We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Vetted
Adam Hurly Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
Forbes Vetted
The best face washes for acne work for various complexion types, since anyone can be prone to blemishes, whether dry or oily. Depending on the formula, these cleansers tackle mild, chronic or clinical breakouts (like cystic versions and pustules). After careful consideration, we named the CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser the best face wash for acne overall, while the Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleansing Balm is our top choice for hormonal acne.
When finding the right product to add to your daily routine, consider things like your skin type and the product’s consistency and key ingredients. (And for moderate to severe conditions, first consult a doctor, says dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky.) We spoke with Zubritsky about the key elements of acne cleansers and which ingredients to look out for—as well as which ones to avoid—based on your skin type or concerns. Here’s our list of the most hardworking face washes for acne as well as expert tips on choosing the best formula for your skin.
Best Acne Face Wash Overall: CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne: Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleansing Balm
Best Face Wash For Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Best Acne Face Wash For Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
Best Face Wash For Chronic Acne: Replenix 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash
Best Acne Face Wash For Dry Skin: Versed Keep The Peace Cream Cleanser
Best Salicylic Acid Face Wash For Acne: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
Best Foaming Face Wash For Acne: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Facial Cleanser
Best Exfoliating Face Wash For Acne: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
Best Acne Face Wash Overall
A Top Pick That's Strong On Acne Yet Gentle On Skin
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
Skin type: All | Consistency: Gel | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, hectorite clay, niacinamide
This top pick in the category is both our and Zubritsky’s favorite. “This CeraVe cleanser treats, cleanses and hydrates acne-prone skin while preventing future breakouts,” she says. “It contains 2% salicylic acid and hectorite clay to absorb excess oil, along with three essential ceramides and niacinamide to restore and soothe the complexion.” Plus, hyaluronic acid hydrates, and the product is oh-so-gentle on all skin types. On top of all that, the price is a steal compared to most other options.
Best for:
- All skin types
- Acne prevention
- Those who need a gentle formula
Skip if:
- You need a higher concentration of active ingredients
Target Promo Codes | 25% Off In April 2024
Best Face Wash For Hormonal Acne
An Option That Feeds Good Bacteria And Fights Bad Bacteria
Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleansing Balm
Skin type: Oily | Consistency: Gel | Key ingredients: Pre/probiotics, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid
Dr. Barbara Sturm is the name in luxury skincare and the brand recently launched an entire line targeting hormonal skin. This cleanser, like the rest of her Microbiome line, utilizes pre and probiotics to feed the beneficial bacteria in your dermis. This in turn removes the bad bacteria and helps mitigate those pesky (often stress-induced) breakouts.
Note that this formula does contain three types of oil, which might seem counterproductive. However, sunflower seed oil has a comedogenic rating of zero, meaning it won’t clog pores; instead, it will attract moisture and help nourish your skin, preventing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. And while the other two oils, almond and rice germ, have a low (two) rating, we still love this cleanser for individuals whose acne is rooted in hormonal outbreaks rather than standstill, everyday issues. For the record, if it’s the latter problem you have, then avoid comedogenic oils at all costs.
Best for:
- Balancing skin’s oil levels
- Long-term maintenance
Skip if:
- Your acne is bacterial, not hormonal
Best Face Wash For Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
A Gentle Favorite For Irritated Skin
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Skin type: Dry, sensitive | Consistency: Cream | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides
This second CeraVe pick of the bunch is another one that works for all types. (If you want one cleanser for the whole family or your roommates, then here you go.) It has the brand’s signature blend of skin-fortifying ceramides as well as moisture-binding hyaluronic acid. If you want to test a more active formula, then try the CeraVe product at the top of this list since it also contains salicylic acid. If you find, though, that your skin doesn’t tolerate the ingredient, stick with this.
Best for:
- Easily irritated skin
- Mild acne
- Adding hydration
Skip if:
- Your acne is moderate or severe
Best Acne Face Wash For Oily Skin
A Foaming Cleanser That Reduces Oil
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
Skin type: Oily, combination | Consistency: Gel | Key ingredients: Zinc pidolate
La Roche-Posay’s gel formula is formulated with zinc to help neutralize the “bad” bacteria in skin that proliferate acne. In the process, it also balances sebum production to prevent future clogged pores. While it lacks salicylic acid (the key ingredient throughout this roster), it’s a terrific option for people with oily skin who aren’t battling routine blemishes and instead want to prevent those one-off pesky pimples.
Best for:
- Balancing oily skin
- Pimple prevention
- Daily maintenance
Skip if:
- You need a formula with salicylic acid
- You have dry skin
Best Face Wash For Chronic Acne
A Cleanser With Maximum Benzoyl Peroxide
Replenix 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Wash
Skin type: All | Consistency: Cream | Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide
Here’s where benzoyl peroxide comes into play. Any mild and chronic cases of acne should see a board-certified dermatologist, says Zubritsky. That doctor will be able to advise you on whether or not to try a benzoyl-based cleanser like Replenix’s. The brand offers 5% and 10% formulas, and the higher percentage one targets the most severe cases. It’s worth noting that benzoyl peroxide can stain towels and pillowcases, so it’s best to use white fabrics after patting down skin and ensuring that your face is fully rinsed and dried before getting dressed or going to bed.
