10 Best Face Washes for Acne, According to Dermatologists & Reviewed by Us
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Finding the best face washes for acne isn’t a one-formula-fits-all exercise. Take it from me, an acne-prone girlie who’s been battling breakouts since I was a teen.
If you have dry, sensitive skin, an acne-friendly option might require a barrier-boosting formula; if you have a combo of oiliness and breakouts, it might call for something stronger, like bacteria-targeting benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to sweep away dead skin cells.
To find the best options for every single scenario, we asked the experts to break down their recommendations by individual skin type and concern, and then put them to the test. Our best pick overall is the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, because it’s a favorite of dermatologists far and wide, helps shrink and flatten breakouts, is gentle on sensitive skin types, and comes in at under $20. We also found options for dry skin, formulas that help with acne scars, and Korean skin care picks you don’t want to miss out on.
The best face washes for acne, at a glance
- Best Overall: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, $15
- Best for Oily Skin: Starface Star Wash + Salicylic Acid, $16
- Best for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, $35
- Best for Acne Scars: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, $11
- Best for Large Pores: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser, $13
- Best K-Beauty: Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam, $12
How we tested acne cleansers
We tested face washes for acne by evaluating ingredients, how well they lathered and if they were able to minimize our breakouts after a few washes.
| By Skin Type | By Ingredients | By Efficacy |
|---|---|---|
| The cleansers that made this list were tested by people with a variety of skin types including oily, sensitive, dry, and combination, as well as by those with discoloration, dark spots and post-acne marks. | The best ones had pore-clearing ingredients like salicylic acid and glycolic acid, and most also had a gentle, foaming lather. They were for the most part completely fragrance-free, making them great for sensitive skin types. All are noncomedogenic, meaning they don’t contain ingredients that will sink into pores. | The cleansers that made the cut also shrunk and flattened our breakouts, leaving us with softer and more clarified skin. |
Best Overall: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
- What we like: Lightweight; a little goes a long way; extremely effective in shrinking pimples after one or two uses; keeps skin matte
- What could improve: Some skin types might be sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.
There are a few good reasons why this cleanser was named best overall, the first being that both dermatologists we spoke with for this story recommended this product. Other reasons include the fact that it’s very affordable (under $20) and that it was the only one with which we saw results by the next day. Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey, says this is one she’ll always recommend to her patients. “This cleanser is an effective acne treatment with barrier-repair benefits,” she says. “The benzoyl peroxide targets acne-causing bacteria while the hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help maintain hydration and reduce inflammation, preventing the overdrying that often occurs with traditional benzoyl peroxide cleansers.”
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary is also a massive fan of this cleanser and swears that it’s one of the products that cleared up her acne the most. “I’m basically obsessed with this cleanser, and I try not to go a day without using it at least once. I swear that whenever I have a breakout, this cleanser clears it up in one to two washes, and my pimples become flattened and less red. It works best with the stubborn pimples on my chin that seem to creep up every few months, and it never leaves me feeling stripped or dry. My skin literally gets mad at me (and will protest with a pimple) if I don’t use it, so it’s become an integral part of my routine.
Best for Oily Skin: Starface Star Wash + Salicylic Acid
- What we like: Nonsticky; user-friendly and gentle; noncomedogenic
- What could improve: Takes a few washes to see results
If you have oily skin, we’re huge fans of this foaming facial cleanser that helps mattify and clarify. It’s a lightweight gel formula that contains salicylic acid to help zap and unclog pores, plus hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate.
“Another acne cleanser favorite of mine, this wash is one to not skip out on if you have oily skin,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It has a jelly (but nonsticky) texture that easily lathers into a lightweight foam and gives you a really clean feeling after washing your face. I also like that my skin always feels soft and hydrated after using this, and it never dried out. After a few washes I also noticed that my face was overall very matte and shine-free.”
Best for Large Pores: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser
- What we like: Great size for the price; minimizes large pores and impurities
- What could improve: The smell is not the best.
