Acne Control Cleanser

Product description

A gel-to-foam cleanser with 2% salicylic acid as the labelled active, plus niacinamide, ceramides and hectorite clay.

Full ingredient list

Kept exactly as the source printed it, including spelling in the original.

1. 1 SALICYLIC ACID
2. 2 WATER
3. 3 SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE
4. 4 COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE
5. 5 GLYCERIN
6. 6 NIACINAMIDE
7. 7 GLUCONOLACTONE
8. 8 SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE
9. 9 PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE
10. 10 CERAMIDE NP
11. 11 CERAMIDE AP
12. 12 CERAMIDE EOP
13. 13 CARBOMER
14. 14 CALCIUM GLUCONATE
15. 15 TRIETHYL CITRATE
16. 16 SODIUM BENZOATE
17. 17 SODIUM HYDROXIDE
18. 18 SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE
19. 19 CHOLESTEROL
20. 20 TETRASODIUM EDTA
21. 21 CAPRYLYL GLYCOL
22. 22 HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID
23. 23 TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE
24. 24 XANTHAN GUM
25. 25 HECTORITE
26. 26 PHYTOSPHINGOSINE
27. 27 BENZOIC ACID

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: SALICYLIC ACID 2% INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: WATER, SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE, GLYCERIN, NIACINAMIDE, GLUCONOLACTONE, SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE, PEG-150 PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRASTEARATE, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, CALCIUM GLUCONATE, TRIETHYL CITRATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CHOLESTEROL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, XANTHAN GUM, HECTORITE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, BENZOIC ACID

Ingredient analysis

SALICYLIC ACID · Actives · NIACINAMIDE · Barrier lipids · GLYCERIN · Humectants

Evidence

• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In 83 adults with comedones, a serum containing salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid significantly improved open comedones on the nose, closed comedones on the face, skin pore density, sebum secretion and skin hydration from baseline after 8 weeks; adding a mask improved closed comedones more than the serum alone (-6.56 vs -5.19, p = 0.022).

  Who it applies to: Adults in Shanghai with comedones, PIE and PIH, using the serum for 8 weeks.

  Study limits: Both groups used active products; improvements were reported against baseline and between the two active groups. Industry-funded. This is the trial found that counted open and closed comedones separately.

  Source:Efficacy and safety of a facial serum and a mask containing salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid in acne management: A randomized controlled trial
• Skin effect Clinical guideline Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology acne guideline lists topical salicylic acid as a conditional recommendation. Strong recommendations in the same guideline go to benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics and oral doxycycline.

  Who it applies to: Acne vulgaris in people aged nine and older, as covered by the guideline's scope.

  Source:Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris (2024)
• Skin effect Review article Certainty: Low Primary source

  Against topical tretinoin, salicylic acid showed similar values in overall acne improvement (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.09; one trial, 46 participants). The review graded the certainty of that finding as low.

  Who it applies to: Topical salicylic acid for mild to moderate acne. Most participants in the review were 12 to 30 years old, and most studies ran longer than eight weeks.

  Study limits: The review covers 49 trials with 3880 participants, salicylic acid appears in a small part of them: 41 to 86 participants per comparison. Every salicylic acid comparison was graded low or very low certainty.

  Source:Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Very low Primary source

  In a 21-day prospective study of 42 people with mild-to-moderate acne and oily or combination skin, a salicylic-acid-containing gel used twice daily was associated with a 23.65% fall in sebum, a 40.5% rise in skin hydration, a 49.26% fall in transepidermal water loss and a 23.81% improvement in acne grade (all P < 0.05 except IGA P < 0.001).

  Who it applies to: Sebum, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss and acne grade over 21 days in people with oily or combination skin.

  Study limits: One centre, 21 days, 37 of 42 participants were women, and the research group was affiliated with the product maker.

  Source:Clinical Efficacy of a Salicylic Acid-Containing Gel on Acne Management and Skin Barrier Function: A 21-Day Prospective Study
• Skin effect Brand claim Certainty: High Public database

  Salicylic acid is a keratolytic: it loosens the bonds between dead skin cells so they shed.

  Who it applies to: Acne and keratolysis, at the concentrations permitted for cosmetic use.

  Study limits: Most evidence comes from leave-on acne treatments. A cleanser is on the skin for a minute. · Finding · SALICYLIC ACID

  Source:Salicylic Acid (CeraVe ingredient page)PubChem
• Irritation Review article Certainty: Very low Primary source

  Trials of topical salicylic acid for acne reported application-site reactions such as scaling and redness.

