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10 Best CeraVe Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Oily skin can be hard to manage, especially if you have acne. The problem is, most of the products designed for oily, acne-prone skin are harsh and drying to the skin, which can cause even more breakouts!

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser - Best CeraVe Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin


The best way to deal with oily or acne-prone skin is by using products that are designed specifically for these issues. But finding the right product for your unique situation can be difficult.

Is CeraVe good for acne? Absolutely! CeraVe has created a line of skincare products specifically formulated for people who suffer from oily and acne-prone skin.

These products provide hydration without causing irritation or over-drying your face. They’re also packed full of nourishing actives that protect your skin all day.

This list of the 10 best CeraVe products for oily, acne-prone skin range from daily cleansers and moisturizers to spot treatments and even retinol, so you’ll be able to find the ideal product for your skin needs.

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10 Best CeraVe Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

CeraVe has been around since 2004, and they’ve perfected their formulas over the years by working directly with dermatologists.

Their line of skincare products won’t clog pores, and they’re all great for helping reduce oil production while soothing inflammation in the skin caused by acne breakouts.

Plus, all CeraVe products are fragrance-free, which is very helpful for sensitive skin.

CeraVe recently introduced new Acne Control products (a cleanser and spot treatment, see below) that target acne with a proven acne-treating ingredient like salicylic acid, while also formulated with reparative and soothing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and strengthen the skin.

CeraVe also uses benzoyl peroxide in its products targeted at acne-prone skin.

Per the brand’s website, CeraVe is the #1 dermatologist-recommended moisturizer brand for acne, so you’d expect nothing less than some of the best drugstore products for oily, acne-prone skin.

So, let’s take a look at the best CeraVe products for oily and acne-prone skin:

1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser - Best CeraVe Products for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a foaming gel cleanser formulated with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to help restore the skin’s protective barrier and calm the skin.

Multi-benefit niacinamide has anti-inflammatory benefits and helps to calm the skin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can also help with acne.

This clinical study demonstrated that a 4% niacinamide gel has comparable effectiveness to a 1% clindamycin gel in the treatment of acne. Niacinamide also helps regulate sebum (oil) production in the skin.

Ceramides help retain the skin’s natural moisture, while hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate hydrates and draws moisture to the skin.

Ideal for normal to oily skin types, this mild, non-irritating hydrating cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup without disrupting your skin’s protective barrier.

Plus, it won’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight, thanks to the moisturizing ingredients in the formula. It’s non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and non-irritating.

2. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is formulated with 4% benzoyl peroxide to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, dirt, and other impurities.

Benzoyl peroxide in facial cleansers has been shown to reduce P. acnes bacteria.

It helps to reduce acne breakouts and prevent new breakouts. Benzoyl peroxide also supports cell turnover to clear out clogged pores which can worsen acne.

Since benzoyl peroxide can be drying, the formula also contains niacinamide which helps to strengthen the skin barrier and provide soothing benefits while allowing your skin to heal.

Sodium hyaluronate (the salt form of hyaluronic acid) hydrates and glycerin moisturizes the skin.

Ceramides are lipids that bind to our skin cells and help form our skin barrier. Our skin barrier protects our skin from external stressors and keeps our skin hydrated and moisturized.

CeraVe’s blend of three skin-identical essential ceramides, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP protect and strengthen the skin barrier.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser reduces acne and blackheads and really helps clean out the pores on your skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight.

It also helps restore the protective barrier of the skin. It’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores.

NOTE: Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher after using this CeraVe product.

3. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser contains salicylic acid to purify pores and remove dirt, makeup, oil, and debris.

The amount of salicylic acid in the formula is not disclosed, but it is described as a gentle cleanser that will provide a non-irritating exfoliation without microbeads that come in many exfoliating cleansers, which may scratch your skin.

Even at lower concentrations, salicylic acid is an effective exfoliant and can be used in conjunction with other treatments like bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide if you have pimples and acne, like whiteheads and blackheads.

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser also contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to soften and smooth the skin without disrupting its protective barrier. Antioxidant vitamin D protects the skin.

Although formulated for normal skin, oily acne-prone skin can benefit from the salicylic acid in this foam cleanser. You can use the cleanser on both your face and body. It is non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and non-drying.

4. CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that loosens and sheds dead skin cells that can clog pores.

It’s a gel-to-foam acne face wash that you can use daily to reduce acne and blackheads and improve the look of pores.

This salicylic acid face wash also contains Hectorite clay which helps absorb excess oil and purify pores by removing dirt, debris, and other irritants.

CeraVe’s Oil-Absorbing Technology helping control shininess. It works through clogged pores to prevent new acne breakouts.

This CeraVe cleanser also contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid (HA) to hydrate, moisturize and support a healthy skin barrier.

If you are wondering which CeraVe cleanser is best for acne, CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is my pick, as it has a 2% salicylic acid concentration, oil-absorbing clay, niacinamide, ceramides, and HA to clear away excess sebum while replenishing the skin.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser is paraben-free, allergy-tested, and non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores).

5. CeraVe Acne Control Gel

CeraVe Acne Control Gel is a hydrating acne treatment gel that treats acne and helps prevent new breakouts from forming thanks to 2% salicylic acid.

Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which means that it can penetrate the pores to sweep away dead skin cells, dirt, oil, and pore-clogging debris.

It also contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) in the form of glycolic acid and lactic acid.

These acids exfoliate the skin’s surface and work with salicylic acid to improve cell turnover and clarify your complexion while helping to reduce the look of pores and improve skin texture and smooth the skin’s surface.

This acne treatment also contains CeraVe’s blend of three essential ceramides to support a strong and healthy skin barrier and niacinamide to soothe the skin.

This oil-free acne treatment gel is lightweight and contains no drying alcohol. It is recommended for evening use.

NOTE: Since it contains AHAs which can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher while using this product.

6. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Ve Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum targets acne scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), the look of enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone with retinol, a form of vitamin A.

It also helps brighten the skin and improve multiple visible signs of aging.

This retinol serum helps smooth skin’s texture and smooth the skin’s surface. It increases cell turnover to minimize wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin dullness, hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and patchy skin tone.

Retinoids are great ingredients for your anti-acne toolkit since retinoids are anti-inflammatory, can help regulate sebum production and treat acne.

The retinol in this formula is encapsulated, which minimizes irritation that often comes along with retinol since the retinol is slowly released.

The serum also contains Licorice root extract to brighten the skin, three essential ceramides, and niacinamide to soothe the skin, help strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin tone.

The retinol serum is lightweight, absorbs easily, and really helps to smooth the skin and help fade those pesky post-acne marks and discoloration.

The serum is non-comedogenic and paraben-free and perfect for oily, normal, or combination skin.

7. CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a daily-use hyaluronic acid serum that provides 24-hour hydration and helps restore the skin’s natural protective barrier.

With three essential ceramides, this lightweight gel is formulated to moisturize your skin and provide instant relief for dry skin.

The serum also contains vitamin B5 (panthenol) to soothe and provide added moisture. It uses CeraVe’s MVE Technology, which is a patented delivery system. MVE Technology works like a layered sphere to slowly release moisturizing ingredients for extended all-day hydration.

Even though the serum is formulated for normal to dry skin, all skin types, even oily and acne-prone, can benefit from the hydration and moisture provided by a hyaluronic acid product.

Hyaluronic acid supports a healthy skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier keeps out dirt, debris, and other impurities that can irritate the skin and cause breakouts and acne.

This serum is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores. It’s also paraben-free.

8. CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar

For those that would prefer a cleanser that you can easily use on both the face and body, CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Bar is a non-comedogenic cleanser for normal to oily skin is perfect for those with an active lifestyle since it can be easily stored in the shower and washed off quickly thanks to its foam-like texture.

This gentle daily cleanser thoroughly removes dirt and excess oil from the face without stripping away moisture. Kaolin clay soaks up excess oil.

CeraVe’s proprietary three essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid hydrate, nourish, and soothe the skin.

This soap-free formula leaves skin feeling clean and soft while maintaining the protective outer layer of skin. It won’t clog pores and is paraben-free. Plus, it’s pH-balanced, so it won’t dry out your skin.

Related Post: The Best Korean Moisturizers for Oily Skin

9. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is a day moisturizer that includes broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen protection to help shield skin from sun damage.

Formulated for normal to oily skin, this moisturizer contains soothing and brightening niacinamide, moisturizing and barrier-supporting ceramides, and hydrating hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate).

This lightweight oil-free moisturizer provides all of the hydration and protection you need in one simple step, without clogging pores or leaving behind an oily residue, thanks to the kaolin clay in the formula.

It leaves a matte finish, which is ideal for oily complexions.

Its non-greasy texture works well under makeup too. This CeraVe oily skin moisturizer is non-comedogenic and won’t clog your pores. It’s also paraben-free and pH-balanced.

NOTE: The sunscreen in the formula is a chemical sunscreen that consists of Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.7%.

Related Post: Drmtlgy Physical Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44 Review

10. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

One of the most lightweight drugstore night creams available, CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is also one of the most effective for oily, acne-prone skin.

It uses MVE Technology in conjunction with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to hydrate skin throughout the night for a dewy-fresh complexion by morning.

Suitable for normal to oily skin types, this super lightweight cream is perfect for those who want their moisturizer to work overtime without leaving grease behind, clogging pores, or causing acne.

Ceramides restore the skin barrier, niacinamide calms and soothes the skin, and hyaluronic acid in the form of sodium hyaluronate hydrates and moisturizes the skin.

If you are looking for a Cerave moisturizer for oily skin and acne, this one is ideal because it won’t clog pores and is oil-free. The ultra-light texture won’t feel heavy on your skin either.

The Best CeraVe Products for Oily Acne Prone Skin

The best CeraVe products for acne and oily skin can easily be incorporated into your skincare routine and are priced very affordably.

Whether you are dealing with hormonal acne, cystic acne, or just a breakout here and there, CeraVe offers multiple products for the skin concerns of acne-prone and oily skin that hydrate, protect, moisturize, and soothe the skin, which every skin type needs.

CeraVe’s unique ceramide blend, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are just a few ingredients that help balance out the formulas that contain strong acne-targeting actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Thanks for reading, and until next time…here’s to your good skin health!