# CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream for oily skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for oily skin.**
Oily Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Brand: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/brands/cerave)
Category: [Moisturizers and moisturizing serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/best/moisturizers)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for oily skin; other moisturizers fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your oily skin, with salicylic acid and lactic acid providing general skincare benefits while urea offers excellent moisturizing and smoothing texture.
- The formulation is highly suitable for oily skin due to the keratolytic action of salicylic acid and lactic acid, complemented by urea's humectant properties.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin): Average (this page)
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/dry-skin): High
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin): High
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Average

## Key ingredients

Urea, Salicylic Acid, 3 Essential Ceramides, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate

## What the research says

- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- Urea is a safe and effective dermatologic therapy with wide-ranging clinical utility for various skin conditions and minimal, non-systemic side effects based on a review of the clinical literature. ([Dermatology Online Journal, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24314769/))
- Topical 40% urea cream achieved improvement in less time and showed superiority over 12% ammonium lactate lotion in skin roughness, fissure reduction, thickness, and dryness at day 14 in patients treated for moderate to severe xerosis. ([American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11978141/))
- Topical treatment with K101 achieved a significantly higher mycological cure rate compared to placebo in patients with ≤50% nail involvement (27.2% vs 10.4%), while showing early visible improvements in nail appearance and no safety issues. ([Mycoses, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22681227/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- Topical post-laser application of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide significantly improved wrinkle index, melanin index, patient satisfaction, and investigator esthetic improvement scores compared to vehicle cream in patients with aging skin. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33103316/))
- Topical nicotinamide prevented solar-simulated UV-induced immunosuppression in healthy volunteers, and men experienced immunosuppression at solar-simulated UV doses three times lower than those required for women. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17882270/))
- Topical 5% niacinamide applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness, and improved skin elasticity compared to vehicle control in 50 female white subjects with facial photoaging. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/))
- Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22052267/))
- Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction. ([Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623507/))
- Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days. ([BMC Oral Health, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31311529/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this cream is highly effective for rough and bumpy skin conditions like Keratosis Pilaris, significantly improving texture and softness for most users. While many appreciate its fast absorption and long-lasting hydration, a moderate number of users find the scent unpleasant, and a low number report issues with texture, pilling, or mild irritation.

- Liked: Effective for KP (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Smooths and softens (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Fast absorption (often mentioned)
- Liked: Long-lasting hydration (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Unpleasant smell (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Insufficient moisture (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Stinging or irritation (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Texture issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine every day to keep your face fresh.
- Apply this moisturizer after cleansing and toning, but right before your SPF in the morning.
- Gently press a small amount into your skin and let it absorb fully.
- Apply on clean, slightly dry skin to help control that oily shine.
- Avoid the eye area and do a quick patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/2f72f5d69f07beeafc30237f829efbff.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream work for oily skin?

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream works moderately well for oily skin, offering light exfoliation and smooth hydration without irritation. However, a product for this skin type needs a lightweight texture with peptides and hydrating agents, a lack of heavy oils, and ingredients that support the skin barrier without causing breakouts or excess oiliness.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### Which ingredients make this cream a good fit for oily skin?

Salicylic acid and lactic acid help clear oily shine through gentle exfoliation, while urea leaves your skin soft and smooth. A product for oily skin needs a lightweight texture with hydrating agents and peptides, no heavy oils, and ingredients that support the skin barrier.
Sources: [BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

### What does Urea do for oily skin?

Urea is generally not a primary choice for oily skin since it is mostly used to deeply hydrate dry skin and repair a damaged skin barrier. Oily skin instead benefits most from lightweight, oil-free hydrators with ingredients like glycerin that help balance moisture without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Dermatology Online Journal, 2013](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24314769/), [The British Journal of Dermatology, 2008](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for oily skin?

Salicylic acid helps oily skin by reducing excess oil and keeping pores clear. It may also improve overall skin hydration while managing breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40682377/), [Experimental Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30972839/)

### Where does it go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Oily skin works best with products that offer light exfoliation to keep pores clear and urea or similar ingredients to keep skin soft without feeling heavy.

### Can I use this cream with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this cream alongside retinol, applying the retinol first and following with this treatment once it absorbs. This helps smooth your skin while keeping it comfortable, as the ceramides and urea support your skin barrier.
Sources: [Cutis, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17121065/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### How often should I use it?

Start using this treatment once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin feels comfortable and you see good results, you can carefully use it more often. It helps smooth texture and gently clears the skin without irritation.

### Can this cream clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cream is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for oily skin, as it has a very safe formula without harsh ingredients and uses salicylic acid to help clear the skin. To work even better for oily skin, a product of this type needs lighter hydrating ingredients and oil-absorbing minerals.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Can I use it around the eyes or on my body?

This cream works well on the body, but it is better to avoid the thin skin around the eyes. An oily skin type needs a lighter formula for the eye area, along with gentle ingredients that smooth texture without feeling heavy.
Sources: [Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 2002](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12375070/)

### Is this cream fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — A$18.90 at Amazon
- [Anua Heartleaf 78% Soothing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/anua/heartleaf-78-soothing-cream/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — A$42.00 at Amazon
- [Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Brightening Moisture Gel Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/yuja-niacin-brightening-moisture-gel-cream/for/oily-skin) — High fit — A$24.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — A$13.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — A$34.66 at Amazon
- SPF: [La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/la-roche-posay/anthelios-clear-skin-dry-touch-sunscreen-spf-60/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — A$27.99 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.com.au: A$16.99 (https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07WL7WV52?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 3 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Urea, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Peg-100 Stearate, Glycerin, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Dimethicone, Triacetin, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cream/for/oily-skin