CeraVe
CeraVe BHA Exfoliating Toner
A 2% salicylic acid liquid-gel toner with niacinamide and ceramides for acne-prone skin, texture, pores and redness; fragrance- and oil-free.
- Salicylic acid 2%
- Marketed as fragrance free
- oily skin
- dry skin
- combination skin
- sensitive skin
- normal skin
Who it's for: All skin types (brand-listed) · Sold as fragrance free
- No scent flags recorded
- No sensitivity flags recorded
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Label answers before you buy
Manufacturer source · Label checked . Label facts only, not testing or medical advice: what these answers can't tell you.
Is CeraVe BHA Exfoliating Toner fragrance-free?
The brand markets it as fragrance free. The ingredient list hasn't been reviewed as a complete formula, so we can't confirm it has no scent ingredients.
Is CeraVe BHA Exfoliating Toner suitable for all skin types?
The brand lists it for all skin types. It is sold as fragrance free.
Does the formula list niacinamide?
Yes. The label lists Niacinamide.
Ingredient-origin notes (not vegan warnings)
- Glycerin: The name does not establish the feedstock. Plant, animal or synthetic sourcing requires supplier or manufacturer evidence. Origin reference
Ingredient-origin reference and limitations · How we record vegan evidence
Compare products using these exclusions · Inspect recorded ingredients · Matching rules and limits
How it compares
- Its label lists no scent ingredients, which is true of 15 of the 22 products in Dermatological Acne & Chemical Exfoliating Liquids with a recorded ingredient list.
Compare the facts that matter to you
2% Salicylic acid: Manufacturer-stated named active; percentage basis not independently measured. Compare exact forms and stated percentages.
What it is
CeraVe BHA Exfoliating Toner is a salicylic acid toner made for acne-prone skin. CeraVe says it suits oily, dry and sensitive skin too.
Key ingredients
- Salicylic acid 2%: Exfoliates inside pores to smooth texture.
- Niacinamide: CeraVe says it may help calm skin and reduce water loss.
- Ceramides (NP, AP and EOP): CeraVe says they help restore the skin’s natural barrier and keep moisture in.
How to use
After cleansing, swipe over the face with a cotton pad, then moisturize. Start once a day; go up to two or three times only if needed.
Who should be careful
Salicylic acid can dry skin, especially with other acne products. Cut back if you get dry or flaky.
What the brand claims
In a CeraVe consumer study of 86 people using it once a day, 91% said texture looked smoother instantly and 90% said redness looked reduced after one week.
Sources
- https://www.cerave.com/skincare/cleansers/bha-exfoliating-toner (checked 2026-10-23)
We have not tested this product.
What's on the label
| Category | Dermatological Acne & Chemical Exfoliating Liquids |
|---|---|
| Brand | CeraVe |
| Active ingredient | Salicylic acid 2% |
| Form | Liquid-gel toner, applied with a cotton pad |
| When to use | Start once daily |
| Free from | CeraVe says fragrance and oil free |
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid 2% |
| Brand says it suits | oily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal skin |
| Fragrance | Sold as fragrance free |
| Vegan evidence | Vegan status not confirmed. Evidence and limits |
| Worth knowing | No scent or sensitivity flags recorded |
| Full ingredient list | Water, Pentylene Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Glycolipids, Niacinamide, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Phosphate, Cholesterol, Disodium Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 60, Benzoic Acid No specific flag recorded Context matters Scent ingredient Sensitivity consideration Linked ingredients are explained in our ingredient glossary. |
| Source | Brand's own product page Checked |
Similar dermatological acne & chemical exfoliating liquids
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Glycolic and lactic acid 5% · oily, dry, combination, sensitive, normal skin · no scent flags recorded
Laneige Water Bank Aqua Facial
AHA, BHA, PHA, niacinamide, ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid · normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive skin · no scent flags recorded
CeraVe Acne Control Gel
Salicylic acid 2% · oily skin · no scent flags recorded
COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
Glycolic Acid (AHA) + Betaine Salicylate (BHA) · no scent flags recorded
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Side-by-side comparisons
Common questions
What is the active ingredient?
Salicylic acid at 2%.
How often should I use it?
Start once a day.



