The 13 Best Acne Products of 2024, According to Dermatologists and Our Testing
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Acne products can target common breakout concerns like pimples, excess oil, dead skin cell buildup, and more
People / Marcus Millan
Pimples, excess oil, uncomfortable cystic acne — these are some of the most common reactions of acne-prone skin. And while the effects of acne might start with the physical, they can also take a toll on our emotions, too.
When addressing blemished complexions, it’s important to use skincare products that are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin types and concerns, even if your skin is currently free of breakouts. “The best way to treat breakouts is to prevent them in the first place [with acne products],” says Dr. Carin Litani, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. So whether you’re looking for acne-fighting formulas as a preventative measure or want to address that pesky pimple that popped up overnight, we’ve got your blemish arsenal covered with a lineup of the best acne products.
From face wash to spot treatments to exfoliants that help target the common causes of acne, here are the best acne products worth trying.
Best Face Wash: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Who It’s Good For
Not only is it affordable and available at your drugstore, but this acne face wash contains the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide available without a prescription.
Who It’s Not Good For
This may be a little too harsh and stripping for those with dry skin.
When it comes to the best face wash for acne, we found the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash to effectively improve our acneic skin (it works for Khloe Kardashian and The Bachelor's Ashley Iaconetti, too). The star ingredient of this formula is the 10 percent benzoyl peroxide concentration, which is the highest you can get over the counter. In addition to this acne-fighting ingredient, it also contains moisturizing ingredients as well as glycerin, which helps keep the skin hydrated and minimizes water loss to help relieve dryness. During testing of the best face washes, we found that this acne wash also worked really well at removing makeup, although it may be a bit too harsh for anyone whose skin is naturally dry.
Size: 5.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil
Best Toner: Murad Clarifying Toner
Who It’s Good For
This is ideal for those shopping for a toner with ingredients that reduce the look of blemishes and help restore balance to the complexion — and also help reduce dark spots.
Who It’s Not Good For
This may not be the best option for anyone looking for a toner spray — as this one requires dispensing onto a cotton pad.
Toner is a must-have acne product, as it can help balance out the complexion and includes powerful ingredients that remove dirt, debris, and excess oil from the skin. The Murad Clarifying Toner is specially designed for acne-prone skin and features a soothing formula blend of acne-fighting ingredients such as grade seed extract, vitamin E, algae extract, and witch hazel to provide skin with a deep cleanse that targets and treats blemishes for calmer, clearer, and more healthy-looking skin.
During our tests for the best toners, this Murad product earned a top score based on feel, absorption, hydration, and skin appearance. We truly felt like this toner not only fully cleansed our skin but also left it feeling dewy, calm, and refreshed. In addition to reducing acne, it also reduces the appearance of dark spots, which only adds to its value.
Size: 6 oz. | Key Ingredients: Algae extract, vitamin E, witch hazel, grape seed extract
Best Cream Cleanser: Florence By Mills Clean Magic Face Wash
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for a gentle cream cleanser that balances oil production yet is powerful enough to moonlight as a makeup remover.
Who It’s Not Good For
This cream cleanser contains ferulic acid rather than salicylic acid, which is a common acne-treating ingredient some may prefer.
Creamy and concentrated, the Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash (a skincare brand founded by Millie Bobby Brown) is designed to provide skin with a thorough yet gentle cleanse while also balancing the complexion.
Formulated with ferulic acid for warding off pollution, ellagic acid for boosting lackluster skin, and a blend of seaweed, ivy, lemon, and sage to balance oil production on acne-prone skin, the cream cleanser is gentle yet effective for a morning and nighttime rinse and can even moonlight as a makeup remover, too. In addition to its formula, we love that this cream cleanser comes in a travel size, so you don’t ever have to worry about skipping town without your trusty anti-acne arsenal (or at least your cleanser).
Size: 3.4 oz., 1.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Ferulic acid, ellagic acid, seaweed, ivy, lemon, sage
Best Sheet Mask: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask
Who It’s Good For
This hydrating sheet mask is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which is important for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone who wants a sheet mask that more specifically targets blemishes.
Not all acne products need to be just for acne. With its focus on hydration, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating 100% Hydrogel Mask is an excellent example of this as it is formulated to provide the skin with a burst of nourishment and hydration, which can ultimately balance the complexion thanks to its key ingredient, hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and is known for drawing in and maintaining moisture in skincare products. When we tested the best sheet masks, we found that while this one is great at hydrating the skin, it’s also oil-free and non-comedogenic, which is necessary if you’re trying to keep acne at bay.
