Blemish Control Cleanser — Reddit Reviews
by CeraVe
Updated August 4, 2026
Contains 2% salicylic acid for exfoliating clogged pores
What the community says
Salicylic acid 2% cleanser known to clear blemishes and reduce pores but notorious for drying out skin and causing redness or barrier irritation, especially with twice-daily use or alongside retinoids.
What this means for you
Backed by 15 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/SkincareAddictionUK and 4 more.
Read the threads ↓What people love
- Contains 2% salicylic acid for exfoliating clogged pores
- Ceramides and niacinamide help soothe skin while targeting acne
- Effective for managing oily skin and reducing pore appearance
Watch out for
- Can cause significant dryness and redness, particularly for sensitive or dry skin types
- Often too harsh when layered with other actives like tretinoin, leading to barrier damage
- Users report breakouts or worsening acne if used too frequently or without proper moisturizer
Product details
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Real Reddit threads
15 threads from r/SkincareAddiction, r/SkincareAddictionUK +4 more
“I put cleanse with CeraVe blemish control cleanser in the morning”
Mentioned
“I've pretty much doubled down on their products in an attempt to fix this.”
Mentioned
“Have you tried other products besides CeraVe?”
Mentioned
“CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser (leave on 30–60 seconds)”
Positive
“This current CeraVe cleanser is the only one ive had that hasn't broken me out.”
Positive
“The cleanser you use is likely too stripping and when ure drying out ur face it makes acne worse.”
Positive
“CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser”
Positive
“cerave caused my skin to break out endlessly.”
Positive
“I thought cerave was a safe bet but I was told by my doctor they might still contain certain actives.”
Positive
“CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser — only 3x a week at night”
Cautionary
“The cleanser I’m using has salicylic acid so do you think the purging could be from that or from the Benzac? I’m kinda suspicious of both products.”
Cautionary
“This seems more like a reaction.”
Cautionary
“so my current routine is Cerave blemish control cleanse > k beauty azaelic acid > k beauty retinol alternative eye cream > Cerave moisturiser.”
Positive
“Cerave blemish control cleanser works wonders on mine.”
Positive
“I use it twice a day.”
Positive
“it keeps most at bay”
Positive
