Review: The 8 Best Acne Body Washes to Treat Bacne and Breakout-Prone Skin
Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.
Table of Contents
Today's Top Deals
Get DIY-Ready With Dewalt's 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver Kit, Over $100 Off
Save Over $100 On SPY-Tested Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbells
View More
An unfortunate side effect of being a chronic back-sweater is the development of cystic acne, or “bacne,” as we have so affectionately dubbed it. The condition is caused when the aforementioned sweat, bacteria, oil, and/or dead skin cells get trapped in your pores to cause inflammation and create large, red, sometimes pus-filled pimples and blackheads. Clothing, bed linens, and backpacks can also worsen the condition due to friction. But if this describes you, an easy solution is to start using a reputable acne body wash.
While it is always in your best interest to seek the medical advice and care of a licensed dermatologist, there are dozens of mainstream body washes formulated to target body acne specifically. These, in tandem with topical treatments and even antibiotics, can help to stop the embarrassing flare-up in their tracks so you can rock tank tops or go shirtless with confidence.
Having suffered from bouts of bacne since high school, we’re always on the hunt for the latest and greatest remedy. Below, we’ve ranked the eight best acne body washes that yielded results based on our testing. But first, let’s talk about ingredients.
What Goes Into the Best Acne Body Wash?
Before delving into the final rankings, it’s important to break down the active ingredients used to combat and prevent the formation of pimples. Since everybody’s skin is different, what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to keep this (and the ingredients) in mind when testing products for yourself to avoid frustration if one highly-rated product doesn’t work for you. In terms of how to prevent acne, here are four ingredients to look for:
Salicylic Acid: a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that will actually remove the top layer of dead skin cells by penetrating pores and unclogging them.
Benzoyl Peroxide: an antiseptic that eliminates bacteria on the surface of your skin. (Note: You’ll want to avoid using dark towels and/or clothing after washing as benzoyl peroxide can strip fabrics of their color like bleach.)
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA): a group of chemical exfoliants (like lactic, mandelic, and glycolic) that remove dead skin cells and prevent the overproduction of pore-clogging sebum (oil).
Tea Tree Oil: an essential oil that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties (though more scientific evidence is necessary to confirm these claims).
BEST OVERALL
1. Proactiv Acne Body Wash
Buy Now On Amazon
$36 at Target
$36 at ulta
Best For: Anyone looking for a daily acne body wash that doesn’t strip the skin of moisture.
Why We Chose It: Proactiv has cemented their name as the leader in acne-fighting products. This body wash is no exception. It has a higher salicylic acid content than most, but the presence of cold-pressed almond oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter keeps skin hydrated.
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid
Proactiv has done it again by supplementing its highly-popular skincare line with a salicylic acid-based cleanser formulated to target body acne. What sets this product apart from the lot is its gritty, exfoliation-friendly texture with vitamin E-encapsulated beads that melt under your fingers to remove dead skin cells while promoting moisture. Its formula is also light enough to use every day and the scent is clean and fresh without being overwhelming. Frankly, there is nothing to dislike about this acne body wash other than its somewhat steep price point.
Pros
Gritty texture with vitamin E beads to exfoliate dead skin
Ultra-moisturizing with natural oils
Refreshing scent
Cons
Somewhat pricey
RUNNER-UP
2. Murad Acne Control Body Wash
Buy Now On Amazon
$46 at Sephora
$46 at ulta
Best For: The guy who wants something a little less powerful than Proactiv, our pick for the best acne body wash. Also, if you’ve had success with Murad in the past, its formula will work best for your skin type.
Why We Chose It: There are Proactiv loyalists and there are Murad loyalists. If you fall into the latter category, the brand’s acne body wash is the obvious choice for you.
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid
Murad’s Acne Control Body Wash boasts all of the same acne-fighting properties as Proactiv, but with a slightly lower salicylic acid content, making it a great acne body wash for sensitive skin. And while it maintains the same gritty texture, it also lacks the vitamin E beads that burst and provide an added layer of hydration. Despite that, Murad delivers quality and results and is touted as one of the most dermatologist-recommended brands in the world. If you’ve incorporated the brand into your facial skincare routine, then definitely consider this one for the body.
