We Tested Nearly 100 Face Washes in 2025 — These 13 Helped Clear Up Acne

We Tested Nearly 100 Face Washes in 2025 — These 13 Helped Clear Up Acne

Few things are worse than an acne breakout. Whether you’re prone to red, inflamed blemishes, cystic acne, stress breakouts, or blackheads, there are so many products to weed through to find something that will actually help your skin. “The basic steps of a skin-care routine are to cleanse, protect, moisturize, and treat,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. “Each plays a role, and depending on who you speak to, you will get a different answer on which is the most important. Cleansing is the foundation of the routine, removing dirt and soiling from the skin.”

Many over-the-counter products can soothe the skin, clear oil, and lessen acne over time. Finding the right cleanser is a big part of clearing acne. There are cleansers that not only remove dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin (often the causes of breakouts) but also address acne and clogged pores. “Look for products with benzoyl peroxide, [which] kills acne-causing bacteria and helps unclog pores,” says Sara Moghaddam, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Delmarva Skin Specialists in Selbyville, Delaware, and vice president of the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline. “Lower concentrations (below 5 percent) are often effective, with less potential for irritation. Salicylic acid dissolves excess oil and dead skin cells, making it particularly effective for whiteheads and blackheads.”

We tested 99 cleansers and face washes for at least one week each to find the best ones for acne, from cystic acne to occasional blackheads to hormonal teen breakouts and more. Here are our favorites.

Our Picks for the Best Face Washes for Acne

When to Consult Your Doctor

“If you’ve tried over-the-counter options for a few months and your breakouts continue or worsen, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Moghaddam. “Another important sign is if you notice scars, like pits, where acne blemishes have resolved. This is a dermatology emergency, as preventing scarring is crucial to avoid permanent marks.” A dermatologist may be able to prescribe medication, antibiotics, or other types of therapies to improve your skin’s condition.

Everyday Health also recommends seeing a dermatologist if you notice any reaction to a face wash or skin-care product that lasts more than a couple of days or continues after you stop using the product. See a doctor or dermatologist if:

  • A skin reaction or rash is worsening or not going away.
  • You experience pain or blisters.
  • You experience symptoms that interfere with your daily life.
face cleanser

Best Drugstore Buy

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Pros

  • Readily available online and at local drugstores
  • Comes in a large 8-ounce (oz) container
  • Salicylic acid helps remove oil and excess skin cells
  • Gentle exfoliation for acne-prone and dry skin
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Very foamy and can be messy


Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
  • Scented: No
  • Size: 8 oz
We like that CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is readily available at local drugstores, is affordable, and contains salicylic acid, which Moghaddam recommends for those with acne-prone skin. “As a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), it dissolves excess oil and dead skin cells, making it particularly effective for whiteheads and blackheads,” she says. Salicylic acid also helps to enhance skin barrier function and maintain hydration.

The formula also includes niacinamide, which can reduce acne and oil production; ceramides, which have been shown to help maintain and repair the skin barrier and aid with pigmentation issues; and hyaluronic acid, which may improve skin hydration up to 55 percent.

“I always felt like my skin was thoroughly cleaned and fresh after use,” says health writer Sadie Crouch. “I appreciated how exfoliating it felt without having to scrub hard.” She says that it worked well to remove makeup, adding, “It is super refreshing and works better than any other face cleanser I can remember using.” 

face cleansing powder

Best for Oily Skin

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing and Polishing Powder Cleanser

Pros

  • Fairly traded Amazonian white clay helps absorb oil
  • AHA exfoliates and leaves skin soft
  • Can be used as an exfoliating paste or a daily cleanser
  • Rinses off easily

Cons

  • Can be too drying for those without oily skin
  • Powder formula is not great for shower use

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Amazonian white clay, AHA, microcrystalline cellulose
  • Scented: No
  • Size: 3.5 oz
Oily skin and acne often go hand in hand. Oil can clog pores, leading to more breakouts.

This versatile product uses Amazonian white clay to help reduce oil and address acne, plus alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) to exfoliate and leave soft, smooth skin behind.

There’s also a physical exfoliant in the form of microcrystalline cellulose grains. Because it comes in a powder, users can adjust the consistency of the product as they add water — it can go from a gritty, paste-like scrub to a foamy daily cleanser, depending on how much water is used.

