CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash – Fragrance-Free Acne Wash for Young Adult and Teen Skin
Why you'll love it
- maximum 10% OTC benzoyl peroxide without needing a prescription
- gentle creamy formula hydrates with hyaluronic acid and ceramides instead of stripping skin
- dermatologist-developed credibility reduces trial anxiety for first-time acne-treatment buyers
- dual face-and-body use simplifies routine and consolidates product spend
- fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic formula reassures sensitive and reactive skin
- FSA/HSA eligibility makes it more affordable as a recurring purchase
Perfect for
- twice-daily face cleansing to clear pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads
- body wash in the shower to treat back, chest, and shoulder breakouts
- post-workout or post-sport cleansing to prevent sweat-triggered breakouts
- starter treatment for someone moving up from lower-strength benzoyl peroxide washes
- preventive daily wash for acne-prone skin during humid or high-sweat seasons



10% Benzoyl Peroxide Maximum Strength Acne Face & Body Wash
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide helps to clear face and body acne while leaving the skin soft and comfortable.
This cleanser has the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide available without a prescription and leaves the skin looking clarified.
How to Use
Wet skin with lukewarm water. Massage a dime-size amount of Acne Foaming Cream Wash into skin in a gentle circular motion. Rinse.
Complete your skincare routine with your favorite CeraVe moisturizer and sunscreen. Can be also used with acne patches.
Excessive drying of the skin may occur. Start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor.
If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.
If going outside, apply sunscreen after using this product. If irritation or sensitivity develops, stop use of both products or ask a doctor.
Developed with Dermatologists
All CeraVe products are developed with dermatologists.
Acne Foaming Cream Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide is formulated without fragrance and paraben It is non-comedogenic and suitable for acne prone skin.
10% Benzoyl Peroxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides
10% Benzoyl Peroxide helps to clear and treat acne by cleansing skin's surface of excess oil & impurities while penetrating deep into pores to treat active breakouts. Clear skin of whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, pimples, and pustules. Benzoyl Peroxide works to minimize the bacteria that plays a role in acne breakouts
Hyaluronic Acid helps retain skin’s natural moisture.
Niacinamide helps calm the skin.
Ceramides are naturally found in your skin and play a vital role in helping your skin protect you. They help fill in the gaps between your skin cells so your skin can seal in moisture and seal out impurities.






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The CeraVe story began in 2005 after experts noticed that many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin all had one thing in common: a compromised skin barrier. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe offers a complete line of skincare & haircare products that contain three essential ceramides enhanced with a revolutionary delivery system to help restore the skin & scalp's natural protective barrier.
Product Information
[ 10% BENZOYL PEROXIDE BODY & FACE WASH ] Maximum strength benzoyl peroxide is clinically tested to clear, treat, and help prevent acne. This acne body wash and face cleanser gently removes dirt and excess oil without skin feeling stripped of moisture.
[ GENTLE FOAMING ACNE CLEANSER ] This gentle body & facial cleanser dispenses as a soothing creamy texture and transforms into a light foam. Formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to leave skin feeling comfortable, smooth and looking clarified.
[ CLARIFYING ACNE WASH ] This benzoyl peroxide wash helps clear pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads from skin's surface and helps prevent new acne from forming & allows skin to heal.
[ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and can become damaged with sun exposure. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
[ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has products suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more. FSA Eligible & HSA Eligible
Developed with dermatologists, this lightly foaming, creamy face and body wash is formulated with maximum OTC strength 10% benzoyl peroxide to help clear face and body acne while leaving the skin soft and comfortable. This gentle, yet effective wash contains the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide available without a prescription to treat acne without disrupting skin’s protective barrier. The formula feels gentle on skin, and skin is left feeling comfortable, smooth and looking clarified.
• Non-comedogenic
• Paraben-free
• Fragrance-free
• Suitable for acne prone skin
Key Ingredients:
• 10% Benzoyl Peroxide: Maximum OTC strength 10% Benzoyl Peroxide clears acne pimples and blackheads and helps prevent new acne from forming.
• Ceramides: Essential for healthy skin, ceramides are critical components of the skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Hyaluronic Acid: This ingredient attracts hydration to the skin’s surface and helps the skin retain moisture
• Niacinamide: Known to help calm the skin
How to Use:
• Apply a dime-size amount to damp skin and gently massage, avoiding the eye area
• Rinse well
• Use acne face wash on entire affected area one to two times daily
• Because excessive drying of the skin may occur, start with one application daily, then gradually increase to two times daily if needed or as directed by a doctor
• If bothersome dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day
• If going outside, apply sunscreen after using this product. If irritation or sensitivity develops, stop use of both products or ask a doctor
Features & Specs
Scent Name: Fragrance Free
Skin Type: Acne Prone Skin, Oily
Product Benefits: Acne Prevention
Active Ingredients: 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, glycolic_acid
Item Form: Foam
Special Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
Target Use Body Part: Body, Face
Recommended Uses For Product: Body, Face
Package Type Name: Bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this safe for my teenager to use unsupervised in a shared dorm bathroom?
The formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic, and the foaming cream texture is gentle enough for daily teen use, though young users should still be reminded not to share the bottle to avoid cross-contamination.
Can my college-age child use this as their first real acne treatment without a prescription?
Yes, 10% benzoyl peroxide is the maximum strength available without a prescription, making this a strong first step before scheduling a dermatologist visit for persistent cases.
Will this wash sting or burn if my teen accidentally gets it near their eyes?
Like all benzoyl peroxide products, it can cause irritation if it gets directly into the eyes, so teens should be instructed to rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs and to avoid the eye area during application.
Is this appropriate for a 14 or 15-year-old just starting to get hormonal acne?
The dermatologist-developed formula is designed to be a gentle entry point for younger users, and the hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid help make it suitable for still-developing, sensitive teen skin.
Does the 5 oz bottle last long enough for a teen who showers at school and at home?
A 5 oz bottle is designed for both face and body use, and with twice-daily face cleansing, it typically lasts a few weeks, making it a manageable size for a first-time acne treatment.
My teen is embarrassed about back acne. Will this actually work for body breakouts?
It is formulated and sized for full-body use, including back, chest, and shoulders, and the lathering texture makes it easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas in the shower.
Is this a good starter wash for a teen moving up from a lower-strength benzoyl peroxide?
Yes, it is a common upgrade step for users who have outgrown 2.5% or 5% washes and need maximum OTC strength with added hydration to keep their skin comfortable.
How does this compare to drugstore teen acne scrubs with harsh beads?
Unlike physical scrubs that can micro-tear young skin, this is a chemical exfoliant-free foaming cream that treats acne with benzoyl peroxide while keeping the skin barrier intact.
Will my teen outgrow this product, or is it something they can keep using long term?
The hydrating, dermatologist-developed formula is suitable for ongoing daily use, so most users can keep it as a long-term staple in their routine, adjusting frequency if skin becomes sensitive.
Is the formula tested to be safe for younger or developing skin?
CeraVe formulations are developed with dermatologists and are commonly recommended for a wide age range, including teens, though parents should consult a pediatrician for children under 12.
My teen has sensitive skin. Will the maximum 10% strength be too strong?
Because it is paired with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, many sensitive-skin users tolerate it well, but starting with once-daily use is recommended to gauge individual reaction.
Does this contain any ingredients that parents commonly want to avoid for their kids?
It is free of fragrance and parabens, which are two of the most common ingredients parents look to avoid, and it is also non-comedogenic so it will not clog pores.
Is the packaging safe and easy for a teen to use in a slippery shower?
The standard 5 oz bottle has a secure flip-top cap and a squeeze design that most users find manageable, though placing it on a stable shower caddy is always recommended.
How do I use this wash for the best results on my face?
Wet the affected area, apply a small amount, gently massage into the skin for one to two minutes to allow the benzoyl peroxide to work, then rinse thoroughly. Use once or twice daily as tolerated, and follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
How should I apply this to my back, chest, and shoulders in the shower?
Apply the foaming cream to the affected body areas, lather with hands or a soft washcloth, leave it on the skin for one to two minutes to allow the active ingredient to penetrate, then rinse completely. Use daily for best results.
Can I use this every day, or should I start slowly?
New users should start with once-daily use for the first week to assess skin tolerance, then increase to twice daily if the skin is responding well and not becoming overly dry or irritated.
Is this safe to use along with my regular moisturizer and sunscreen?
Yes, apply the wash first, then follow with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning to protect treated skin from UV sensitivity.
Can I use this product at the same time as retinol or other strong actives?
Combining multiple strong acne actives can increase irritation, so it is generally recommended to alternate days or use one in the morning and the other at night, and to consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
What is included in the box when I order this product?
The package contains one 5 oz bottle of CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash with the active 10% benzoyl peroxide formula. No additional accessories are required for use, though a washcloth or hands are helpful for body application.
Will benzoyl peroxide bleach my towels, clothing, or pillowcases?
Yes, benzoyl peroxide can cause bleaching of colored fabrics, so it is recommended to rinse the skin and any surfaces thoroughly and to use white or older towels and linens during treatment.
What should I do if my skin becomes dry, red, or peeling?
Reduce use to once daily or every other day, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer, and avoid other harsh skincare products. If irritation persists or worsens, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
What is the difference between a benzoyl peroxide wash and a salicylic acid wash?
Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, making it effective for inflammatory acne like pimples and pustules, while salicylic acid exfoliates inside the pores and is often preferred for blackheads and whiteheads. Many acne-prone users benefit from alternating or combining both under professional guidance.