Doctor-Approved Acne Face Washes to Clear Up Your Complexion

Acne is a prevalent skin condition that impacts millions of teens and adults. Thankfully, treatment is surprisingly simple: doctors say using an acne face wash is the easiest way to heal current acne and prevent future pimples. Acne face washes are lightweight gel or foam cleansers made with pimple-fighting ingredients that help remove dirt and sweat from the skin. On the other hand, regular face washes are typically heavy or contain pore-clogging oils that lead to breakouts.

Best Acne Face Washes

• Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Facial Cleanser
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser
• Best for Oily Skin: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
• Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
• Best Budget Buy: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser
• Best Splurge: EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Best New Release: St. Ives Deep Cleanse Cream Wash

Best Ingredients

Ready for clear, acne-free skin? Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, M.D., a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Shari Marchbein, M.D., breakdown the key differences between the best acne face wash ingredients, including which type of acne they target.

Salicylic acid

This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) targets whiteheads, blackheads, and mild acne by gently penetrating pores, removing dirt and impurities, and exfoliating the skin, allowing for a more even tone and brighter complexion. Plus, it reduces inflammation and swelling, which can help unclog pores and shrink pimples. Over-the-counter products contain up to a 2% concentration of salicylic acid.

Benzoyl peroxide

It kills acne-causing bacteria and removes excess oil, making it great for treating blackheads and moderate breakouts. Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide exfoliates the skin, but be careful: it's drying and can potentially irritate sensitive skin. Start with 2 to 5% concentration, but if you're used to the ingredient, you can go up to 10%.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Like glycolic acid and mandelic acid are less prominent than the first two ingredients, but they're still worth incorporating into your routine. AHAs are chemical exfoliants that gently remove dead skin cells, allowing better penetration of acne-destroying products. These AHAs work for all types of acne and help fade dark spots and brighten dull skin.

When Will I See Results?

An acne face wash is also fantastic because it's low maintenance. Doctors say you can typically use an acne face wash twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks to see results. “A common misconception is that more is more when it comes to face washing. However, washing too often can actually worsen acne,” says Marchbein “If your skin is getting dry, use a non-medicated gentle cleanser once a day, and don’t forget to moisturize with a creamy, hydrating moisturizer at least twice daily as it allows for better tolerability of acne medications and help to repair the skin barrier.”

Now that you understand how to shop for an acne face wash, check out these complexion cleansers that eliminate acne for smoother, pimple-free skin. Each option earned a recommendation from a doctor and was also vetted by our beauty editor, who considered their ingredients, consistency, smell, and price. She also researched what skin types they are best suited for and read hundreds of online reviews to help ensure they are worth your money.