“I like being able to make it a gritty exfoliant or a creamier cleanser,” says wellness writer Catherine Brown. “To a quarter-sized amount of powder, half a drop of water will make it into a thin, grainy liquid paste. A full drop of water will make it even thinner and feel like it takes away the exfoliating potential.” Her skin felt very clean and quite taught after using this product. Brown also says that it left her skin a bit stripped, so she recommends it as an exfoliator and deep cleanser once or twice a week, if your skin isn’t very oily. We think that it may not be great for shower use, as the powder inside the bottle could get wet.

face cleanser balm

Best for Dry Skin

WYLYS Phyto Green Cleansing Balm

Pros

  • Includes hydrating oils like jojoba and grape seed oil
  • Product goes on like a thick balm; uses less water than typical cleansers
  • Babassu fights inflammation, while rosemary and lavender reduce acne
  • Highly effective at removing makeup and sunscreen

Cons

  • Eucalyptus-like scent may be strong for some
  • Pricey

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Babassu seed oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, green tea seed oil, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E
  • Scented: Yes, naturally
  • Size: 3.53 oz
It’s not just those with oily skin who experience acne. Dry skin and acne can occur simultaneously, and dry skin can even trigger acne (when bacteria get into tiny cracks in the skin surface, or when dry skin flakes clog pores).

This cleansing balm by WYLYS is especially good for those with dry skin alongside acne. It’s loaded with nourishing, natural ingredients, like babassu, a type of oil that is shown to be anti-inflammatory, as well as rosemary and lavender oils, which can help fight acne and reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Meanwhile, jojoba oil and grape seed oil help to soften and hydrate the skin.

“I was amazed by how well it removed my makeup and sunscreen while still being gentle and hydrating,” says editor Ashley Ziegler, who tested this product. You apply the cleanser, which is thick like petroleum jelly, to your face, without water at first, and it thins out as you add water and rinse it off. “After applying and adding water, it lathers up a little bit and becomes more watery (which was wild to me — this is the first cleansing balm I’ve ever tried, and didn’t expect it to lather).” She says she loves that the product isn’t messy, as you need to use less water than you would with a typical cleanser. She did mention that there is a strong eucalyptus-like scent, but that it doesn’t linger. 

face cleanser

Best for Sensitive Skin

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser

Pros

  • Extra gentle; great for sensitive skin
  • Ingredients like sorbitol, glycerin, and coconut oil help maintain skin’s moisture
  • Removes makeup easily

Cons

  • Has a slightly medicinal scent 

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Sorbitol, glycerin, orchid extract, cucumber extract, amino acid-based surfactant system
  • Scented: No added fragrance, but it has a medicinal smell
  • Size: 5 oz
SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser is so gentle, it can be used post-surgery, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The lightweight, foamy soap has ingredients like sorbitol to help maintain the skin’s moisture, glycerin, which adds hydration, and amino acids from coconut oil and glycine that help remove debris and makeup from the skin.

“It is extremely foamy and easy to lather,” says writer Caroline Lubinski. “You only need a single pump.” Her only complaint was that the cleanser had a slightly medicinal smell to it, but that may be good for those who prefer to stay away from products with perfume or heavy fragrances. 

face wash

Best for Men

Lumin Charcoal Face Wash Daily Detox

Pros

  • Masculine scent and marketed toward men
  • Great for a deep clean
  • Charcoal may help work against acne and oily skin

Cons

  • May be drying to some
  • Takes work to get it to lather

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Charcoal, rose flower oil, Centella asiatica extract
  • Scented: Yes
  • Size: 3.38 oz
Lumin Charcoal Face Wash Daily Detox is perfect for those looking for a deep clean, especially if you want to wash away a day of hard work. This product is marketed toward men and has a masculine scent, so editor Katie Tuttle had her husband, Ian Smit, test it out. He liked the price point and says that it left his skin feeling clean after use. While using charcoal in skin-care products is a fairly new idea, without much research to back up its benefits, there are claims that it can help with acne and oil production.

Also on the ingredient list is Centella asiatica, known as gotu kola, which has been shown to help skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

“This face wash would be best for someone with oily or breakout-prone skin, or if you work at a job where you have to remove actual grime from your face,” says Smit. He liked the price point and the slender packaging, but he says that the product did leave his skin a bit dry. “[It] takes a little more work to get a lather,” he says. “It’s not super foamy; it tends to remain creamy, as opposed to foamy, once applied.”

