Index / Cetaphil / Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment
Cetaphil

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment.

#4 in AcneSee the ranking →
About this product

A lightweight, fragrance-free acne moisturizer with salicylic acid, designed to hydrate acne-prone skin while helping control shine and leave a matte finish.

Full ingredients

Salicylic Acid (2%), Water, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glycerin, Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate 60, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate, Phenoxyethanol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Squalane, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Zinc Gluconate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Morus Alba Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Safflower Oil/​Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, PPG-5-Laureth-5, Sodium Hydroxide, Kojic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-11, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin

More from Cetaphil 38 products · Guru Score 94% →

Guru Score

82%

Yay

8 experts · Strong agreement

What the gurus are saying

Salicylic acid, which works inside the pores, is the detail gurus keep coming back to here. Gurus say the light, fast-absorbing gel-cream helps control oil and shine, feels good under sunscreen or makeup, doesn't feel sticky, and fits neatly alongside other targeted acne treatments. However, those with very dry skin may find it less supportive, so it's best matched to oily, acne-prone skin.
Synthesized from 8 expert reviews · most recent take June 2026

What they liked

  • Matte finish without stickiness or greasiness
  • Lightweight enough to layer under sunscreen
  • Salicylic acid low enough to avoid irritation

What they flagged

    Nothing. None of the experts who reviewed it raised a problem.

    Type

    AcneLotion

    Formula notes

    Fragrance-freeNo drying alcohol

    Where to buy

    Opens a store search. We may earn from these links.

    Scan it in the shopFree iPhone app. Scores in the aisle.

    What the experts use it for.

    The concerns the experts tie this product to, in their own words. Paid and founder takes don't count.

    Breakouts and acne6 experts

    “It's excellent for acne skin.”

    Doctorly, watch at 4:15

    Excess oil and shine5 experts

    “Helps with oil control.”

    Doctorly, watch at 10:55

    Clogged or visible pores3 experts

    “I think this is a wonderful product for those who have oily skin, are starting to see a little bit of increased skin texture or increased blackheads, but also have sensitive skin because it's formulated with all of those skin concerns in mind.”

    Dr. Sam Ellis, watch at 7:55

    Dark spots and post-acne marks3 experts

    “It also helps with post-acne dark spots.”

    Doctorly, watch at 6:20

    Skin barrier support2 experts

    “It helps control oil and shine while providing hydration and barrier support.”

    Dr. Aleksandra Brown, watch at 3:49

    Redness1 expert

    “It has sodium hyaluronate, it has squalane, and it has licorice root which is good for cutting down on redness as well as tackling hyperpigmentation.”

    Dr Dray, watch at 2:30

    Rough or uneven texture1 expert

    “Unlike any of the other moisturizers that I've discussed today, this one has salicylic acid and salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works within the pore to break up debris so it can really help with early acne and skin texture.”

    Dr. Sam Ellis, watch at 7:55

    What the gurus are saying.

    Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

    All takes Yay takes Nay takes Mixed takes Hide sponsored
    Dr. Aleksandra Brown
    Dr. Aleksandra Brown
    153k subs
    ✓Yay
    "This is a super lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, especially if you're oily. It helps control oil and shine while providing hydration and barrier support. It's completely fragrance-free and has this matte finish, making it really good for daytime use under makeup or under sunscreen. It's best for oily, acne-prone skin looking for shine control and hydration at the same time."
    Dr Dray
    Dr Dray
    2.69M subs
    ✓Yay
    "The Cetaphil acne mattifying moisturizer, underrated as a matter of fact. Cetaphil's acne line in general very good. This has 0.5% salicylic acid. [...] You could use this as a spot treatment but I encourage you to use it to the entire face of course sparing the eyelids because too drying in that area. 5% is effective but works very slowly, so this is something that you want to be patient with."
    All 15 takes from Dr Dray
    Dear Klairs All Day Airy Sunscreen IMPRESSED ME
    "I really like [...] the Cetaphil mattifying acne moisturizer. It has 0.5% salicylic acid."
    *BEST* Lightweight Moisturizer For Summer
    "It's from Cetaphil and honestly it is underrated. Everyone I have ever recommended this to has sung the praises of it. It's probably one of their most loved products that just kind of flies under the radar. It's Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer. Now hold that thought, it doesn't mean that it is only for people with acne and I'll explain in a moment. This is a moisturizer with 0.5% salicylic acid."
    10 Skincare Products You Need To Try From Target 🎯🛍
    "This is one of my favorites from Cetaphil. Their Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer likewise has 5% salicylic acid but the base is really moisturizing. It has sodium hyaluronate, it has squalane, and it has licorice root which is good for cutting down on redness as well as tackling hyperpigmentation. Salicylic acid can help in gently exfoliating the skin to lighten dark spots but also it has some anti-inflammatory properties that may help in preventing them."
    SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR FACE BUMPS | Dermatologist
    "I highly suggest this one from Cetaphil, this mattifying acne moisturizer, because it uses 0.5 percent salicylic acid which when used consistently is still going to be helpful for pores, for comedones, for similar issues but what's nice about this is this is a very moisturizing formula."
    Shop With Me For Skincare At TJMaxx
    "Their acne mattifying moisturizer [...] is really a great leave-on salicylic acid. I found this in Marshalls and I really like it."
    Acne-Prone Skin: The Ultimate Guide To Products
    "The Cetaphil acne mattifying moisturizer, underrated as a matter of fact. Cetaphil's acne line in general very good. This has 0.5% salicylic acid. [...] You could use this as a spot treatment but I encourage you to use it to the entire face of course sparing the eyelids because too drying in that area. 5% is effective but works very slowly, so this is something that you want to be patient with."
    DRUGSTORE SKINCARE FOR MATURE SKIN 2023 | Dermatologist
    "This Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid is helpful for acne control. It's super moisturizing, it doesn't lead to dryness and irritation and peeling and flaking."
    Shop with me for SKIN CARE FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION 🛍 Dermatologist @DrDrayzday
    "This product by Cetaphil is a salicylic acid moisturizer. It's really good if you've got oily, acne prone skin. Just the formulation overall, it's moisturizing, it's not greasy, and it has 0.5% salicylic acid, so that'll help with fading hyperpigmentation."
    BUDGET FRIENDLY ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE: DERMATOLOGIST TOP PICKS @DrDrayzday
    "This is a really good everyday moisturizer with a low amount of salicylic acid at 0.5 percent. It also has [...] licorice root which has a skin brightening effect. [...] You can wear it during the day underneath sunscreen and at night as your nighttime moisturizer. It's especially good if you have an oilier skin type."
    BEST ACNE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS OF 2021 @DrDrayzday
    "Cetaphil came out with something I love—their Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer. This product is amazing. It has a very thick consistency, so it's a nice moisturizer for dry, sensitive, acne-prone skin. If you have oily acne-prone skin, this will work as well. It has 0.5% salicylic acid, which is much lower but can still be helpful for reducing stickiness between skin cells. Salicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce hyperpigmentation."
    Is ZINC OXIDE SUNSCREEN TOXIC AFTER 2 HOURS? | Answering your skin care questions | Dr Dray
    "I'm rather fond of the Cetaphil acne mattifying moisturizer. It has 0.5% salicylic acid in it and it's very lightweight and not greasy."
    How to STOP GETTING SHINY SKIN | Dr Dray
    "It is their gentle clear mattifying acne moisturizer with 0.5 percent salicylic acid, so much lower but still an effective percentage strength. It's really a very thick moisturizing formula with silicones in it, which [...] are really good ingredients that allow for better evaporation of sweat and have shine reducing properties. This is good especially for those with more of a tendency towards dry skin who find that two percent salicylic acid in a leave-on product is maybe just too much."
    Vlog: WHAT'S IN MY BATHROOM| Skin care products I am using | Dr Dray
    "This Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer has become a 2021 skincare favorite, and you will see it in my 2021 skincare favorites video that I do at the end of the year. I really, really like this one. The formula is really nice and thick, but at the same time it's not heavy or greasy. It's a great way if you have very dry, sensitive skin to introduce salicylic acid into your routine."
    NEW DRUGSTORE SKIN CARE (Pacifica, Cetaphil, Neutrogena) | Dr Dray
    "Cetaphil came out with a product that I am loving. It's their mattifying acne moisturizer salicylic acid treatment. [...] Very very moisturizing, [...] really really thick. [...] This is a great product to incorporate into your routine not only for acne control but also for closed comedones. What I love about it is that it stays in place and doesn't transfer around to other areas of the face. [...] It's got kojic acid and licorice root, both great for dealing with [...] hyperpigmentation."
    Vlog: Using VITAMIN C AND HYALURONIC ACID | Dr Dray
    "This one has centella in it which is great for the moisture barrier and has compounds in it that are helpful for skin elasticity and promote healing. It's been shown to be helpful in improving the appearance of scars. This product is a lot thicker and a lot more moisturizing. So if you have tried salicylic acid in the past and maybe it was a little too drying, try this product out."
    Dr. Daniel Sugai
    Dr. Daniel Sugai
    723k subs
    ✓Yay
    "Benzoyl peroxide is gently exfoliating, but it's also antimicrobial, so it works really well in the pore and cleans out your pores. [...] Let's talk about benzoyl peroxide. We have CeraVe Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment, and this one is [...] 2.6% benzoyl peroxide, so it's on the lower end of the spectrum."