Pros
Gritty texture helps with exfoliation
Murad is one of the most reputable, derm-approved companies
Does not over-dry skin
Cons
Extremely expensive
Scent is a bit too soapy
Less powerful than Proactiv
BEST TEA TREE
3. Some By Mi Miracle Acne Clear Body Cleanser
Buy Now On Amazon
$18 at Walmart
$25 at iherb
Best For: Any guy who prefers a more all-natural, plant-derived alternative to most mainstream skincare products.
Why We Chose It: The Korean-based product works better than most of the options on this list. Period.
Active Ingredient: Tea Tree, A.H.A., Salicylic Acid
We were kind of blown away by the results of this appropriately titled ‘miracle” acne body cleanser by Some By Mi. The only reason why it didn’t take top honors is that the Proactiv formula was a bit more well-rounded and suited for frequent use. While this acne body wash works, it’s definitely something you’ll tire of using every day with its strong, medicinal scent and tendency to dry out the skin. That said, if you have an important event like a pool party and a body pimple is standing in the way, this is the one to use so that it’s stopped in its tracks.
Pros
Triple acne-fighting ingredients that work
Great to use as a quick remedy
Large bottle that will last a while
Cons
Tea tree scent can be too overwhelming
Can be very drying
BEST VALUE
4. Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
Buy Now On Amazon
$10 at target
$10 at Neutrogena
Best For: The no-frills consumer who wants to walk in and out of a drugstore and buy a body wash for acne, specifically, without breaking the bank.
Why We Chose It: At less than $10 a bottle, Neutrogena’s famous Body Clear Body Wash is one of the most affordable on the market.
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid
Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash has developed a bit of a cult following, and rightfully so. Customers can’t get enough of the mass-market product that actually works to dry up pimples and prevent new ones. In fact, other Neutrogena acne-fighting products are also a big hit, including their gels and creams to spot-treat newly-formed whiteheads. Use them together (and consistently) for maximum results and bask in the glory of clearer skin.
Pros
Foams and lathers very well
Contains aloe and chamomile to smooth and calm skin
Extremely affordable and easy to find
Cons
The fragrance is polarizing
Results may take some time
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
5. Dove Acne Clear Body Cleanser
Buy Now On Amazon
$8 at Target
$8 at cvs
Best For: The guy who is prone to rashes and redness when introducing a new skincare product.
Why We Chose It: Dove’s Body Love line takes all skin types into consideration with its gentle blend of botanicals (like bamboo extract) that allow you to bathe without the fear of further aggravating pre-existing acne.
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid
Dove is one of the most popular beauty brands in the world because it takes every skin type into consideration before releasing a new product. With that in mind, we found this to be the very best acne body wash for sensitive skin. The Dove Acne Clear Body Cleanser is pH-balanced, vegan, and mildly formulated so that every man can incorporate it into their bathing routine without worry. In fact, they concocted the ingredient list of this acne body wash with the fragility of the face in mind, which is one of the most sensitive parts of your body. And if an acne soap works fine on the mug, it obviously can be applied to the rest of the body without fear of a rash or irritation.
Pros
Large bottle size that lasts for weeks
No sulfates or parabens
Amazing herbal scent
Cons
Scent and clean feeling don’t linger for long
Could be stronger in defeating acne
BEST EXTRA STRENGTH
6. Humane Maximum Strength Acne Wash
Buy Now On Amazon
$46 at walmart
Best For: Men who are struggling with the most extreme cases of cystic acne.
Why We Chose It: A little goes a long way with Humane’s Maximum Strength Acne Wash, which guarantees a drastic reduction in cyst and pimple size.
Active Ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide
For those who see virtually zero improvements after using salicylic acid-based acne body washes, benzoyl peroxide is the ingredient for you. Humane’s Maximum Strength Acne Wash packs a bunch with a 10% solution that can also be applied and left on for one to three minutes after using your favorite body wash. Just be sure to dry with a white towel — it can easily stain fabrics like bleach, which won’t bode well for that new Egyptian cotton set you just splurged on this year.
Pros
Targets more severe cases of acne
Was one of the fastest-acting of the bunch
A little goes a long way, which saves you money
Cons
Benzoyl peroxide can be extremely drying and irritating
Any remnant of the product can stain clothes or towels
Off-putting chlorine scent
Difficult to foam and lather
BEST SCENT
7. Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap
Buy Now On Amazon
$8 at ulta
$8 at Target
Best For: Anyone who likes to smell as clean as they feel after bathing.