  Who it applies to: Topical salicylic acid in acne trials, mainly leave-on use over eight weeks or longer.

  Study limits: The review graded the salicylic acid adverse-event comparisons as very low certainty.

  Source:Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In a randomized, placebo-controlled split-face study of 30 healthy Japanese women, a cosmetic containing 4% niacinamide reduced the skin-surface average roughness (Ra) value significantly more than the niacinamide-free control site after 8 weeks (P<0.05).

  Who it applies to: Skin-surface roughness measured by replica profilometry (Ra).

  Study limits: Measured at the eye area on a photoaged/wrinkle cohort; the endpoint is surface roughness.

  Source:Evaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In 20 people with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V, a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing sclareolide and niacinamide significantly prevented experimentally induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: in stripped, exposed zones the protected skin improved by +5.96 ITA degrees versus -9.88 in unprotected skin (net protection about 16 ITA degrees, p < 0.001).

  Who it applies to: People with darker skin phototypes (IV-V) prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, applying the sunscreen daily for 20 days under UV and visible-light exposure.

  Study limits: Small sample (20), within-subject controlled model of experimentally induced pigmentation; the abstract calls for comparative studies with and; industry involvement.

  Source:An Investigator-Blinded, Randomized Trial of a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Containing Sclareolide and Niacinamide for the Prevention of Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In 72 women with visible signs of ageing, a niacinamide-containing biomimetic lamellar cream significantly improved the Cutometer R5 elasticity parameter, wrinkle score, TEWL and corneometer values over 4 weeks compared against the untreated side.

  Who it applies to: Women with visible signs of ageing, applying the cream twice daily for 4 weeks.

  Study limits: Grading of high-resolution images failed to detect improvements in skin texture; proof-of-concept studies.

  Source:Cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic lamellar cream formulation on barrier function or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in randomized proof-of-concept clinical studies
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In 91 women with melasma, a skincare routine containing vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and 2-mercaptonicotinyl glycine significantly reduced MASI after 3 months, with roughly 38-41% reduction by 6 months.

  Who it applies to: Women aged about 44 with melasma, phototypes III-IV, using the routine twice daily with daily SPF50+ sunscreen.

  Study limits: A clinically relevant difference favoured Kligman's triple combination in the first 3 months; industry-funded; skin radiance and fine wrinkles also improved.

  Source:A Novel Dermocosmetic Routine Containing Vitamin B3 and 2-Mercaptonicotinyl Glycine Significantly Improves Melasma After 3 Months of Daily Use
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-face trial of 52 Taiwanese subjects, 4% niacinamide alone significantly reduced instrument-measured pore counts at week 8, and 4% niacinamide with 0.03% kinetin produced persistent significant reductions in pore, spot, wrinkle and evenness counts at weeks 8 and 12.

  Who it applies to: Instrument-measured facial pore counts over 8-12 weeks.

  Study limits: The niacinamide-group showed significant pore reduction at week 8; 'pore counts' is an instrument parameter.

  Source:The clinical anti-aging effects of topical kinetin and niacinamide in Asians: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative trial
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 100 Japanese subjects, a 2% niacinamide moisturiser significantly lowered sebum excretion rate after 2 and 4 weeks; in a separate 30-person Caucasian split-face study it significantly reduced casual sebum level after 6 weeks.

  Who it applies to: Adults with facial sebum concerns applying a 2% niacinamide moisturiser for 2 to 6 weeks; measured with sebumeter-based sebum excretion rate and casual sebum level.

  Study limits: The effect differs by measured endpoint and population.

  Source:The effect of 2% niacinamide on facial sebum production
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In 40 people with mild-to-moderate acne all using topical benzoyl peroxide plus adapalene, a moisturiser with ceramides and niacinamide significantly improved non-inflammatory, inflammatory and total acne lesions on that side of the face versus a hydrophilic cream after 8 weeks, and decreased cutaneous irritation.

  Who it applies to: People on topical anti-acne medication who add a moisturiser alongside treatment, in a split-face, double-blind, randomized design for 8 weeks.

  Study limits: All participants used prescription/OTC anti-acne drugs (5% benzoyl peroxide + 0.1% adapalene). TEWL, hydration, sebum, pH and other biophysical measures stayed close between the two creams. This is adjunctive care.

  Source:Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A split face, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In a 12-week randomized, double-blind half-face study, a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide improved hyperpigmentation spots (L*), the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and skin firmness significantly more than niacinamide alone.

