Which is better for oily, acne-prone skin?

Both use 2% salicylic acid. The CeraVe adds niacinamide and ceramides for barrier support and is fragrance-free, which suits daily use on oily skin. The Kiehl's adds charcoal and kaolin clay for oil absorption and doubles as a mask.

Is the Kiehl's worth the extra money?

Only if you will use it as a mask or spot treatment. At $25.95 versus $12.51, you pay roughly double for the multi-use format. For plain daily cleansing, the CeraVe does the same core job for less.

Which is gentler on sensitive skin?

The CeraVe is explicitly fragrance-free and alcohol-free, which lowers irritation risk. The Kiehl's is marketed for sensitive skin and as non-drying, but its fragrance status is not stated, so patch test first.

Can I use either one every day?

Yes. The CeraVe is designed as a daily gel cleanser. The Kiehl's lists daily application, but if you use it as a mask, limit that to a few times a week to avoid over-drying from the salicylic acid.

Do either of them treat blackheads and whiteheads?

The Kiehl's explicitly lists whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules as targets. The CeraVe says it unclogs pores and reduces blemishes, which covers the same ground with the same 2% salicylic acid.

The Kiehl's is 4.2 fl oz / 125 ml; the CeraVe size is not stated in the listing. If you use the Kiehl's as a mask too, it will run out faster despite the larger tube.

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser vs Kiehl's Acne-Treating Cleansing Paste

Buy the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser if you want a daily gel cleanser at the lowest price: $12.51 at cosmetis.com as of November 5, 2026, versus $25.95 at Walmart for the Kiehl's as of the same date. Buy the Kiehl's Gently Effective Acne-Treating Cleansing Paste if you want one product that works as cleanser, clay mask and spot treatment. Both use 2% salicylic acid. The CeraVe costs about half as much and is the safer repeat purchase for oily, blemish-prone skin.

Today the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser costs $13.44 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.