Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-developed cream-to-foam cleanser that combines 4% benzoyl peroxide with skin-restoring ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. This gentle yet effective acne treatment clears breakouts while maintaining the skin's protective barrier, leaving skin soft and comfortable without excessive dryness.
3 Essential Ceramides
Contains Ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II to help restore and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier while treating acne.
Texture & feel
SENSORY3 Essential Ceramides
Contains Ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II to help restore and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier while treating acne.
Hyaluronic Acid
Attracts and retains moisture to prevent the dryness commonly associated with benzoyl peroxide treatments.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Helps calm and soothe irritated skin while supporting the healing process for clearer, more balanced skin.
Glycolic Acid
Provides gentle exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell turnover for brighter skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFETopical benzoyl peroxide has minimal systemic absorption (~5%) and is considered safe during pregnancy by the NHS and AAD. Always consult your doctor.
Low risk during breastfeeding due to minimal absorption. Avoid applying to areas that may contact infant's skin.
Free from fatty acids, oils, and fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Benzoyl peroxide actively fights fungal acne.
Benzoyl peroxide increases photosensitivity. Always use sunscreen SPF 30+ during the day when using this product.
Can bleach hair, towels, pillowcases, and colored fabrics. Use white towels and let product fully absorb before contact with fabrics.
If you have sensitive skin or are new to benzoyl peroxide, start with once daily use and gradually increase to twice daily.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSBenzoyl Peroxide 4%Gold Standard
The most effective OTC acne-fighting ingredient that kills P. acnes bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent new breakouts without developing bacterial resistance.
- Mechanism: Releases oxygen into pores, creating an environment where acne-causing bacteria cannot survive
- Studies: 4% concentration shown equally effective as 10% with less irritation (Baumann, 2015)
- Benefit: Unlike antibiotics, bacteria cannot develop resistance to benzoyl peroxide
Ceramides NP, AP, EOP 3 TypesBarrier Repair
Three essential ceramides identical to those found naturally in skin. These lipids fill gaps between skin cells to strengthen the moisture barrier and prevent water loss.
- Function: Make up 50% of the lipids in skin's barrier layer
- Benefit: Counteract the drying effects of benzoyl peroxide while maintaining skin health
- Technology: Delivered via CeraVe's MVE (MultiVesicular Emulsion) technology for controlled release
Sodium Hyaluronate HydrationProven
The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds up to 1000x its weight in water, providing intense hydration to counteract benzoyl peroxide's drying effects.
- Molecular Weight: Smaller molecules penetrate deeper for lasting hydration
- Benefit: Keeps skin plump and prevents the tight, dry feeling common with acne washes
Niacinamide SoothingProven
Vitamin B3 derivative that calms inflammation, reduces redness, and supports the skin barrier while the benzoyl peroxide works on acne.
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation from acne and treatment
- Barrier Support: Increases ceramide production in skin
- Oil Control: Helps regulate sebum production over time
Glycolic Acid ExfoliantAHA
An alpha hydroxy acid that provides gentle chemical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover for brighter, clearer skin.
- Function: Breaks bonds between dead skin cells for easier removal
- Benefit: Helps prevent clogged pores and enhances product penetration
28 ingredients
ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Benzoyl Peroxide 4%
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Niacinamide, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Phytosphingosine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step in both AM and PM routines. Start with once daily and increase to twice daily as tolerated.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face to dampen the skin. Avoid using hot water as it can irritate and dry out skin.
Apply a Dime-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small amount (about the size of a dime) onto your fingertips. The cream texture will transform into a foam as you massage.
Massage Gently
Work the cleanser into your skin using gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Avoid the eye area and lips.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse completely with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean white towel (benzoyl peroxide can bleach colored fabrics).
Follow with Moisturizer
Apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer immediately while skin is still slightly damp. In the morning, follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have mild to moderate acne (whiteheads, blackheads, pimples)
- You want an effective BP cleanser that won't strip your skin
- You've experienced excessive dryness with other BP products
- You have oily or combination skin prone to breakouts
- You want a fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested formula
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're looking for an affordable drugstore acne solution
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very sensitive skin that reacts to benzoyl peroxide
- You have severe cystic acne requiring prescription treatment
- You're allergic to any benzoyl peroxide products
- You need a leave-on acne treatment (this is a wash-off)
- You prefer salicylic acid (BHA) for your acne treatment
- You can't commit to using white towels/pillowcases
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal choice. Controls excess oil and bacteria without over-stripping. Ceramides prevent rebound oiliness.
Balances well across T-zone and cheeks. Hyaluronic acid hydrates dry areas while BP treats oily zones.
Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores while actively fighting breakouts.
Works well for occasional breakouts. May use once daily to prevent over-drying if skin is not persistently acneic.
Use with caution. Start once daily and always follow with rich moisturizer. Ceramides help but BP is inherently drying.
Gentler than most BP cleansers but may still cause irritation. Patch test first, start every other day, and build tolerance.
Results timeline
WEEK 6-8Initial Cleansing Effect
Skin feels cleaner after each use. May experience slight tightness or minor dryness as skin adjusts to benzoyl peroxide. Some initial purging possible.
95% noticed cleaner feelingVisible Improvement Begins
Active pimples start to shrink and heal faster. Skin texture begins improving. New breakouts may still appear (purging phase) but heal quickly.
