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It's not easy dealing with acne-prone skin! Your face is always exposed to dirt, impurities, and makeup residue, and these can clog your pores and trigger even more breakouts. This is why a cleanser is an essential part of combating acne. It is a must-have and the first step in your skincare routine. Having a cleanser suitable for your acne-prone skin can help reduce breakouts.
But, there are so many to choose from, which can be overwhelming. So, we've compiled a list of some of the best cleansers for acne-prone skin on the market! For example, Murad's Anti-Aging Acne Time Release Acne Cleanser is our favorite. It gently cleans your skin, and its salicylic acid keeps acne at bay. Keep reading to see what other cleansers made it on our list. While you're at it, we also prepared a buying guide - reviewed by a dermatologist - to help you decide which one to pick.
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
When deciding which cleanser to buy, there are many things to consider, including the ingredients and cleanser types. Hopefully, after going through this buying guide, choosing the right cleanser will be easier!
There are many different types of acne, and each type needs different treatment. Continue reading to know some ingredients that can help you treat acne!
Blackheads and whiteheads are caused by clogged pores. Therefore, if you suffer from these kinds of acne, look for ingredients that can unclog the pores.
Botanical ingredients like tea tree oil or witch hazel are some great choices. They can help cleanse your skin of excess oil, unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and reduce acne. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid also work for blackheads and whiteheads. They are effective in removing impurities from the pores.
Hormonal acne is triggered by hormonal factors like stress, menopause, menstruation, or an increase in androgens like testosterone. It usually comes in the form of cysts and is the most painful type of acne.
If you suffer from hormonal acne, look for retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Retinoids can unblock your pores and accelerate the skin's healing process to reduce swelling. Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide helps reduce inflammation and eliminate acne-causing bacteria.
Another great ingredient is salicylic acid. It penetrates deep into pores and clear away dead skin cells. This ingredient can also soothe inflammation and prevent future acne.
Fungal acne is a yeast infection of the hair follicles. It's caused by many reasons, including excessive sweating, a change in diet. Fungal acne looks quite similar to regular acne and feels itchy.
If you have fungal acne, look for an antifungal cleanser to reduce the growth of fungi. Salicylic acid is helpful in treating fungal acne as well, as it can deeply cleanse the pores and accelerate skin cell turnover. To know exactly what works for your fungal acne, consult with your doctor.
A medicated cleanser can be part of the acne treatment routine. Your dermatologist may recommend an over-the-counter cleanser with benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid to treat your acne.
If you are on prescription acne medications like a retinoid, these may be too harsh to use daily and a simple non-medicated cleanser may be all you need. Since glycolic acid is safe to use while pregnant, glycolic acid cleansers are a great way to treat acne in pregnancy. Make sure you use sunscreen if using a cleanser with any of these ingredients since they can make you sun sensitive.
There are so many types of cleansers available, and each one has different benefits for the skin. Knowing what type of cleaners are available and what they can do will make your choice easier!
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, go for gel cleansers. Gel cleansers are usually clear and jelly-like. Using gel cleansers can help decongest pores, take out oil residue, and eliminate bacteria that can cause acne and breakouts.
This type of cleanser is also very nourishing and hydrating. Gel cleansers are formulated with lightweight moisturizing ingredients, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, that will make your skin healthy and fresh. Since they are lightweight, they won't clog your pores and make your skin feel extra greasy.
On top of that, those ingredients can help control sebum production and reduce inflammation. They will help in preventing acne breakouts, too.
Gel cleansers are lightweight since they are water-based. They are great for use during the humid summer months. Those with oily skin can really benefit from a gel cleanser since they are effective at removing oil and sebum from the pores.
I recommend moisturizing after using a gel cleanser since they can sometimes leave the skin leaving a little dry. Look for a gel cleanser with hyaluronic acid if you have dry skin.
Cream cleansers are formulated to be rich in texture and hydrating. You can rest easy knowing that this type of cleanser will not take away your skin’s natural oils! So, your skin won't feel dry after using a cream cleanser.
