# CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser for oily skin

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

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

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

Brand: [CeraVe](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/brands/cerave)
Category: [Cleansers](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/best/cleansers)

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.

A great choice for oily skin; a few cleansers fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers high suitability for your oily skin as salicylic acid and niacinamide work to regulate sebum and provide keratolytic action, addressing oily shine and pores effectively.
- The presence of gluconolactone and salicylic acid in moderate concentrations ensures mild chemical exfoliation, smoothing skin texture and enhancing overall cleansing.
- This formula is safe for your oily skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of prohibited or harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

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

## Key ingredients

Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide Np, Niacinamide, Glycerin

## What the research says

- 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/))
- Combining 10% gluconolactone chemical peeling with oxybrasion or microneedle mesotherapy increased skin hydration and decreased sebum, pH, and TEWL in twenty-one Caucasian women, with no significant differences between the two methods. ([Skin Research and Technology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37357656/))
- Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/))
- Gluconolactone 14% solution significantly improved mild to moderate acne by reducing inflamed and non-inflamed lesions similarly to 5% benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side-effects in 150 patients. ([The Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1992](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303072/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))
- 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/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, users consistently praise this cleanser for effectively retexturizing rough, bumpy skin and managing mild acne without harsh physical scrubs. While the majority find it gentle enough for daily use, a notable minority with sensitive or very dry skin report it can be stripping or cause an initial "purging" phase before results are seen.

- Liked: Effective body cleanser (often mentioned)
- Liked: Smoothes rough texture (often mentioned)
- Liked: Clears mild acne (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Gentle non-foaming formula (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Drying for some (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes skin purging (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Ineffective for severe acne (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Packaging pump issues (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your cleanser AM and PM every day to keep your skin fresh. Always make sure to follow with a good SPF in the morning.
- Apply your cleanser as the first step in the morning or the second step in the evening before your toner.
- Gently massage a small amount onto your face using circular motions, then rinse well with water .
- You can apply this cleanser safely on damp skin for a refreshing and easy wash.
- Avoid getting the product directly into your eyes and stop use if irritation occurs.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/6a08416bd9315041c09c72f61cf27cc1.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser a great fit for oily skin?

CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is a great fit for oily skin because salicylic acid and niacinamide help control excess shine and clear pores. The gentle ingredients provide mild chemical exfoliation to smooth texture safely without causing irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/)

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

Salicylic acid and niacinamide make this cleanser a great fit for oily skin by helping to control oil and clear pores. Gluconolactone and salicylic acid also gently smooth the skin texture while you wash, with little chance of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Skin Research and Technology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37357656/)

### 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/)

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

Hyaluronic acid helps oily skin by reducing extra oil and sebum production without causing irritation. Clinical studies show it successfully balances oil levels while keeping the skin comfortable.
Sources: [The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28163068/)

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

This cleanser fits into both your morning and evening routine as the first step after removing makeup. It helps control shiny skin and clear pores safely without irritation, thanks to gentle ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide.
Sources: [International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31461548/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

You can use this cleanser with retinol by alternating nights or using it in the morning to prevent drying out your skin. Salicylic acid helps clear out pores, but combining it with strong acne treatments at the same time may cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37276158/)

### How often should I use this cleanser?

This cleanser is a great fit for your oily skin and helps clear up shine and pores with salicylic acid and niacinamide. You can use it daily in your morning and evening routine, as its gentle exfoliating ingredients smooth your skin texture without causing irritation.
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 this cleanser clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This cleanser is a great fit for oily skin and is unlikely to cause clogged pores or breakouts, though it may cause a low amount of skin purging as it gently exfoliates. Its ingredients help clear shine and smooth texture safely without harsh risks.
Sources: [Skin Research and Technology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37357656/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/)

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

You can use this cleanser on your body, but you should avoid using it directly around the eyes. The active ingredients like salicylic acid help smooth skin texture and clear pores, making it effective for body skin, while the thin skin around the eyes requires milder care.

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

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for oily skin

- [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/foaming-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €21.45 at Amazon
- [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cetaphil/daily-facial-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €27.82 at Amazon
- [Etude Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/etude/soon-jung-ph-6-5-whip-cleanser/for/oily-skin) — High fit — €18.33 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Hydrating Toner: [SOME BY MI Snail Truecica Miracle Repair Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/some-by-mi/snail-truecica-miracle-repair-toner/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €19.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €16.50 at Amazon
- SPF: [CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/am-facial-moisturizing-lotion-spf-30/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — €15.64 at Amazon

## Where to buy

- Amazon.ie: €18.00 (https://www.amazon.ie/dp/B09MMJS8ZM?tag=lovi-care-web-product02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- Notino: €14.70 (https://www.notino.ie/cerave/sa-cleansing-and-softening-gel-for-normal-and-dry-skin/p-16139493/)
- Lookfantastic: €16.68 (https://www.lookfantastic.ie/p/cerave-sa-smoothing-cleanser-with-salicylic-acid-for-dry-rough-bumpy-skin-236ml/12207663/)
Prices checked 15 Oct – 6 Nov 2026.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Peg-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Tetrasodium Edta, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic 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-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin (this page)
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/cerave/sa-smoothing-cleanser/for/oily-skin