After dealing with bacne and chestne for many years, I’ve learned that the best body acne treatments are the ones that work quickly, treat effectively, and are gentle on the skin. Whether it’s from sweating under a heavy sweater in the winter, hormones wreaking havoc on your skin, or genetics playing a role, body breakouts can happen any time, anywhere. Luckily these formulas work to unclog pores, calm inflammation, and target acne-causing bacteria so bumps and pustules clear faster and new ones don’t keep popping up, says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology. On the body, Dr. Yadav often recommends proven ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (BPO), salicylic acid, retinoids, and azelaic acid to keep pores clear and reduce redness, noting that these treatments can help calm active breakouts, prevent future ones, and lower the risk of lingering hyperpigmentation or scarring over time.
After testing a range of body acne treatments, we named PanOxyl 4% Acne Body Wash our best overall pick because it’s effective, affordable, and able to treat large areas like the chest and back without excessive irritation. Beyond our top choice, we also found standout options for stubborn back acne, sensitive skin, affordable drugstore finds, and targeted spot treatments—something for every type of breakout.
The best body acne treatments, at a glance
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How we tested
To find the best body acne treatments, we evaluated each product based on three main criteria: Ingredients, application, and results. We prioritized formulas with proven acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinol, azelaic acid, and exfoliating acids, while also looking for soothing additions like niacinamide, glycerin, and botanical extracts to help calm redness and irritation. We paid close attention to how easy each product was to apply. Was it able to spread well over large areas? Did it rinse well? Did it dry down quickly without leaving residue on skin or clothing?
Most importantly, we assessed how effective each treatment was at clearing existing breakouts and preventing new ones from forming. The best performers showed visible improvements within days to a couple of weeks, helping flatten pimples, reduce inflammation, and smooth skin texture over time.
Best Overall: PanOxyl 4% Acne Body Wash
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We chose this pick from PanOxyl as best overall for a handful of reasons. PanOxyl products have been around forever and are one of the most popular acne body washes to treat and prevent breakouts throughout your body. Dr. Yadav recommends this pick because “body washes with benzoyl peroxide reduce acne bacteria and inflammation across large areas like the chest and back,” she says. “At 4% BPO, this wash is well tolerated by most people and can be one of the best ingredients to use for stubborn back breakouts.”
Tester notes
“I’ve been using this pick from PanOxyl at home on and off for years—I typically prefer to use it in the winter and summer months, when my back gets sweaty and I start breaking out. I love that it has a lower percentage of benzoyl peroxide, as my skin is pretty sensitive. I like to apply this on my back and chest in the shower, and leave it on for about five minutes while I finish my shower routine. It washes off easily and doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry. I love that it comes in a body wash form, because I find that benzoyl peroxide stains my clothes if I use it on my back or chest as a serum or spot treatment. I haven’t found that to be an issue with this pick. It does a great job of gently treating my acne and preventing new breakouts from forming when I’m workin’ up a sweat,” says Glamour contributor Daley Quinn.
Best for Back Acne: PanOxyl Acne Body Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
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A higher percentage of BPO can mean more acne-fighting power. But it could also mean more skin irritation, too. Thankfully, you don’t really have to worry about that while using the PanOxyl Acne Body Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide on your back. “Washes are easier to apply on the back, and a higher BPO concentration is generally well tolerated on body skin,” says Dr. Yadav. “The downside to benzoyl peroxide is that it can bleach clothing and towels, so that can be a challenge if you wear a lot of black.”
Tester notes
“I’ve struggled with body acne for a long time, and PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash has helped keep it under control. I let it sit on affected areas for a few minutes while I wash the rest of my body, and it never feels irritating or harsh on my skin. It clears up my congested areas and my skin is smoother, less bumpy and pimple-free,” says Glamour contributor Miah Hardy.
Best for Teens: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% (OTC)
Easy to use, budget-friendly, and according to Dr. Yadav, originally formulated for adolescent skin, this pick from Differin is ideal for teens with body acne. “This combo treats different types of acne—both whiteheads and inflamed bumps,” says Dr. Yadav. “It can also help with acne scars and dark spots that form after the acne resolves.” This formula is made with 0.1% adapalene, which is a type of retinoid that helps target acne. It was once available for acne-prone skin only via prescription but can now be purchased over-the-counter. A little goes a long way, and some folks have complained that this formula can cause irritation or dryness. If used on the body, you should expect less irritation and dryness than you would if used on your face. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on your body.
