Whether you’ve been dealing with acne for years or are a more recent acne sufferer due to maskne, getting rid of pimples for good can be a challenge. With so many acne products on the market — both over the counter and prescription — it’s not always a simple task to figure out the skincare routine that will help you beat your breakouts. While everyone’s acne story is different, one product that can (almost) always help is an effective acne face wash.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best acne face washes you can buy to help treat and prevent pimples according to our own beauty scientists, dermatologists, and verified online reviewers.
- Deep cleans skin
- Non-drying
- Contains fragrance
Vichy’s tried-and-true gel cleanser is a GH Beauty Lab and editor go-to for acne-prone, oily skin types. “I particularly like this product because it makes my skin feel clean without over-drying it, and the salicylic acid helps treat my adult hormonal acne,” says GH Chemist Danusia Wnek. “It also smells great!”
• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Formula type: Gel
• Size: 6.7 ounces
- Effectively fights acne
- Won’t dry out skin
Drugstore brand hero Neutrogena and its classic gel acne cleanser has been around for years and upholds its reputation as one of the top face washes dermatologists recommend to acne-prone patients. “The 2% salicylic acid works well without overly drying out skin,” Dr. Downie notes. “Most of my patients tolerate it very well.”
• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Formula type: Gel
• Size: 9.1 ounces
