Formulation Audit · CeraVe · Exfoliating BHA / PHA & Ceramide NP/AP/EOP Barrier Gel Cleanser · $17 USD
SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides)
- Skin Suitability
- Rough, bumpy, acne-prone, oily, combination, and Keratosis Pilaris-prone skin
- Chemical Equivalent
- The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser ($13 — lacks Gluconolactone PHA and Ceramides NP/AP/EOP)
- Molecular Incompatibilities
- Avoid stacking with high-strength leave-on AHA/BHA peels in the same routine on sensitive skin
Section V · Regimen Clash Check
Will SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides) Clash With Your Routine?
Add the rest of your routine after CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides) and run the check — it cross-examines retinoids, acids, vitamin C, spicules and occlusives, privately in your browser.
Empirical Buyer Synthesis
What Buyers Actually Report
[r/SkincareAddiction] [r/EuroSkincare]: Go-to face and body wash for keratosis pilaris ('strawberry skin'), rough texture, and closed comedones; pairs Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Gluconolactone (PHA) with Niacinamide (#5 INCI) and Ceramides NP/AP/EOP in a sulfate-free, fragrance-free surfactant base.
Verbatim INCI Composition
Full Ingredient List
Aqua/Water/Eau, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Niacinamide, Gluconolactone, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Zea Mays Oil/Corn Oil, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Chloride, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cholecalciferol, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin
Source: inkeedecoder.com. Check the pack — formulas change.
Section V · Compare
Compare Against Peer Formulations
SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides) beside the closest formulations in the index — same active family first, then the nearest related one — with a routine-conflict and washout summary.
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SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides)
CeraVe · $17 USD
Exfoliating Acid · this dossier
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Gentle Exfoliating SA Body Lotion (Gluconolactone + Mandelic Acid + Salicylic Acid + Niacinamide + Panthenol)
Cetaphil · $16 USD
Exfoliating Acid
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Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice · $35 USD
Exfoliating Acid
Field Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides) worth it?
Beauty.net verdict: Holy Grail. Creator hype 85/100 against buyer efficacy 90/100. [r/SkincareAddiction] [r/EuroSkincare]: Go-to face and body wash for keratosis pilaris ('strawberry skin'), rough texture, and closed comedones; pairs Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Gluconolactone (PHA) with Niacinamide (#5 INCI) and Ceramides NP/AP/EOP in a sulfate-free, fragrance-free surfactant base. Best for: Rough, bumpy, acne-prone, oily, combination, and Keratosis Pilaris-prone skin.
What should I not mix with CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides)?
Avoid stacking with high-strength leave-on AHA/BHA peels in the same routine on sensitive skin Run your full routine through the Regimen Clash Check to catch other conflicts.
What is a cheaper dupe or chemical equivalent for CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (Salicylic Acid + Gluconolactone + Niacinamide + 3 Ceramides)?
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser ($13 — lacks Gluconolactone PHA and Ceramides NP/AP/EOP) Compare the INCI lists — a shared hero active matters more than the brand.