Tester notes
“I was going through a really bad hormonal breakout period, and after searching acne-fighting products, I landed on this. It’s affordable and effective, and lasts for a long time. I recommended this to my teenage younger brother who deals with painful cystic acne, and he noticed a difference on his skin,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
This is another great cleanser that Dr. Yadav recommends to her patients with body acne. “This is an effective BHA-based option for those who want gentle exfoliation to help manage body acne and improve skin texture,” explains Dr. Yadav. “The formula also supports the skin barrier.” We love this formula for treating acne on the face and body, but some might find it slightly too harsh for their sensitive skin. Also, don’t be confused about the “exfoliating” component of this formula. It’s not a physically exfoliating cleanser, but a chemically exfoliating option, thanks to the salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and gluconolactone.
Tester notes
“I’ve been dealing with body breakouts for about a decade, and they’re usually at their worst when I’m testing new, occlusive hair products like masks and conditioners that tend to run down my back and clog up my skin when I’m in the shower. Enter this powerhouse cleanser that does a great job of clearing the area, keeping me breakout-free. It’s gentle, doesn’t sting, and gets rid of pimples in the matter of a few days every time,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Spot Treatment: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Spot Treatment
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Featuring ingredients like 0.5% salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and clear breakouts, new phylobioma to soothe skin and support oil control, and niacinamide to help fade dark marks and discoloration, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Spot Treatment is our favorite spot treatment for body acne. “This formula targets individual inflammatory bumps with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients, and it dries down quickly, which is important for an area like the back that is typically covered with clothing,” says Dr. Yadav.
Tester notes
“This spot treatment is a total winner in my book. It contains multiple ingredients that work to fight acne (like salicylic acid and LHA), while featuring other ingredients to help soothe skin at the same time—perfect for my super sensitive skin. I tested this formula on my back, where I tend to get occasional spots, and it went on smoothly and dried down quickly. Another thing I love about this formula is that it doesn’t contain benzoyl peroxide, so I don’t need to worry about it bleaching any of my clothes. It worked well to target existing acne and prevent new pimples from popping up on my back,” says Quinn.
Best Pads: First Aid Beauty Acne Clearing Pads 2% Salicylic Acid
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With its 2% salicylic acid, you can be rest assured that these acne-clearing pads from First Aid Beauty can treat your body breakouts with one swipe. The percentage of salicylic acid isn’t high, but it’s just enough to help fight acne and prevent breakouts from forming. We love that this formula contains glycerin to help hydrate the skin, while antibacterial willow bark extract adds that extra acne-fighting kick.
Tester notes
“Using acne-clearing pads is my favorite way to get clearer skin on my back and chest. I love this pick from First Aid Beauty because they’re so easy to use. Just swipe them on your body breakout and trash the pad—they help me keep my acne-fighting skin care routine consistent, which helps prevent breakouts on my back and chest a ton. They feel gentle on my body, and they have a pleasant scent to them as well. I’m also really impressed with how well-constructed the pads actually feel. They feel strong and are easy to maneuver around my body,” says Quinn.
Best Pimple Patch: Mighty Patch Hero Cosmetics Body Patch
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The brand’s biggest pimple patch yet, the Mighty Patch Hero Cosmetics Body Patch is XXL and covers body acne perfectly. Whether you’re dealing with bacne, chestne, or another body breakout elsewhere, this is a great way to treat blemishes. The Mighty Patch works to absorb the gunk from pimples and help speed up the healing process. It can also help protect your skin from dirt and bacteria, and the physical barrier helps prevent picking and popping as well.
