CeraVe
Acne Control Gel
face treatments
CeraVe
face treatments
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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| SALICYLIC ACID | 2% |
CeraVe Acne Control Gel is a hydrating, daily acne treatment with 2% salicylic acid that clears acne and helps prevent new breakouts from forming. It also offers gentle exfoliation with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) that help improve the appearance of pores along with calming niacinamide and barrier-strengthening ceramides.
Acne Control Gel is a lightweight treatments from CeraVe, a brand based in USA. The formula is built mainly around hydration and cell renewal. The ingredient list runs to 24 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate and Water, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water and Lactic Acid.
Cell renewal: High. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and Triethyl Citrate.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid.
On richness alone it suits Balanced, Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
Refines texture by gently exfoliating rough, uneven patches
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulphate
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Triethyl citrate
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 24 ingredients on the label.
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Forms a film that slows water loss
Dissolves and carries everything else
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 10–40% of the formula.
Salicylic acid
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Sodium hydroxide
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Acetic acid, hydroxy-
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-18
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Docosyltrimethylammonium methyl sulphate
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Triethyl citrate
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium, salt
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium 2-(1-carboxylatoethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl laurate
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Guar gum, 2-hydroxypropyl ether, depolymd.
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Benzoic acid
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
CeraVe
Shares 10 key ingredients with Acne Control Gel: Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Ceramide NP
COSRX
Shares 8 key ingredients with Acne Control Gel: Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Alcohol
VT Cosmetics
Shares 7 key ingredients with Acne Control Gel: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate
Zakka Naturals
Shares 6 key ingredients with Acne Control Gel: Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Ceramide NP
Axis-Y
Shares 6 key ingredients with Acne Control Gel: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Glycolic Acid
VT Cosmetics
Shares 5 key ingredients with Acne Control Gel: Water, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate
SALICYLIC ACID, WATER, GLYCERIN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, CHLORPHENESIN, DISODIUM EDTA, HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, XANTHAN GUM, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, BENZOIC ACID.
SALICYLIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, SODIUM HYALURONATE.
Cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying this product. Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor. Cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times daily. If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced, Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
It contains Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 24 ingredients, of which 8 are recorded as actives.
CeraVe, a brand based in USA.
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