Can I use CeraVe SA Cleanser on my face and body?

What is it useful for?

Salicylic acid encourages the skin to shed dead cells, helping keep pores clear and reduce roughness. The UK SA Smoothing Cleanser is a lightly foaming gel for dry, rough and bumpy skin, including skin with keratosis pilaris. The US Renewing SA Cleanser is made for normal and acne prone skin and helps remove oil and dirt while softening rough texture. Both listed cleanser formulas contain salicylic acid, three essential ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.123

Sensitive skin needs more caution: acid cleansers can cause irritation. If dryness is your main concern rather than roughness, CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is another option for normal to dry skin on the face and body. A cleanser should not leave your skin tight or dry; the squeaky clean effect is not a performance review.24

How do I use it?

1. 1Wet the skin with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can increase dryness.
2. 2Gently massage the cleanser into the skin with your fingertips using circular motions. Skip scrubbing brushes and loofahs.
3. 3Rinse the cleanser away thoroughly. CeraVe's US directions are to wet, massage and rinse, rather than use the cleanser as a mask.
4. 4Pat dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturiser after cleansing. For your daytime facial routine, finish with sunscreen; a moisturiser with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher is an option.

Can I use it every day?

CeraVe's US directions allow use at any time of day. Follow your bottle's instructions for frequency. For oily facial skin, general cleansing guidance is up to twice daily and after sweating, but that is not a requirement to use an exfoliating cleanser every time. Salicylic acid can be drying or irritating, so use it less often at first if needed and reduce use or stop if irritation develops. You do not have to use SA Cleanser equally often on your face and body.167

What should I expect?

The practical goals are cleansing and softer, smoother texture. For acne treatment, topical salicylic acid can take several weeks or longer to provide its full benefit. That is general ingredient guidance, not a countdown for this cleanser. If blackheads or acne remain a problem, a dermatologist can help you choose treatment rather than simply increasing how often you wash.167

When should I be careful?

Keep salicylic acid away from your eyes, nose and mouth, and do not apply it to broken, red, swollen, irritated or infected skin. Before adding this cleanser to skin already treated with tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide or other topical medicines, ask your prescriber or pharmacist about the combination. General salicylic acid precautions also call for discussing use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and checking before using salicylic acid medicines over large body areas.7

Seek medical advice for severe or persistent irritation or stinging. Stop using the product and get urgent medical help for throat tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling faint or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue.7