My Honest Review of CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (2025)

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I’ve used many acne cleansers over the years—some too harsh, others too weak—but the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (4% Benzoyl Peroxide) immediately stood out for its balance of potency and gentleness. It’s an OTC (over-the-counter) medicated face wash designed to treat active acne while supporting the skin barrier. What intrigued me most was that, unlike most benzoyl peroxide cleansers that leave my skin dry or irritated, this one claims to minimize that harshness by including ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

After weeks of consistent use, I found that this product really does live up to its promise of combining therapeutic effectiveness with a surprisingly comfortable cleansing experience. But it’s not without its trade-offs—and I’ll share all of them honestly below.

Packaging

The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser comes in a 5 fl oz (150 mL) squeeze tube with a secure flip-top cap, which makes it practical for daily use in the shower. The tube design offers good control when dispensing the product, though I noticed it can be tricky to get the last bit out once it’s nearly empty. The size itself isn’t TSA-compliant (since it exceeds 3.4 oz), so it’s better suited for home use rather than travel.

The front of the tube clearly highlights its 4% Benzoyl Peroxide content and the inclusion of barrier-restoring ingredients, while the back lists the FDA Drug Facts panel, giving it a medical-grade look. What I particularly appreciate is the brand’s transparency—you know exactly what’s inside.

From a sustainability standpoint, the product earns extra credit: it’s Cradle to Cradle Certified at the Silver level, meaning it meets high environmental standards for material safety, recyclability, and manufacturing ethics. For a mainstream acne treatment, that’s quite impressive.

Ingredients Analysis

The star of the show here is Benzoyl Peroxide (4%), a tried-and-true acne-fighting ingredient that works by killing acne-causing bacteria and helping to clear clogged pores. It’s strong enough to be effective, yet mild enough for everyday facial use. CeraVe also sells a 10% version designed for face and body, but the 4% formula is clearly targeted for moderate acne and those with sensitive or combination skin.

What makes this cleanser unique is its combination of skin-barrier-supporting ingredients:

• Ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II): These help reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, preventing over-drying and irritation.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that attracts moisture, keeping the skin hydrated even while using a drying agent like benzoyl peroxide.
• Niacinamide: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits, it helps calm redness and supports overall skin balance.

The formula is also fragrance-free and paraben-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The combination of clinical potency and skin-restoring elements shows just how carefully this cleanser is formulated—it’s not just an acne treatment but also a barrier-conscious skincare product.

Scent and Fragrance Profile

As someone sensitive to artificial fragrances, I immediately noticed that this cleanser is completely fragrance-free. There’s no added scent, and only a faint, neutral aroma from the active ingredients themselves—nothing perfumed or overwhelming. I actually prefer this, especially for a medicated product. It doesn’t linger on the skin, and it layers perfectly under other skincare or moisturizer without clashing with scents.

This unscented approach makes it ideal for those who experience headaches or sensitivity to fragrances. It reinforces CeraVe’s reputation as a dermatologist-developed, clinical brand rather than a cosmetic one.

Texture, Lather, and Application

True to its name, this cleanser starts as a creamy texture and transforms into a gentle foam when massaged onto damp skin. I usually use about a dime-sized amount, and that’s plenty for my entire face. It spreads easily and provides good coverage without feeling slippery or greasy.

Unlike some acne cleansers that foam excessively or feel drying, this one forms a soft, cushiony lather that cleans deeply without stripping my skin. It rinses off cleanly and leaves my face feeling smooth and refreshed rather than tight or squeaky.

A small but practical warning: benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics, so I make sure to rinse thoroughly and use a white towel afterward. It’s an unavoidable trade-off due to the nature of the ingredient, not a flaw in CeraVe’s formula—but definitely something to remember.

Effectiveness and Performance

After the first week, I noticed fewer active breakouts and smoother skin texture. By the second week, my whiteheads and small inflamed pimples were significantly reduced. The cleanser does a great job of preventing new blemishes from forming, which I credit to the consistent antibacterial effect of the 4% Benzoyl Peroxide.

What really sets it apart is how gentle yet potent it feels. Normally, benzoyl peroxide products leave my skin flaky or irritated, but the ceramides and niacinamide in this formula balance that out beautifully. Even during daily use, I didn’t experience major dryness—just mild tightness at first, which improved once I followed up with a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizer.

CeraVe also advises starting with once-daily use, then gradually increasing to twice a day if your skin tolerates it. I followed that routine, and it worked perfectly for me. Another important step is to use sunscreen daily, since BPO can increase sun sensitivity.

However, this cleanser isn’t ideal for every situation. It’s not recommended for use on tattoos or freshly shaved skin, since benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation or fade ink pigments. And because of its bleaching potential, you’ll want to be careful with colored towels or clothing.

Overall, the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser succeeds in balancing clinical strength with comfort, making it one of the few BPO cleansers I can use consistently without compromising my skin barrier.

Price, Size, and Value

The cleanser retails for around $17.99 for 5 fl oz, which comes to roughly $3.60 per ounce. While that’s slightly on the higher side compared to generic acne cleansers, the cost is justified. This isn’t a simple face wash—it’s a therapeutic treatment that blends pharmaceutical-level ingredients with barrier-repair technology. You’re paying for more than just benzoyl peroxide; you’re investing in skin comfort and long-term results.

Another plus is its HSA/FSA eligibility in the U.S., meaning it qualifies as a medical expense. That adds practical value for those who manage their skincare budget through healthcare accounts.

Given how little product is needed per use, one tube lasts me well over a month with consistent application. For me, that makes the price feel fair, especially since I don’t need to compensate with heavy moisturizers afterward.

Brand Philosophy and Reputation

CeraVe’s entire philosophy revolves around dermatologist-developed skincare focused on restoring the skin barrier. This cleanser fits that mission perfectly. The brand’s credibility is backed by its strong dermatological presence—it’s often cited as the #1 dermatologist-recommended acne cleanser in the U.S.

On the environmental side, CeraVe’s Cradle to Cradle Silver certification and parent company L’Oréal’s push toward renewable energy and recyclable materials are commendable. However, there’s one ethical area that remains complicated: animal testing. While CeraVe states that its products are not tested on animals, L’Oréal (its parent company) does allow testing when required by law in certain countries. That means CeraVe is not certified cruelty-free by organizations like PETA or Leaping Bunny. It’s an important point for consumers who prioritize ethical sourcing.

Despite that contradiction, CeraVe continues to uphold a strong reputation for clinical reliability, accessibility, and skin science-backed formulations.

Who is This For?

This cleanser is best for people with mild to moderate acne who want a product that’s both effective and gentle. If you’ve struggled with benzoyl peroxide products that left your skin raw or flaky, this is a great alternative. It’s also ideal for those who value dermatologist-developed skincare and don’t mind investing a little more for comfort and formulation quality.

However, it might not be suitable if you have extremely sensitive skin, open wounds, or freshly inked tattoos. And if you’re looking for a 100% cruelty-free routine, you might prefer exploring other brands that meet that standard.

Final Verdict and Overall Rating

Overall, the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is one of the most balanced and thoughtfully formulated benzoyl peroxide cleansers I’ve ever used. It offers genuine acne-fighting power without compromising on hydration or comfort—something few BPO products achieve. The creamy-to-foam texture feels luxurious for a medicated cleanser, and the inclusion of ceramides and niacinamide makes a world of difference in long-term tolerability.