Top 10 Face Washes for Acne
THE TOP ZIT ZAPPING CLEANSERS

Acne can be tricky to treat and using the wrong product can worsen the fight. Clearer skin is on the horizon with our top 10 acne formulated cleansers! Packed with breakout fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and sulfur, these face washes rid skin of dirt and oil, unclog pores, and work around the clock to keep blemishes at bay. Those with acne-prone skin know that finding a treatment that doesn’t over dry and irritate skin is a must. Our list includes drugstore favorites known for kicking acne in the booty and natural, botanical-based products that calm and soothe all of your red spots, not just your blemishes. With 10 top cleansers to choose from, there’s a product for every budget and skin type, all ready to work overtime to help you zap zits and leave your skin feeling happy. Opening image: @clinique
August 22, 2017
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The Rankings
Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser
BEST FOR: So many cleansers have a hefty price tag, so at $4.99 this cleanser is perfect for daily use!
LOVED FOR: The pore-penetrating technology fights acne and breakouts throughout the day/night.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
BEST FOR: Kicking oily skin to the curb!
USERS SAID: “This gel cleanser is amazing!!!! I have oily skin and this percentage of salicylic acid prevents breakouts and keeps my oil at bay. I've noticed a big difference in just one week of use. I also use it as an overnight treatment!! I apply a small amount on my blemishes and the next day, no swelling and my blemish is practically gone.”
Kate Somerville Eradikate Daily Cleanser Acne Treatment
BEST FOR: A benzoyl peroxide free option that won’t dry out your skin like many other acne formulated cleansers
USERS SAID: “This face wash is honestly my favorite of all time. I'm one of the 15% of people that did accutane without success. After two months of using this my skin is the clearest it's ever been.”
Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam
BEST FOR: All skin types
COMPLETE THE LOOK: Use with Clinique’s Acne Solutions Acne + Line Correcting Serum or Clarifying Lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser
LOVED FOR: This gentle foaming cleanser is perfect for sensitive skin.
USERS SAID: “I was using a more pricey product and it irritated my skin, I saw a dermatologist and they recommended Aveeno. YES. It works and its not $45 dollars like the face wash I bought before.”
Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash
LOVED FOR: The soothing effects of the tea tree, eucalyptus, and camphor
USERS SAID: “Love this product. My face has cleared up to the point I no longer wear makeup.”
First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser With Red Clay
BEST FOR: Removing makeup and leaving skin feeling super clean
FUN FACT: This foaming gel cleanser contains natural red clay to absorb impurities in the skin.
Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser
BEST FOR: An anti-aging and acne cleanser
FUN FACT: This cleanser is dermatologist-developed.
OLEHENRIKSEN Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser
LOVED FOR: The blend of active botanicals in this cleanser not only helps reduce oil and unclog pores, but also leaves skin looking bright and refreshed.
BEST FOR: The peppermint fragrance is perfect for morning use!
Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser
USERS SAID: “I will never use another cleanser again after using this product. I used it for one week and immediately noticed a difference. My skin felt cleaner and looked healthier! Also it helped to get rid of my breakouts not only on my face but my back too!”
FUN FACT: All Boscia products are preservative free and have fun botanical ingredients, like willow bark extract and geranium!
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