If you struggle with large pores (particularly on your T-zone and nose), you’ll love this acne-fighting wash that helps target and address them. “This beta-hydroxy acid helps unclog pores and remove dead skin cells, making it particularly effective for comedonal acne like blackheads and whiteheads, while being less irritating than benzoyl peroxide. It’s ideal for daily use or for patients just starting their acne treatment journey,” says Dr. Rambhia.
“My pores tend to be a bit larger just around and on my nose,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary, “so I was excited to give this gentle wash a try. It helped soften and mattify the area, and I found that it gave my skin a velvety finish, creating the perfect base for makeup. I also tend to get red in this area and often have tiny pimples that pop up, but I found that this cleanser made my skin a lot calmer than usual.”
Best K-Beauty Cleanser: Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam
- What we like: Suitable for all skin types; gives you a really foamy lather and wash; affordable
- What could improve: Doesn’t smell the best
Korean cleansers are a great option for those who deal with acne and want to minimize the appearance of raised texture, bumps, and discoloration. This pore-cleansing foam does just that, thanks to a combination of salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and oil-absorbing clusters in the formula.
“This one is a real treat to apply,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s a really rich formula that lathers into a nice, thick foam. After using this for a few days, I noticed that a few of the pimples on my chin and cheek area were noticeably half the size as usual, basically flattened and barely red. I’ll reach for this every time I feel like my skin is in need of a deep clean.”
Best Calming: Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser
- What we like: Gentle on skin; lathers nicely and improves dryness; also acts as a makeup remover
- What could improve: On the pricier side
This calming cleanser is ideal for combination skin types because it features a handful of oils including chamomile oil, cica and camellia oil to clear congestion and calm skin. It has a clear gel texture that foams up into a milky, cream formula and leaves skin feeling fresh and nourished post-wash.
“I really enjoyed this gel cleanser the couple of times I’ve used it thus far,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “It’s quite lightweight and not sticky in the slightest, and lathers really nicely during application. It’s quick to wash off as well, and it managed to keep my dry areas feeling and looking hydrated and my oily areas looking matte. It’s no-nonsense and one of the most gentle cleansers in my collection.”
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
- What we like: Extremely gentle; free of parabens, sulfates, oil, and dyes
- What could improve: Some users feel it’s a little too basic.
This affordable find is a great starting point for those new to acne treatments, says Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology. It’s been around since the 2010s for good reason: It actually works. “This purifying classic cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates pores to remove excess oil and dead skin,” says Dr. Mitchell.
Condé Nast’s executive director of global creative strategy, Norell Zable, agrees that this product is a staple. “This was not the first time I’ve used Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash on my face, and it definitely won’t be the last. I am so happy I was able to test the product out again after years since I had used it! It really gives your skin such a deep-clean feeling, with a great and refreshing smell that lathers really well! I think that is the best part of it—the sudsy soap lathers so easily and rinses clean within seconds, without being drying. This is an oldie but a goodie that is tried and true!”
Best for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser
- What we like: Gives a nice creamy lather; feels hydrating post-wash
- What could improve: Pricey
If you’re looking for a gentle exfoliating facial cleanser that’s suitable for dry skin types, will help reduce acne, and also removes makeup, we love this pick. It has glycerin plus cantaloupe fruit extract to gently brighten your complexion and replenish your skin’s moisture levels.
“This cleanser was different than any other face wash I have used in that it really did have such a different feeling both while applying and how it left my skin feeling afterwards. I used it in the morning and felt very awake and refreshed from a night’s sleep after using it, and also in the evening to see how well it removed my makeup. Overall, I would say to try to get your makeup off fully with a makeup wipe first, but then use this cleanser to make sure it got everything. Post-wash, this cleanser does leave your skin feeling like you just visited the spa after using its jelly-like light formula that lathers the most after water application on your face. I’ll definitely keep using this one day and night, especially in areas I’m feeling a bit dry,” says Zable.
