The Best Acne Cleansers Blind-Tested by Dermatologists
Our Favorite Face Washes for Acne
Best overall & for preventing whiteheads/blackheads
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Face Wash with Salicylic Acid
Why it’s great: A consistent product great for comedonal acne (blackheads/whiteheads) with minimal odor or side effects.
Drawbacks: none that we experienced
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid (glossary)
Price per unit: $ 0.09 (well-priced for the superb quality)
SkinSafe rating: A (‘A’ = top allergen free, according to skinsafeproducts.com)
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“Applies and lathers easily and provides skin tightening sensation”
Best for mild to moderate inflammatory acne (red bumps)
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser, with Benzoyl Peroxide
Why it’s great: Easy to apply, soft on sensitive skin, and good for inflammatory acne
Drawbacks: none that we experienced
Active Ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide (glossary)
Price per unit: $ 0.08 (slightly more expensive than average)
SkinSafe rating: A
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“I liked how this one lathered and the minimal fragrance”
Best overall for users with sensitive skin
Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Daily Acne Gel Facial Cleanser
Why it’s great: A reliable product with the fewest side effects. None of our testers experienced any symptoms
Drawbacks: None whatsoever
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid + glycolic acid (glossary)
Price per unit: $ 0.06 per mL
SkinSafe rating: A+ (the highest tier of hypoallergenicity)
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“I want to know what this one is!”
Best for users with a dry skin profile
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, with Salicylic Acid
Why it’s great: Standard SA cleanser, reliable performance, and voted best in our testers who had a dry skin profile
Drawbacks: Can have a slight stinging sensation immediately after use
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid (glossary)
Price per unit: $ 0.05 per mL (average)
SkinSafe rating: A
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“Seems like a great product, but did have slight stinging immediately after use”
Best for users with a oily or combination skin profile
Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Gel Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
Why it’s great: Robust acne cleanser that was voted best in our testers who had a combination-oily skin profile
Drawbacks: none that we experienced
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid (glossary)
Price per unit: $ 0.06 per mL (average)
SkinSafe rating: B - contains common preservatives, fragrances, propylene glycol, according to skinsafeproducts.com
Notable quotes from our dermatologist team:
“I liked how this one felt a lot. I felt almost like a matte sensation a clear tightening of the skin after use”
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Our journey to write this study stemmed from our personal experiences and our commitment as dermatologists to provide valuable insights to our patients. Over the years, we've seen countless acne solutions, and we ourselves have tried many that simply didn't deliver the desired results. We understand the frustration and disappointment that can come from investing time, money, and hope into products that fail to alleviate acne symptoms. In a market saturated with products, it's far too easy to fall into this trap.
As professionals who deal with a diverse array of skin types and conditions daily, we saw a need for a reliable, practical guide to choosing the best acne face wash. Through rigorous testing, we aim to help you navigate the vast selection of products and avoid ineffective solutions.
This 2023 study is dedicated to helping you find the best face wash for mild to moderate acne, tailored to your specific skin type and needs, so you can invest confidently in your skincare.
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Product Selection:
We searched the keywords ‘acne wash’ through a keyword tool and filtered similar and related keywords in decreasing order by the approximate monthly google search volume.
We then excluded search results that contained a brand name as well as those that mentioned ‘body wash’, as we are only interested in results for an acne face wash.
Next, we selected the top ten remaining keyword phrases (e.g. cleanser with salicylic acid; benzoyl peroxide face wash; best cleanser for acne) and queried each phrase on Amazon.com. We excluded exclusively sponsored products
We then recorded the top ten products listed on Amazon for any keyword or phrase. This process was repeated for each of the ten different keyword phrases, generating a total of 100 products, which we ranked in decreasing order by the number of times each product appeared in the search results.
Finally, we selected only the top ten most commonly appearing products in this list and purchased them for our experiment.
Product Testing:
Over the course of 4 weeks, subjects were to use a face wash approximately once daily, making note of their experience immediately and 12 hours after use. A washout period of 2 days was implemented on a regular basis when switching different products to avoid any spillover effect.
Our testing team consisted of 4 dermatology residents located in Boston, Massachusetts. All subjects endorsed having occasional acne. Our skin profiles are as follows:
Balanced; Medium with yellow undertones
Combination; Fair with warm undertones
Dry; Dark brown
Dry-sensitive; Fair with pink undertones
We performed blind testing for each product. Prior to the study, each product was separated into opaque travel size containers, labeled one through ten (a reference list with the corresponding product names was held by an impartial member who did not undergo product testing), and distributed to the various test subjects.
Special attention was given to the following:
Greasiness
Odor
Burning sensation
Dryness
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We are a group of dermatology residents and attending physicians based in Boston, MA. Our team of Ivy League-trained dermatologists is demystifying the cosmeceutical industry by offering unbiased, scientifically supported reviews of skincare products. We are extremely passionate about skincare and making it accessible to all through education. We value integrity, practicality, and inclusivity. No sponsorships were received for the products prior to testing; we feel strongly about providing un-biased reviews. After blogs are published, following the links in this blog post may result in commission.
