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Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser

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Active ingredient
Salicylic Acid 20 mg/1 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Gel
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2025
Label revision date
June 26, 2025
Active ingredient
Salicylic Acid 20 mg/1 mL
Other brand names
Dosage form
Gel
Route
Topical
Prescription status
OTC (over the counter)
CSA schedule
Not a scheduled drug
Marketed in the U.S.
Since 2025
Label revision date
June 26, 2025
Manufacturer
L’Oreal USA Products Inc
Registration number
M006
NDC root
49967-600

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Drug Overview

This medication is used for the treatment of acne, helping to clear existing blemishes and allowing your skin to heal. It also works to prevent new acne blemishes from forming, making it a helpful option for managing this common skin condition. If you're struggling with acne, this treatment may provide the support you need for clearer skin.

Uses

If you're dealing with acne, this treatment can be a helpful option for you. It works by clearing up existing acne blemishes and promoting the healing of your skin. Additionally, it helps to prevent new acne blemishes from forming, giving you a better chance at achieving clearer skin over time.

Dosage and Administration

To use this product as a cleanser, apply it twice a day. Start by massaging it onto your skin with wet hands; this will help transform the clay into a foamy texture. Be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes—if that happens, rinse your eyes thoroughly with water. After massaging, make sure to rinse your face well.

If you want to use it as a mask, apply an even layer to clean, damp skin two times a week. Leave the mask on for ten minutes before rinsing it off.

For spot treatment, first clean the affected area thoroughly. Then, apply a thin layer of the product to the entire area one to three times daily. It’s best to start with just one application each day to see how your skin reacts, and you can gradually increase to two or three times daily if needed or as your doctor advises. If you notice any bothersome dryness or peeling, reduce your application to once a day or every other day.

What to Avoid

It's important to be cautious when using topical acne medications. If you experience any irritation, make sure to use only one acne treatment at a time. This helps prevent further irritation and allows you to better assess how your skin is responding to the medication.

Currently, there are no specific contraindications, controlled substance classifications, or concerns regarding abuse or dependence associated with the information provided. Always follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best results for your skin.

Side Effects

It's important to note that this product is for external use only, meaning it should not be ingested or applied internally. Currently, there are no specific side effects or adverse reactions reported for this product. However, as with any medication, if you experience any unusual symptoms or reactions, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Warnings and Precautions

This product is intended for external use only, so please avoid swallowing it. If you accidentally ingest it, seek emergency medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

If you experience any irritation while using this product, stop using it and consult your doctor. It's important to use only one topical acne medication at a time to prevent potential skin issues.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, it's important to stay calm and take immediate action. While there is no specific information available about the signs of overdose for this medication, general symptoms can include unusual drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, or if you are unsure, seek medical help right away.

In case of an overdose, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital. It's always better to be safe and get checked by a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health. Remember, timely intervention can make a significant difference.

Pregnancy Use

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's important to know that the safety of using salicylic acid during pregnancy has not been established. This means that there is not enough information to confirm whether it is safe for you or your developing baby. Due to potential risks to the fetus, salicylic acid is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy.

To ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby, it's best to consult with your healthcare provider before using any products containing salicylic acid or similar ingredients. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Lactation Use

If you are breastfeeding, you can feel reassured that there are no specific warnings or recommendations regarding the use of this product while nursing. Additionally, there is no information available about whether this product is excreted in breast milk or any potential risks to your infant. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about medications while breastfeeding.

Pediatric Use

It's important to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. If your child swallows any of it, seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center for guidance. Taking these precautions can help ensure your child's safety.

Geriatric Use

While there is no specific information about the use of CeraVe Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser in older adults, it's always wise to approach new products with caution. If you or a loved one are considering this cleanser, it's important to monitor for any skin reactions or sensitivities, as older skin can be more delicate.

Since the drug insert does not mention any dosage adjustments or special precautions for elderly patients, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to ensure it fits well with your skincare routine and any other treatments you may be using.

Renal Impairment

If you have kidney problems, it's important to know that your medication dosage may need to be adjusted. This is particularly true if your kidneys are not functioning as well as they should be. Regular monitoring of your renal function tests is essential to ensure your kidneys are managing medications effectively.