  Who it applies to: Chinese adults using the combination cream twice daily for 12 weeks in a split-face design.

  Study limits: Industry-funded (Unilever R&D); part of the evidence comes from in-vitro melanocyte and 3D skin models.

  Source:Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Low Primary source

  A facial moisturiser containing niacinamide improved stratum corneum barrier function and skin hydration, measured instrumentally, in people with rosacea over four weeks of twice-daily use.

  Who it applies to: A leave-on facial moisturiser, applied twice daily for four weeks, in adults with rosacea.

  Study limits: The tested article was a finished moisturiser. Fifty participants, one centre, four weeks. The study measured barrier function and hydration.

  Source:Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and benefits subjects with rosacea
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Low Primary source

  In a randomized split-face controlled trial in people with rosacea-associated erythema and sensitive skin, a dermocosmetic containing mineralizing water, probiotic fractions, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide significantly improved erythema at day 15 (p<0.01) and day 30 (p<0.001), with skin erythema, tightness, dryness, hydration and TEWL improving versus the untreated side (p<=0.05).

  Who it applies to: Facial erythema, tightness, dryness, hydration and TEWL over 30 days.

  Study limits: The comparator is usual skin care / an untreated half-face.

  Source:A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial of a Dermocosmetic Containing Vichy Volcanic Mineralizing Water and Probiotic Fractions in Subjects with Rosacea Associated with Erythema and Sensitive Skin and Wearing Protective Masks
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Low Primary source

  In an open randomized, vehicle-controlled trial of 48 people with mild-to-moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis, 4% nicotinamide cream once daily for 12 weeks reduced the combined erythema/scaling/infiltration score by 75% from baseline versus 35% with the vehicle (p<0.05).

  Who it applies to: Combined clinical score of erythema, scaling and infiltration over 12 weeks.

  Study limits: Open-label.

  Source:Topical nicotinamide for seborrheic dermatitis: an open randomized study
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Low Primary source

  In 30 women with melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a serum combining lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide reduced skin tone unevenness by 38% and 33% respectively over 16 weeks (P < 0.008).

  Who it applies to: Women with melasma or PIH, 70% with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, applying the serum twice daily for 16 weeks.

  Study limits: 30 participants; "skin tone unevenness" is a sponsor-defined endpoint.

  Source:Efficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In 88 women with sensitive skin, a face cream containing Centella asiatica leaf extract, ceramide NP and panthenol lowered the SS-10 symptom score by 66% at week 2 and 76% at week 4, with irritation, tautness, itching and redness all significantly reduced.

  Who it applies to: Chinese women with sensitive skin applying the cream to the whole face, followed up at day 2, weeks 1, 2 and 4.

  Study limits: Observational and self-controlled.

  Source:The Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled split-body trial of 50 people with sensitive skin, an emollient containing Ceramide NP C15 significantly reduced transepidermal water loss in participants with an impaired skin barrier over 6 weeks.

  Who it applies to: People with sensitive skin applying the emollient in a split-body design for 6 weeks; the barrier improvement was clearest in those whose barrier was already impaired.

  Study limits: Exploratory; both the ceramide formulation and the vehicle improved subjective symptoms, and the significant TEWL reduction was seen specifically in the impaired-barrier subgroup.

  Source:Monocentric, Vehicle-Controlled, Double-Blind Study to Assess the Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Ceramide NP C15-Containing Emollient on the Skin Microbiome and the Skin Barrier Function in Sensitive Skin
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis (senile xerosis), a cream containing ceramides 1, 3, 6-II improved stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin pH more than a hydrophilic cream, measured at 24 hours and after 28 days of twice-daily use.

  Who it applies to: Leave-on moisturizers for dry skin. The study enrolled adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis.

  Study limits: Small single-site study (24 participants), split-site comparison on the shins, 28 days. It shows the tested formula outperformed a basic hydrophilic cream on measured skin parameters.

  Source:The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment
• Skin effect Brand claim Certainty: High Public database

  Ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids are the lipids that make up the skin barrier; formulations add them to replenish it.

  Who it applies to: Barrier function generally; the ratio between the three lipid classes matters in the literature.

  Study limits: Finding · CERAMIDE NP · Ceramide AP · Ceramide EOP

  Source:The Ceramides Difference (CeraVe)CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In a randomized, double-blind, four-arm crossover study of 51 healthy volunteers with dry skin, an emollient containing glycerol and petrolatum raised corneometry-measured skin moisture significantly above its vehicle (P < 0.0001) over 12 hours. The authors attributed the hydration gain to the glycerol component and the lower water loss to the petrolatum component.