An overview of our core team:
Dr. David Li is a recent graduate from the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program. He is now in private practice as a procedural dermatologist in Downtown Boston where he offers skin cancer screenings, skin cancer surgeries, and laser and cosmetic rejuvenation. He has published more than 25 peer-reviewed research articles, is active as an advisor for multiple early-stage companies, and is an angel investor in the healthcare technology space. In his free time, he enjoys running to stay fit, cooking, and playing with his Australian shepherd, Laika.
Dr. Jacqueline Stevens is currently a resident in the Harvard Combined Dermatology Program. She completed her undergraduate studies and MD-PhD at the University of Virginia with a PhD in microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease. Jacqueline has interest in cutaneous oncology, melanoma, and dermatologic surgery. She has published work on the basic science of inflammation at skin barriers, dermatologic diseases, and systems used to classify squamous cell skin cancer. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hanging with her rescue pup, and the outdoors.
Dr. Olivia Davies is a dermatology resident at the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program. Her dermatology interests include inpatient dermatology, complex-medical dermatology and medical education. She enjoys exploring the intersection between medicine and media — with past experiences that include rotating through the ABC News Medical Unit, publishing a graphic perspective in the New England Journal, and serving as a poetry editor for Intima: A Journal of Narrative Medicine. When she’s not learning or working, she can be found making cheese plates for friends, sipping a warm cup of coffee, or solving the newest NYT crossword puzzle.
Dr. Nelson Ugwu is a dermatology resident at the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program. His clinical interests include general dermatology, skin of color and skin cancer prevention. Nelson has discovered mutations that cause skin diseases, as well as new treatments for skin conditions. In his free time, Nelson enjoys weightlifting, playing soccer and trying new recipes.
Dr. Arash Mostaghimi is an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, the director of the inpatient dermatology consult service, and co-director of the Complex Medical Dermatology Fellowship at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. He is also the principal investigator of the Mostaghimi Lab, where he leads a diverse group of physicians and researchers to study alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair loss condition which afflicts his daughter. In addition to his research, he is an advisor to multiple companies and is an associate editor of JAMA Dermatology.
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Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million people each year. While this is commonly viewed as a disease of adolescence, between 20-30% of men and women can continue to have acne into their 30s.
Frequently referred to as pimples, acne is the result of a complicated interplay between hormonal fluctuations, excessive sebum production, blocked pores, and an overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria, P. acnes. This bacterial proliferation, along with the accumulation of dead skin cells and oil within the follicle, leads to the inflammation and eruptions known as acne.
When it comes to treatment, face washes containing active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can play an integral role.
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, penetrates the pores, dislodging the build-up of sebum, dead skin cells and reduces inflammation by its gentle exfoliating action as a keratolytic (removes keratin buildup).
Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, exhibits potent antibacterial properties, effectively eradicating P. acnes and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. It also assists in peeling away dead skin cells, preventing pore blockages.
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When it comes to managing acne, knowledge is power, and understanding the type of acne you're dealing with is the first step towards effective treatment. Acne can present in various forms, including comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory (red angry bumps), and cystic acne (deep seated inflamed nodules).
Comedonal acne, the most common type, appears as blackheads or whiteheads - small, clogged pores that are typically not red or swollen.
Inflammatory acne, on the other hand, presents as redness and tender bumps.
Cystic acne – the most severe type – manifests as large, painful, and pus-filled lesions deep under the skin. When acne is deep and cystic, it can lead to permanent scars, discoloration, and disfigurement so it is critical to see your dermatologist whenever you are not sure.
It's crucial to distinguish between these types as treatment strategies often vary significantly. For example, a cleanser with low concentration of salicylic acid might be your go-to for dislodging blackheads in comedonal acne, while benzoyl peroxide may work better for reducing inflammation.
Cystic acne often requires more intensive treatment, including prescription medications. Outside of these classical forms of acne based on the appearance of the bumps, a dermatologist might also consider the location of the acne.
For instance, hormonal acne, which is most common in females around the bilateral jawline and chin area, can be irritating and may be better treated with prescription medications such as spironolactone or clascoterone. By understanding the nature of your acne, you can better align your skincare regimen, including selecting the best face wash for acne, with your skin's unique needs.
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Navigating the world of acne-fighting ingredients can be a challenging task, particularly when faced with a vast array of products each promising clear, blemish-free skin. However, certain key ingredients have consistently proven their efficacy in combating acne.
Salicylic Acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is a powerful exfoliant that penetrates deep into pores, breaking apart debris and reducing inflammation.
Benzoyl Peroxide, another heavyweight contender, fights acne by targeting the P. acnes bacteria that contribute to breakouts, while also aiding in the shedding of dead skin cells to prevent pore clogging.
Other beneficial ingredients include Glycolic Acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin's surface and helps to brighten the complexion.