Best for Teens

Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam

$13 at Amazon

Pros

  • Very gentle, suitable for sensitive skin
  • Contains salicylic acid to address acne and oily skin
  • Hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin add moisture to the skin
  • Exfoliating but not harsh

Cons

  • Not very foamy, so those looking for more suds may not be fans
  • The minty scent may not be for everyone

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, heartleaf extract powder
  • Scented: Listed as fragrance-free, but our tester noticed a fresh, minty scent
  • Size: 5.07 oz

“For teens with mild acne, I recommend a face wash containing salicylic acid,” says Moghaddam. “It is generally not too irritating and can help reduce the number of blemishes.” We found that Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam provided a good clean while remaining gentle. It contains salicylic acid, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

“It feels cleansing, and I experienced zero irritation,” says sexual health, nutrition, and fitness writer Maria Cristina Lalonde. “It’s very gentle, but exfoliating (unlike other products, it didn’t remove my spray tan).” We think it’s a good product for someone with normal or sensitive skin, or those who prefer to avoid harsh scrubs. Lalonde also mentioned that it has a fresh, minty scent, though the product is listed as fragrance-free. 

face cleanser

Best for Cystic Acne

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Pros

  • Formulated without irritants such as sulfates, gluten, dyes, lanolin, parabens, or formaldehyde releasers
  • Fragrance-free
  • NEA Seal of Acceptance
  • Noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores

Cons

  • May not be strong enough to remove makeup
  • Doesn’t have any active ingredients to specifically address acne

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Glycerin
  • Scented: No
  • Size: 8 oz

Cystic acne results in deep, painful blemishes that form beneath the skin’s surface and can lead to significant scarring if not properly managed,” says Moghaddam. “At this stage, it is crucial to involve a dermatologist in the treatment regimen to help prevent scarring. While patients may be on prescription treatments, it’s important to select facial cleansers that do not further irritate the skin.” Moghaddam recommends selecting a cleanser without additional anti-acne treatments if using a prescription for cystic acne. We’re big fans of Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. This pH-balanced cleanser is formulated without irritants like sulfates, parabens, gluten, dyes, lanolin, and formaldehyde releasers, and it is specifically made for sensitive skin. And good news for the scent-sensitive: It’s also fragrance-free.

“My skin felt clean and had a nice shiny/nongreasy texture after,” says wellness writer Alexandra Klausner. “The lather becomes light, foamy, and bubbly. It feels refreshing on the skin.” Some users have said this product isn’t strong enough to remove their makeup. Those with acne should note that this cleanser isn’t formulated with ingredients to help treat acne, so it’s best for those who are using a prescription or treating their acne with other products. 

face cleanser

Best Exfoliating

SkinPharm Power Wash

Pros

  • Gentle, exfoliating formula
  • Includes salicylic acid, papaya and botanical extracts
  • Leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and moisturized

Cons

  • Recommended application method may not be practical

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Salicylic acid, salicylic acid, papaya and botanical extracts, rosemary, orange peel extract
  • Scented: Yes, naturally
  • Size: 6.76 oz
Despite being a powerful exfoliator, SkinPharm Power Wash has a super-gentle formula. Ingredients include salicylic acid, soothing aloe, acne-fighting rosemary leaf extract, anti-inflammatory licorice root extract, calendula, and orange peel oil, which may be an effective acne treatment.

“I felt like it cleaned my skin well and might have had a slight brightening effect,” says health writer Alexandra Ginos. “My skin didn’t feel tight after using it, but it felt clean and smooth. I also thought it felt a little softer after washing, maybe slightly moisturized.” Ginos mentioned that the application method is different than with most products, as users are recommended to apply the product to dry skin before adding water. This might not be the best method for those who like to wash their face in the shower, and Ginos says it was a messy experience at times. 

cleanser

Best for Removing Blackheads

Madeca Derma Botanic Cleansing Gel

Pros

  • Exfoliates with BHA and AHA
  • Soap-free and vegan formula
  • Includes hydrating soapwart, sodium olivate, and glycerin
  • Travel size available

Cons

  • Light botanical scent may not work for everyone
  • Travel size has a pump, which may not be ideal for all travelers

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: BHA, AHA, glycerin, sorbitol, fruit and vegetable extracts
  • Scented: Yes, naturally
  • Size: 8.3 oz

Madeca Derma Botanic Cleansing Gel uses BHA and AHA to get deep into pores to cleanse dirt, oil, and buildup. It’s soap-free and vegan, and it includes soapwort, glycerin, and sodium olivate for hydration. The company claims that the formula helps to minimize the appearance of pores as well.

