Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Cleanser – Daily Wind-Down Skincare Ritual for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin, 2% Salicylic Acid Foaming Gel
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Cleanser – Daily Wind-Down Skincare Ritual for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin, 2% Salicylic Acid Foaming Gel
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Maximum-strength 2% Salicylic Acid treats breakouts without the harsh, stripping feel of typical acne washes
- Dermatologist-recommended brand credibility reduces risk for sensitive-skin buyers
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free formula reassures reactive-skin users
- Advanced Moisture Blend keeps skin hydrated so daily use won't cause dryness or tightness
- Defends against 5 signs of skin sensitivity (dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, weakened barrier) for all-day comfort
- Non-comedogenic foaming gel gently exfoliates without clogging pores
Perfect for
- Daily morning and evening facial cleansing to treat and prevent breakouts
- Gentle exfoliation to smooth skin texture and promote surface cell renewal
- Removing excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells without stripping the moisture barrier
- Incorporating a dermatologist-trusted acne treatment into a sensitive-skin routine
- Maintaining hydrated, even-toned skin while managing recurring acne
Shop Cetaphil
Visit the Store
Shop Baby
Visit the Store
Product Information
CETAPHIL GENTLE CLEAR PORE CLEARING ACNE CLEANSER: Maximum strength OTC formula that treats the underlying causes of breakouts and provides 24-hour dryness relief
TREATS & PREVENTS BREAKOUTS: Formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to treat breakouts without stripping skin, plus an Advanced Moisture Blend to help keep skin soft, smooth and hydrated
GENTLE ENOUGH FOR EVEN THE MOST SENSITIVE SKIN: The lightweight formula is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, paraben free and won't clog pores
HEALTHY SKIN CARE: Visibly improves skin's texture and tone to reveal healthier looking skin every day
DEFENDS AGAINST 5 SIGNS OF SKIN SENSITIVITY: Dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness and a weakened skin barrier
CETAPHIL Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser gently exfoliates to promote daily surface skin cell renewal for smoother, more even looking skin, visibly improving the skin's tone and texture. It also cleanses to help dissolve dead skin cells while maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. It's formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to treat breakouts, plus an Advanced Moisture Blend to help keep skin hydrated. Gentle enough for daily use, this foaming gel cleanser is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, paraben free, non-comedogenic, and defends against 5 signs of skin sensitivity - dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness and a weakened skin barrier.
Features & Specs
Scent Name: Unscented
Skin Type: Acne-Prone
Product Benefits: Acne Prevention
Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid 2%, lactic_acid, salicylic_acid
Item Form: Gel
Special Ingredients: Salicylic Acid
Target Use Body Part: Face
Recommended Uses For Product: Face
Package Type Name: Tube
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this cleanser fit into a calming nighttime wind-down routine without leaving my skin feeling tight?
Yes. The Advanced Moisture Blend is designed to keep skin hydrated and comfortable after cleansing, so it supports a relaxing evening ritual rather than disrupting it with the tight, stripped feeling many acne washes leave behind.
Does the fragrance-free formula help make my skincare moment feel more soothing and less overwhelming?
Absolutely. Because the formula is fragrance-free, it avoids added perfumes that can feel stimulating or irritating, making it a more mindful choice for sensitive skin and a calmer self-care routine.
Can I use this cleanser as part of a daily wellbeing ritual without worrying about over-drying my skin?
Yes. It is formulated for daily morning and evening use, and the hydrating blend is designed to defend against dryness, irritation, roughness, tightness, and a weakened skin barrier.
Is this a gentle enough cleanser to support a slow, intentional skincare moment rather than a rushed routine?
Yes. The lightweight foaming gel lathers smoothly and rinses clean, so it works well whether you are doing a quick reset or a longer, more deliberate self-care session.
Will using this acne treatment daily help me feel more confident in my skin over time?
Many users find that consistent daily use helps reduce breakouts and smooth skin texture, while keeping skin comfortable, which can support a more positive relationship with their skin during a daily ritual.