  Who it applies to: Corneometry (skin moisture) and transepidermal water loss over 12 hours after one application.

  Study limits: Measured on the forearms. The significant hydration result comes from the full emollient containing both glycerol and petrolatum.

  Source:Combined effects of glycerol and petrolatum in an emollient cream: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study in healthy volunteers with dry skin
• Skin effect Review article Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  Topical glycerol improves stratum corneum hydration, barrier function and skin mechanical properties. The review also reports reduced irritation response and faster wound healing, and traces the effect to aquaporin-3 transport and to glycerol's own presence in the skin.

  Who it applies to: Leave-on products. The review discusses both healthy skin and skin with dry or barrier-impaired conditions such as atopic dermatitis.

  Study limits: A narrative review. It compiles mechanisms and results from other studies.

  Source:Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions
• Skin effect Official ingredient listing Certainty: High Public database

  Glycerin is classified as a humectant in cosmetic ingredient databases: its role in a formula is to hold water.

  Who it applies to: Cosmetic formulas generally. · Ingredient database · GLYCERIN

  Study limits: Skin effect of to the stratum corneum comes from a separate review of the literature. · Ingredient database · GLYCERIN

  Source:PubChemCosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Low Primary source

  Eight weeks of a low-molecular-weight "nano" hyaluronic acid lotion, serum and cream reduced measured periorbital wrinkle depth by up to 40% and raised corneometer hydration by up to 96%.

  Who it applies to: A three-step regimen (lotion, serum, cream) built on a low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, used for eight weeks on women with a mean age of 45.2.

  Study limits: The percentages are within-group changes. 33 participants in one centre, and the material is described as "nano" hyaluronic acid.

  Source:Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humans
• How deep it gets In vitro study Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  Hyaluronic acid of 20-300 kDa crossed the stratum corneum in excised human skin, while hyaluronic acid of 1000-1400 kDa remained in the stratum corneum.

  Who it applies to: Excised human skin with intact stratum corneum, measured by Raman micro-imaging after topical application.

  Study limits: One laboratory's imaging study. Three molecular-weight grades were tested. "remains above" describes intact stratum corneum in this ex vivo setup.

  Source:Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy
• How deep it gets In vitro study Certainty: Low Primary source

  In reconstituted human epidermis, hyaluronic acid of about 50 kDa penetrated better than the larger grades and increased expression of genes and proteins involved in tight-junction formation and keratinocyte cohesion; its TNF-α expression stayed close from the 20 kDa grade.

  Who it applies to: Reconstituted human epidermis incubated with hyaluronic acid of 20, 50, 130, 300, 800 and 1500 kDa.

  Study limits: The material tested is a defined ~50 kDa grade.

  Source:Fifty-kDa hyaluronic acid upregulates some epidermal genes without changing TNF-α expression in reconstituted epidermis
• Skin effect Brand claim Certainty: Moderate Public database

  Hyaluronic acid and its salt bind water at the skin surface, giving a plumper look immediately after application.

  Who it applies to: Leave-on hydrating products.

  Study limits: The effect is largely surface and temporary. In dry air a humectant. · Finding · Sodium hyaluronate · Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid

  Source:Hyaluronic Acid (CeraVe ingredient page)PubChem
• Irritation Official ingredient listing Certainty: Moderate Public database

  Cleansing surfactants remove surface oil along with dirt, which can leave skin feeling tight or dry.

  Who it applies to: Rinse-off cleansers. Mildness depends on the whole surfactant system. · Ingredient database · SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE · COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE · SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE

  Study limits: Surfactant mildness is a property of the blend. · Ingredient database · SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE · COCAMIDOPROPYL HYDROXYSULTAINE · SODIUM METHYL COCOYL TAURATE

  Source:CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database
• Skin effect Human trial Certainty: Moderate Primary source

  In a double-blind trial of 150 people with mild-to-moderate acne, a 14% gluconolactone solution and a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion each reduced inflamed and non-inflamed lesion counts significantly more than the vehicle lotion, and fewer side-effects were reported with gluconolactone than with benzoyl peroxide.

  Who it applies to: Inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesion counts, and local side-effects, in mild-to-moderate acne.

  Study limits: Confidence intervals or treatment duration. The trial is from 1992 and used a 14% leave-on solution. It compares gluconolactone with benzoyl peroxide and vehicle.

  Source:A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne

Related skin concerns

Skin concerns with evidence for ingredients on this list.

Formula history

1 version of this formula on record.

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