Moreover, acne-prone skin often benefits from oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas, which are designed not to clog pores. Knowing these key ingredients and understanding their functions can help you make informed decisions when choosing the best face wash for your acne.
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While mild to moderate acne can sometimes be effectively managed with over-the-counter treatments, there are times when seeking professional help is necessary.
If your acne is severe, persistent, or causing significant emotional distress, it's time to see a dermatologist.
Severe forms of acne, such as cystic acne or nodular acne, rarely respond to over-the-counter treatments and require prescription medication. Persistent acne, which continues despite consistent use of over-the-counter products, may also need a more potent, prescription approach. As noted previously, hormonal acne may also require the help of a dermatologist to manage with prescriptions.
Furthermore, if your acne is causing scars or changes in skin pigmentation, it's crucial to seek professional help to prevent long-term skin damage, as well as to determine whether advanced office-procedures such as microneedling may be helpful for your acne scarring
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What makes a face wash effective for acne control?
An effective acne face wash helps cleanse the skin, removing excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that may lead to acne. It often contains active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which are known to combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
How does acne form?
Acne forms when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria clog the pores, leading to inflammation. Hormonal changes can also trigger acne by causing an increase in oil production.
How often should I use an acne face wash?
It's generally recommended to use an acne face wash once a day, or sometimes twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. However, this can vary depending on your skin type and the severity of your acne.
Can face washes help with severe acne?
While face washes can help control mild to moderate acne, severe acne may require additional treatments such as topical creams, oral medications, or even medical procedures. Always consult with a dermatologist if you have severe acne or are unsure.
Can I use face wash for acne if I have dry skin?
Yes, there are face washes designed for dry, acne-prone skin. These products cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, helping to prevent dryness and irritation.
What should I look for in a face wash for oily skin?
If you have oily skin, look for a face wash that can effectively remove excess oil without over-drying your skin. Ingredients like salicylic acid can help control oil production and prevent acne.
Can I use acne face wash during pregnancy?
Some acne face washes are safe to use during pregnancy, but others (including topical or oral acne treatments beyond washes) may contain ingredients that are not recommended for pregnant women. Please consult your dermatologist if you are unsure and see our ultimate guide on pregnancy-safe skincare products that you can choose from!
What is the best drugstore face wash for acne?
Any of the ones in our recommended list would be a good choice and are likely available in drugstores.
How does salicylic acid in a face wash help with acne?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates into the pores of the skin and exfoliates the dead skin cells, reducing clogging and helping to control acne. It's particularly effective for blackheads and whiteheads.
How does benzoyl peroxide in a face wash help with acne?
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient that kills the bacteria that cause acne inflammation. It's particularly effective for inflammatory acne, like pimples and cystic acne.
How does glycolic acid in a face wash help with acne?
Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, helps to exfoliate the skin and clear dead skin cells, reducing the likelihood of pore clogging and acne breakouts. It also helps to leave the skin feeling soft and refreshed.
Can face washes help with hormonal acne?
Yes, face washes with ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help to control hormonal acne by reducing oil production and fighting acne-causing bacteria. However, hormonal acne may also require additional treatments like hormonal therapy.
Can face washes help with acne scars?
While face washes can help prevent new acne breakouts, they are not designed to treat acne scars. For acne scars, treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or dermal fillers may be more effective.
Can face washes cause skin irritation?
Some face washes can cause skin irritation, particularly if they contain strong acne-fighting ingredients or if they are used too frequently. It's important to choose a face wash that is suitable for your skin type and to follow the usage instructions on the product label.
What is the best face wash for combination skin?
The best face wash for combination skin is one that can effectively cleanse the skin without over-drying the dry areas or over-moisturizing the oily areas. Our favorite pick for combination-oily skin was the Neutrogena Acne Proofing daily facial gel cleanser with SA.
Can face washes help with blackheads and whiteheads?
Yes, face washes with exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid can help to unclog pores and reduce blackheads and whiteheads.
What is the best face wash for acne-prone sensitive skin?
The best face wash for acne-prone sensitive skin is one that can effectively cleanse the skin and fight acne without causing irritation or dryness. In our study, we found the best product for sensitive skin to be the Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Daily Acne Gel Facial Cleanser. Not only did it create no symptoms in any of our testers, it was also rated A+ by skinsafeproducts.com
What about red light therapy wands? Are they effective and should I also use them for acne?
The science on red light therapy wands is approaching an area of cautious optimism, meaning the data seems to support their use. However, it depends on how severe your acne is and your expectations of the types of results you hope to achieve. Thus far, red light therapy wands are mildly to moderately effective. See our ultimate guide here.
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https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/treat
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)02614-6/fulltext
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CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, with Salicylic Acid
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Facial Cleanser, with Benzoyl Peroxide
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser - Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Acne Foaming Face Wash
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser
Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Gel Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Daily Acne Gel Facial Cleanser