Is this a good choice if I want a wellness-focused cleanser that still treats active breakouts?
Yes. It pairs maximum-strength 2% Salicylic Acid for breakout treatment with soothing, hydrating ingredients, so you do not have to choose between an effective acne wash and a comfortable daily ritual.
Do I need a separate hydrating product after washing, or does this cleanser leave my skin feeling balanced?
The Advanced Moisture Blend helps reduce post-cleansing dryness, though most users still follow with their usual moisturizer or serum for added comfort and long-lasting hydration.
Is this cleanser a thoughtful addition to a self-care gift set for someone with acne-prone skin?
Yes. The dermatologist-recommended brand, gentle formula, and travel-friendly 8 Fl Oz pump bottle make it a well-rounded gift for anyone building a calming, skin-friendly routine.
How does this compare to using a bar soap or harsher acne scrub in my wind-down routine?
Unlike many bar soaps and gritty scrubs, this foaming gel is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and designed to gently exfoliate without disrupting the moisture barrier, which is better suited to a soothing nightly ritual.
Will the unscented formula feel boring or underwhelming compared to a scented spa-style cleanser?
Not necessarily. Many wellness-focused users prefer fragrance-free formulas because they feel cleaner, calmer, and less likely to irritate sensitive or reactive skin.
I'm worried an acne cleanser will undo all the good of my hydrating routine. Will this one undo my progress?
No. It is designed to clear breakouts and exfoliate gently while supporting the skin barrier, so it can fit into a hydration-focused routine without undoing the work of your other products.
What if my skin reacts to most acne products I've tried for my evening routine?
This cleanser is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, and is formulated to defend against 5 signs of skin sensitivity, making it a thoughtful option for users who have reacted to harsher acne treatments in the past.
I don't want a strong medicinal scent in my calming ritual. Is this cleanser truly fragrance-free?
Yes. The formula is fragrance-free, so it does not add a noticeable scent to your routine, which is helpful for users who prefer a neutral, spa-like experience.
How do I use this cleanser in my daily routine?
Wet your face with lukewarm water, pump a small amount of cleanser into your hands, gently massage onto the skin for 20 to 30 seconds, and rinse thoroughly. Use once in the morning and once in the evening, and follow with a moisturizer.
Can I use this cleanser every day?
Yes. It is formulated for daily morning and evening use, with an Advanced Moisture Blend to help keep skin hydrated with regular use.
How long does it take to see results on acne-prone skin?
Many users see improvements in skin texture and breakouts within a few weeks of consistent daily use, though individual results may vary depending on skin type and acne severity.
Is this cleanser compatible with retinol, vitamin C, or other active skincare products?
It is generally compatible with most active ingredients, but introduce new actives gradually and avoid layering multiple strong treatments at the same time. If you use retinol, consider alternating nights to reduce irritation.
Will this cleanser work with my electric facial cleansing brush?
Yes. The foaming gel texture works with most manual and electronic facial cleansing brushes, though use a gentle setting to avoid over-exfoliating sensitive skin.
What comes in the box, and do I need to buy anything else to start using it?
The product ships as a single 8 Fl Oz pump bottle ready to use. You do not need additional accessories, though a gentle moisturizer and daily sunscreen are recommended for a complete sensitive-skin routine.
Is this product safe for sensitive skin in general?
Yes. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and designed to defend against 5 signs of skin sensitivity, which makes it a suitable option for many sensitive-skin users.
Can I use this cleanser if I have eczema or rosacea-prone skin?
It is gentle and fragrance-free, but if you have eczema, rosacea, or another diagnosed skin condition, consult your dermatologist before introducing any new acne treatment.
What is the difference between a salicylic acid cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide acne wash?
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that unclogs pores and gently exfoliates, making it well suited to sensitive, acne-prone skin. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne bacteria but can be more drying and irritating, especially for reactive skin types.
