8 Best Face Washes for Acne

BEST ACNE FACE WASH FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Reviving Cleanser

RESTORSEA

Exfoliates to purify skin
Gentle formula
Pricey

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

BEST FACE WASH FOR ACNE AND DARK SPOTS

AHA & BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

SKINMEDICA

Potent acne-fighting ingredients
Improves skin tone and dark spots
Pricey

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