Why I’m loving CeraVe’s $26 Blemish Control Gel

Updated:

13 Jun 2023

I'm Adore Beauty's resident beauty newbie. Before working at Adore, I was travelling the world for 4 months with just one tiny tube of Jurlique moisturiser. I washed my face with warm water and used olive oil as a deep conditioning treatment. Oh, how things have changed!

cerave blemish control review

When I was a teenager and started getting heaps of pimples, I thought the answer was to dry out my skin to the point that the pimples simply could not survive.

I was trying to create an inhospitable environment. Plus my skin was so oily - it made sense to just dry it out.

The problem with drying out whole areas of your skin is that you can impair your skin barrier, which may result in more breakouts.

You need a healthy skin barrier to help keep out bacteria.

You may also find that your skin actually produces more oil when you dry out your skin too much, which can result in even more breakouts. Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s a vicious cycle!

I was really intrigued by CeraVe’s new Blemish Control range because I know their products are incredible for supporting the skin’s barrier.

I was interested to see how they formulated their new blemish products to both support the skin’s barrier and reduce the appearance of breakouts.

But first, why is CeraVe skincare so good?

Why I Love Cerave’s Affordable Products.

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I would describe CeraVe’s products as simple, affordable and hydrating.

Their products were developed with a board of dermatologists with the goal of strengthening the skin’s protective barrier.

I always take their CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion for dry skin with me on holidays as a body moisturiser, because it’s deeply nourishing but with a gel texture so it’s great for humid climates.

I also recently bought the CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM 52ml when I *accidentally* impaired my barrier, which resulted in rough and red skin.

This CeraVe moisturiser was a miracle! The bumps and lumps cleared up and my skin felt healthier and more hydrated every day.

The price point is also unbeatable - the moisturiser is only $23.99.

All of the CeraVe skincare products are well-priced, especially their cleansers, which start at $14.99.

CeraVe formulates their products with ceramides, which are natural lipids (oils) found within the skin.

They are essential to maintain the skin’s balance as they help shield the skin from dehydration and protect against external and environmental irritants.

This is why I always look to their products when my skin needs a break from active ingredients.

As someone who gets regular breakouts around my chin, I was interested to put their more active products to the test.

I really wanted to see how the ceramides helped to support the drying effects of ingredients like salicylic acid, which is commonly used to treat breakouts.

Here’s my verdict on their two-step blemish control routine for irritation-prone skin.

1. CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser.

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

What you need to know about this CeraVe cleanser:

Contains 2% BHA (salicylic acid) to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of blackheads.
Has purifying clay to improve the appearance of pores.
3 essential ceramides in the formula protect the skin’s moisture barrier.
It’s a pH-balanced gel-to-foam cleanser.
Removes dirt and oil without causing dryness.

My CeraVe blemish control cleanser review:

I started using these products right when I had a fresh cluster of pimples around my chin.

I started with the blemish control cleanser in the shower, and was really surprised at how moisturising it was.

I would say it’s one of the more gentle salicylic acid cleansers I’ve used.

I’ve actually kept using this CeraVe cleanser long after the breakout disappeared because it’s a great everyday cleanser for oily and acne-prone skin.

The salicylic acid helps to regulate oil production while the ceramides add moisture back into the skin.

shop CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser

2. CeraVe Blemish Control Gel.

CeraVe Blemish Control Gel

What you need to know about the CeraVe blemish control gel:

Contains two AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) to smooth the skin.
2% BHA (salicylic acid) to target blemishes and help prevent future breakouts.
Niacinamide and 3 essential ceramides to support the skin’s barrier.
Non-drying, no flakiness or irritation.
Alcohol and oil-free.

My CeraVe blemish control gel review:

After my shower, I dried my face and applied the blemish control gel directly onto my skin.

There was no stinging, which can sometimes happen with a combination of AHAs and BHAs.

The next morning, I saw a noticeable reduction in the size of my breakout, and after a few more days of using this routine, they were completely cleared up.