    Dr. Jenny Liu
    Dr. Jenny Liu
    324k subs
    ✓Yay
    "Great to layer under sunscreen. Ingredient wise it contains 0.5% salicylic acid that helps to target pores and congestion, gently exfoliates, and also contains prebiotic complex that helps to support your skin barrier along with cica acid and licorice which helps to soothe and calm the skin but also at the same time along with cica acid helps to brighten the skin and improve uneven skin tone from acne. So great one if you struggle with acne, oiliness, and post-acne marks."
    All 2 takes from Dr. Jenny Liu
    Summer skincare routine | Tips from dermatologist, Dr. Jenny Liu
    "Great to layer under sunscreen. Ingredient wise it contains 0.5% salicylic acid that helps to target pores and congestion, gently exfoliates, and also contains prebiotic complex that helps to support your skin barrier along with cica acid and licorice which helps to soothe and calm the skin but also at the same time along with cica acid helps to brighten the skin and improve uneven skin tone from acne. So great one if you struggle with acne, oiliness, and post-acne marks."
    Dermatologist Ranks Favorite Cetaphil Products | Dr. Jenny Liu
    "It's a lightweight gel cream that's very fast absorbing but hydrating and doesn't feel sticky. I personally love this in the morning under sunscreen. I wouldn't say it's super mattifying, but it definitely is not sticky at all. It can be used by everyone. If you're acne-prone but have oily skin, I think this is a good moisturizer. For those with more dry skin, it's definitely hydrating, but depending on how dry and sensitive your skin is, you may find it's not supportive enough."
    208SkinDoc
    208SkinDoc
    2.11M subs
    ✓Yay
    "The Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer has a 0.5% salicylic acid, so it helps leave a matte finish on the skin, and it has ingredients to help remove excess oil and directly treat acne. It's okay to use in this routine [...] and should play well with your retinol. It's designed to be a lightweight moisturizer that doesn't sit too heavy on the skin."
    AY
    Abbey Yung
    887k subs
    ✓Yay
    "The texture of this is just to die for, I love a gel lotion but if there's something I love more than a gel lotion it's a gel cream with a tiny bit of creaminess to it. [...] I love this for a daytime moisturizer because [...] it's so lightweight but still has that bit of creaminess to provide the moisture I need all day long, very hydrating, works great under makeup."
    DS
    Dr. Sam Ellis
    902k subs
    ✓Yay
    "I think this is a wonderful product for those who have oily skin, are starting to see a little bit of increased skin texture or increased blackheads, but also have sensitive skin because it's formulated with all of those skin concerns in mind. Unlike any of the other moisturizers that I've discussed today, this one has salicylic acid and salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works within the pore to break up debris so it can really help with early acne and skin texture."
    D
    Doctorly
    3.59M subs
    ✓Yay
    "I think this is the best acne moisturizer out there or at least one up. It just feels good on the skin. Helps with oil control. I think it helps absorb oil as well. And then also has a little bit of licorice and kojic acid. I don't know the percentages in there, but that might in theory help with post-acne dark spots too. I just find this a very great compliment for people with acne-prone skin who are using other targeted acne treatments. It fits well into a routine. My patients seem to love it."
    Sponsored
    All 9 takes from Doctorly
    Best Moisturizers of the Year | Doctorly Favorites of 2025
    "I think this is the best acne moisturizer out there or at least one up. It just feels good on the skin. Helps with oil control. I think it helps absorb oil as well. And then also has a little bit of licorice and kojic acid. I don't know the percentages in there, but that might in theory help with post-acne dark spots too. I just find this a very great compliment for people with acne-prone skin who are using other targeted acne treatments. It fits well into a routine. My patients seem to love it."
    Skincare QnA and Chill
    "I love their mattifying acne moisturizer. No one talks about it, I feel like I'm the only person who's ever talked about it. [...] It's just not a product from talking with the brand they don't really try to push [...] it, people aren't really talking about the product much, but it's really good. One of the best mattifying moisturizers, especially for those with acne-prone skin, that I feel exists. It's like four or five years old now, so definitely worth trying."
    2023's BEST Products For Acne | Doctorly Reviews
    "This is the CeraVe Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment, my first and favorite moisturizer in this category. [...] It plays great, and it has some helpful ingredients for oil control. It also helps with post-acne dark spots. It has salicylic acid, and it also has kojic acid, so it's going to help with the acne. It's going to help a little bit with oil, and again, the dark spots are going to help lighten those up as your acne gets better too."
    Weekend SkinCare Live!
    "For someone with acne, Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer, [...] even though they never promote the product, I actually said to the Cetaphil team like this is my favorite product on camera and they're like can you pick another one and I was like no, this is my favorite. I love that moisturizer."
    Dermatologists' Most Underrated Skincare Brands of 2026
    "Cetaphil has a mattifying acne moisturizer with kojic acid and licorice to help with dark spots. It's excellent for acne skin."
    CeraVe Acne Control Gel vs. Cetaphil Acne Moisturizer
    "This is one of my favorite acne moisturizers ever of all time. It has an excellent vehicle that is extremely lightweight and fragrance free. It has treatments [...] for acne, but then it also helps with [...] post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation."
    The ULTIMATE Oily Skin Routine | Doctorly Routines
    "The Cetaphil Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment is [...] more dedicated toward acne-prone skin. It is amazingly hydrating for a lightweight moisturizer. Not only does it have salicylic acid, but it also has a couple of other ingredients that help target dark spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It's a great product and definitely gives you that matte finish."
    SIMPLE ACNE ROUTINE FROM A DERMATOLOGIST | Doctorly Routines
    "The Cetaphil Gentle Mattifying Acne Moisturizer is an option for acne-prone skin if you want a mattifying moisturizer."
    BEST MOISTURIZERS OF THE YEAR | DOCTORLY REVIEWS
    "The Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer is the standout. So much so that we dedicated half a video to it. [...] The salicylic acid is really doing that heavy lifting for the acne, and that mattifying component makes it really good for oily skin. For people with oily skin, that's actually pretty important to them. They spend a lot of time battling their oil control and the glossiness of their skin. Dewy skin is something they want less of."