Why We Chose It: Mario Badescu makes shower time seem like an expensive indulgence, but at an affordable price point.
Active Ingredient: A.H.A.
You don’t have to sacrifice a refreshing and invigorating shower experience for the sake of preventing acne. Mario Badescu proves that you can bring in relaxing, alluring smells and a silky, smooth shower gel to aid in your battle against breakouts (thanks to A.H.A.). In fact, there is nothing remotely medicinal about this acne body wash and it can easily be used daily without fear of over-drying. Between its aroma, texture, and ability to lather, gear up for a sensory experience that will remind you of most high-end spas.
Pros
Refreshing grapefruit and floral scent
Lathers wonderfully and feels luxurious
Quite affordable
Cons
Contains sodium laureth sulfate (SLS)
Works best with a loofah or sponge and not hands
BEST DUO
8. ZitSticka Body Double (Silkshake and Fizz Fountain)
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy at ZitSticka
Best For: The person who appreciates a multi-step routine instead of an all-in-one miracle bottle.
Why We Chose It: The dynamic duo work together to first soothe pre-existing breakouts and then block future ones, making it a one-two punch that strengthens and protects your skin barrier.
Active Ingredient: A.H.A., Tea Tree
We know that shower real estate is limited, but these two bottles deserve a permanent spot on the shelf. While A.H.A. and tea tree are acne-fighting stars, the Silkshake (step one) offers a pre and post-probiotic blend that “balances your skin’s microdome” by keeping good bacteria in and kicking bad, pore-clogging bacteria to the curb (or down the drain). Fizz Fountain, which contains peppermint extract, then jumps in to exfoliate and retexturize your skin’s surface so that it’s smooth and ready to weather the acne-causing elements of sweat and bacteria.
Pros
Dual-action performance with two formulas
Multiple active ingredients work together
Niacinamide reduces redness and irritation
Cons
You don’t have to purchase both, but you’ll want to
Can be laborious to use two products
How We Chose the Best Acne Body Washes
While there are dozens of products that treat acne for the face, the selection is limited when it comes to those marketed for the body. We rounded up nearly 15 of the most popular body washes for acne available and put them to the ultimate test.
Categories included, but were not limited to pimple shrinkage, breakout prevention, scent, price, ability to moisturize, and brand recognition. The aforementioned eight represented the very best acne body washes by these metrics and were awarded specific accolades.
Why Trust SPY When Choosing an Acne Body Wash
The research team at SPY has scoured the internet for the best acne body washes to identify the products that dermatologists, beauty editors, and, most importantly, consumers can’t stop raving about. This includes the acne body washes that SPY readers themselves are searching for and have requested more information about.
For over eight weeks, at least a dozen acne body washes were tested using the same loofah type, water temperature, and scrubbing technique to maintain consistency and accuracy. We also wanted to make sure that products had at least an entire week dedicated to their use since the perks of acne-fighting body washes like blemish fading and breakout prevention can take some time. The contenders were then ranked and reviewed in various categories to accommodate a wide net of potential customers who prioritize different aspects (i.e. price, ingredients, brand recognition, etc.)
Aside from acne body wash, SPY also tests a number of other skincare products. Recently, the team has reviewed the King C. Gillette Beard Care Kit, our favorite lip balms, and the best hair loss subscription services that actually work.
About the Author: Joey Skladany
Joey is a writer, editor, TV/radio personality, lifestyle expert, former entertainment publicist, and author of Basic Bitchen. As the son of a former esthetician, he has worked extensively in the men’s beauty and skincare space and is a frequent contributor to outlets like AskMen, Beautytap, Today.com, People, Food & Wine, Travel + Leisure, Food52, Cosmopolitan, Apartment Therapy, and more. When not writing, he enjoys traveling, fine dining, perfecting his stand-up comedy routine, and volleyball.
Recently, Joey has told SPY readers about his favorite Foreo grooming tool, his beloved new custom leather couch, and about his fascination with electric egg cookers.
More Top Deals from SPY
Best of SPY
Editor's Choice: The 10 Best Shaving Creams for Men, Tested and Reviewed
SPY Editor's Choice: The Best Under-Eye Creams for Men Who Are Tired of Looking Tired
Be Tough on Dirt But Gentle on Your Body With the Best Soaps for Sensitive Skin
Click here to see more up-to-date holiday deals!
