Side-by-side comparison

CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) vs Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

Both treatments contain Niacinamide, but each adds something the other doesn't. Here's where they overlap and where they split.

1Shared hero active
CeraVe
Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid)
TreatmentBudgetMorning or evening
AcneCongestionOiliness

A 2% salicylic acid gel with niacinamide, ceramides and an AHA boost, formulated to clear breakouts while supporting the barrier. A solid all-in-one acne treatment; introduce gradually to avoid over-exfoliation.

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Naturium
Azelaic Topical Acid 10%
TreatmentBudgetMorning or evening
RednessPost-Acne MarksCongestion

A 10% azelaic acid treatment with niacinamide and a smoother, more cosmetically elegant base than the classic suspension. Good for redness, bumps and post-acne marks; azelaic's gentle profile suits rosacea and sensitive skin.

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The verdict

Which should you choose?

Both contain Niacinamide. CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) adds Salicylic Acid. Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% adds Azelaic Acid. Pick the one whose extra matches what you're treating. CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) is the better fit for acne and oiliness; Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% for redness and post-acne marks. Both sit in the Budget price tier.

The overlap

What they share

This hero active appears in both formulas:

Niacinamide
The formulation

Ingredient stacks, side by side

CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Salicylic Acid~5–25%
  • Glycerin~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Glycolic Acid~1.5–4%

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% — top of the list

  • Aqua~50–80%
  • Azelaic Acid~5–25%
  • Glycerin~3–10%
  • Niacinamide~2–6%
  • Caprylic/Capric…~1.5–4%

● marks ingredients that appear near the top of both lists. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order, not disclosed doses.

At a glance

The specs

CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid)Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%
CategoryTreatmentTreatment
Price tierBudgetBudget
Best forAcne, Congestion, OilinessRedness, Post-Acne Marks, Congestion
Usage notesMorning or eveningMorning or evening
Shared hero activesNiacinamide
Questions

Common questions

Is the CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) or the Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% better?
It depends on what you're treating. Both contain Niacinamide; CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) adds Salicylic Acid; Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% adds Azelaic Acid.
What's the difference between the CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) and the Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%?
CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid)'s hero actives are Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide and Ceramides. Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%'s are Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid.
Are the CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) and Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% dupes for each other?
Partly. They share Niacinamide, but CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid)'s Salicylic Acid and Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%'s Azelaic Acid aren't in the other, so they aren't full substitutes.
Can I use the CeraVe Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid) and Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% together?
It's usually unnecessary: both contain exfoliating acids, and doubling up raises the risk of irritation. Pick one, or alternate days, and patch-test when introducing anything new.
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No shared hero actives

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