Best for Discoloration: Tula Skincare Keep It Clear Acne Foam Cleanser
- What we like: Gentle; lathers nicely; really improves skin brightness
- What could improve: Pricey
If you’re looking for a foaming face wash that will combat acne and brighten your skin overall, we love this foaming pick with azelaic acid and probiotics. It also contains licorice root to help minimize the appearance of post-acne marks and tea tree oil to soothe and calm your complexion.
“I have some stubborn acne scars around my nose and on my cheeks that simply won’t budge, so I was excited to give this cleanser a go,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “After using it for two weeks, I noticed a difference in these areas: They were a lot more even-toned and bright, and some of my marks already look a little faded. I like that it targets these acne scars and also works to combat active pimples.”
Best Daily Wash: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
- What we like: Smooths skin; noncomedogenic; can be used everyday
- What could improve: Can be a bit drying
If you’re looking for an everyday cleanser that can help you manage your acne, this one is a favorite of Tiara Willis, esthetician and founder of Makeup for WOC. “This gentle salicylic cleanser helps with congestion, texture, and noninflamed breakouts. It contains niacinamide, which reduces excess oil production, but also hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin barrier supported,” she says.
“My boyfriend and I have been using this cleanser for years,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle. “We like to keep it in our shower because its a bigger bottle and lathers so well. While he uses it daily, I like to use it once or twice a week, when I feel like I need a thorough cleanse. Since it has salicylic acid, it’s great for combination, oily skin like mine but can be a little drying at times. For the price, it’s well worth the value and it'’s a go-to for effectively removing makeup.”
Best for Acne Scars: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
- What we like: Unscented; hydrating; has a lightweight texture
- What could improve: Might be a little harsh on very sensitive skin
Dr. Mitchell is a huge fan of this medicated face cleanser if you have oily, acne-prone skin and acne marks. “This one is great for oily, acne-prone skin,” she says. “It also contains 2% salicylic acid but is formulated with La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water to soothe the skin. I often recommend this to teens and adults looking for a gentle yet effective daily cleanser.” It helps fight acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and uncomfortable pustules, all while evening out skin tone with lipo hydroxy acid and glycerin.
“This gel cleanser works great! It lathers really well, so a little goes a long way,” says Glamour's senior manager of social media, Jazmin Gathers. “I have acne-prone skin, so I’m always looking for a product with salicylic acid and fragrance free. It leaves my skin feeling clean and tingly without stripping the oils away or being too dry and harsh. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone with sensitive skin looking for an everyday wash that can even tone and tame oiliness.”
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for an acne cleanser?
“When shopping for an acne cleanser, look for active ingredients like salicylic acid, which is excellent for oily skin and helps clear clogged pores; benzoyl peroxide, which targets acne-causing bacteria; and niacinamide, a calming antioxidant that reduces inflammation,” says Hope Mitchell, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology. She also recommends choosing products that are labeled noncomedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores. “Try to avoid harsh scrubs, drying alcohols, or heavily fragranced formulas, as these can strip the skin, cause irritation, and ultimately worsen acne,” she says.
How often should you wash your face when you have acne?
According to Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey, you should be washing your face twice daily when you have acne. “I typically suggest using an acne cleanser once a day and a gentle, hydrating cleanser for the second wash. This approach allows you to get the benefits of active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide without overdrying your skin,” she says. Over-washing or frequently using harsh cleansers can actually worsen acne by stripping the skin’s barrier and natural oils, which can trigger increased oil production, so this balanced approach will help you maintain healthy skin.
Any other tips for reducing acne on the face?
The experts we spoke with said there are a few other ways you can reduce acne in your skin care routine. “I recommend using a hypochlorous acid spray before and after workouts. This gentle antimicrobial helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria without irritating the skin, making it perfect for preventing sweat-induced breakouts,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Dr. Mitchell says it’s key to avoid picking or popping pimples, as this can lead to scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. “It’s also essential to be mindful of hair and skin care products—use noncomedogenic makeup, and steer clear of heavy oils in hair products that can transfer to the face and clog pores,” she says. If over-the-counter options aren’t effective, she recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist who can recommend safe and targeted prescription treatments tailored to your skin’s needs.
Meet the experts
- Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey
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