“It’s a gel that becomes foamy at the time of application on the face,” says fitness writer Brittany Scanniello, who tested it. “It’s very smooth, even though it states that it’s exfoliating.” Scanniello describes it as a light foam that rinses off easily and does a good job at removing makeup. “My skin felt clean. Not overly dry or tight (which I did experience with another product I tested),” she adds. Scanniello also noted a light botanical scent and says that the product has a fairly long ingredient list that turns out to be mostly fruit and vegetable extracts. The cleanser comes in a travel size (3.38 oz) and a larger 8.3 oz bottle, but we wish that the smaller size came without a pump, for less mess and easier portability. 

face cleanser pads

Best Cleansing Pads

SKNdustry Glycolic Glow

Pros

  • Brightens skin
  • Gentle exfoliation with salicylic and glycolic acid
  • Can be used up to three times a day
  • Super portable, great for throwing in your work bag, gym bag, or carry-on

Cons

  • Must be used along with a cleanser
  • May be drying or irritating
  • Strong medicinal scent

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid (BHA and AHA)
  • Scented: No added fragrance, but a strong medicinal scent
  • Size: 60 pads

If you have acne, you may feel the need to follow up your regular cleansing with a cleansing pad, whether immediately after washing or throughout the day, to reduce oil and dirt. SKNdustry Glycolic Glow pads are meant to be used after cleansing for exfoliation, oil control, and breakout reduction. The pads combine salicylic acid and glycolic acid, an AHA, for deep cleansing. They’re portable, and there’s no need to rinse after use, so they’re great for when you’re running out the door.

“Salicylic acid products have helped reduce my acne in the past, and this one has a pretty high concentration, so I would imagine with regular use it could improve my acne,” says health writer Erin Heger. She did mention that her skin felt a bit dry and tight after use. She also notes that the product has a strong medicinal scent, which may not be great for sensitive skin and noses. 

Best Oil Cleanser

Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil

$22.80 at Amazon
$27Now 16% Off

Pros

  • Good for dissolving makeup and water-resistant sunscreen
  • PHA gently exfoliates, unclogs pores, and clears blackheads
  • Tea tree oil mitigates breakouts
  • Leaves skin feeling moisturized and hydrated

Cons

  • Oil cleansers may not be appropriate for all skin types
  • May create more sun sensitivity 

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Soybean oil, ethylhexyl palmitate, aloe vera
  • Scented: Yes, naturally
  • Size: 10.14 oz
Some people, especially those who frequently wear a full face of makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, may benefit from a cleansing oil. Studies have shown that cleansing oils are more effective at removing water-resistant sunscreen than typical cleansers, and they may cause less dryness and irritation.

This one is great for sensitive skin, as it’s made with polyhydroxy acid (PHA), a gentle exfoliant that cleanses oil, removes dead skin cells, and addresses blackheads, and has been shown to create less irritation than other hydroxy acids.

 The formula also includes tea tree oil, which may help fight breakouts.

The product begins as a luxurious oil but then lathers lightly with the addition of water. It is recommended that you take extra care to wear sunscreen when using this product, as PHA can create sun sensitivity. I’ve used the cleansing oil method before, and I found it to be most effective when followed by a second water-based cleanser after wearing heavy makeup. This is called double cleansing, and it has gained popularity in recent years. However, Moghaddam says that it’s overhyped. “Double cleansing, a popular social media trend, is generally overkill, unless you are wearing very heavy or costume-level makeup. Over-washing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation,” she says.

face cleanser

Best Vegan

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Pros

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Made with vitamin-rich ingredients like kale, spinach, and green tea
  • Cleanses away makeup and SPF while protecting the skin’s moisture barrier
  • Gentle and suitable for everyday use

Cons

  • May not be cleansing enough to remove a full face of makeup
  • Doesn’t lather a lot

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Kale, spinach, green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E
  • Scented: Yes
  • Size: 8 oz

This vegan, cruelty-free cleanser is like a juice cleanse for your face. Made with vitamin-rich superfoods like kale, spinach, and green tea, it delivers antioxidants to the skin to help defend against free radicals such as pollution. It’s formulated to cleanse and minimize the pores.

