is used as a surfactant and emulsifier. It helps to cleanse the skin and stabilize formulations. It is derived from coconut oil and is generally considered safe.

Risks

It may cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

It provides effective cleansing and helps to stabilize the product.

See more about Coconut Acid →
Tetrasodium EDTA
Neutral

Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve stability. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent product degradation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to enhance the stability and shelf life of the product.

See more about Tetrasodium EDTA →
Caprylyl Glycol
Neutral

Caprylyl Glycol is used as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative. It helps to improve skin hydration and extend product shelf life. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to condition the skin and preserve the product.

See more about Caprylyl Glycol →
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neutral

Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is a chelating agent used to improve stability. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent product degradation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to enhance the stability and shelf life of the product.

See more about Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate →
Hectorite
Neutral

Hectorite is a clay mineral used as a thickening agent. It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with hectorite.

Benefits

It helps to enhance the texture and stability of the product.

Xanthan Gum
Neutral

Xanthan Gum is a thickening agent used to stabilize formulations. It helps to create a smooth and consistent texture. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to improve the texture and consistency of the product.

See more about Xanthan Gum →
Benzoic Acid
Neutral

Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth. It helps to extend the shelf life of cosmetic products. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.

See more about Benzoic Acid →
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

It may cause mild irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

It effectively cleanses the skin without causing dryness or irritation.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and prevent spoilage.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
Acrylates Copolymer
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive skin.

Benefits

It helps to enhance the texture and stability of the product.

See more about Acrylates Copolymer →

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