Tester notes
“I’m already a big fan of pimple patches and usually wear them every single night. I was recently dealing with an uncomfy back breakout and decided to test this body patch out; I was very impressed. It’s a big sticker that covers a large area (great for hard-to-reach spots), and it stays put overnight. After using this one for two nights in a row, I’m happy to report that my back acne shrunk and the area was a whole lot smoother and even-textured,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Body Exfoliator: Cellcosmet BodyGommage-XT Exfoliating Body Sculpting Cream
Like a hybrid between a mask and a body scrub, this luxe formula from Cellcosmet can do it all. Featuring ingredients like jojoba wax spheres complex to remove dead skin cells, wheat germ oil to soften the skin, and an algae complex to even out skin texture, this formula can help treat and prevent body breakouts through physical exfoliation. How you use this pick depends on your skin type. If you have dry skin, moisten the skin before applying the cream, and then massage it into a gentle lather using circular movements while massaging the skin. Leave the product on for two to three minutes, then rinse thoroughly. If you have normal skin, you can just apply the product to dry skin, massage it in, leave it for two to three minutes, then rinse it off.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
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Paula’s Choice is one of my favorite brands because their skin care products are reliable, effective, and fragrance-free—a must if you have super-sensitive skin like mine. Dr. Yadav recommends this pick to her patients with sensitive skin because azelaic acid is antimicrobial and calming, making it great for people who find retinoids or strong benzoyl peroxide irritating. “It also contains licorice extract to help fade dark spots and salicylic acid to keep the skin gently exfoliated,” she says. If you have a body acne breakout that doesn’t react well to BPO, this is a great formula to have on hand.
Tester notes
“The Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster is easy to apply and instantly gives my skin a little boost. It has a slightly drier finish, but it leaves my skin feeling baby-soft, refreshed, and bright,” says Glamour contributor Audrey Harper.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective treatment for body acne?
According to Dr. Yadav, the most effective treatment for body acne depends on how severe it is and what the breakouts look like. “For most people with mild to moderate acne on the chest, shoulders, or back, the best approach is a combination of a topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide,” she says. “These two ingredients work beautifully together because the retinoid keeps pores from clogging and benzoyl peroxide reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.”This pairing is considered first-line treatment in dermatology guidelines and has been shown to noticeably reduce breakouts.”
When body acne is more widespread, very inflamed, or starting to scar, we recommend seeing a personal dermatologist. Dr. Yadav says that she will step up care with her patients by turning to oral medications. Short courses of oral antibiotics, paired with noncomedogenic topical treatments, can quickly calm inflammation. “There are also in-office treatments that can help. Chemical peels with salicylic or mandelic acid can smooth the skin and reduce clogged pores, and light-based therapies may lower inflammation for some patients. These options are helpful additions, although the research is still evolving.”
What is the root cause of body acne?
Body acne happens when a few things in the skin start working together in the wrong way. “First, pores get clogged with a mix of dead skin cells and oil—that tiny clogged pore is the starting point for every breakout,” says Dr. Yadav. “Hormones, especially androgens like testosterone, increase oil production and make the skin more likely to clog. Another hormone pathway related to growth signals (IGF-1) can also rev up oil glands and skin cells, which adds to the problem.”
The bacteria that normally live on our skin can also shift in a way that triggers more inflammation. In acne, one type of bacteria becomes more dominant and forms protective clusters that make it harder for the skin to calm down. This sets off the immune system and leads to the redness, swelling, and tenderness that show up as body acne.
Why is body acne hard to get rid of?
Body acne can be harder to clear up than facial acne for a few practical reasons. “The skin on the chest and back is thicker, the oil glands are more active, and clothing or workout gear can rub and trap sweat, which makes clogged pores more likely,” says Dr. Yadav. “It’s also simply harder for people to reach these areas, so applying treatments consistently can be challenging.”
Another issue is that treatments often need to cover a large surface area, which increases the risk of irritation. And because truncal skin scars more easily, untreated or undertreated breakouts can leave long-lasting marks.
Is body acne hormonal or bacterial?
Body acne happens because hormones and skin bacteria work together in a way that leads to breakouts. Hormones, especially androgens, make the skin produce excess oil and change how the pores shed skin cells. That creates the clogged pores that start the whole process. “But hormones alone don’t explain everything, and many people with normal hormone levels still get significant acne,” says Dr. Yadav. “The bacteria on our skin also play a role, but not because they cause an infection. Some strains are harmless, while others trigger more inflammation. Acne tends to flare when the balance shifts toward the more inflammatory.”
Meet the experts
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology
