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 Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser, because it’s a favourite 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 the best cleansers for dry skin with acne, formulas that help with acne scars, and Korean skincare picks you don’t want to miss out on. Read more about acne causes and the best acne treatments.
The best face washes for acne, at a glance
How we tested the best acne cleansers:
We tested face washes for acne by evaluating ingredients, how well they lathered and if they were able to minimise our breakouts after a few washes.
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. Shop the best noncomedogenic moisturisers if you’re after something else
How often should you wash your face if 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 over-drying 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 skincare 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:
1. Best Overall: The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
- What we like: Gentle, effective, really good price point.
- What could improve: The bottle size is small, so I made my way through it really quickly.
There are countless reasons why we adore The Inkey List. The brand’s products are easy to navigate and fuss-free, formulas are efficacious but without too many ingredients, and the price point is unbeatable. Most of their top buys are under £20.
Their bestselling salicylic acid cleanser is no exception: a skin-clearing face cleanser which works to reduce the appearance of blackheads and blemishes. The hero ingredient is 2% salicylic acid (a BHA, or beta hydroxy acid), which unclogs pores and minimises oil production. But, it’s not at all drying on the skin like some salicylic acid cleansers are. I have stubborn blackheads around my nose and on my chin, but after two weeks’ of use, I found them to be so much less noticeable. This is a staple in my skincare routine.
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
2. Best K-Beauty Cleanser: Innisfree Volcanic BHA Pore Cleansing Foam
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing 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 minimise the appearance of raised texture, bumps, and discolouration. 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 US’ 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.”
3. Best for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser
Original video from Norell Zable testing 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.
4. Best Daily Wash: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing 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 favourite of Tiara Willis, aesthetician and founder of Makeup for WOC. “This gentle salicylic cleanser helps with congestion, texture, and non-inflamed 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 US 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.”
5. Best for Large Pores: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser
- What we like: Great size for the price; minimises 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 US’ 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.”
6. Best for Discolouration: Tula Skincare Keep It Clear Acne Foam Cleanser
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing TULA Skin Care 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 minimise 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 US’ 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.”
7. Best for Oily Skin: Starface Star Wash + Salicylic Acid
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Starface Star Wash + Salicylic Acid
- What we like: Non-sticky; 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 favourite of mine, this wash is one to not skip out on if you have oily skin,” says GLAMOUR US’ Kilkeary. “It has a jelly (but non-sticky) 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.”
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
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