Growing up, I never really experienced acne [1]. It wasn't until I hit my mid-20s that I started getting terrible breakouts that left me feeling too insecure and embarrassed [2] to leave my house. It took awhile to get my breakouts under control [3], but I still get the occasional pimple when my face doesn't agree with certain skin-care products.

I've been a big fan of quite a few CeraVe products for years. I've been using different variations of its cleansers and moisturizers since my first visit to a dermatologist's office 10 years ago, and I love CeraVe acne products. To date, my favorite face wash from the brand has been the Hydrating Facial Cleanser, but I recently just tried out a CeraVe acne treatment that was totally new to me, the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser [4] ($15), and I have to admit, I'm impressed. With hundreds of five-star reviews on Target and Ulta — as well as the support of thousands of TikTok users — I was excited to see if it worked as well as everyone said it did.

About the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cleanser

• This face wash is noncomedogenic, as well as fragrance- and paraben-free.
• The hero ingredient is benzoyl peroxide [5], which helps clear acne and blackheads [6] and can help prevent future breakouts.
• Other ingredients include ceramides to maintain the natural skin barrier [7], niacinamide to soothe inflammation, and hyaluronic acid to keep everything moisturized.

What I Like About the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

My first time trying the product, I immediately loved the consistency. It's a little on the milky side, and the formula is pretty thin, but it feels very silky and luxurious. As for the results, after about three days, I noticed a difference in my skin and breakouts. While I was used to seeing at least two or three new zits pop up after every outing where a mask was required, using this CeraVe cleanser cut that number in half. It left my skin feeling soft and hydrated, although I did notice some dry skin and flakiness around my nose.

At $15, this cleanser is one of the most affordable skin-care products I've used in a while, as well as one of the most effective. Plus, this product has another use you may not know about: eliminating stinky armpits. Yep, you read that right. Benzoyl peroxide [8] can also be used to kill odor-causing bacteria in your underarm area, and I'm living proof that it truly does work. I even went as far as to skip deodorant one day after washing my armpits with this cleanser, and my underarms remained fresh as a daisy.

How to Use the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

One thing I noticed is that you have to work up quite a lather to actually see the foam, but I think it works just as effectively. CeraVe recommends you use the cleanser twice daily, but I started out using it once a day in the mornings until my skin got used to it. After a few days, I upped my usage to twice daily, which is when I really began to see results. Whenever I use it, I start off by rinsing my face with warm water. To fully reap the benefits, after I apply the cleanser all over my face, I let it sit for about 30 seconds. I then rinse off the product with cold water.

What to Consider Before Trying the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

This cleanser would be perfect for those with oily or acne-prone skin, but since I have extremely dry skin, I'll stick to using this product periodically when I get a breakout or to prevent maskne. Overall, I plan to use it once or twice a week on my face but at least five times a week on my armpits. You know what they say, get you a cleanser that can do both.

Where the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser Is Available

The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is available at Target [9], Ulta [10], and Dermstore [11].

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