Size: 12 sheets | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Best Pimple Patches: Avarelle Acne Cover Patch
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for cheap and clear pimple patches that are powered by tea tree oil, calendula, and cica oil for targeting blemishes.
Who It’s Not Good For
Someone looking for pimple patches that double as fun and trendy stickers.
Pimple patches are an acne arsenal must-have, and our top pick for this category is the Avarelle Pimple Patches. These patches cost less than $10 for a pack of 40 and are powered by acne-fighting ingredients such as tea tree oil, which is antibacterial; calendula oil, which is soothing; and cica oil, which is an anti-inflammatory that targets redness to zap away pimples.
The patches come highly recommended by nearly 75,000 Amazon customers, too, with rave reviews for how well they adhere to the skin (even when you sleep), their ability to provide relief for cystic acne, and their budget-friendly price tag.
Size: 40 | Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, calendula, cica oil
Best Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Who It’s Good For
Not only does this sunscreen offer broad-spectrum SPF 46, but it’s also lightweight and is enhanced with niacinamide, which boasts anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits.
Who It’s Not Good For
Some may be looking for an acne-friendly sunscreen that is more affordable since this is one of the most expensive sunscreens we tested.
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable when it comes to skincare, however, many formulas can wreak havoc on acne-prone skin due to oils and heavier formulas, in general. If you’re looking for the best sunscreen for acne, consider the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
During our tests for the best sunscreen, we loved this one for its lightweight and oil-free formula, as well as how clear it looked when applied to the skin. The sunscreen is enhanced with niacinamide, which has anti-inflammatory properties (as well as anti-aging benefits), and hyaluronic acid is designed to hydrate the skin and balance out the complexion’s moisture barrier, too.
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Best Drugstore Concealer: Maybelline New York Fit Me Liquid Concealer
Who It’s Good For
Not only is this drugstore concealer oil-free, but it also has excellent staying power.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those looking for a drugstore concealer with a better shade range, particularly darker shades.
Those with acne know how vital a good concealer is. The Maybelline New York Fit Me! Liquid Concealer Makeup is a fantastic formula, not just for covering up blemishes but for skincare, too. According to our drugstore concealer test, this Maybelline option is great for those with oily skin who are prone to breakouts, since the formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause further breakouts or throw oil production off. Additionally, it offers really good coverage that doesn’t crease with impressive staying power for long wear. If we could change one thing about this product, it would be the shade range, which is limited to 12 shades and doesn’t have a lot of deep tones to choose from.
Size: 0.35 oz. | Key Ingredients: Lightweight pigments
Related: The 14 Best Foundations for Acne Prone Skin of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Drying Lotion: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for a crowd-favorite drying lotion to spot-treat pimples.
Who It’s Not Good For
This formulation includes salicylic acid, which some people may prefer to avoid.
There’s a reason why the Mario Badescu Skincare Drying Lotion is a favorite amongst skincare lovers. This under-$20 acne product is formulated with a potent mix of salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc oxide which can unclog pores and is designed to spot-treat and diminish the look of pesky pimples while you sleep.
The formula is also safe enough to use on sensitive skin and works with all skin types. The formula comes in a small bottle but will take you forever to go through since you only need a dab of the solution on top of each pimple.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, sulfur, zinc oxide
Best Face Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Who It’s Good For
This acne-friendly moisturizer mattifies the complexion and boasts a skin-calming formula.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you’re looking for an acne-friendly moisturizer derived from all-natural ingredients, this one isn’t for you.
When testing out face moisturizers in the PEOPLE Tested lab, we loved the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for its mattifying formula that is specifically designed for acne-prone skin types.
This drugstore face moisturizer is infused with niacinamide, which provides anti-inflammatory properties that diminish the look of pimples, redness, and irritation, as well as ceramides which also play a role in decreasing redness and swelling as well as help prevent future breakouts. The formula also contains glycerin, which is ultra-hydrating without causing an imbalance in oil production. As a result, the moisturizer provides lightweight and effective hydration while improving the look of acne-prone skin.
Size: 3.2 oz. | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramide, glycerin
Best Spot Treatment: Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel
Who It’s Good For
Someone who doesn’t like drying lotion and is looking for a good alternative that’s just as effective.