    What the evidence says.

    Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.

    Salicylic acid

    Salicylic acid dissolves in oil, so it can get into a pore rather than just working on the surface. That is why it has long-standing evidence for blackheads and milder acne.

    Source: DermNet

    Humectants and emollients

    Ingredients like these draw water into the surface layers and slow how fast it leaves. The evidence is for comfort, softness and hydration rather than for changing the structure of the skin.

    Source: DermNet

    Frequently asked.

    What is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment?

    A lightweight, fragrance-free acne moisturizer with salicylic acid, designed to hydrate acne-prone skin while helping control shine and leave a matte finish.

    Is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment worth it?

    Yes. All 8 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 82%.

    What is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment's Guru Score?

    Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment holds a Guru Score of 82%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 8 expert reviewers we have collected.

    Who is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment best for?

    Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment is generally suited to oily skin and acne-prone skin.

    What is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment good for, according to the experts?

    In their reviews, experts say Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment is good for breakouts and acne (6 experts), excess oil and shine (5 experts), clogged or visible pores (3 experts), dark spots and post-acne marks (3 experts), skin barrier support (2 experts) and redness (1 expert).

    Is Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment good for breakouts and acne?

    6 experts who reviewed Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer Salicylic Acid Treatment say it is. Doctorly put it this way: “It's excellent for acne skin.”

    Similar products worth a look.

    Other products the same gurus have weighed in on, plus more from this brand and category.

    Compare side by side →

    Spotted something on this page that doesn't look right? Let us know.

    Share this score

    Add this badge to your blog or website. It links back to this page and updates itself when the experts change their minds. Free, no sign-up.

    Then paste it into your site's HTML or embed block.

    The Extract

    All of the week's hottest skincare news, delivered straight to your inbox. The viral products, the hot takes, and top tips from the experts.

    Sign me up