Forget what you've heard before now, people. An acne face wash is your best line of defence for breakouts – whether you're battling them on the daily or dealing with the occasional pulsing pimple.
A skin flare-up can happen for many reasons. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger a flare-up, a hefty helping of dairy can leave your chin lined with whiteheads or increased cortisol levels can exacerbate acne. But know that a good face wash for acne-prone skin can go a long way too.
But where to start? The beauty industry is saturated with products claiming to help blemish-prone skin overnight, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint when it comes to getting that perfect balance between too oily and too dry.
The best acne face washes to shop now
Best budget cleanser for acne
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
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How we test
Oh, where to start? When it comes to testing the best face washes for acne-prone skin, there are a lot of things to consider – but luckily (for you), we've dealt with our fair share of blemish breakouts and hormonal pimples so we can scout out the best ones in town.
First up, we've got the sensorial factor. Our top players feel soft and gentle on the skin and deeply cleanse without stripping or leaving a drying sensation. While it may sound obvious, our faves do exactly what they promise – cleanse! Each one does a stellar job at sloughing away makeup and daily grime without requiring much elbow grease.
Then – the biggie – the ingredients list. Finding the right cleanser to work on acne-prone skin requires the right formula to effectively wash the skin while reducing breakouts and acne – and the best ones can prevent future flare-ups too. Our edit contains formulas that are packed with acne-fighting heroes, like salicylic acid and niacinamide, as well as conditioning ingredients (read: ceramides) to keep the skin barrier happy.
Below, see the formulas that truly live up to the task and keep on scrollin' for the expert advice on EYNTK about face washes for acne. You can thank us later.
Pros
- Gently removes makeup and impurities
- Feels light and hydrating on the skin
- Contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to fight acne
Cons
- Can we get a bigger bottle, please?
Medik8 doesn’t mess around when it comes to busting blemishes: its Clarifying Foam can be found in many a beauty ed’s cupboard because it genuinely does bits.
The light and airy formula is packed with AHAs and BHAs to gently exfoliate and decongest pores, while niacinamide helps to reinforce your skin barrier and keep irritation at bay.
An elite option that will humble any pimple that gets a bit too big for its boots.
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores
- Simple formula makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin
- Affordable
- Reduces and prevents breakouts
Cons
- Some may want a more complex formula with additional actives
Find skincare ingredients an overwhelming, confusing beast? Then The Inkey List is flying to the rescue as its whole MO is about keeping things as simple as poss.
Take this cleanser. It's based around one key ingredient: salicylic acid. The chemical exfoliant is well-known for being an acne conqueror and has been given the seal of approval by Dr Ejikeme as a must-have in your routine if you're prone to breakouts.
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Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and prevent breakouts
- Boosted with ceramides to comfort the skin barrier
- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- It doesn't look cute in your mirror pics – sorry
A literal godsend for dry acne-prone skin, CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cleanser features our favourite friend salicylic acid but is boosted with hard-working hydrators hyaluronic acid and ceramides to ensure you're left supple, not stripped.
Not just for your face, feel free to slather this cleanser on your body to say toodaloo to bumps and breakouts too.
Pros
- Thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Manages oil production and exfoliates dead skin cells
Cons
- Some users have reported a purging phase before using it
When it comes to fighting acne, the Effaclar range is up there as one of the best known. The Purifying Foaming Gel has been specially formulated for oily skin, using some well known acne-fighting ingredients like zinc PCA to keep oiliness in check and citric acid to rid dead skin cells.
La Roche-Posay keeps its fragrances and ingredients to a minimum and steers well clear of parabens, so it's a goer even if you have sensitive skin.
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Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to tackle blemishes and green tea to reduce inflammation
- Does a stellar job at removing makeup and impurities without stripping
- Has a creamy formula that feels comforting to use
Cons
- It's a little expensive compared to others
In Murad we trust, right? As one of the OG dermatologist-founded brands, there are so many products we rely on to tackle a host of concerns. But for acne? We're looking right at the Clarifying Cream Cleanser.