Who It’s Not Good For
At $20, it's not the most budget-friendly option in terms of spot treatments.
Whether you have one pesky pimple or are battling a breakout, having a spot treatment like the Origins Super Spot Remover on hand can help target and treat your acne woes. Formulated with 1.5 percent salicylic acid, which is known for its ability to target clogged pores and dead skin cell buildup, this spot treatment helps treat pimples as they pop up. In fact, many customers claim they notice a significant difference in their skin after just one to two days of use, and some say it zaps their pimples away overnight.
Size: 0.30 oz. | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Best Exfoliant: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Who It’s Good For
Someone shopping for a gentle yet effective exfoliant with a budget-friendly price tag.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you don't experience regular breakouts or prefer a physical exfoliant, this toning solution may not be the best fit.
Exfoliation is a beneficial skincare step for acne-prone skin; however, you don’t want to use something that scrubs the skin, as it can cause more irritation and redness. Instead, reach for a chemical exfoliant such as The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that is part of the alpha-hydroxy acid group (AHAs) and is most notable for its exfoliation properties. But this product isn’t just about sloughing off dead skin cell buildup; it also includes a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative to reduce the irritative effects of exfoliation as well as ginseng root and aloe vera to nourish and soothe the skin.
Size: 8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, ginseng root, aloe vera
Best Vitamin C Serum: InnBeauty Project Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum
Who It’s Good For
This lightweight and effective acne serum also protects the skin from environmental aggressors.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you’re looking for a face serum that focuses more on hydration and doesn’t include salicylic acid, then this one won’t be for you.
There is no shortage of vitamin C serums, but none quite compares to Innbeauty Project’s Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum when it comes to treating clogged pores. This lightweight face serum includes vitamin C as well as the 15 super-greens complex and pomegranate stem cells. When testing this product on our quest to find the best vitamin C serums, we found that it felt like a lush smoothie for your face, and while it didn’t stop acne from completely recurring, it did help soothe and heal existing flare-ups more quickly.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Stable vitamin C, superfood complex, plant stem cells, azelaic acid, pomegranate stem cells
Best Retinol Serum: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate
Who It’s Good For
This is good for anyone who wants to visibly reduce the appearance of pores and clear up their skin.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you have sensitive skin, retinol may be too harsh of an ingredient for you, especially if you haven’t incorporated it into your skincare routine previously.
Peptides help increase collagen production and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so if you’re wanting a product that does just that on top of fighting acne, this one’s for you. First Aid Beauty’s FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum includes peptides as well as retinol, which works to decongest pores and reduce their appearance.
However, retinol is an ingredient that isn’t for everyone — especially those with sensitive skin — and some may have to ease into using this product. It’s also worth noting that if you do include retinol in your skincare routine, it’s extra important you wear SPF when out in the sun.
Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins E and C, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, ceramides, retinol
Related: The 19 Best Peptide Serums of 2024, According to Dermatologists
What to Know About Acne Products
Acne Type
Before shopping for an acne product, you should “first know which type of acne you have and what you are trying to treat,” says Dr. Mary Alice Mina, MD, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. This can help point you in the right direction of formulas, active ingredients, and an overall game plan for addressing breakouts. If you aren’t sure what type of acne you have or what types of ingredients can treat your acne, Dr. Mina recommends seeking the insight of a skin expert rather than self-diagnosing, as this can save you a lot of time, money, and experimentation.
Ingredients
Certain active ingredients can also make a big difference in the effectiveness of a skincare formula on acne. Dr. Litani recommends looking for ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and even retinol to target and treat acne.
“Benzoyl peroxide not only kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin, but it also helps remove pore-clogging cells and excess oil that creates a pro-inflammatory environment for the pimple,” Dr. Litani explains. She notes that, if acne persists, dermatologists will sometimes recommend a prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide combined with a topical antibiotic for moderate to severe acne cases. For an over-the-counter option, we recommend PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, which boasts a 10 percent concentration of benzoyl peroxide, the highest concentration you can get without a prescription.
Perhaps one of the most common skincare ingredients in over-the-counter acne products, salicylic acid is no doubt a favorite amongst dermatologists as well as those with acne-prone complexions. “Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that can penetrate deep into pores to prevent clogging,” says Dr. Litani. She notes that this skincare superstar can be found in a range of acne products, including cleansers, pads, and leave-on products like spot treatments.
“Retinols decrease sebum production and make your skin less likely to clog,” Dr. Litani notes. With that said, retinol can dry the skin out initially, so she recommends easing into use by using it every few nights and always applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer on top. A retinol product we recommend for acne is the First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate, which features retinol, ceramides, and peptides in its hard-working formula.
Read the Label
When shopping for an acne product, it’s super important to read the label. This will not only tell you what types of acne a product can treat and what the ingredients are, but it will also note the recommended use. Labels will also feature important keywords like “non-comedogenic,” which means that the formulas don’t cause clogged pores, and “oil-free” which is especially important for those with oily skin types.
Behind the Scenes
To create this list of the best acne products on the market, the PEOPLE Tested team first had to take on some rigorous product testing in our lab and at home. We tested a total of 227 products over thousands of hours to pull together the top acne-fighting products that are dermatologist-approved and editor-loved. That’s 20 face washes, 24 toners, 22 sheet masks, 24 face sunscreens, 25 drugstore concealers, 19 face moisturizers, 33 chemical exfoliants, and 32 vitamin C serums on a plethora of different skin types, including those with oily and acne-prone skin. Our top product picks are either recommended for getting to the root cause of acne or spot-treating that pesky pimple that unexpectedly popped up overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dermatologists recommend for acne?
The types of acne products recommended by dermatologists can vary depending on a number of factors. “Whichever treatment is right for you will depend on a number of things including your acne severity, how much it bothers you (this doesn't always correlate with severity), your age, and whether you are planning or could become pregnant, to name a few,” says Dr. Mina. She recommends seeking insight from a dermatologist to learn more about your acne type and what types of treatments, ingredients, and product formulations will work best.
With that said, there are a few things dermatologists look for in over-the-counter acne products. If you have a more inflammatory type of acne, Dr. Mina says “over-the-counter salicylic acid is great for this type of acne and can work fairly quickly.” Dr. Litani also recommends salicylic acid as well as benzoyl peroxide and retinol products. If you go for wash-off products such as a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, Dr. Litani adds that you can get the most out of them by increasing the amount of time the cleanser sits on your skin. “Apply them almost like an emulsified mask and leave them on your skin for two to eight minutes before rinsing.” You can also try using a home facial steamer to help open up pores before applying cleansers and acne treatments.
Do different types of acne need different types of acne products?
When it comes to treating different types of acne, it’s not necessarily about different acne products, and more so, about different acne treatment plans. For those with inflammatory acne, Dr. Litani says salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol can work well to address concerns. However, if you have more cystic acne, Dr. Mina says it’s best to seek care from a dermatologist, as they might want to prescribe additional treatment methods such as an oral vitamin A medication known as isotretinoin. “This medication does have side effects which your dermatologist will go over, but it is a lifesaver for many patients with severe acne,” she adds.
Hormonal acne is another type of acne that pops up as a result of, surprise, surprise, hormones. Dr. Mina says this type of acne tends to show face in women in their late 20s and early 30s and typically sprinkles the jawline and lower face. “This type of acne responds well to hormonal regulation with birth control pills and medications like spironolactone,” she adds.
Are more expensive acne products worth it?
According to Dr. Mina, expensive acne products are not always worth it. She says that more budget-friendly products can be just as effective as their fancy counterparts. “What’s most important is that you turn the product around and look at the active ingredient,” she explains, noting that this information alone can tell you how effective a product is compared to its more expensive counterpart (and, they’re often very comparable).
If you try quality budget-friendly acne products and find that they aren’t cutting it, Dr. Mina says to see a dermatologist before investing in a more expensive formula, as they might recommend a prescription or offer alternative treatment plans instead.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. With a decade of beauty writing under her belt, Jessie is no stranger to acne products and has spent her entire career interviewing top dermatology experts to learn more about the best ingredients and formulas. When researching the best acne products, Jessie leaned on her beauty industry experience and insight from the PEOPLE Tested lab and reached out to top dermatologists Dr. Mary Alice Mina and Dr. Carin Litani to learn more about the best acne products, what to look for in acne products, and gain answers to some of the most pressing questions about acne-targeting formulas and treatments.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Mary Alice Mina is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon and board-certified dermatologist with Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery in Atlanta.
Dr. Carin Litani is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon with Dermatology Partners, Inc. in Wellesley, Mass.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Up Next: The 9 Best Overnight Face Masks for Smoothing Fine Lines and Brightening Skin
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