17 Best Face Wash for Acne, According to Dermatologists

Editor Tip: Once you figure out if this cleanser is a good match, you can use it every day — once in the morning and once at night.

Key Ingredients: LHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid | Who It’s For: Acne-prone, oily, or combination skin

Best Gentle Cleanser: KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser

Why It’s Worth It: This gentle, non-stripping cleanser serves serious hydration. Vitamin B5 and sodium PCA do the heavy lifting when it comes to moisturizing, and the green tea oil gives the formula an antioxidant-rich boost. If oiliness is contributing to your acne, this is a great daily cleanser to try.

Editor Tip: The original formula contained almond oil, but it’s since been reformulated to be 100 percent nut-allergy safe.

Key Ingredients: Sodium PCA, hemp oil, matcha, vitamin B5 | Who It’s For: Dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin

Best for Whiteheads: Avène Cleanance Acne Clearing Gel

Why It’s Worth It: Avène products are French pharmacy staples, and for good reason. Their 2% salicylic acid Cleanance Acne Clearing Gel targets excess oil to help get rid of blemishes, whiteheads, and blackheads without stripping the skin barrier. You can apply it morning and night, massaging in gentle circles into damp skin.

Editor Tip: It’s best to use this cleanser with lukewarm water, because hot water can be irritating.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactobacillus ferment lysate, betamine and saccharide isomerate, spring water| Who It’s For: Acne-prone skin

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?

Dr. Chang tells us to look out for two powerhouse ingredients: salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that “goes deep into the pores to clear them from excess oil and dirt,” and benzoyl peroxide, which guards against inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Milder ingredients include tea tree oil or green tea, which also provide skin-soothing benefits.

David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, keeps it real when it comes to face washes marketed toward acne-prone skin. Facial cleansers are naturally washed-off so, while helpful, they’re not the most critical aspect of an acne-targeted routine as a more intensive spot treatment.

What if I’m on an acne prescription?

Dr. Kim himself went through two rounds of the acne treatment Accutane, which informed his advice to patients on prescription treatments. He strongly advocates that a good prescription topical or systemic regime patient can use any cleanser, including those not specifically designed for acne. But, he adds, “If a patient has very mild acne and is only using over-the-counter (OTC) topicals, adding an acne-specific cleanser can be helpful.”

So, I used a cleanser…now what?

As for follow-up tips, always apply any acne medications immediately after cleansing to allow the active ingredients to work their magic, which Dr. Chang says can take up to 6 to 12 weeks of continued daily use. And never forgo moisturizing. Rather than clogging your pores, a lightweight cream will ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected, especially if you’re using a drying topical medication. Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends avoiding layering retinoids, as well as products that contain fragrance and alcohol, on top of acid-laced cleansers — because these pairings can lead to dryness and irritation.

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