SA Smoothing Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin
A Salicylic Acid Cream for Dry, Rough & Bumpy Skin 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES
Formulated to effectively exfoliate dry, rough & bumpy feeling skin.
The SA Smoothing Cream gently exfoliates bumps and dry patches without compromising the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream also contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides.
This smoothing cream targets dry and rough skin, and is also suitable for Keratosis Pillaris (chicken skin), a condition that results in red bumps on the face and body, usually on the upper arms and thighs.
Dead cells build up on the skin surface and create clogged pores and dry patches. The most common types of chemical exfoliates to remove bump skin and Keratosis Pillaris are Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream contains both salicylic acid which is a BHA, and also Lactic Acid which is an AHA. Additionally the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream contains Urea which also exfoliates and stimulates cell renewal. This exfoliating cream provides skin smoothing properties. Consistent use helps the skin to feel soft and smooth.
Skin Type
Suitable for very dry, rough or bumpy skin. Also suitable for skin prone to Keratosis Piliaris.
Alleviate rough and bumpy skin texture with this fast-absorbing, non-greasy, hydrating smoothing cream. It also features moisturising MultiVesicular Technology [MVE] to maintain hydration levels in the skin for 24 hours.
▪ Micro beads free (no physical exfoliants)
▪ Fragrance-free
▪ Non-irritating
▪ Non comedogenic.
Recommended use in conjunction with CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser.
Check out the salicylic acid FAQs to learn more about this ingredient.
INGREDIENTS – 2021557 11 - AQUA / WATER, UREA, CETYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, NIACINAMIDE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER, GLYCERIN, PEG-100 STEARATE, C12-13 ALKYL LACTATE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, DIMETHICONE, TRIACETIN, CERAMIDE NP, CERAMIDE AP, CERAMIDE EOP, CARBOMER, SODIUM LACTATE, SALICYLIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CHOLESTEROL, PHENOXYETHANOL, DISODIUM EDTA, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN (F.I.L. Z292284/1)
Please be aware that ingredient lists for the products of our brand are updated regularly. Please refer to the ingredient list on your product package for the most up-to-date list of ingredients to ensure it is suitable for your personal use.
- Gently exfoliates, softens, and smoothes extremely dry, rough, and bumpy skin
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-greasy
- MultiVesicular Technology [MVE] to maintain hydration levels in the skin
- Micro beads free (no physical exfoliants)
- Fragrance-free
- Non-irritating
- Non comedogenic
- Apply liberally as often as needed.
- Avoid eye area. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
The SA smoothing cream is recommended for use on the body for effective smoothing action. It is formulated with rich, active ingredients and in concentrations which are specifically suited to the skin of the body. If you are considering a facial product we recommend the CeraVe Facial Moisturiser which lightweight and non-comedogenic.
Product Features & Benefits
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MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for all day hydration -
Urea
Helps attract and retain moisture -
Salicylic Acid
Exfoiliates and softens to smooth rough skin
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream do?
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream is a body moisturiser formulated to gently exfoliate, soften, and smooth extremely dry, rough, and bumpy skin. It works by combining salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA) and lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA) to promote the skin's natural exfoliation process, helping to break down the build-up of dead skin cells that causes rough texture and visible bumps. The formula also contains urea, which provides additional exfoliating and moisturising action by attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid work alongside MVE (MultiVesicular Emulsion) Delivery Technology to maintain hydration levels for up to 24 hours, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable. -
Who should use CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream?
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream is specifically designed for very dry, rough, or bumpy skin, and is particularly beneficial for those with Keratosis Pilaris — a common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, often referred to as "chicken skin". It is also a good choice for anyone experiencing generalised dry, textured skin on the body, including scaly or flaky patches. The formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and non-irritating, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Note that this product is formulated for body use; those seeking a facial moisturiser are better served by a product specifically designed for the face, such as CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion. -
What are the key ingredients in CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream?
The formula contains several active and skin-supporting ingredients working together. Salicylic acid (a BHA) and lactic acid (an AHA) promote the skin's natural exfoliation process to help clear dead skin cells and smooth rough, bumpy texture. Urea is a multifunctional ingredient that both exfoliates and acts as a humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Three essential ceramides (ceramide NP, ceramide AP, and ceramide EOP) help restore and maintain the skin's protective moisture barrier, while sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) supports hydration. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps to calm the skin. MVE Delivery Technology ensures that moisturising ingredients are released continuously for sustained hydration throughout the day. The product is free from added fragrance and physical exfoliants (micro bead free). -
What is Keratosis Pilaris, and can CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream help?
Keratosis Pilaris (sometimes called "chicken skin") is a very common and harmless skin condition in which dead skin cells build up in the hair follicles, creating small, rough bumps — most commonly on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. The bumps can sometimes appear reddish or skin-coloured and are often accompanied by dry, rough-feeling skin. Chemical exfoliants such as salicylic acid (BHA) and lactic acid (AHA) are often recommended to help manage Keratosis Pilaris, as they work to dissolve the build-up of dead cells and smooth the skin's surface without the irritation that physical scrubs can cause. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream contains both of these exfoliating acids, as well as urea, making it a well-suited option for those looking to improve the appearance and texture of Keratosis Pilaris-prone skin over time with consistent use. -
Can I use CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream on my face?
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream is formulated specifically for use on the body. It contains active ingredients including salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea in concentrations suited to body skin, which is generally thicker and more resilient than facial skin. For the face, CeraVe offers a range of facial moisturisers designed for facial skin's specific needs, such as CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion AM (with SPF) or CeraVe Moisturising Lotion. If you are looking for a facial product with salicylic acid, consider CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser or CeraVe Blemish Clay-to-Foam Cleanser instead, both of which are formulated specifically for facial use. -
How often should I use CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream?
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream can be applied liberally as often as needed. For most people, applying it once or twice daily to affected areas will deliver visible improvements in skin texture over time. For best results on rough or bumpy skin, apply it to clean, dry skin and allow it to absorb fully. Because the formula contains alpha-hydroxy acid (lactic acid), it may increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. It is important to apply sunscreen to any treated areas that will be exposed to the sun, and to limit prolonged sun exposure while using this product. Consistent use over several weeks is typically needed to see meaningful improvements in Keratosis Pilaris or persistently rough skin. -
What is the difference between CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream and CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser?
Both products contain salicylic acid and are designed to work together on rough, bumpy skin, but they serve different steps in a skincare routine. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is a rinse-off cleanser used in the shower or bath to cleanse the skin while delivering initial exfoliating action. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream is a leave-on moisturiser that provides deeper and more sustained exfoliation and hydration throughout the day. Using both together as part of a consistent routine — cleansing first, then applying the cream — can deliver more thorough results for those with dry, bumpy, or Keratosis Pilaris-prone skin. CeraVe recommends using the SA Smoothing Cream in conjunction with CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser for best results. -
Is CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
This product contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea. While the concentrations used in topical over-the-counter skincare products are generally considered low-risk, salicylic acid in particular is an ingredient that some healthcare providers recommend limiting during pregnancy, especially in high concentrations or over large areas of the body. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or midwife before using products containing active exfoliating ingredients to confirm they are appropriate for your individual circumstances.