“I love the glass packaging,” says women’s health and wellness writer Lindsay Modglin, who tested this product. “I like the way my skin feels after using it. I also like the texture, as it’s thicker and doesn’t slide around in your hand when you’re trying to apply it to your face.” While Modglin says she didn’t see any major changes to her acne while using the product, she thinks it’s a good pick for a gentle, everyday cleanser. She didn’t notice any tightness or drying while using it, and she says that the light fragrance wasn’t bothersome.

face cleanser

Best for Clearing Pores

Arbonne Clear Future Deep Pore Acne Cleanser

Pros

  • Can be used as a spot treatment for acne
  • Salicylic acid clears pores and exfoliates
  • Anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Unscented, ideal for those with sensitivities

Cons

  • Non-foaming, which some users may not prefer
  • May cause skin tightness

Key Specs

  • Notable ingredients: Salicylic acid, white willow bark extract, sage leaf extract, calendula extract, witch hazel
  • Scented: No
  • Size: 4 oz
If you struggle with clogged pores, Arbonne Clear Future Deep Pore Acne Cleanser can make them disappear. The thin, non-foaming cleanser can be used up to three times a day (though you may want to start out at once a day, to avoid irritation). It can also be used as an acne treatment on breakouts after washing. Its key ingredient is salicylic acid, which helps to exfoliate and remove oil and dead skin cells. White willow bark extract is another exfoliant in the mix that carries anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.

“I love how it goes on and comes off without leaving my skin feeling too lotiony,” says wellness writer Jen Sinclair, who tested this one. She says that she noticed a tightness, which didn’t bother her, but it may not be the feeling all users are looking for. 

Comparison Table

Superlative
Notable Ingredients
Scented
Size
Buy Now
Best drugstore buy
Salicylic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
No
8 oz
Best for oily skin
Amazonian white clay, AHA, microcrystalline cellulose
No
3.5 oz
Best for dry skin
Babassu seed oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil, grape seed oil, green tea seed oil, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E
Yes, naturally
3.53 oz
Best for sensitive skin
Sorbitol, glycerin, orchid extract, cucumber extract, amino acid-based surfactant system
No added fragrance, but has a medicinal scent
5 oz
Best for men
Charcoal, rose flower oil, Centella asiatica extract
Yes
3.38 oz
Best for teens
Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, heartleaf extract powder
Listed as fragrance-free, but our tester noted a scent
5.07 oz
Best for cystic acne
Glycerin
No
8 oz
Best exfoliating
Salicylic acid, papaya extract, orange peel extract
Yes
6.76 oz
Best for removing blackheads
BHA, AHA, glycerin, sorbitol, fruit and vegetable extracts
Yes
8.3 oz
Best cleansing pads
Salicylic acid, glycolic acid (BHA and AHA)
No added fragrance, but has a strong medicinal scent
60 pads
Best oil cleanser
PHA, soybean oil, ethylhexyl palmitate, aloe vera
Yes
10.14 oz
Best vegan
Kale, spinach, green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E
Yes
8 oz
Best for clearing pores
Salicylic acid, white willow bark extract, sage leaf extract, calendula extract, witch hazel
No
4 oz

Other Notable Face Washes We Tried

We tried nearly 100 cleansers and face washes, and we loved a lot of them — too many to fit on this list. Here are a few runners-up that ultimately didn’t make our list but which users might like for their acne-prone skin.

Skinbuzz CleanBee Organic Skin Cleanser With ingredients like aloe vera, salicylic acid, and glycerin, this cleanser is meant for dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin. However, it is not ideal for all dry skin. “It cleaned very well, but was unfortunately not a good fit for my dry skin,” says SaVanna Shoemaker. She found that her skin felt tight and stripped after use, so this may be a better fit for those with oily or combination skin.

Hydrinity Prelude Facial Treatment Cleanser Editor Olivia Campbell was impressed by how this product left her skin — she noticed smaller pores and a clean, smooth, tight feeling after rinsing her face. However, she found it a bit expensive, and we have other products on our list that garnered similar results.

How We Tested the Best Face Washes for Acne

We spent weeks testing 99 facial cleansers and face washes, from oil cleansers to water-based cleansers to facial wipes. With the help of 15 testers (our writers and editors with expertise in beauty, wellness, fitness, health, and more), we evaluated each product on its effectiveness, texture and feel, scent, ingredients, price, and more to determine the best face washes for acne.

