Does CeraVe Foaming Cleanser contain salicylic acid?

Which CeraVe cleansers contain salicylic acid?

Do not confuse the standard Foaming Cleanser with Acne Foaming Cleanser: the Canadian acne version uses 4% benzoyl peroxide as its acne active. CeraVe has given several different formulas a name involving foam, so the shared word is doing very little administrative work.4

Which one should you choose?

Choose the standard Foaming Cleanser if you want a cleansing step for normal to oily skin without salicylic acid. If your aim is to address acne and blackheads with salicylic acid, the Canadian Acne Control Cleanser is the explicitly identified 2% option. Its hectorite clay also helps absorb excess oil. The Canadian SA Cleanser instead targets rough and bumpy skin. Those are different reasons to buy a cleanser, not interchangeable product names.15

How do you use the standard Foaming Cleanser?

1. 1Wet your skin with lukewarm water.
2. 2Massage CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser gently in circular motions to create a foam.
3. 3Rinse well and pat dry.
4. 4Apply your treatment, if you use one, then moisturizer. Use sunscreen during the day.

You can use the standard US cleanser in the morning or evening. For oily skin, wash with a gentle cleanser up to twice daily and moisturize afterward. The standard cleanser removes surface dirt, makeup and excess oil; choosing it does not add a salicylic acid exfoliation step to your routine.1

How do you check your own bottle?

Read the complete product name, then look for "SALICYLIC ACID" in the ingredient list. CeraVe updates ingredient lists, so use your package for the current formula, particularly if you bought a different country's version. For a store refill, obtain the current ingredient list at the refill counter. The front name tells you which cleanser you have; the ingredient list tells you what is actually inside, without requiring you to interpret the word "foam" as a chemistry qualification.2

If you switch to Acne Control Cleanser

For the Canadian 2% Acne Control Cleanser, CeraVe tells you to test a small area once daily for three days. If there is no discomfort, start with one application daily and increase gradually if needed. Lather a dime size amount on wet skin, massage gently while avoiding the eyes, and rinse well. Reduce use to once daily or every other day if dryness or peeling occurs. Use caution with sensitive skin and when combining it with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid. If irritation occurs with that combination, use only one product at a time.5