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CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser vs The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Both are salicylic acid gel cleansers for oily, blemish-prone skin. The CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser adds ceramides, niacinamide and clay to support the skin barrier, and it is cheaper at $12.51 at cosmetis.com as of November 5, 2026, versus $15.00 at Amazon for The Inkey List as of the same date. Buy the CeraVe for barrier support and value; buy The Inkey List if you want a lighter, simpler single-acid gel.

Today the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser costs $2.49 less at its best price.

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CeraVe
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

4.8· 45,000 ratings
$12.51at cosmetis.comObserved at 5:34 PM
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Choose the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser if you want a 2% salicylic acid wash with ceramides, niacinamide and clay that also protects the skin barrier, at the lower price.

Pros
  • 2% salicylic acid plus clay unclogs pores and mattifies
  • Ceramides and niacinamide help preserve the skin barrier
  • Fragrance-free and alcohol-free
  • Lowest price of the two at $12.51
  • Widely stocked across 5 stores
Cons
  • Clay can feel drying on very dry or reactive skin
  • Exact bottle size is not stated
  • Gel texture may be less light than a plain salicylic gel
The Inkey List
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

$15.00at AmazonObserved at 4:30 PM
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Choose The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser if you prefer a lightweight, fragrance-free gel with a single highlighted active and a 150 ml bottle.

Pros
  • Lightweight gel texture suits layering
  • Fragrance-free and vegan
  • Simple single-acid formula is easy to pair with other actives
  • 150 ml bottle is a clear, standard size
Cons
  • No ceramides or niacinamide to offset salicylic acid dryness
  • Costs more at $15.00
  • Only 1 store prices it new
  • Scent note of raspberry may put off some shoppers

What separates them

CeraVe Blemish Control CleanserThe Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Price$12.51 at cosmetis.com as of November 5, 2026$15.00 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026
Key actives beyond salicylic acidNiacinamide, ceramides, hectorite clay, citric acid, hyaluronic acidSalicylic acid as the only highlighted active
Barrier supportCeramides and niacinamide includedNo ceramides or niacinamide listed
Skin typesOily and acne-prone, stated suitable for sensitive skinAll skin types, including oily and combination
FragranceFragrance-free, alcohol-freeFragrance-free, though listed with a raspberry scent note
TextureGel with clay for mattifyingLightweight gel
SizeNot stated in the listing150 ml bottle
Availability5 stores price it new1 store prices it new

Price history

  • CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser: lowest $12.51 on Nov 5 at cosmetis.com.
  • The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser: lowest $4.95 on Nov 5 at eBay.

Prices at every store

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

  • cosmetis.comNew

    In stock

    $12.51Observed at 5:34 PM
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  • PerfumesClub.usNew

    In stock

    $12.85Observed at 4:30 PM
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  • skinlovers.comNew

    In stock

    $17.14+ $24.95 shippingObserved at 5:35 PM
    Visit store
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by harryspowertools (98.4% positive, 1,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $16.99Free shippingVerified
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Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Kogan.com USACheck price at Kogan.com USA
  • Skin ColorCheck price at Skin Color
All 5 stores and price history →

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $15.00Observed at 4:30 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Cult BeautyCheck price at Cult Beauty
  • PoshmarkCheck price at Poshmark
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecCeraVe Blemish Control CleanserThe Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Skin TypeFor Oily SkinAll skin types, Combination, Combination skin, …
Non-ComedogenicYes—
Key IngredientSalicylic Acid, Clay, Citric Acid, Hyaluronic A…—
MoisturizingYes—
FormGel—
For Sensitive SkinYes—
Alcohol-FreeYes—
Fragrance-FreeYes—
Active Ingredients—Salicylic Acid
Product Type—Cleanser
Primary Benefit—Cleansing
Highlighted Benefits—Reduce excess oil, Soothes and calms skin
Show all 30 specsShow fewer specs
SpecCeraVe Blemish Control CleanserThe Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Primary Skin Concern—Blackheads
Secondary Skin Concern—Uneven skin tone
Applicable Body Areas—Face
For Face—Yes
Travel Size—No
Formulation Form—Gel
Formulation Type—Cleanser
Free Of—Fragrance-free
Formulation Consistency—Lightweight gel texture
Highlighted Ingredients

What reviewers say

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

  • 4.8 / 545,000 ratings

With 4.8 out of 5 from about 45,000 ratings, buyers largely report cleaner, less oily skin and fewer breakouts. Many praise the gentle, fragrance-free formula and the low price. A minority say it dried or irritated their skin.

What people mention
  • BreakoutsPraisedMany users say regular use reduced blackheads and blemishes.
  • GentlenessPraisedBuyers with sensitive skin report it cleans without stinging or fragrance.
  • DrynessMixedSome say it leaves skin tight or flaky, especially when used twice a day.
  • TextureMixedA few find the gel thin and easy to spill.

The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Owners of salicylic acid cleansers in this class generally report cleaner-feeling, less oily skin with regular use, while some find daily use drying.

What people mention
  • Oil controlPraisedUsers say oily skin feels less greasy through the day with regular use.
  • DrynessMixedSome find daily use drying and cut back to a few times a week.
  • TexturePraisedThe light gel lathers and rinses without leaving residue.
  • BlackheadsMixedUsers report gradual improvement, but stubborn blackheads persist for some.

Questions and answers

Which is better for oily, acne-prone skin?
Both target oil and blemishes with salicylic acid. The CeraVe adds clay to mattify and ceramides and niacinamide to limit irritation, which suits daily use on oily skin that tends to dry out.
Is the CeraVe worth the lower price?
Yes on price alone: $12.51 at cosmetis.com versus $15.00 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026. You also get more supporting ingredients for the same salicylic acid job.
Which is gentler?
The CeraVe is the safer bet for sensitive skin because of its ceramides and niacinamide and its fragrance-free, alcohol-free formula. The Inkey List is fragrance-free too but has no barrier ingredients listed.
Can I use either with retinol or other acids?
Use caution with both, since each contains salicylic acid. Alternate days or use one exfoliating step at a time to avoid irritation.
How long does each bottle last?
The Inkey List bottle is 150 ml. CeraVe does not state its size here, so compare volume on the listing before judging cost per use.

More comparisons

  • CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser vs Kiehl's Gently Effective Acne-Treating Cleansing Paste
  • CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser vs Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser
  • Kiehl's Gently Effective Acne-Treating Cleansing Paste vs The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
  • Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA + Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide + AHA Cleanser vs The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cleansers for blackheads and clogged pores
—
Salicylic Acid
Formulation Highlights—Scrub
Scent—Raspberry
Scented—No
Ingredients—Salicylic Acid
Net Volume—150 ml
Net Weight—190 g
Volume—150 ml
Container Type—Bottle