CeraVe's Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is an over-the-counter acne treatment wash with 4% benzoyl peroxide in a cream-to-foam base with three ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. It targets active breakouts on acne-prone skin and is FSA/HSA eligible. A dermatologist quoted by CeraVe says the formula will not irritate skin, but dryness and peeling remain possible and CeraVe advises starting once a day. A 2026 Dr. Sugai video addresses benzene concerns raised about benzoyl peroxide products.

Best for

Inflammatory breakouts on acne-prone skin
People who want a lower-strength BPO wash than 10% formulas
Adding BPO to a routine without a leave-on product

What we love

4% benzoyl peroxide, an established OTC acne active
Ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid help offset dryness
Non-comedogenic and FSA/HSA eligible
Developed with dermatologists to clear acne without dryness or flaking, according to CeraVe

Worth knowing

Dryness and peeling are still possible, especially at first
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and fabrics
Pricier per ounce than CeraVe's non-medicated cleansers

How it scored

The breakdown.

Five factors, weighted for formulas. Here’s our working.

8.2Great

Beauty score out of 10. Brands can’t pay for placement — ever.

Results30%8.3
Benzoyl peroxide at 4% is an established OTC acne active, and CeraVe states the cleanser clears breakouts and helps prevent new ones; independent before-and-after evidence is limited to creator reviews.
Formula & ingredients20%8.6
Pairing 4% benzoyl peroxide with three ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid is a thoughtful way to offset BPO's drying effect.
Texture & experience15%7.4
The cream foams into a lather on damp skin, but BPO can still cause dryness and peeling, and CeraVe advises ramping up use slowly.
Value20%8.2
CeraVe lists the 5 fl oz tube at $17.99, more per ounce than its non-medicated cleansers, though a dime-size amount per use stretches the tube.
Community love15%8.1
It is widely reviewed by dermatologists and acne-focused creators on YouTube and recommended on r/SkincareAddiction as a gentler 4% wash, while a 2026 dermatologist video addresses viral benzene concerns about BPO products.

Beauty profile

Inside the bottle.

Texture

Cream that foams into a lather on damp skin

Format

Cleanser

Size

5 fl oz / 150 ml

Key ingredients

Ingredient encyclopedia →

What’s in it: Active ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 4%. Inactives include ceramides NP, AP and EOP, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and a small amount of glycolic acid.

How to use

Apply a dime-size amount to damp skin, massage gently avoiding the eyes and rinse; start once daily and increase to twice daily if skin tolerates it.

Claims & certifications

Non-comedogenic
FSA/HSA eligible

Full ingredient list (INCI)27 ingredients · key actives highlighted · as listed by the brand

Active: Benzoyl Peroxide 4%. Inactive: 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

Formulas change. Always check the packaging, and patch-test if your skin is reactive.

Official product page

Creator video reviews

Watch it in action.

Real reviews, try-ons and wear tests from independent creators — verified with TikTok and YouTube and labelled when sponsored.

We don’t pay creators for reviews, and they don’t pay us. Nothing from TikTok or YouTube loads until you press play.

What people say

Straight from the source.

Verbatim from Reddit, forums, blogs and the beauty press — linked, so you can read the whole thread.

1 verbatim quote · 1 positive

r/SkincareAddiction

I find 2.5% to be perfect for a leave-on, and 4-5% to be perfect for a wash you leave on for 1-2 mins, then rinse off. … AM: Wash gently w/ Cerave 4% BP creamy wash, lukewarm water, pat dry.

u/FlailingatLife62r/SkincareAddiction · 2026-092Source

Price & value

Is it worth it?

Typical price

$17.99

for 5 fl oz / 150 ml

Per ounce

$3.55

DrugstoreMid-rangePrestigeLuxury

About 56% more per ounce than the typical cleansers we review. Our value score: 8.2/10 for a drugstore pick.

Price checked November 2026 at a non-Amazon retailer. Prices change — retailers show the current one.

Where to buy

Check price on Amazon Buy from the brand$17.99 USee it at Ulta

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money

Community

What members noticed.

Ratings, skin types and the benefits people actually saw — logged on the Benefit Wheel.

No member ratings yet.

Tried it? Your score — and your skin or hair type — helps the next person decide.

Highlighted: what it’s built to do.

Discussion

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FAQ

Good questions.

How often should I use CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser?

CeraVe suggests starting once a day because excessive drying may occur, then increasing to twice daily if needed. If dryness or peeling becomes bothersome, cut back to once a day or every other day; some Reddit users leave a 4–5% BPO wash on for 1–2 minutes before rinsing.

Will it bleach my towels?

Benzoyl peroxide is known to bleach fabrics, so white towels and pillowcases are the safe choice. CeraVe's product page does not address this, so rinse thoroughly and wash hands after use.

Can I use it with other acne treatments?

CeraVe says it can set the stage for other over-the-counter and prescription treatments, but combining it with other drying actives raises the risk of irritation. Ask a dermatologist before layering it with retinoids or prescription products.

Is benzoyl peroxide in this cleanser safe given the benzene reports?

Benzene concerns about benzoyl peroxide products have circulated since lawsuits and lab testing reports. Dermatologist Dr. Daniel Sugai reviews the testing and FDA findings in a 2026 video; anyone concerned should discuss options with a dermatologist.

Sources we checked (8)