We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
These are the 10 cleansers that actually help acne-prone skin
Tried and tested, so you don’t have to
Forget what you've heard before now, people. An acne face wash is your best line of defence for breakouts – whether you're battling them on the daily or dealing with the occasional pulsing pimple.
A skin flare up can happen for many reasons. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger a flare-up, a hefty helping of dairy can leave your chin lined with whiteheads or increased cortisol levels can exacerbate acne. But know that a good face wash for acne-prone skin can go a long way too.
But where to start? The beauty industry is saturated with products claiming to help blemish-prone skin overnight, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint when it comes to getting that perfect balance between too oily and too dry.
The best acne face washes to shop now
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
Read more - 5
What causes acne?
As with a lot of things to do with our body, acne can easily get out of our control. Dr Ejikeme, Founder and Medical Director of Adonia Medical Clinic, explains: “Acne is primarily driven by genetics, but there are environmental aspects that can precipitate or aggravate it.”
What could you be doing wrong when it comes to your skin? Turns out, quite a bit: “Using occlusive oils, over exfoliation, stress, poor sleep, high sugar diets can all contribute. When spots do occur, touching and squeezing them can make things worse, too” says Dr Ejikeme.
And while we love all the skin transformation videos that creep up on our social media, remember it takes time and a lot of dedication to replenish the skin's delicate barrier, so don't expect results overnight.
Can cleansers make acne worse?
Cleansing is a vital part of any skincare regime but overdoing it – especially with exfoliating acids – is going to cause more problems than it solves.
“Cleansers are very important, as effectively cleansing the skin can ensure make-up, sunscreen, sweat, pollution and debris are removed from the skin, reducing the risk of these leading to inflammation or occlusion of a pore,” says Dr Ejikeme.
Although acids can aid us in our journey to flawless skin, it’s important to pick the right one and at the right percentage. Dr Ejikeme’s favourite? “Salicylic acid is a key ingredient for acne. Choose a cleanser containing around 2% salicylic acid and use it throughout the week."
There’s also a skincare myth out there that if you’re prone to oiliness, you should cleanse more often than your dry-skinned friends, but that’s simply not the case. “Acne is not caused by unclean skin. If you have acne-prone skin you should cleanse just as much as everyone else: that's twice a day for 30 seconds,” confirms Dr Ejikeme.
Now you've got your tactic down, here are the formulas that truly live up to the task. You can thank us later.
Medik8 doesn’t mess around when it comes to busting blemishes: its Clarifying Foam can be found in many a beauty ed’s cupboard because it genuinely does bits.
The light and airy formula is packed with AHAs and BHAs to gently exfoliate and decongest pores, while niacinamide helps to reinforce your skin barrier and keep irritation at bay.
An elite option that will humble any pimple that gets a bit too big for its boots.
A literal godsend for dry acne-prone skin, CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cleanser features our favourite friend salicylic acid, but is boosted with hard-working hydrators hyaluronic acid and ceramides to ensure you're left supple, not stripped.
Not just for your face, feel free to slather this cleanser on your body to say toodaloo to bumps and breakouts also.
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Find skincare ingredients an overwhelming, confusing beast? Then The Inkey List is flying to the rescue as its whole MO is about keeping things as simple as poss.
Take this cleanser. It's based around one key ingredient: salicylic acid. The chemical exfoliant is well-known for being an acne conqueror and has been given the seal of approval by Dr Ejikeme as a must-have in your routine if you're prone to breakouts.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
When it comes to fighting acne, the Effaclar range is up there as one of the best known. The Purifying Foaming Gel has been specially formulated for oily skin, using some well known acne-fighting ingredients like zinc PCA to keep oiliness in check and citric acid to rid dead skin cells.
La Roche-Posay keeps its fragrances and ingredients to a minimum and steers well clear of parabens, so it's a goer even if you have sensitive skin.
When fighting a battle with acne, it's not always about high-active formulas – your skin needs a break, too. This creamy and comfortable cleanser from No7 will purify your skin and remove daily grub while nourishing the delicate barrier.
Then, if you choose to, you've got a fresh canvas to apply your active ingredients. We know it's not the sexiest cleanser around, but you just can't argue with genuine results.
Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins
Youth to the People is a science-led beauty brand that considers the environment as much as your skin.
Using antioxidant-rich leafy greens to purify skin, it's also fully vegan friendly and cruelty free. If you're looking for an effective cleanser with a serious eco-conscience then this needs to be added to your skincare routine pronto.
An OG cleanser, nothing quite beats the feeling of a thick cream melting away makeup. This one from Liz Earle has one countless awards and draws on soothing ingredients like chamomile, rosemary and eucalyptus alongside hydrating cocoa butter to rebalance and even out skin.
For optimal exfoliation, use a muslin cloth and warm water. Your acne will wonder what's hit it.
StriVectin Gentle Daily Clarifying Cleanser
StriVectin's Gentle Daily Clarifying Cleanser is a lightly lathering face wash that removes makeup and gently cleanses the skin, but works exceptionally hard to prevent upcoming breakouts, too.
How's this all possible? It's all thanks to ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and green tea extract that promote a clearer complexion while ensuring irritation stays away. That's right, this is one cleanser that knows how to show off.
A total classic, we've been recommending this cleanser to anyone who will listen for years now.
It's a solid choice for all skin types, but the acne-prone will love that it's pH-balanced, meaning it'll leave your skin barrier exactly as it wants to be: balanced, hydrated and clean.
Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
Breakouts on your face suck, but you know what’s also a real nuisance? Bacne.
As those who have an acne-prone complexion are also more likely to experience bacne, we’d suggest keeping this clarifying body wash in your shower cubby too.
Packed with salicylic acid, glycerin and olive fruit oil, it’ll gently resurface without the risk of stripping your skin and disrupting your moisture barrier.
What’s more, the chunky bottle will keep you going for months so it’s great value for money too.
Watch Next
Here's why your skin needs a niacinamide serum
12 pimple patches to help heal your breakouts
These are our fave skin-reforming retinol serums
PSA: These are the best BHA exfoliants around
