Everyone should develop a solid skincare routine, but those fighting acne are particularly aware of the importance of using effective products. Of course, finding quality products that deliver results is often a challenge. 

Many with acne-prone skin have found success using CeraVe. This brand, which was developed by dermatologists, is widely available online and in drugstores. Below, we’ll cover all of the best CeraVe products for acne and blackheads.

The Best CeraVe Products for Acne and Blackheads

Best Overall Cleanser

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Best CeraVe Cleanser for Acne and Blackheads

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Benzoyl peroxide (the key ingredient in this cleanser) works to clear current breakouts and prevent new acne and blackheads from forming. The cleanser is also formulated with ingredients that calm and soothe irritated skin.

Skin types: Acne-prone skin
Best for: Daily cleansing, up to two times per day
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Then, gently massage the cleanser into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
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This cleanser is one of the best CeraVe products for acne. It contains benzoyl peroxide, which has been shown to fight acne[1]. A cleanser alone often isn’t enough to fully fight and prevent breakouts. However, this product is an excellent tool to have in your routine.

Pros

  • Effective concentration of benzoyl peroxide
  • Additional ingredients that calm and soothe the skin
  • Non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores)

Cons

  • Benzoyl peroxide can be drying and irritating

The benzoyl peroxide works by killing acne-causing bacteria. It also removes excess dirt and sebum from the skin[1]. This cleanser also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These ingredients retain the skin’s natural moisture and soothe the skin. Those effects may help counteract the potential drying or irritating effects of the benzoyl peroxide.

Best Everyday Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Best Gentle Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

This cleanser is gentle and non-irritating on the skin. However, it still successfully removes dirt, debris, and excess oil without stripping the skin.

Skin types:
Best for: Daily cleansing, up to two times per day
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, wet the skin with lukewarm water. Then, gently massage the cleanser into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water.
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The Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is excellent for treating and preventing breakouts. However, for some, the benzoyl peroxide may be too strong for daily or twice daily use. This cleanser is a great choice to alternate with the Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, as it is effective but gentler on the skin.

Pros

  • Gentle on the skin
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-irritating
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Doesn’t contain any active acne-fighting ingredients

This foaming gel cleanser contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and three essential ceramides. These ingredients help ensure the cleanser doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. They also help calm and soothe the skin.

Best Treatment

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Best CeraVe Treatment for Acne and Blackheads

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

This retinol serum helps prevent breakouts and treat pesky post-acne marks (also known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Overall, it promotes an even, smooth, and clear complexion.

Skin types: Acne-prone and oily skin
Best for: Preventing breakouts and reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, prep the skin by cleansing. Then, apply a pump of the serum all over the face, neck, and chest. Use once a day.
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Many with acne-prone skin have to deal with post-acne marks. This is one of the best CeraVe products for acne sufferers, because it addresses those issues. It helps fade those marks, while also preventing new breakouts. As a result, this also prevents more post-acne marks. Additionally, retinol has been shown to fight both inflammatory acne (which includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts) and non-inflammatory acne (which includes blackheads)[2]. This makes this serum an excellent choice for those dealing with acne and blackheads.

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Retinol can be irritating and drying for some

While the retinol helps resurface the skin, ceramides and niacinamide work to calm and restore the skin while maintaining its barrier. Additionally, this formula contains licorice root extract. This gives the formula an extra brightening boost.

Best Moisturizer

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Best CeraVe Moisturizer for Acne and Blackheads

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

The PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains a blend of hydrating and calming active ingredients. It is lightweight, but is still able to effectively moisturize.

Skin types:
Best for: Nightly moisturization
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, cleanse and apply any treatments. Then, apply one to two pumps of the moisturizer to the face, neck, and chest.
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Many with acne-prone skin worry about using a moisturizer, as they’re concerned it may cause more breakouts. However, it’s crucial that you consistently moisturize. Dehydrated skin can actually trigger an increase in oil production. This in turn could lead to more acne. The lotion is also non-comedogenic, which makes it an excellent choice for those with acne-prone skin.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • May not be moisturizing enough for cold/dry weather

This moisturizer contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It also contains niacinamide, which calms the skin. While this product is marketed for nighttime use, it is lightweight and can easily be used in the morning, as well. However, if you choose to wear this in the morning, be sure to also apply a sunscreen.

Best Moisturizer with SPF

CeraVe_AM_Facial_Moisturizing_Lotion

Best CeraVe Moisturizer for Acne with SPF

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

This lotion is one of the best CeraVe products for acne sufferers looking for both a moisturizer and SPF. It is also non-comedogenic, which means it is appropriate for acne-prone skin.

Skin types: Normal, acne-prone, and oily skin
Best for: Daytime moisturization, SPF protection
Tested on animals: No
How to use: First, cleanse and apply any treatments. Then, apply one to two pumps of the moisturizer to the face, neck, and chest.
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Sunscreen is a crucial part of any skincare routine. It is especially important when using any products with ingredients that increase sun sensitivity (such as retinol). With this in mind, this product makes it easy to get SPF and moisturization in one easy step.

Pros

  • UVA and UVB protection
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Contains chemical sunscreen, which may irritate more sensitive skin types[3]

Like the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, this product has hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides, as well as calming niacinamide. Additionally, since it is non-comedogenic, it is appropriate for those with acne-prone skin.

The Bottom Line

CeraVe is an excellent skincare brand filled with effective products that are budget-friendly and easy to find. However, not all products are suitable for those with acne-prone skin. The options mentioned above are some of the best CeraVe products for acne and blackheads. Many have found success when adding them to their routine. 

Everyone reacts differently to products. With this in mind, it is important to incorporate only one new product into your routine at a time. This will help you see how your skin reacts. You'll then be able to determine whether a product is the right fit for you.

Sources

[1] Matin, T. (2020, March 16). Benzoyl Peroxide. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/ 

[2] Leyden, J., Stein-Gold, L., & Weiss, J. (2017, September). Why Topical Retinoids Are Mainstay of Therapy for Acne. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5574737/ 

[3] Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin. (2017, July 20). from https://www.pihhealth.org/wellness/blog/sunscreen-for-sensitive-skin/