CeraVe

SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Dry, Rough & Bumpy Skin

Name: CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid for Dry, Rough & Bumpy Skin
Brand: CeraVe

Available in 236ml, 473ml

Quick Summary

Best forDry skin

Worth notingNo fragrance listed

Key ingredientsNiacinamide, Gluconolactone (PHA), Ceramides

OverallThis CeraVe cleanser features niacinamide (barrier-supporting), gluconolactone (exfoliating) and ceramides (barrier-supporting). No fragrance is listed in its ingredients. CeraVe recommends it for dry skin.

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Paid link · Opens Amazon.co.uk · 2 sizes

Ingredient Analysis

24 of 24 ingredients identifiedNo fragrance listed

Key ingredients

Niacinamide Gluconolactone (PHA)Ceramides

Full ingredient list (24) — tap a highlighted ingredient to learn more

Aqua Solvent & base Generally gentle
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate Cleansing agents All skin types
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine Cleansing agents All skin types
Glycerin Humectant & moisturiser Generally gentle
Niacinamide Barrier support & even tone Generally gentle
Gluconolactone Gentle exfoliation Generally gentle
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate Cleansing agents All skin types
PEG-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate Emulsifier & texture aid All skin types
Ceramide np Barrier repair & protection Generally gentle
Ceramide ap Barrier repair & protection Generally gentle

Show the other 14 ingredients · 1 with a caution note

Ceramide eop Barrier repair & protection Generally gentle
Carbomer Thickener & gel former All skin types
Calcium gluconate Texture, stability & minerals Generally gentle
Salicylic acid Exfoliant & pore clearer May cause dryness
Sodium benzoate Preservative All skin types
Sodium lauroyl lactylate Emulsifier (PEG-free) Generally gentle
Cholesterol Skin-identical lipid Generally gentle
Phenoxyethanol Preservative All skin types
Disodium EDTA Chelator & stabiliser All skin types
Tetrasodium EDTA Chelator & stabiliser All skin types
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid Hydration & moisture retention Generally gentle
Phytosphingosine Barrier repair & protection Generally gentle
Xanthan gum Natural thickener Generally gentle
Ethylhexylglycerin Preservative All skin types

Ingredients from the Boots.com listing, checked 19 Oct 2026, in INCI order. Brands reformulate, so check the pack if you react to an ingredient. Highlighted ingredients link to our guide. Informational only — not medical advice.

The retailer lists slightly different ingredients for some versions of this product. Shown here: 473ml.

Common questions

Is CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser fragrance-free?

Yes. No fragrance, essential oils or fragrance allergens are listed in its ingredients.

Does CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser contain alcohol?

No drying alcohol (alcohol denat. or ethanol) is listed.

Is CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser safe for fungal acne?

It contains 2 ingredients that fungal-acne (Malassezia) guides usually avoid: fatty-acid esters & glycerides (peg-150 pentaerythrityl tetrastearate, sodium lauroyl lactylate). How much they matter depends on the amount and the rest of the formula. The evidence comes mainly from lab studies of yeast growth, and fungal acne needs a diagnosis from a GP or dermatologist.

Is CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser suitable for sensitive skin?

Its ingredient list avoids the most common irritants: no fragrance, essential oils or drying alcohol are listed, and its salicylic acid is rinsed off, so it has less time to irritate. Reactions are individual, so patch-test anything new.