Benzoyl peroxide washes, like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash, are ideal for individuals with acne-prone skin. If you struggle with acne, a benzoyl peroxide cleanser can help clear acne pimples and blackheads and help prevent new breakouts from forming on your face or body.

Including CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash in your daily skincare routine is a great way to help get acne breakouts under control and promote a clearer, healthier-looking complexion. With 10% benzoyl peroxide (the highest concentration available without a prescription), our Acne Foaming Cream Wash can be beneficial for those with acne or ongoing breakouts on the face and body.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash features a gentle yet effective formula that is suitable for daily use. It can be applied once or twice daily (morning and evening) as the first step in your body care or facial skincare routine. We recommend using this acne cleanser once per day to start, gradually working your way up to two times per day. If you experience skin dryness or flaking, you can reduce usage to every other day. If skin issues persist, stop using this product and consult a board-certified dermatologist for personalized guidance.  

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash features a gentle yet effective formula that is suitable for daily use. It can be applied once or twice daily (morning and evening) as the first step in your body care or facial skincare routine. We recommend using this acne cleanser once per day to start, gradually working your way up to two times per day. If you experience skin dryness or flaking, you can reduce usage to every other day. If skin issues persist, stop using this product and consult a board-certified dermatologist for personalized guidance.  

Choosing the right cleanser for your acne routine is essential. The ideal formula can help thoroughly cleanse your skin without disrupting your skin barrier. It can also help target acne-related skin concerns while setting the stage for the rest of your routine.

When choosing between acne cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Although both ingredients are considered effective options for fighting acne, they have some key differences. Benzoyl peroxide products, for example, work by targeting P. acnes—a type of bacteria known to cause acne. Using CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash can help keep acne pimples under control and help the skin heal.

On the other hand, salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant known as a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that promotes the skin’s natural elimination of dead skin cells. Because salicylic acid can penetrate into the pores, it’s often considered a beneficial choice for people with clogged pores. When in doubt, a board-certified dermatologist can help recommend the best active ingredient for your acne cleanser.

To apply CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash, massage a dime-size amount onto damp skin. Continue massaging the creamy formula onto your skin for approximately 30 seconds, or until it lathers into a lightly-foaming texture. Take extra caution to avoid the eye area. Once you’ve thoroughly distributed the cleanser onto the entire affected area, gently rinse your skin with lukewarm water and dry with a soft, clean towel. Next, continue with the rest of your skincare routine by applying a lightweight moisturizer, sunscreen, and any other acne treatments as recommended by your dermatologist.

After cleansing with CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash, there are a few other essentials to consider for your acne routine—specifically moisturizer and sunscreen. We recommend choosing an oil-free moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30 for your daytime routine, such as CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. This hydrating face lotion is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), making it ideal for acne-prone skin. It also features beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.

If you’ll be swimming, sweating, or spending extended amounts of time outdoors, we recommend using a water-resistant sunscreen for your face and body, such as CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen. Benzoyl peroxide may increase photosensitivity, meaning it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. Therefore, it’s crucial to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, in addition to other sun protection measures recommended by the FDA—like wearing protective clothing and seeking shade during peak hours.¹ 

For your evening routine, we recommend a lightweight night cream that’s suitable for acne-prone skin, such as CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion. This fragrance-free moisturizer helps hydrate, calm, and soothe your skin while helping to maintain your skin barrier. In addition to these skincare basics, your dermatologist may recommend targeted acne treatments depending on your skin’s needs.

CeraVe offers a range of products for acne-prone skin, including two benzoyl peroxide cleansers: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser and CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash. These cleansers are both designed to help treat and prevent acne. They’re also developed with dermatologists to avoid disrupting your skin’s protective barrier and include beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and our three essential ceramides.

The main difference between these two formulas is that they feature different amounts of benzoyl peroxide. Whereas our Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser includes 4% benzoyl peroxide, CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash contains 10% (the highest strength available without a prescription). If you’re unsure which concentration is right for you, a board-certified dermatologist can help you select the right formula for your skin’s needs.

Another primary difference between our two benzoyl peroxide washes is that CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is formulated for use on your face. On the other hand, CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash can be used to help treat and prevent acne blemishes on both your face and body.

1.  ”Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses.” U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Aug. 2022.