The milky formula gently dissolved makeup and grime without stripping the skin of moisture, while powerhouse actives like salicylic acid clear out those pores and prevent future breakouts. It lathers lightly too, so you know you're giving your face a good ol' scrub.
Pros
- Gently removes makeup and oils without stripping
- Keeps the skin barrier hydrated and calm
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Not potent enough for those with deeper set acne
When fighting a battle with acne, it's not always about high-active formulas – your skin needs a break, too. This creamy and comfortable cleanser from No7 will purify your skin and remove daily grub while nourishing the delicate barrier.
Then, if you choose to, you've got a fresh canvas to apply your active ingredients. We know it's not the sexiest cleanser around, but you just can't argue with genuine results.
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Pros
- Velvety formula lightly lathers for a good ol' scrubbing
- Made with silver to prevent future breakouts while fighting existing ones
- Hydrating ingredients keep the skin barrier happy
Cons
- A more expensive player in this edit
Whether you deal with frequent breakouts or rouge pimples, 47 Skin is the brand to know about. Each formula contains its patented Silver Chitoderm – a powerful antibacterial ingredient that targets the cause of acne: bacteria.
Not only is this cleanser made with silver to stop and prevent acne, but it also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid which supports the skin barrier and increases hydration levels. Stay loyal to it and plump, smooth and clear skin will be yours.
Pros
- Formulated with kale, green tea, spinach, and vitamins to cleanse the skin
- Removes oil and impurities without stripping the skin
Cons
- The natural scent may not appeal to everyone
- Designed for gentle cleansing, as opposed to acne fighting
Youth to the People is a science-led beauty brand that considers the environment as much as your skin.
Using antioxidant-rich leafy greens to purify skin, it's also fully vegan friendly and cruelty free. If you're looking for an effective cleanser with a serious eco-conscience then this needs to be added to your skincare routine pronto.
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Pros
- Gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping
- Comes with a handy muslin cloth to remove oils and makeup
- Formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Another spenny player
- Doesn't contain any active ingredients to fight breakouts
An OG cleanser, nothing quite beats the feeling of a thick cream melting away makeup. This one from Liz Earle has one countless awards and draws on soothing ingredients like chamomile, rosemary and eucalyptus alongside hydrating cocoa butter to rebalance and even out skin.
For optimal exfoliation, use a muslin cloth and warm water. Your acne will wonder what's hit it.
StriVectin Gentle Daily Clarifying Cleanser
Now 15% Off
£21.25 at Boots£18.47 at Amazon£25 at LookFantastic
Pros
- Brimming with BHAs and zinc to unclog pores and fight acne
- Infused with green tea to reduce inflammation
- Lightly lathers to remove makeup and excess oils
Cons
- Some may prefer a creamier formula as opposed to a gel
StriVectin's Gentle Daily Clarifying Cleanser is a lightly lathering face wash that removes makeup and gently cleanses the skin, but works exceptionally hard to prevent upcoming breakouts, too.
How's this all possible? It's all thanks to ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and green tea extract that promote a clearer complexion while ensuring irritation stays away. That's right, this is one cleanser that knows how to show off.
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Pros
- Formula maintains the skin's pH balance for a hydrated and irritation-free barrier
- Gently removes dirt and makeup while keeping the skin hydrated
- Suitable for those with sensitive skin
Cons
- It doesn't contain active ingredients to fight acne
A total classic, we've been recommending this cleanser to anyone who will listen for years now.
It's a solid choice for all skin types, but the acne-prone will love that it's pH-balanced, meaning it'll leave your skin barrier exactly as it wants to be: balanced, hydrated and clean.
Pros
- Comes in a massive 500ml bottle
- Formulated with the right ingredients to tackle body acne
- Lightly lathers and still feels conditioning
Cons
- It doesn't have much of a scent, where some may prefer a fragranced body wash
Breakouts on your face suck, but you know what’s also a real nuisance? Bacne.
