CeraVe

Acne Control Gel (2% Salicylic Acid)

TreatmentBudgetMorning or evening
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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.

What this is good for

✓ Great forAcneCongestionOiliness

Ingredient stack

Each ingredient is listed in descending concentration. Above the 1% line the order is regulated — below it, brands can list in any order.

Ingredients above the dashed gold line are dosed above 1% (the regulatory threshold) — these are what the formulation is really built on. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them.

~50–80%Aqua
~5–25%Salicylic Acid
~3–10%Glycerin
~2–6%Niacinamide
~1.5–4%Glycolic Acid
~1–2%4 ingredients
≤ 1% each4 more ingredients below 1%
position-estimated %1% regulatory line

What's actually doing the work

Salicylic Acid
BHA / Beta Hydroxy Acid
Acid
An oil-soluble BHA that exfoliates inside the pore, dissolving the sebum and dead-cell plugs behind blackheads and congestion. Anti-inflammatory and especially suited to oily, acne-prone skin.
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3
Vitamin
Vitamin B3. Regulates sebum, strengthens the barrier by boosting ceramide synthesis, evens tone by limiting pigment transfer, and calms inflammation. Well-tolerated at 2–10%; one of the most versatile, evidence-backed actives.
Ceramides
Ceramide NP / AP / EOP
Lipid
Barrier lipids that make up much of the stratum corneum's protective matrix. Replenishing them reduces water loss and reinforces resilience — central to barrier repair and to calming dry, reactive skin.

Routine placement

Morning or evening

Looking for a dupe?

The closest active-matched alternative is the Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% (64% active overlap). We found 1 option that share this product’s hero actives.

Dupe guide
See all treatment dupes for this product
Ranked by ingredient overlap, with an honest note on what’s different in each.

Similar on the shelf

Put this in context

Skin Stacker is independent and receives no payment from any brand. Ingredient analysis is based on publicly disclosed INCI lists and the peer-reviewed literature. Percentages are positional estimates from INCI order unless a brand discloses them. Formulations change — always re-check the label on your specific batch before using.