13 Acne Cleansers on Amazon That People Really Love
If there's one skin-care annoyance I absolutely can't stand, it's getting a pimple. I've been in the battle for clear skin since I was in high school, which means I've tested a ridiculous number of cleansers that are formulated for acne. While there are plenty that I had to find out the hard way weren't the right fit for my skin, I'm happy to say that I've found a handful that are (here's looking at you, Effaclar). My work is never finished when it comes to helping my skin look its best, so I'm always ready to try out new products that others are loving—especially if they can help me kiss my pimples goodbye.
There are a few key ingredients to seek out in acne cleansers. Dermatologist Lily Talakoub, M.D., of McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center in Virginia, tells SELF that shoppers with acne-prone skin should look for products containing retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or glycolic acids. "Most acne cleansers typically contain about 1 to 2 percent salicylic acid, 5 to 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, or 2 to 10 percent glycolic acid," she says.
Keep in mind, however, that the percentage of benzoyl peroxide (BP) in your acne cleanser should vary based on your skin type and how sensitive you are, Kenneth Howe, M.D., of Wexler Dermatology in New York City, tells SELF. "Four to 5 percent strength is usually good for mild facial acne, but someone with dry or sensitive skin will do better with even more mild BP products," he explains.
The cleansers listed here contain some combination of the standard ingredients Dr. Howe and Dr. Talakoub recommend, as well as popular alternatives, such as tea tree oil. And they're all top-picks from Amazon customers who, like me, have opinions when it comes to their acne skin-care. Read on for 13 cleansers for acne-prone skin on Amazon with at least a four-star rating and at least 300 reviews.
Humane1Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10 Percent Acne Treatment Body and Face Wash, $21
4.3 stars, 2,275 customer reviews
Made with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, this powerful cleanser that is formulated for face and body will stop acne in its tracks. One Amazon shopper explains that it's "a life saver for those with adult acne that has refused to yield to any other treatment."
Buy it: $21, amazon.com
La Roche-Posay2La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin, $15
4.2 stars, 612 customer reviews
I honestly love this French pharmacy cult favorite, and Amazon shoppers agree. Not only is the wash gentle on my skin, but it also works well to keep stubborn acne at bay. One reviewer explains, "This stuff works. I have very oily acne-prone skin, and have tried all sorts of things with minimal success. I have been washing my face twice a day with this stuff for about two weeks now and the difference is incredible!"
Buy it: $15, amazon.com
Clean & Clear3Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control 3-in-1 Foaming Face Wash, $6
4.2 stars, 1,094 customer reviews
This foaming face wash is made with salicylic acid, which dissolves bacteria, oils, and dead skin to help prevent future breakouts. "I am in love with this product!!! Doesn't leave my skin feeling icky after and actually does fight acne as well," writes one reviewer.
Buy it: $6, amazon.com
Dermalogica4Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash, $29
4-stars, 385 customer reviews
I'm a huge fan of Dermalogica products because they're gentle yet effective on my skin. This foaming cleanser helps treat acne-prone skin with powerful salicylic acid and soothes irritation with its blend of eucalyptus and tea tree oils. One customer writes, "I love this face wash! I have very oily skin, and this has helped with oil control, and cleared up my skin nicely. My skin looks better than ever!"
Buy it: $29, amazon.com
Peter Thomas Roth5Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, $27
4.3 stars, 408 customer reviews
Formulated with glycolic and salicylic acids, this powerful cleanser helps to brighten, clarify, and cleanse skin all at once. One customer writes, "Used it for years will and never use anything else! My skin is sensitive and this product does not cause any irritation."
Buy it: $27, amazon.com
Neutrogena6Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash (Pack of 3), $23
4.2 stars, 380 customer reviews
This face wash was one of the first cleansers I ever tried and it's still going strong. Customers love its gentle yet effective acne-fighting formula, and how it easily removes makeup.
Buy it: $23, amazon.com
The Body Shop7The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, $12
4.2 stars, 717 customer reviews
This cleanser doesn't contain typical acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. Instead it contains tea tree oil, which helps to lower skin's bacteria levels and reduce inflammation. "This is the second bottle that I bought," writes one reviewer. "I tried a different brand in between and only used 1/4 of the bottle before deciding that this worked way better at keeping my face from breaking out."
Buy it: $12, amazon.com
Dr. Song8Dr. Song Benzoyl Peroxide Wash 10 Percent Acne Treatment, $15
4.6 stars, 524 customer reviews
Another cleanser with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, it's powerful enough to help fight the zits on your body and gentle enough for your face. "This is my second bottle of the Dr. Song wash and I love this product," one reviewer writes. "I only use it on my back to control some terrible 'bacne' outbreaks but it works well without irritating my sensitive skin."
Buy it: $15, amazon.com
Neutrogena9Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne and Redness Facial Cleanser, $7
4.2 stars, 304 customer reviews
"I pray this never goes away because I plan to use for the rest of my life," writes one reviewer about this gentle cleanser. If you have really sensitive skin, this acne wash includes aloe and chamomile to soothe skin and reduce facial redness. Bonus: It's on sale right now.
Buy it: $7 (originally $11), amazon.com
Perfect Image10Perfect Image Salicylic Deep Gel Exfoliating Cleanser, $25
4.3 stars, 434 customer reviews
Customers love this gel cleanser, which is made with salicylic and glycolic acids to exfoliate dead skin cells. One reviewer describes it as "the best face wash I have ever owned."
Buy it: $25, amazon.com
Clean & Clear11Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit, $14
4.2 stars, 1,094 customer reviews
This three-piece skin-care set includes a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser and 2.5 percent treatment, as well as a gel moisturizer, that work together to fight breakouts. "I've used this for years," writes one reviewer. "It reliably clears up blemishes in just a day or two and doesn't dry out my skin."
Buy it: $14 (originally $20), amazon.com
Neutrogena12Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil-Eliminating Foaming Facial Cleanser, $7
4 stars, 522 customer reviews
When I use Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel, my pimples seem to disappear overnight. So it's no surprise that the brand's Rapid Clear cleanser is beloved by Amazon shoppers. One reviewer writes that the cleanser is an "awesome product for stubborn skin!" Bonus: It's on sale right now.
Buy it: $7 (originally $11), amazon.com
Proactiv13Proactiv Renewing Cleanser, $27
4.4 stars, 523 customer reviews
This gentle, yet effective benzoyl peroxide cleanser (2.5 percent) is formulated with exfoliating beads that help unclog pores while it fights breakouts. One reviewer writes that this cleanser is the "only face I was I have used in years/will continue to use. This formula just works the best—hands down."
Buy it: $27, amazon.com
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
