Acne Control Gel — Reddit Reviews
by CeraVe
Updated September 16, 2026
2% salicylic acid gel unclogs pores to reduce acne and smooth skin; drying risk.
What the community says
A 2% salicylic acid gel acting as an exfoliant and anti-acne treatment. It suits people with oily or combination skin battling clogged pores but can be drying and irritating, especially if layered with retinoids or used daily. Those with sensitive or dry skin should approach cautiously.
What this means for you
What people love
Watch out for
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Real Reddit threads — 26 mentions across 15 threads
CeraVe Acne Control Gel on Reddit, in one place — 15 threads from r/tretinoin, r/acne and 3 more, summarized.
“Cerave acne control gel 2% SA”
Positive
“AM: ... Cerave acne control gel 2% SA”
Positive
“My main goals is acne reduction”
Positive
“Instead of benzoyl peroxide, I was told to use CeraVe Blemish Control Gel.”
Positive
“I can see that some pimples are clearing up, but at the same time, new ones keep appearing at almost the same rate.”
Positive
“That gel you are using only contains salicylic acid which unclog pores but doesn't kill bacteria.”
Positive
“Get differin gel and CeraVe acne control gel.”
Mentioned
“Alternate nights and work up to using them both nightly if your skin tolerates.”
Mentioned
“Your other products are fine.”
Mentioned
“i use moisturizer, cerave acne control gel, and adapalene and benzoyl topical gel 2.5% daily”
Mentioned
“or CeraVe Acne Control Gel when it’s more like widespread bumpiness”
Positive
“When I have a breakout I use”
Positive
“I guess I would use those over the toner?”
Positive
“Cerave blemish control gel with AHA and BHA 3 times per week (Mon, Wed, Fri)”
Positive
“So far this has worked really well at reducing my acne by around 90% and making my skin smoother”
Positive
“I was thinking of adding azelaic acid to my routine but would that be too much since I already use an AHA and BHA product?”
Positive