As those who have an acne-prone complexion are also more likely to experience bacne, we’d suggest keeping this clarifying body wash in your shower cubby too.
Packed with salicylic acid, glycerin and olive fruit oil, it’ll gently resurface without the risk of stripping your skin and disrupting your moisture barrier.
What’s more, the chunky bottle will keep you going for months so it’s great value for money too.
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Acnecide Face Wash
£9.89 at Amazon£9.99 at LookFantastic£10.99 at Boots
Pros
- Contains benzoyl peroxide, a potent active know to fight breakouts
- Deeply cleanses pores and removes build-up
Cons
- May be too intense for those with sensitive skin
- The packaging ain't cute
If you're breakout-prone, one of the best ingredients you can use to kill acne-causing bacteria is benzoyl peroxide. The Acnecide Face Wash contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to treat mild and reoccurring breakouts effectively and it's one of the most affordable out there too.
Just be warned that this key ingredient can stain things like towels and pillowcases to be sure to use old (but clean!) ones whilst this face wash is in your skincare routine.
Pros
- Regulates oil production and reduces shine
- Removes makeup and oils without stripping the skin
- Contains Thermal Spring Water to keep the skin barrier calm and hydrated
Cons
- Those with sensitive skin may not like the strong fragrance
Not only is Avène's Cleanance Cleansing Gel great for use on the face, but it's also safe to use on the body. Whether your skin is feeling extra sensitive or you've got some irritation, the formula helps to soothe and reduce redness, without stripping the skin.
The formula also contains Avène's soothing thermal spring water which has been used for over 270 years to care for sensitive skin.
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Pros
- Formulated with the right ingredients to clear up acne and keep the skin barrier content
- Effectively cleanses without stripping or drying out the skin
Cons
- Can we pls get a bigger tube?
Caudalie's vinopure range is great for stressed-out and blemish-prone skin. Some of our favourite products in the range include the salicylic spot solution, the blemish control salicylic acid serum and last but by no means least, the purifying gel cleanser.
The rich gel texture lathers gently into the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of breakouts and excess oil. It truly is one of our favourite products to reach for when stressed-out skin strikes.
What causes acne?
As with a lot of things to do with our body, acne can easily get out of our control. Dr Ejikeme, Founder and Medical Director of Adonia Medical Clinic, explains: “Acne is primarily driven by genetics, but there are environmental aspects that can precipitate or aggravate it.”
What could you be doing wrong when it comes to your skin? Turns out, quite a bit: “Using occlusive oils, over-exfoliation, stress, poor sleep, high sugar diets can all contribute. When spots do occur, touching and squeezing them can make things worse, too” says Dr Ejikeme.
And while we love all the skin transformation videos that creep up on our social media, remember it takes time and a lot of dedication to replenish the skin's delicate barrier, so don't expect results overnight.
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Can cleansers make acne worse?
Cleansing is a vital part of any skincare regime but overdoing it – especially with exfoliating acids – is going to cause more problems than it solves.
“Cleansers are very important, as effectively cleansing the skin can ensure make-up, sunscreen, sweat, pollution and debris are removed from the skin, reducing the risk of these leading to inflammation or occlusion of a pore,” says Dr Ejikeme.
Although acids can aid us in our journey to flawless skin, it’s important to pick the right one and at the right percentage. Dr Ejikeme’s favourite? “Salicylic acid is a key ingredient for acne. Choose a cleanser containing around 2% salicylic acid and use it throughout the week."
There’s also a skincare myth out there that if you’re prone to oiliness, you should cleanse more often than your dry-skinned friends, but that’s simply not the case. “Acne is not caused by unclean skin. If you have acne-prone skin you should cleanse just as much as everyone else: that's twice a day for 30 seconds,” confirms Dr Ejikeme.
BTW, our Beauty Special dedicated to skincare is on newsstands on the 27th of August. Don’t miss your chance to grab our beauty bible full of skincare tips and product recs for now to keep forever.