78% saw reduced rednessSignificant Clearing
Noticeable reduction in active breakouts. Fewer new pimples forming. Skin appears brighter and more even-toned. Blackheads and whiteheads diminishing.
85% reported clearer skinOptimal Results
Maximum acne-clearing benefits achieved with consistent use. Skin is visibly clearer, smoother, and more balanced. Continue use for maintenance.
90% satisfied with resultsRatings by platform
20K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Effective at clearing acne without excessive dryness
- Ceramides and hyaluronic acid offset BP's drying effects
- Cream-to-foam texture feels luxurious yet cleansing
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating formula
- Affordable drugstore price point
- Dermatologist-developed and recommended
- HSA/FSA eligible medical expense
- Works for both face and body acne
- Fungal acne safe formulation
Criticized
- Can bleach towels, pillowcases, and clothing
- May cause purging during first 1-2 weeks
- 5oz tube size feels small for the price
- Some users still experience dryness despite ceramides
- Not suitable for those with BP sensitivity
- Requires commitment to sunscreen use
- Can be too strong for very sensitive skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same 4% benzoyl peroxide concentration. Creamier texture, slightly more affordable. Lacks the ceramides and hyaluronic acid so may be more drying.
Lower 3.5% benzoyl peroxide with kaolin clay. Can be used as cleanser or mask. Good for beginners but lacks CeraVe's skin barrier ingredients.
Lower 2.5% concentration ideal for sensitive skin or BP beginners. Contains ceramides but less hydrating than CeraVe formula overall.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
![Effaclar Duo [+] SPF 30](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0907/5028/8215/files/pg5xsf6ex00znkgwq00ls4pgcrl7.jpg?v=1774942416)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed. Do not store in hot environments (car, bathroom near shower).
Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Easy to dispense controlled amounts and travel-friendly design.
Yes, 5oz (150ml) is TSA compliant for carry-on luggage. Meets under 3.4oz/100ml requirement when partially used.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, topical benzoyl peroxide is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Only about 5% is absorbed systemically, and it's rapidly metabolized into benzoic acid and excreted. The NHS, AAD, and most dermatologists consider it a safe acne treatment option during pregnancy. However, always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid applying to areas that may contact your baby's skin while nursing.
Yes! This cleanser is fungal acne safe. It's free from fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates, and fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide actively helps combat fungal acne by creating an inhospitable environment for the yeast. Multiple ingredient analyzers (SkinCarisma, SkinSort, Simple Skincare Science) confirm this formula is safe for those with fungal acne/malassezia folliculitis.
Caution is advised. Benzoyl peroxide can be irritating when combined with other active ingredients. If using retinol, consider using the BP cleanser in the morning and retinol at night. Vitamin C can be oxidized by BP, so apply vitamin C after rinsing off the cleanser and waiting a few minutes. For AHA/BHA, start by alternating days to avoid over-exfoliation. This cleanser already contains glycolic acid (AHA), so additional AHA may be unnecessary. Always introduce one active at a time and monitor for irritation.
This cleanser is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The ceramides and hyaluronic acid make it gentler than most BP cleansers, but it can still be drying for dry or very sensitive skin. If you have dry skin with acne, start with once daily use and always follow with a rich moisturizer. Those with very sensitive skin should patch test first and consider starting with every-other-day use to build tolerance.
Most users notice initial improvements within 1-2 weeks, with significant clearing by weeks 3-4. You may experience a "purging" phase in the first 1-2 weeks where existing clogged pores come to the surface as pimples. This is normal and temporary. For optimal results, use consistently for 6-8 weeks. If you don't see improvement after 8 weeks of consistent use, consult a dermatologist as you may need prescription-strength treatment.
Use this cleanser as the first step in both your morning and evening skincare routines. In the AM: Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Treatment serums → Moisturizer → Sunscreen SPF 30+. In the PM: Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Treatments (retinol, etc.) → Moisturizer. If you have very sensitive skin, start with once daily (PM) and gradually increase to twice daily as tolerated.
No, this cleanser is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It's specifically formulated not to clog pores and is tested on acne-prone skin. The formula is free from pore-clogging oils, heavy silicones, and comedogenic fatty acids. In fact, the benzoyl peroxide helps clear existing clogged pores while the glycolic acid provides gentle exfoliation to prevent future congestion.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. Once opened, use within one year for optimal effectiveness. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Note: Recent studies have shown that benzoyl peroxide products stored in high heat can degrade and form benzene. Always store properly and discard if the product changes color, smell, or texture before the 12-month mark.
Verdict: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is one of the best benzoyl peroxide cleansers on the market for those who've struggled with the excessive dryness of traditional BP products. The combination of 4% benzoyl peroxide with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide creates a uniquely balanced formula that effectively fights acne while supporting the skin barrier. It's dermatologist-developed, fragrance-free, fungal acne safe, and affordable at drugstore prices. The only downsides are the bleaching potential (common to all BP products) and the smaller tube size. For mild to moderate acne, this cleanser delivers professional-grade results without a prescription. Highly recommended for oily and combination skin types seeking an effective yet gentle acne solution.
Browse related
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 5 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 4 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 5 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 3 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Benzoyl Peroxide
Antiacne Agent, Oxidising Agent
|
Ache-fighting
|
|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Propylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Skin-Conditioningagent - Miscellaneous
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|