Best f0r:
- Providing a high concentration of active ingredients
- Cases where benzoyl peroxide has been recommended by a doctor
Skip if:
- You only get occasional acne flare-ups
Best Acne Face Wash For Dry Skin
A Creamy Formula That Soothes And Hydrates
Versed Keep The Peace Cream Cleanser
Skin type: Normal, dry | Consistency: Cream | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, blue tansy, apple fruit extract
When you have acne-prone, dry skin, finding a formula with hydrating ingredients is of the utmost importance. This low-concentration cleanser from Versed contains 1.5% salicylic acid and apple fruit extract, both of which lightly exfoliate without stripping down skin. Antioxidant-rich blue tansy (which gives this product its cool hue) helps to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Best for:
- Long-lasting hydration
- Gentle exfoliation
Skip if:
- You have moderate or severe acne
- You have oily skin
Best Salicylic Acid Face Wash For Acne
A Blackhead Buster That Keeps Skin Clear
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
Skin type: Oily, combination, normal | Consistency: Gel | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid
Here’s a salicylic acid face wash that’s not only effective at treating acne, but also at clearing away dirt, oil and makeup. It pairs two types of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to exfoliate dead cells, unclog pores and balance sebum levels to prevent future breakouts. It tingles on contact and is also our top face wash for oily skin pick, overall.
Best for:
- Oily and combination skin
- Unclogging pores
- Deep cleansing
Skip if:
- Your skin is sensitive to AHAs
Best Foaming Face Wash For Acne
A Gently Exfoliating Wash You Can Use Daily
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Facial Cleanser
Skin type: Normal, combination, oily | Consistency: Cream | Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, botanical enzymes
This creamy face wash from Kate Somerville lathers into a luxurious foam as you apply it to your face, clearing away debris without stripping your skin of its natural oils. A combination of glycolic and lactic acids gently slough away dead cells, while papaya, pineapple and pumpkin enzymes help to further enhance the exfoliation process. It’s also great for clearing pores—we named this formula the top cleanser on our list of the best blackhead removers,
Best for:
- Gentle exfoliation
- Daily maintenance
- Refining skin texture
Skip if:
- You prefer a non-foaming formula
- You have dry skin
Best Exfoliating Face Wash For Acne
A Great Cleanser For Glowing Skin
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
Skin type: Oily, combination | Consistency: Gel | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid
LHA, or lipo-hydroxy acid, is a form of salicylic acid that gently exfoliates skin. This recipe marries LHA with glycolic acid to lift dead surface cells and unclog pores. Since it’s an effective face exfoliator, it’s better targeted to oily and combination skin types; drier and sensitive complexions should refer to the pick by Dr. Dennis Gross, above.
Best for:
- Oily skin
- Unclogging pores
- Refining skin texture
Skip if:
- You have dry or sensitive skin
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- The Forbes Vetted team takes choosing skincare products seriously, which is evident from our dozens of well-researched roundups ranging from the best face sunscreens to moisturizers for oily skin.
- This article was written by Adam Hurly, a regular contributor with extensive experience covering grooming and personal care.
- To gain more insight into what to look for in a face wash for acne-prone skin, we consulted expert dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky of Premier Dermatology And Skin Cancer Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
- The publishing of this piece (and its iterations) is overseen by Forbes Vetted’s deputy editor Jane Sung, who has over a decade of beauty industry experience.
- This roundup is regularly updated to give you access to the very best products (and prices). In its February 2024 update, spearheaded by beauty writer Claire Epting, we added face washes from Kate Somerville and Versed.
How We Chose The Best Face Washes For Acne
- We considered each product’s key ingredients, highlighting formulas that are specially designed to target breakouts based on Zubritsky’s advice.
- We included picks for all skin types, including oily, dry, sensitive or a combination of the three.
- We pored over tons of customer ratings, only singling out products that scored at least 4 out of 5 stars on average.
- Price was taken into account; we’ve included both splurge-worthy face cleansers as well as budget-friendly staples.
What To Consider In Face Washes For Acne
A great cleanser is the first step in caring for acne-prone skin. “Finding the right facial cleanser is important ensure your skin health is being maintained, and also to treat acne and help prevent future breakouts,” says Zubritsky. Here are her tips on choosing the right face wash based on your own personal situation and variables.
Skin Type
Most products will outline which skin types they’re made for on their label or website. In other words, look for the brand’s own indication of whether a product is for oily, combination, normal, dry or sensitive skin. Some will be listed as being for “all skin types,” which is another way of saying it has been engineered for even the most sensitive and acne-prone complexions. If you see a product labeled for dry skin but you’re oily (or vice versa), that’s where you’ll want to take note. Oily types should avoid oil-based products and other comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients.
Ingredients
Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are the two most touted ingredients when targeting acne. The latter is more for clinical or chronic cases, and should often be accompanied by advice from a board-certified dermatologist. “Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent that targets acne-causing bacteria on skin and is a great option for treating all types of acne, specifically cystic acne or pustules,” Zubritsky says. “Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that helps dissolve excess oil and sebum and is a go-to for treating blackheads and whiteheads.”
Zubritsky adds that both of these ingredients are naturally drying, however, and can even be irritating to drier and sensitive types. And for that reason, it’s smart to either find a formula that contains hydrating ingredients or quickly follow up with a nourishing face moisturizer or serum. “I recommend pairing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide with ingredients like niacinamide or ceramides,” she says. “These ingredients hydrate the skin, reduce redness, repair the barrier and reduce inflammation, all of which is beneficial to acne-prone skin.” Ditto for hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that attracts moisture and traps it within the skin.
Formula
Acne face washes come in the form of gels, creams or clays, and a good portion of these turn into a foaming solution when applied. The key is to avoid anything too drying, which will strip the skin of the moisture it needs. “Contrary to what most people think, acne-prone complexions still need a moisturizer, as even oily skin can get dehydrated,” Zubritsky says. It’s best to avoid oil-based cleansers if your pores clog easily, as these products may trigger breakouts and acne flare-ups.
Adam Hurly
- Editorial Standards
- Forbes Accolades