Break up with breakouts with the 10 best acne face washes for every skin type
There are few things more humbling than a surprise breakout.One minute you’re sealing your skincare routine with a smug swipe of lip balm and the next? Boom.
A hormonal zit so big it needs its own Google Calendar.Personally, I’ve tried every cleanser and treatment out there for sensitive skin and breakouts — from tea tree oil to TikTok-approved gimmicks — but not all acne face washes are created equal.
Some are too harsh, some do nothing, and some are, against all odds, actually perfect.And because I have combination/dehydrated skin prone to both hormonal breakouts, blackheads, large pores, scars, and perioral dermatitis (a fun combo!), I’ve become an obligatory expert in what works, what irritates, and what just makes you want to cry under fluorescent Sephora lighting (for good or bad).We also spoke to a true dermatological expert to get the deets on what really goes down on your skin when washing with an acne cleanser.“Acne cleansers are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, and often contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur that can help reduce breakouts,” Carolyn Stull, MD, NYC-based double-board-certified dermatologist, told the New York Post.
“In addition, acne cleansers should be non-comedogenic, meaning they are formulated without ingredients known to clog pores and contribute to acne.”So, whether you’re oily, dry, fungal, or just generally fed up, there’s a cleanser on this list for you.I tested them all on my own high-maintenance face and only kept the ones that didn’t betray me.
These 11 made the cut.Additionally, be sure to check out the below Q&A with board-certified dermatologists in the in-depth FAQ section following the top products tested.Pros:Cons:If you only buy one cleanser for breakouts, let it be this.
La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser hits the sweet spot between clinical strength and everyday usability.It contains 2% salicylic acid to ...