For blemish-prone skin, a great skin-care regimen starts with one of the best face washes for acne. After all, everyone, regardless of their skin type or concerns, needs a good cleanser as the cornerstone of their skin-care routine. But we get that finding a proper face cleanser for targeting whiteheads, cystic acne, and blemishes, so we (and our board-certified dermatologist friends) are here to assist. Acne-prone skin, in particular, should laser-set on a cleanser that unclogs pores, gently exfoliates, and doesn’t exacerbate existing acne.
Expert Advice
Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, has a vital guideline. She always recommends gentle cleansers over harsh soaps — especially those with physical exfoliants — to clear the skin of dirt and excess oil. Don’t aggressively rub, scrub, or over-cleanse either (twice a day, morning and night, is perfectly fine) to avoid worsening your skin’s condition and encouraging scarring.
Dr. Chang tells us to look out for two powerhouse ingredients: salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that “goes deep into the pores to clear them from excess oil and dirt,” benzoyl peroxide, which guards against inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Milder ingredients include tea tree oil or green tea, providing skin-soothing benefits.
David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, keeps it honest regarding face washes marketed toward acne-prone skin. Cleansers are naturally washed-off, so while helpful, they’re not an essential aspect of an acne-targeted routine as a more intensive spot treatment.
As someone who personally went through two rounds of Accutane, Dr. Kim strongly believes that a patient on a good prescription topical or systemic regime can use any cleanser, including those that are not specifically designed for acne. But he adds, “If a patient has very mild acne and is only using over-the-counter (OTC) topicals, adding an acne-specific cleanser can be helpful.”
Follow-up Tips
Always apply any acne medications immediately after cleansing to allow the active ingredients to work their magic, which Dr. Chang says can take up to six to 12 weeks of continued daily use. And never forgo moisturizing. Rather than clogging your pores, a lightweight cream will ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected, especially if you’re using a drying topical medication. Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends avoiding layering retinoids, as well as products that contain fragrance and/or alcohol, on top of acid-laced cleansers — because these pairings can lead to dryness and irritation.
8 Best Face Washes for Acne-Prone Skin
With the help of the aforementioned dermatologists, we rounded up 8 of the most effective cleansers for acne-prone skin that’ll help prevent future breakouts and won’t further irritate your skin. Gently rub, rinse, and repeat with these intensive acne cleansers to unclog inflamed zits and easily balance oil production.
1. Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Clean Soothing Cleansing Lotion
New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, praises the Eau Thermale Avène Antirougeurs Clean Soothing Cleansing Lotion for its ability to soothe inflammation and redness while gently cleansing the skin. The formula contains Ruscus extract, which boosts microcirculation, and dextran sulfate, a potent anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce redness and irritation. This gentle lotion is perfect for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin.
2. Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
The Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a gentle, low-pH cleanser that helps balance your skin’s natural pH while removing excess oil and impurities. Enriched with tea tree oil, this formula is excellent for soothing acne-prone skin without over-drying or causing irritation. This lightweight gel cleanser is perfect for daily use and refreshes and purifies your skin.
3. Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser is a powerful yet gentle formula that deep-cleans pores to remove dirt, oil, and acne-causing impurities. The formula contains natural charcoal and salicylic acid, which work together to combat acne and prevent future breakouts. Ideal for oily and combination skin types, this cleanser will leave your skin feeling refreshed and clean without causing excessive dryness.
4. Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser
Clean & Clear’s Continuous Control Acne Cleanser is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin with 10% benzoyl peroxide, a potent acne-fighting ingredient. This daily cleanser helps to eliminate existing acne and prevent new breakouts while providing a deep, thorough cleanse. The creamy formula is suitable for everyday use and works well with other acne treatments in your skincare routine.
5. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is a gentle, fragrance-free option for acne-prone skin. With 4% benzoyl peroxide, this cleanser helps to eliminate acne-causing bacteria while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The cleanser also contains ceramides, which help to maintain and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, and niacinamide, which helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.
6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is a dermatologist-tested, medicated formula to fight acne with 2% salicylic acid. This gentle gel cleanser removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup while maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance. The cleanser also contains Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA), which gently exfoliates the skin and helps to unclog pores.
7. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is a classic, tried-and-true cleanser for acne-prone skin. The formula contains 2% salicylic acid to help clear and prevent breakouts while gently exfoliating the skin. This oil-free, non-comedogenic cleanser also contains aloe and chamomile to soothe and calm irritated skin. It’s an affordable, effective option for daily use.
8. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash
Dermalogica’s Clearing Skin Wash is a foaming cleanser designed to help clear and prevent breakouts. The formula contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and soothing botanicals such as eucalyptus and menthol, which provide a cooling sensation and help reduce inflammation. This cleanser is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean without stripping it of its natural oils.
9. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Looking for an affordable cleanser that genuinely delivers results? The PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash is the answer. This potent formulation contains a substantial 10-percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide, which eliminates acne-causing bacteria on contact.
10. Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser
Dr. Green is also fond of Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, a facial wash that gently unclogs pores without stripping the skin of its natural oils. This skincare product contains a blend of gentle surfactants for cleansing without irritation. In addition to its cleansing properties, this face wash softens the skin and retains moisture with glycerin. Dr. Green recommends it for individuals with oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types.
11. Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Differin, the first prescription acne medication approved by the FDA for over-the-counter use, remains reliable and accessible. The Daily Deep Cleanser is affordable and highly effective at keeping acne at bay.
The formula contains 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, which Dr. Chang says is a maximum-strength dose that is “gentle and generally well-tolerated.” She also highlights that benzoyl peroxide has been proven in studies to reduce inflammation and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. Be sure to rinse off the cleanser to avoid staining your towels thoroughly.
12. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
If you’re using a topical or oral medication your dermatologist prescribes, Dr. Kim emphasizes that a cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may not be necessary. “Sometimes all you need is a good gentle cleanser,” he says. Vanicream’s Gentle Facial Cleanser contains calming glycerin and excludes artificial fragrances and colors, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
13. Hero Cosmetics Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser
Hero Cosmetics, known for its award-winning pimple patches, has also developed an acne-fighting cleanser that has won our hearts. The Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser is a fragrance-free jelly-to-foam formula with beneficial ingredients. Glycolic and mandelic acids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), dissolve dead skin upon contact, while willow bark extract gently resurfaces. Pineapple and yuzu fruit extracts also provide enzymes for chemical exfoliation and pore unclogging.
14. SkinFix Barrier+ Foaming Clay Cleanser
SkinFix’s Barrier+ Foaming Clay Cleanser is highly regarded by Dr. Mariwalla. Its clay-to-foam texture includes sulfate-free coconut cleansers and two types of clay — Brazilian kaolin and Canadian glacial — for gentle exfoliation. Dr. Mariwalla says it rinses off easily despite its clay content, leaving the skin feeling clean but not tight.
15. The Klog Double Action Exfoliating Cleanser
Don’t be deceived by The Klog’s Double Action Exfoliating Cleanser’s gentle gel-to-cream formula. It provides a cooling and soothing sensation, particularly effective against acne-causing bacteria, thanks to the combination of lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acids. These exfoliating agents work together to remove pore-clogging dirt and excess oil.
16. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Many people have tried Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash at some point. This drugstore favorite contains salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliant renowned for minimizing breakouts.
17. Rosen Earth Cleanser
Rosen’s Earth Cleanser boasts a concise ingredient list with no unnecessary fillers
This creamy, slightly foaming wash combines the pore-clearing properties of Fuller’s earth clay, zinc oxide (which dermatologists say can benefit those with red, inflamed papules), and antibacterial eucalyptus oil to keep breakouts at bay. Additionally, niacinamide reduces inflammation and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.
18. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is a popular choice for acne-prone skin, as it contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, an effective ingredient for targeting acne-causing bacteria. The cleanser is also formulated with ceramides, which help to restore the skin’s natural barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which provides hydration. This combination makes it an excellent choice for those looking to treat and prevent acne without over-drying the skin.
19. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser is another highly recommended product for acne-prone skin. With 2% salicylic acid, it works to unclog pores and remove excess oil. The cleanser also contains lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) for gentle exfoliation and glycerin to provide hydration. Its dermatologist-tested formula is well-suited for sensitive skin.
20. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser is a gentle yet effective option for acne-prone skin. This fragrance-free and non-irritating formula uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce acne-causing bacteria. It also contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile extracts to calm and hydrate the skin. The cleanser’s balanced formula is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile choice for managing acne.
How to Choose the Best Face Wash for Your Skin
When selecting the best face wash for acne-prone skin, consider these tips:
- Identify your skin type: Determine if your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. This will help you choose a cleanser catering to your needs and concerns.
- Check the ingredients: Look for acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, or green tea extract. Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, and alcohol that may cause irritation or dryness.
- Read reviews: Research customer reviews to discover what has worked for others with similar skin concerns.
- Consult a dermatologist: If you’re unsure about which face wash to choose, seek advice from a board-certified dermatologist who can guide you in making the best decision for your skin.
With numerous options available for acne-fighting cleansers, finding a product that best suits your skin type and concerns is essential. Consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure which product is right for you, and remember that consistency is vital in any skincare routine. Use your chosen acne-fighting cleanser regularly, and you’ll be on your way to clearer, healthier skin.
