CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin

CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser is a refreshing gel-to-foam cleanser developed for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin.

The formula contains 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate inside the pores, remove built-up dead skin cells and help reduce the appearance of blemishes and blackheads. Hectorite clay absorbs excess oil to minimise visible shine, while niacinamide and three essential ceramides help keep the skin feeling calm, soft and comfortable after cleansing.

Use it as the cleansing step in a routine focused on recurring breakouts, clogged pores, excess oil and uneven texture. Unlike CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, this formula is specifically targeted towards blemishes, blackheads and oily skin rather than dry, rough or bumpy texture.

Why you’ll love it

• Removes dirt, excess oil and everyday impurities
• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells that can clog pores
• Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and blackheads
• Uses oil-absorbing clay to minimise visible shine
• Helps leave pores looking clearer
• Supports the skin’s protective barrier
• Leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed and smooth

The cleanser combines pore-clearing exfoliation with oil absorption and barrier-supporting ingredients, making it more targeted than a standard foaming face wash.

Best for

Ideal if you want:

• A daily cleanser for oily or combination skin
• A face wash for blemish-prone or acne-prone skin
• A cleanser containing 2% salicylic acid
• Help reducing blackheads and clogged-looking pores
• Better control of excess oil and visible shine
• A fragrance-free alternative to fragranced blemish cleansers
• An exfoliating cleanser that also supports the skin barrier

Consider another option if: your skin is dry, highly sensitive, irritated or already feels over-exfoliated. The 2% salicylic acid formula may feel drying or uncomfortable on reactive skin, so introduce it gradually if you are new to exfoliating cleansers.

Key ingredients

2% salicylic acid
A beta hydroxy acid that works inside the pores to remove dead skin cells, reduce congestion and improve the appearance of blemishes and blackheads.

Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 that helps calm the skin while supporting a more balanced-looking complexion and protective skin barrier.

Three essential ceramides
Ceramides NP, AP and EOP help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and reduce moisture loss during cleansing.

Hectorite clay
An oil-absorbing mineral clay that helps remove excess sebum and minimise visible shine.

Melas approved because…

It combines a clinically relevant 2% concentration of salicylic acid with oil-absorbing hectorite clay, making it especially useful for clogged pores, blackheads and recurring blemishes.

The gel-to-foam texture removes excess oil and everyday buildup while leaving the skin feeling refreshed rather than coated.

Niacinamide and three essential ceramides add barrier support to a formula that could otherwise feel overly focused on exfoliation.

It is a practical first step for oily and combination skin routines that need more targeted blemish control than a standard daily cleanser.