8 Best Face Washes for Acne

Hands down, this powerful gel cleanser is Dr. Downie’s favorite cleanser for all skin types — including those with acne. “It gently exfoliates skin and also contains vitamin C to brighten.” She loves that it effectively deep cleans skin but is gentle enough for daily use.

• Key ingredients: Songyi mushroom
• Formula type: Gel
• Size: 7 ounces

This potent cleanser does double duty thanks to its high concentration of alpha hydroxy acids, including lactic, glycolic, citric and malic acids, as well as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin and clear clogged pores. Dr. Downie loves that it “helps to improve acne, skin tone (read: dark spots), and texture all at once.”

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid
• Formula type: Oil
• Size: 6 ounces