# CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water for oily acne-prone skin

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

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin

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

Brand: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/cerave)
Category: [Makeup removers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/makeup-removers)

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

Works for oily acne-prone skin; other products fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate suitability for your oily skin, as Glycerin and Niacinamide provide hydration and help regulate oil production, supporting your concerns with acne, blemishes, and breakouts. Ceramides also aid in barrier repair, which is beneficial for oily skin.
- The cleansing action of Poloxamer 184 effectively removes impurities, contributing to overall skin health.
- The product is safe for your skin, with no identified risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Niacinamide, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Glycerin

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- 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/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users with normal to dry and sensitive skin frequently praise this product for its hydrating, non-stripping formula that effectively removes light daily grime without disrupting the skin barrier. A significant number of reviewers report stinging when used around the eyes and note that it struggles to remove waterproof mascara or heavy makeup.

- Liked: Gentle and hydrating (often mentioned)
- Liked: Safe for sensitive skin (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Stings eyes (often mentioned)
- Liked: Beneficial ingredients (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Effective morning cleanse (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Weak on makeup (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Skin reactions (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Uses many pads (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Could be used as part of your AM or PM routine. Start using it daily to help manage your oily skin.
- Apply this micellar water as your first step before your cleanser and the rest of your routine.
- Pour some micellar water onto a cotton pad and gently wipe it across your face. Avoid harsh rubbing.
- Apply the micellar water on dry skin to effectively remove excess oil and impurities.
- Do a patch test before your first use. Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/4c4e1c5d3b1872b61ad8bc720cfc30a6.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water work for oily acne-prone skin?

This micellar water works moderately well for oily acne-prone skin, as it cleanses impurities and provides hydration while helping regulate oil and calm breakouts. To get a better fit for this skin, a product needs exceptionally safe, irritation-free formulas with powerful blemish-fighting ingredients and gentle cleansers that control oil and prevent breakouts without stripping.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this cleanser a good fit for oily acne-prone skin?

Glycerin, niacinamide, and ceramides make this cleanser a decent fit because they provide hydration, help balance oil, and support your skin barrier without causing irritation. To work best for oily acne-prone skin, this type of product needs targeted oil-control ingredients and powerful blemish-fighting components that clear breakouts while keeping the skin balanced.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Niacinamide do for oily acne-prone skin?

Niacinamide helps balance oil production, calms redness, and is unlikely to irritate oily, acne-prone skin while improving blemishes. Clinical tests show it reduces excess oil and helps clear up both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2006](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16766489/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299457/)

### What do Ceramides do for oily acne-prone skin?

Ceramides help keep oily acne-prone skin calm and smooth by strengthening the skin barrier and locking in moisture. Since acne-prone skin often has lower levels of these natural lipids, adding ceramides helps reduce irritation, redness, and moisture loss. A product for this skin type needs barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides and gentle hydrators to prevent dryness and balance oil.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41749022/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37605504/)

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

This product goes in the evening routine as a makeup remover, or anytime as a gentle cleanser to lift away impurities. Glycerin and niacinamide help hydrate the skin and manage excess oil, while ceramides support barrier repair without causing irritation. For this skin type, a product of this type needs lightweight hydrators and oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

You can use this micellar water before retinol, as it gently removes impurities without causing irritation. Oily acne-prone skin typically needs a targeted cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide and oil-balancing ingredients to better manage breakouts.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22648223/)

### How often should I use it?

You can use this micellar water daily as part of your routine to gently remove impurities and makeup without causing irritation. Oily acne-prone skin needs products with ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin to help balance oil and hydration, alongside barrier-repairing ceramides.

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily acne-prone skin?

This micellar water is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on oily skin because it contains niacinamide and glycerin to help keep oil in check and provide gentle hydration without harsh ingredients. However, to truly thrive, oily acne-prone skin needs products with targeted blemish-fighting ingredients and oil-balancing agents that do more to clear pores and prevent breakouts.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily acne-prone skin

- [IS Clinical Cleansing Complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/is-clinical/cleansing-complex/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$82.99 at Amazon
- [Pyunkang Yul Deep Cleansing Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/pyunkang-yul/deep-cleansing-oil/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$23.99 at Amazon
- [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$20.96 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ca: CA$18.98 (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B083GG5CH2?tag=lovi-care-web-product01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
Prices checked 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Glycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Poloxamer 184, Disodium Cocoamphoacetate, Disodium Edta, Niacinamide, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Bht, Ceramide Np, Phenoxyethanol, Ceramide Ap, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide Eop
## 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/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/micellar-cleansing-water/for/oily-acne-prone-skin