We also consulted with two specialists: Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, and Sara Moghaddam, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Delmarva Skin Specialists in Selbyville, Delaware, and vice president of the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, who helped us understand acne, its causes, and effective cleansers for acne-prone skin.

I personally tested several face washes and cleansers for this article. I experience the occasional breakout, especially when trying new products, so I was able to weigh in on which products didn’t do much to mitigate acne and which ones may be too heavy or harsh, leading to breakouts.

What to Look for in a Face Wash for Acne

When looking for a new face wash for acne-prone skin, you’ll want to evaluate what you’ve tried before, what ingredients worked for you, and which ones didn’t. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Skin Type Do you have dry skin? Sensitive skin? Oily skin? This will determine what ingredients will work best. “Individuals with oily skin often benefit from foaming cleansers that effectively remove excess oil and leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed,” says Moghaddam. “For those with dry or sensitive skin, gentle, non-foaming, hydrating cleansers are recommended, as they are less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils.”

Dr. Zeichner agrees. “If your skin is left feeling heavy or greasy, then likely the cleansers or moisturizers [you are using] are not right for your skin type,” he says. “A cleanser that is too mild will not adequately remove soiling from the skin. A cleanser that is too harsh will strip the skin barrier and lead to tightness of the skin.”

Ingredients Moghaddam suggests looking for products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. You may also want hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin in the formula if your skin tends to get dry.

Other Treatments in Use You’ll want to make sure that any products you purchase don’t have ingredients that will interfere with your medication (if you’re using any to treat acne). You may want to opt for a general cleanser without acne treatment if you have been using other treatments, so as not to cause too much irritation to the skin.

What Are the Causes of Acne?

Acne is a common condition — one that almost everyone will experience at some point in life. The most common cause of acne is when materials such as sebum, bacteria, or dead skin cells build up inside the hair follicles or pores and create clogs, or pimples.

 The clog triggers inflammation and redness.
Acne can be triggered by hormones during puberty, menstrual cycles, or perimenopause and menopause. Other common triggers include wearing tight-fitting clothing, toxins or humidity in the environment, using greasy lotions or creams, stress, medications, and certain foods.

What Active Ingredient Is Best for Acne?

“For more inflammatory acne, which causes bright red blemishes, I typically recommend active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide,” says Moghaddam. “This ingredient kills acne-causing bacteria and helps unclog pores. Lower concentrations (below 5 percent) are often effective with less potential for irritation.” She warns that these types of cleansers need to be thoroughly rinsed off, as they can sometimes stain towels or sheets. “I advise families to use light-colored or white towels and sheets if this product is in use,” she adds.

For those with blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, or mild acne, Moghaddam says salicylic acid is best. “It is generally not too irritating and can help reduce the number of blemishes,” she says.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid in a Face Wash?

“While some oils can be beneficial, heavy oils like coconut oil and cocoa butter are highly comedogenic and can clog pores, leading to breakouts,” says Moghaddam. Those who have oily skin to begin with may want to stay away from products that are greasy or can lead to clogged pores.

“Alcohol is another ingredient to avoid, as it can be very drying and irritating, especially for sensitive or already dry skin. Additionally, avoid face washes and scrubs with large, irregularly shaped particles (like crushed nut shells or sand), as these are abrasive and can worsen inflammation and acne,” says Moghaddam. There are plenty of chemical exfoliants, like AHA and BHA, that may be better for the skin if exfoliation is what you’re looking for.

FAQ

How often should people with acne wash their face?

“Washing your face twice a day is usually sufficient to remove accumulated oil and help unclog pores,” says Moghaddam. Generally, you will want to cleanse your face in the morning and at night before bed. 

Those with oily skin will do best with a foaming cleanser that removes excess oil. Dry, sensitive skin may crave a more gentle, non-foaming cleanser that adds hydration and doesn’t strip the skin, says Moghaddam. 

“After washing your face, I recommend immediately applying a noncomedogenic (non-acne-forming) moisturizer,” says Moghaddam. “Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture, and niacinamide, which acts as an anti-inflammatory.”

Moghaddam says that it may take months to find the proper treatment and routine for your acne. Acne can be a chronic condition, coming and going with stressors, hormonal changes, and environmental changes. It’s best to talk to a dermatologist if your acne is persistent.

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Nicole Bonaccorso

Nicole Bonaccorso

Author

Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.

Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.

In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.

Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments of inflammatory skin diseases, as well as laser treatment of the skin and injectables.