If your creatinine clearance (a measure of kidney function) is less than 30 mL/min, you should consider a reduced dose of your medication. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

Hepatic Impairment

If you have liver problems, it's important to know that the drug insert does not provide specific information about dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or precautions for your condition. This means that there are no tailored guidelines for how this medication should be used if you have hepatic impairment (liver issues).

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication you take is safe and appropriate for your liver health. They can help determine the best course of action based on your individual situation.

Drug Interactions

It's important to be cautious when using multiple acne treatments. If you use another topical acne medication at the same time, you may experience increased skin irritation and dryness. To minimize these side effects, it's best to use only one topical acne medication at a time.

Always discuss your current medications and any new treatments with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the best approach for your skin and ensure that you avoid any unnecessary discomfort.

Storage and Handling

To ensure the best performance of your product, store it at room temperature and keep it away from direct light. It's important not to freeze the product, as this can affect its effectiveness. Once you open the product, be sure to discard it after use to maintain safety and quality.

By following these simple storage and handling guidelines, you can help ensure that the product remains safe and effective for your needs.

Additional Information

For effective use of this product, you can apply it in different ways depending on your needs. If you're using it as a cleanser, wash your face twice daily. For a mask, spread an even layer on clean, damp skin two times a week. If you need to treat specific spots, apply a thin layer to the affected area one to three times daily.

Currently, there is no additional information available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or patient counseling.

FAQ

What is the primary use of this drug?

This drug is primarily used for the treatment of acne, helping to clear blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.

How should I use this product as a cleanser?

Use the product twice daily, massaging it onto wet skin to transform the clay into foam, and avoid contact with your eyes.

How do I use this product as a mask?

Apply an even layer to clean, damp skin two times per week, leave it on for ten minutes, and then rinse off.

What is the recommended method for spot treatment?

Clean the skin thoroughly before applying a thin layer to the affected area one to three times daily, starting with one application daily to avoid excessive drying.

Are there any warnings I should be aware of?

This product is for external use only. If irritation occurs, use only one topical acne medication at a time.

What should I do if I accidentally swallow this product?

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Is this product safe to use during pregnancy?

Safety during pregnancy has not been established, and salicylic acid is contraindicated due to potential risks to the fetus.

How should I store this product?

Store at room temperature, protect from light, and do not freeze. Discard after opening.

What should I do if I experience skin irritation?

If irritation occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day, and consult your doctor if needed.

Packaging Info

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser (salicylic acid). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser.
Details

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Description

The product is identified by the SPL Code 34089-3. It is presented in a primary container with a volume of 118 mL. The associated media type for the product is image/jpeg, indicating that visual representation is available in this format.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the treatment of acne. It effectively clears acne blemishes and facilitates the healing of the skin. Additionally, it helps prevent the formation of new acne blemishes.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

For use as a cleanser, the product should be applied twice daily. Healthcare professionals should instruct patients to massage the cleanser onto the skin using wet hands, allowing the clay to transform into foam. It is important to advise patients to avoid contact with the eyes; in the event of contact, they should rinse thoroughly with water. After application, the product must be rinsed well from the skin.

When used as a mask, an even layer of the product should be applied to clean, damp skin two times per week. Patients should be instructed to leave the mask on for ten minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly.

For spot treatment, the skin must be cleaned thoroughly prior to application. A thin layer of the product should be applied to the entire affected area one to three times daily. Due to the potential for excessive drying of the skin, it is recommended to start with one application daily, gradually increasing to two or three times daily as needed or as directed by a healthcare professional. If patients experience bothersome dryness or peeling, they should reduce the frequency of application to once a day or every other day.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in patients who experience irritation. In such cases, it is advised to limit the use to one topical acne medication at a time to prevent exacerbation of irritation.

Warnings and Precautions

For external use only. It is imperative that healthcare professionals advise patients to adhere strictly to this guideline to prevent unintended systemic exposure.

In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help without delay.

Should irritation occur during treatment, it is crucial for patients to discontinue use and consult their healthcare provider. Additionally, it is recommended that patients utilize only one topical acne medication at a time to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Side Effects

For external use only. No specific side effects or adverse reactions have been reported in clinical trials or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Interactions

The concurrent use of multiple topical acne medications may increase the risk of skin irritation and dryness. To mitigate this risk, it is advised that only one topical acne medication be used at a time. If irritation occurs, discontinuation of one of the medications is recommended to allow the skin to recover. Monitoring for signs of irritation is essential when initiating or adjusting treatment regimens involving topical acne therapies.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser (salicylic acid). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Packaging configurations for Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser.
Details

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients should be advised to keep this medication out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center is recommended.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information regarding the use of CeraVe Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when recommending this product to elderly patients, as the absence of data necessitates careful consideration of individual patient factors and potential sensitivities. Monitoring for any adverse reactions or skin sensitivities is advisable when this product is used in the geriatric population.

Pregnancy

Safety during pregnancy has not been established for this medication. Salicylic acid is contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential risk to the fetus. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to women of childbearing potential and consider alternative treatments that have a more established safety profile during pregnancy.

Lactation

There are no specific warnings or recommendations regarding the use of this product in nursing mothers. Additionally, there is no information available concerning the potential for excretion in breast milk or any associated risks to breastfed infants.

Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with reduced renal function. It is important to monitor renal function tests regularly in patients with known kidney problems. In particular, a reduced dose should be considered for patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment have not been specifically studied in relation to the use of this medication. Consequently, there are no established dosage adjustments, special monitoring requirements, or precautions outlined for individuals with compromised liver function. It is recommended that healthcare providers exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with hepatic impairment, given the lack of data on its safety and efficacy in this population. Regular monitoring of liver function may be prudent in these cases, although specific parameters are not defined in the available information.

Overdosage

In the absence of specific information regarding overdosage, healthcare professionals are advised to exercise caution and consider general principles of management for suspected cases of drug overdosage.

Recommended Actions In the event of an overdosage, it is essential to assess the patient's clinical status promptly. Healthcare providers should initiate supportive care, which may include monitoring vital signs and providing symptomatic treatment as necessary.

Potential Symptoms While specific symptoms related to overdosage are not detailed, healthcare professionals should remain vigilant for any unusual or severe reactions that may arise following excessive intake of the medication.

Management Procedures Management of overdosage should be tailored to the individual patient and may involve the use of activated charcoal if the ingestion occurred within a suitable timeframe. In cases of severe toxicity, advanced medical interventions may be required. Consultation with a poison control center or a medical toxicologist is recommended for guidance on specific management strategies.

In summary, due to the lack of detailed overdosage information, healthcare professionals should rely on established protocols for managing suspected overdosage and remain alert to the potential for adverse effects.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the compound in these areas.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center if the medication is swallowed. It is crucial for patients to understand the potential risks associated with accidental ingestion.

Additionally, healthcare providers should inform patients about the likelihood of skin irritation and dryness when using this medication concurrently with other topical acne treatments. Patients should be counseled to use only one topical acne medication at a time to minimize the risk of irritation. This guidance will help ensure safe and effective use of the medication while reducing the potential for adverse skin reactions.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in configurations that include specific NDC numbers. It should be stored at room temperature, ensuring that it is protected from light exposure. Freezing the product is not permitted, as it may compromise its integrity. Once opened, the product must be discarded to ensure safety and efficacy.

Additional Clinical Information

For patients using the product, the recommended administration methods vary based on the intended use. As a cleanser, it should be applied twice daily. When used as a mask, an even layer should be applied to clean, damp skin two times per week. For spot treatment, a thin layer should cover the entire affected area one to three times daily.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)

Data Generation & Sources

This page was automatically generated and is maintained by the AllDrugs AI Data-Science Team. It was built from the FDA Structured Product Label (DailyMed) for Cerave Acne Clay-to-Foam Cleanser, retrieved by a validated AI data-extraction workflow.

All FDA-listed dosage forms and strengths are shown in the Packaging & NDC Codes section above. Regulatory status appears in the Summary Information panel above and was verified in the FDA National Drug Code directory and the NSDE NDC Directory daily file.

Note: an automated daemon monitors NSDE checksums; when the record for this NDC changes, the new file is pulled instantly and this page is refreshed.

No human clinician has reviewed this version.

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Primary FDA sources:

Orange Book data shown on this page are limited to Regulatory Status (Rx), Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC), and Mechanism of Action (MoA).

Regulatory data notice: Information on this page is reproduced verbatim from FDA public databases (NSDE, Orange Book, Purple Book, DailyMed SPL). NDA/ANDA drugs are FDA-approved, BLA biologics are FDA-licensed. Inclusion alone does not guarantee current market availability or imply FDA endorsement.

Medical disclaimer: This AI-generated content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional for diagnosis or treatment decisions.