CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser – Exfoliating Cleanser with Salicylic Acid (236 ml)

Achieve smoother, softer skin with CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (236 ml).
Developed with dermatologists, this gentle exfoliating cleanser helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth rough & bumpy skin without disrupting the skin barrier. Formulated with salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and 3 essential ceramides, it deeply cleanses while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable.

Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for daily use, it is ideal for rough, bumpy, acne-prone, and keratosis pilaris-affected skin.

Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

FAQs

Q1. What does SA stand for in CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, and how does Salicylic Acid work in a cleanser?
A1. SA stands for Salicylic Acid, a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that is oil-soluble — allowing it to penetrate into the pore lining and dissolve the sebum and dead cell buildup that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and rough texture. In a cleanser, the brief contact time means SA primarily exfoliates at the surface and upper pore — providing keratolytic action (loosening dead skin cell bonds) and mild pore-clearing without the full penetration depth of a leave-on SA treatment. For those with rough, bumpy skin (including keratosis pilaris on the arms or body), this makes CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser an effective gentle daily option.

Q2. Why does CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser contain ceramides alongside a chemical exfoliant?
A2. Exfoliating ingredients like Salicylic Acid can compromise the skin barrier if used repeatedly without barrier-supporting counterparts. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser includes Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP — the three structural ceramide types found in skin — alongside Sodium Hyaluronate to maintain barrier function and hydration during each use. This makes it significantly less likely to cause dryness or sensitisation compared to Salicylic Acid cleansers that lack ceramides, and allows for daily use where other SA cleansers might require every-other-day rotation.

Q3. Can CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser be used on both the face and body?
A3. Yes — it is safe for both. On the face it is appropriate for oily, acne-prone, or rough-textured skin. On the body it is particularly effective for keratosis pilaris (KP, the rough bumps often appearing on upper arms, thighs, and buttocks), rough elbows and knees, and body acne. For KP on the body, using this cleanser twice daily and following with a CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream provides a combined cleanse-and-treat protocol that smooths bumps more effectively than either product alone.

Q4. Will CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser cause irritation for sensitive skin?
A4. The Salicylic Acid is at a concentration calibrated for daily cleansing use — typically 0.5–1%, which is below the level used in leave-on acne treatments. Most skin types tolerate this concentration well. Those with very sensitive or reactive skin (or active skin conditions like rosacea) should begin with every-other-day use and assess tolerance before twice-daily application. The addition of Niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help offset the potential irritation from the BHA.

Q5. Should I use a separate moisturiser after CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser?
A5. Yes — even with the ceramide content in this cleanser, a leave-on moisturiser is important to seal in hydration after any cleansing step. On the face, follow with CeraVe PM Moisturizer or Daily Moisturizing Lotion. On the body for KP, follow with CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream for continued exfoliation and moisture. This two-step approach significantly improves texture results compared to cleanser alone.

Country of Origin: France
Mfg/Marketer details: L'Oreal Cosmetiques Active Production, Z.I. De Vichy-Rhue, 03300 Creuzier Le Vieux, France
Importer details: L'Oreal India Pvt. Ltd., A-Wing, 8th Floor, Marathon Futurex Bldg, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400013, India
Shelf Life: 36 months from manufacturing date
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Safety Information: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Mild dryness or peeling may occur when starting to use salicylic acid. Always use sunscreen in the daytime when using exfoliating cleansers.