Dr. Dosal writes cosmetic questions for the certifying exams for the American Board of Dermatology. She is also the deputy editor for the American Academy of Dermatology's podcast, Dialogues in Dermatology.

Ray Finch

Fact-Checker

Ray Finch is a content specialist with expertise in fact-checking, copy-editing, sensitivity reading, and content management, and has worked with publishers including Health.com, Parents, VeryWell Mind, Medium, Everyday Health, and VeryWell Health.

Their longtime interest in mental health, chronic illness, disability, neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ issues was sparked first by their own firsthand experiences, and was further refined during their academic career, having earned dual bachelor's degrees in Anthropology and Women's and Gender Studies.

Finch is committed to producing inclusive, scientifically sound content that takes into account such nuanced factors as socioeconomic status, clinician bias, and cultural competence, all of which influence how people engage — or don’t — with medical professionals and the healthcare system.

Ally Hirschlag

Ally Hirschlag

Editor

Ally Hirschlag is an award-winning journalist with over 10 years of experience editing and writing health, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, and science content. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Weather.com, People, BBC Future, Audubon, Scientific American, and Smithsonian Magazine, among other publications. Hirschlag was most recently an associate editorial director for Byrdie.

She's an avid product tester with considerable experience testing skin care, hair care, fitness, fashion, and health-related products. She's also the daughter of an oral surgeon and can tell you about a long list of dental and gum-cleaning products you should be using.

Sadie Crouch

Tester

Sadie is a freelance writer, a physician liaison for Cook Children's Health System based in Fort Worth, Texas, and a registered nurse with a background in neonatal intensive care, pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurology.

Sadie is passionate about making health literature accessible to all audiences, specifically rural communities like the one she grew up in. She feels strongly about ensuring this literature is accurate and based on best practices and she recently graduated with a masters in science writing from Johns Hopkins University.

Sadie lives in Abilene, Texas, where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Her interests outside of healthcare and writing include travel, reading, and being outdoors with her family.

Catherine Brown

Tester

Catherine began a career based on health while working at an orthodontist's office, then became a certified yoga and meditation teacher, but soon recognized a call to follow a path in natural wellness through plants.

She is an herbologist who has worked with plant medicine for over two decades. She specializes in Andean and Amazonian medicine from South America. She has consulted for Colombia University and the New York Psychiatric Institution in their studies on plant medicine for mental health.

She is a Reiki master and has been recently exploring the world of sound healing.

Ashley Ziegler

Tester

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.

Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

Caroline Lubinsky

Caroline Lubinsky

Tester

Caroline holds a CF-L1 and is a former NCAA D1 women's college soccer player. She has been powerlifting for over a decade. Previously, Caroline led cardio content for Garage Gym Reviews and is a subject matter expert on treadmills, rowing machines, ellipticals, and stationary bikes.

You can find her byline in various publications, including Forbes, US News & World Report, Men's Health, Women's Health, Reader's Digest, Active, and others.

Jen Sinclair

Tester

Jen Sinclair Is a freelance health and wellness writer who has spent the last two years writing feature articles and reviews of mental health and medical services and products. Her work has been published by Verywell Mind, Verywell Health, Health, and Parents. Prior to this, she worked for six years as a copywriter and blog writer for several legal and healthcare businesses, and as a paralegal for 15 years.

Jen currently lives with her husband and children in St. Augustine, Florida, where she enjoys spending time outdoors paddling waterways, driving around with the top off her Jeep, or trekking around with her writer hiker pals.

Ian Smit

Tester

Alexandra Klausner

Tester

Alexandra Klausner is a freelance health writer and editor with over 10 years of journalism experience. Prior to going freelance, she worked as a reporter and editor at the New York Post for eight years covering everything from health and wellness to features and breaking news. Before that, she covered multiple beats at the Daily Mail Online for three years.

Alexandra graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a bachelor's degree in theater. As a New York City native, she is also a grant-winning playwright, actor, freestyle singer, catchy-hook writer, and podcaster. She loves yoga, 5 Rhythms dance meditation, and running.

Maria Cristina Lalonde

Tester
Maria Cristina Lalonde is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. She has written about sexual health, fitness, sleep, and nutrition for over a decade. Maria regularly contributes to outlets like Giddy, Houston Chronicle, AskMen, and U.S. News & World Report. She enjoys yoga, kickboxing, and performing improv comedy.

