CeraVe Foaming vs Blemish Control Cleanser: Which Should You Buy?
Both are CeraVe gel-to-foam cleansers; one adds 2% salicylic acid for blemish-prone skin.
CeraVe CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
CeraVe CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser, 2% Salicylic Acid Face
Side by side
| CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to | CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser, 2% Salicylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.6 |
| Review count | 107,347 | 36,301 |
| Brand | CeraVe | CeraVe |
| Highlights |
|
|
Our verdict
Choose Blemish Control if you get spots or blackheads, because it adds 2% salicylic acid and hectorite clay. Choose the Foaming Cleanser if your skin is normal to oily and you just want a gentle, non-comedogenic daily wash with no exfoliating acid. Both keep the ceramides and niacinamide, so the choice is acid or no acid.
Which one is for you?
- Normal-to-oily skin that needs a daily cleanser without an exfoliating active. Read our full look at the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to →
- Blemish- and blackhead-prone skin that tolerates a salicylic acid wash. Read our full look at the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser, 2% Salicylic →
The one real difference
CeraVe's UK page describes the Foaming Cleanser as a gel for normal to oily skin, with three ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, developed with dermatologists and non-comedogenic. The page doesn't list salicylic acid among its actives.
The Blemish Control Cleanser keeps the three ceramides and niacinamide and adds 2% salicylic acid and hectorite clay, which Cult Beauty's description says helps absorb excess oil. It is described as a gel-to-foam wash.
What the brand claims
For Blemish Control, the retailer page cites a six-week clinical study of 48 participants in which spots appeared reduced by up to 34%. That is a manufacturer study, not independent research. The listing also says 99% of 101 surveyed UK dermatologists recommended it for blemish-prone skin (July 2024).
The Foaming Cleanser's page makes gentler claims: it cleanses without clogging pores and is non-irritating. It doesn't promise to treat spots.
How to use them
Blemish Control is used morning and evening: pump onto wet hands, massage into the skin and rinse thoroughly, avoiding the eyes. The Foaming Cleanser page says it can be used at any time of day with lukewarm water, massaged in gentle circles and rinsed, then patted dry.
Salicylic acid can dry or sting if your skin is sensitive. Starting with one wash a day is a sensible way to see how your skin copes, and CeraVe's FAQ advises against scrubbing hard.
Who should skip both
If your skin is dry or very sensitive, a cream or milk cleanser suits better than a foaming gel. If you have persistent or painful acne, see a pharmacist or GP rather than relying on a cleanser.
Questions people ask
Which is better for oily skin, Foaming or Blemish Control?
The Foaming Cleanser is made for normal to oily skin. Choose Blemish Control if oily skin also comes with spots and blackheads.
Does CeraVe Foaming Cleanser have salicylic acid?
CeraVe's UK page doesn't list salicylic acid as an active in the Foaming Cleanser. Blemish Control has 2%.
Can I use CeraVe Blemish Control every day?
CeraVe directs the Blemish Control wash for morning and evening use. If your skin reacts, cut back to once a day.
Do both contain ceramides and niacinamide?
Yes, both are described with three ceramides and niacinamide.
Are they the same size?
The retail listing for Blemish Control gives 236 ml. The Foaming Cleanser page didn't state a size in text, so check the pack.
Sources
- CeraVe UK, Foaming Cleanser
- Cult Beauty, CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser 236ml
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Skin Care or see the whole Beauty department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.