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Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser vs CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Buy the Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser if your skin is sensitive and you want a daily exfoliating wash that also moisturizes. Buy the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser if you have oily, acne-prone skin and want a stronger 2% salicylic acid wash with clay to cut oil. The Cetaphil is the gentler of the two, with a mix of salicylic, mandelic and gluconolactone acids plus niacinamide and panthenol. The CeraVe is the more targeted acne treatment, with a higher acid level and oil-absorbing clay.

  • Choose the Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser if you have sensitive or dry skin and want a fragrance-free daily exfoliating cleanser that hydrates while it smooths.
  • Choose the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser if you have oily, acne-prone skin and want a 2% salicylic acid wash with clay to control oil on your face, chest or back.

Prices

  • Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser: $9.97 at Walmart (checked today)
  • CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser: $17.29 at Target (checked today)
  • Difference: the Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser is $7.32 cheaper than the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser today
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

4.6(856 ratings)
$9.97at WalmartChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin
  • Three-acid blend smooths without harsh scrubbing
  • Niacinamide and panthenol support the skin barrier
  • Fragrance free and non-comedogenic
  • Pump bottle is easy to use in the shower
Cons
  • Milder acid levels may be too weak for stubborn acne
  • Scrub particles can irritate very reactive skin
  • Only one size offered
CeraVe
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser for Face with 2% Salicylic Acid & Purifying Clay for Oily Skin

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser for Face with 2% Salicylic Acid & Purifying Clay for Oily Skin

$17.29at TargetChecked 45 min ago
See all prices and details
Visit Target

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • 2% salicylic acid is a proven acne ingredient
  • Clay helps control shine on oily skin
  • Ceramides support the skin barrier
  • Works on face, chest and back
  • Allergy-tested and non-comedogenic
Cons
  • Can dry out or sting sensitive skin
  • No niacinamide or panthenol
  • Twice-daily use may be too much for some skin

What separates them

Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA CleanserCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Exfoliating acidsSalicylic, mandelic and gluconolactone in a gentle blend2% salicylic acid as the active ingredient
Oil controlNo clay; focuses on hydrationHectorite clay absorbs excess oil
Moisture and barrier supportNiacinamide, panthenol and glycerinThree essential ceramides
Best skin typeSensitive and all skin typesOily and acne-prone skin
TextureFoaming gel with light scrub particlesGel-to-foam without scrub particles
Body useFace and bodyFace, chest and back
FragranceFragrance freeFree of added fragrance
Size8 fl oz pump bottle208 ml tube

Price history

$17.24$9.97
Nov 5Nov 13
  • Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser: lowest $9.97 on Nov 8 at Walmart; $9.97 on Nov 12.
  • CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser: lowest $17.24 on Nov 12 at Walmart; $17.24 on Nov 13.

Prices at every store

Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $9.97Checked 2 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $9.99Checked Nov 10
    Visit eBay
  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $9.99+ $5.99 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Target
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $9.97Checked Nov 10
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 17 stores and price history →

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

  • TargetNew

    In stock

    $17.29+ $5.99 shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Target
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $17.24+ $6.99 shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • WalgreensNew

    In stock

    $19.99+ $5.99 shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Walgreens
  • Ulta BeautyNew

    In stock

    $19.99+ $6.95 shippingChecked 45 min ago
    Visit Ulta Beauty

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 4 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecCetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA CleanserCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Skin TypeAll Skin TypesAcne-Prone Oily Skin
Size8208ml
FormGelgel-to-foam
Key IngredientCitric Acid—
MoisturizingYes—
For Sensitive SkinYes—
Fragrance FreeYes—
colorwhite—
BrandCetaphil—
Skin care key benefitsExfoliating—
Skin care concernUneven Skin Tone—
ScentUnscented—
Show all 32 specsShow fewer specs
SpecCetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA CleanserCeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Rec. useDay Use—
Container typeBottle—
Net content statement8 Fl Oz Pump Bottle—
Product net content parent8 Fluid Ounces—
Product net content uomFluid Ounces—
Ingredient preferenceParaben-Free—
Product lineGentle Exfoliating SA—
Age groupAdult—
GenderUnisex—
Body part

What reviewers say

Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser

  • 4.6 / 5856 ratings

Owners generally find it a gentle daily cleanser that leaves skin soft without tightness. Those with oily skin report clearer pores over a few weeks. A minority say it stings or dries them out when used twice a day.

What people mention
  • GentlenessPraisedMost users say it cleanses without the tight, stripped feeling of stronger acid washes.
  • ExfoliationMixedSome see smoother skin within weeks; others find the effect too mild to notice.
  • IrritationCriticisedA minority report stinging or redness, mainly on already irritated or very dry skin.
  • DrynessMixedThe moisturizing base helps, but some users still need a richer cream in cold weather.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Owners of oily and acne-prone skin generally rate it well for reducing shine and smoothing texture over a few weeks. Many say it cleans thoroughly without the tight, squeaky feeling of stronger acne washes. A minority find twice-daily use drying or report mild stinging at the start.

What people mention
  • Oil controlPraisedUsers say shine and greasiness drop noticeably with regular use.
  • DrynessMixedSome find twice-daily washing drying, especially on sensitive skin.
  • TexturePraisedReviewers report smoother skin and fewer small bumps after a few weeks.
  • IrritationCriticisedA minority report stinging or redness in the first days of use.

Questions and answers

Which is better for sensitive skin?
The Cetaphil. It is built around sensitive skin, with a milder multi-acid blend plus niacinamide and panthenol, and it is fragrance free. The CeraVe's 2% salicylic acid and clay can sting or dry reactive skin.
Which is better for acne?
The CeraVe. Its 2% salicylic acid is the higher, treatment-level dose, and the clay helps with oil. The Cetaphil is more of a gentle daily smoother than an acne treatment.
Can I use either one every day?
Yes, both are made for daily use. The Cetaphil is formulated for daily use on sensitive skin. The CeraVe is labeled for morning and evening, but start once a day if your skin is not used to salicylic acid.
Which lasts longer?
They are close in size, so neither clearly outlasts the other. How long a bottle lasts depends on how much you use and how often, not on the formula.
Is the CeraVe worth stepping up to from the Cetaphil?
Only if you have oily, acne-prone skin that needs stronger acid and oil control. If your skin is sensitive or dry, the Cetaphil is the safer daily choice.
Can I use them on my body?
Yes. The Cetaphil lists face and body, and the CeraVe lists face, chest and back, so both suit body acne and roughness.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cleansers for blackheads and clogged pores
Body, Face
—
Retail packagingSingle Piece—
Active ingredient—SALICYLIC ACID 2%
Non-comedogenic—Won't clog pores
Fragrance—Free of Added Fragrance
Paraben-free—Formulated without parabens
Allergy-tested—Allergy-tested
Clay—Hectorite Clay
Ceramides—3 essential ceramides
Use frequency—Use every morning and evening
Application areas—Face, Chest, Back