Alexandra Ginos, MBA, RD, CSP, CLC

Tester

Alex Ginos is a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric nutrition. She received a bachelor’s of science in food science and human nutrition from the University of Illinois and completed a dietetic internship at the University of Virginia Health System.

Her 12 years of experience have spanned many areas of nutrition, including caring for children with complex healthcare needs, supporting healthy nutrition habits for families, and diabetes. Though she specializes in pediatric nutrition, she is passionate about helping people of all ages lead a healthy lifestyle.

Alex lives in Philadelphia, and loves to spend time outdoors with her dog, garden, explore new areas, and spend time with friends and family. She also enjoys cooking and trying new foods and recipes.

Brittany Scanniello, RD

Tester

Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice.

As a lifelong and collegiate athlete, Brittany has always kept fitness and nutrition a top priority. Her expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, though she is experienced in all nutrition-related matters. She strongly believes that food has the power to reduce the risk of chronic disease and help people feel energized so she works hard to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand for all.

Brittany received her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and dietetics from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She also completed a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

As a freelance nutrition and fitness writer, her work has been published in Eat This Not That, PopSugar, and other outlets. She is the author of The Complete Macro Cookbook.

When Brittany is not counseling clients or writing, she enjoys working on her family's farm, golfing, playing with her three kids, and baking.

Erin Heger

Tester

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist with more than 10 years combined experience in health writing and healthcare advocacy. Her reporting and essays have covered mental health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, and healthcare policy. You can find her byline in The Atlantic, Business Insider, HuffPost, and many other publications.

Before freelancing full time, Erin worked in healthcare advocacy as a community organizer for a reproductive rights organization and as a health insurance navigator at a community health center.

As a writer, Erin strives to empower readers with clear, accessible information to help readers make the best choices for themselves and their families.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading fiction, listening to podcasts, running, and watching reality TV. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three children.

Marisa Olsen

Marisa Olsen

Tester

Marisa Olsen is a seasoned food, health, and lifestyle writer as well as a product reviewer and tester. Her work has appeared in several print and digital publications, including EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, Real Simple, and U.S. News & World Report's "360 Reviews." She also writes for local news websites Cohasset Anchor and Hingham Anchor. Marisa has also authored several food blogs, including Marisa Olsen Writes.

She received her Bachelor of Arts from Connecticut College, where she graduated cum laude with a major in art history and a minor in psychology.

Marisa lives south of Boston in Cohasset, Massachusetts with her two children and husband. When not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, and spending time at the beach and in her garden.

Lindsay Modglin

Tester

Lindsay Modglin is a former nurse and health writer who specializes in covering chronic illness, women's health, oncology, and wellness products that help empower readers to take control of their health and well-being. Her byline has been featured in many digital publications, including Healthline, Verywell Health, Parents, Forbes, Yahoo, AOL, Insider, and more. Her print work has been published in oncology magazines like Cancer Today and Cure.

Prior to becoming a writer, Lindsay started working in healthcare in 2012 as an optician while she was pursuing her nursing license before working as a registered nurse in a clinical healthcare setting. This experience gave her firsthand knowledge of the challenges and complexities that patients face when managing chronic illnesses and navigating the healthcare system.

Today, when Lindsay is not writing, she enjoys camping and traveling across the United States with her husband and three children. She also volunteers as a creative writer for a non-profit organization that supports children with life-threatening illnesses and as a soccer coach for her children's teams.

SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD

Tester

SaVanna Shoemaker is a registered dietitian and health writer. As a registered dietitian, SaVanna has worked with pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children, people with chronic kidney disease, and people who are critically ill. She is particularly interested in culinary and functional nutrition for weight loss and female hormone health.

She's currently a contributor for Everyday Health and Yahoo Life, and her work has also appeared in Forbes Vetted, Healthline, Greatist, mindbodygreen, and Bicycling magazine, among other outlets.

SaVanna lives with her husband and three kids in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing fiction, and weightlifting.

Olivia Campbell

Tester

Olivia Campbell is the New York Times bestselling author of Women in White Coats: How the First Women Doctors Changed the World of Medicine and Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History. She is a freelance editor at Dotdash Meredith and a freelance journalist. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, National Geographic, New York Magazine, Health, Parents, History, and The Guardian, among other outlets.

Campbell received a journalism degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's in science writing from Johns Hopkins University, where she now acts as a thesis advisor. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.

Campbell lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, three children, and two cats.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
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