CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser vs Renewing SA Cleanser

So, you've decided you want to try one of CeraVe's cult-favorite, best-selling cleansers, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser vs CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!

This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate we earn commission from qualifying purchases.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser vs CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

With both cleansers appearing practically identical on the shelf with their signature blue/green CeraVe branding, we're going to have to dive straight into their formulas to find any differences of note.

First and foremost, it's worth highlighting the fact that the Foaming Facial Cleanser and the Renewing SA Cleanser are formulated with slightly different skin concerns in mind.

Though both cleansers boast the same nourishing base of essential ceramides, pore-minimizing & sebum-regulating niacinamide, and intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid, the Renewing SA Cleanser also contains:

• Salicylic Acid: exfoliates dead skin, keeps pores clean and unclogged, reduces sebum production, and its anti-inflammatory properties make it a prime ingredient for those with acne.
• Polyhydroxy Acid: works by exfoliating dead skin cells on the surface, resulting in a more even skin tone and texture, and also help skin-care ingredients penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin, thus boosting their efficacy.

This forms the basis of the biggest difference between the two: the Renewing SA Cleanser is an exfoliating cleanser - perfect for those with concerns regarding skin texture (such as rough/bumpy skin) - whereas the Foaming Facial Cleanser is a regular daily cleanser, primarily targeted at those with oilier skin types.

Clearly there is some overlap, and it has to be said that they're both good for fighting acne, regulating oily skin, and minimizing the appearance of pores.

Even though sometimes it might feel like you need to pick one or the other, our recommendation (especially for those that suffer from breakouts) would be to get both.

Use the Foaming Facial Cleanser as your regular AM/PM cleanser, and then use the Renewing SA Cleanser every other day or every few days. You don’t even necessarily have to have super acne-prone or bumpy skin to use a salicylic acid product. Salicylic acid helps in the prevention of future breakouts and will address enlarged/clogged pores and blackheads/whiteheads far more effectively than almost any other active.

Other points of note include: price, in which they are practically the same per fluid ounce; texture, with the Renewing SA Cleanser being a gel and the Foaming Facial Cleanser also being a gel; and both are indeed free from fragrance and nasties.

This article was originally published on April 28th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 5th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.