It is important to note that although they are great in cleansing the face and moisturizing your skin, they might be too rich for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Still, this type of cleaner is helpful for those with dry skin. It's a great choice in dry climates or winter, too.
Foam cleansers often start as cream or gel and turn into a foamy, rich lather when exposed to water. These cleansers easily penetrate pores and help decongest your skin, remove dirt, and lift makeup residue.
It is important to note that most foam cleansers contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as their main ingredient. This ingredient allows the cleanser to have a foaming effect. However, this ingredient can cause skin irritation in some.
If you have sensitive skin and acne-prone skin, it might be better to steer clear of this cleanser or look for foam cleansers that do not use this ingredient. Foam cleansers are ideal for most skin types. They're especially great for people who like lightweight products that offer a deep clean.
Foam cleansers are well tolerated by most skin types, even those with drier skin. I consider them a happy medium between given the skin a clean and fresh feeling without stripping too many oils.
If you're looking for a deeper cleanse, consider going for clay cleansers. Cleansing balms are much like oil cleansers, but they come in a solid formula that is usually rich and velvety in texture. They work great in removing makeup residue! Balms also nourish skin with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
Clay cleansers, on the other hand, effectively mattify and detoxify your face. Clay cleaners can remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your pores. It is important to note that clay cleansers can cause your skin to dry out and strip it of its natural oils. Moreover, this type of cleanser does not remove makeup.
Be wary of the double cleanse with an oil cleanser if you have a history of acne. Some of the oil-based cleansers can trigger acne or periorificial dermatitis, a red bumpy rash around the nose and the mouth.
If you find double cleansing helpful, note that it does not have to be done every night. You can do this skincare ritual a few times a week and alternate with a simple gel, cream, or foam cleanser of your choice to still get the benefit.
If you're always on the go or traveling, micellar water might be for you! Micellar water is a very lightweight facial cleanser that has the consistency of water. This type of cleanser is formulated with micelles. Micelles are small molecules of oil suspended in water that help remove dirt.
This type of cleanser usually does not need rinsing, which is why it’s great for when you're out and about. It's multi-purpose because it helps remove makeup, cleanses, and tones your face.
Micellar water is super effective at removing dirt, sweat, oil, and makeup from your face. I like to use it as a makeup remover, and then follow it up with a traditional cleanser.
I also use micellar water to remove makeup prior to working out. Unscented Simple Micellar Water is a great one to use if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin or even rosacea as it is gentle yet effective.
The climate can significantly affect the state of your skin. It’s a good thing that there is a range of cleansers, from heavy to light, suitable for every kind of weather.
Heavier cleansers, like cream cleansers, cleansing oils, and balms, are ideal for winter and drier weather. Your skin compensates for this dryness by producing more oil and sebum, which can clog pores and trigger acne. Go for heavy non-comedogenic cleansers to help you cleanse and control oil production.
Lightweight cleansers, like gel, micellar water, and foam cleansers, are great for summer and more humid weather.
Some people tend to break out more during the summer. Breakouts are triggered due to constant exposure to the sun, which leads to sweating and oil buildup on your skin. Lightweight cleansers will gently cleanse the face and reduce excess oil production.
You may want to keep a few cleansers on hand depending on the condition of your skin and other products that you are using. During the winter, a cream-based cleanser may be needed due to dry skin.
If you start an anti-aging or acne routine, your skin may be very dry initially, and you may want to avoid a cleanser that has AHA or salicylic acid until your skin becomes more tolerant of the retinoid.
There are so many face cleansers to choose from, and some do more than just cleanse your skin. If you want to keep your skin clean and hydrated, look for ingredients such as glycerin, vitamin E, honey, and lactic acid. These ingredients will help restore moisture!
Some cleansers help brighten your skin with ingredients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and plant and fruit extracts. These ingredients help to illuminate the face to give you that lovely glow.
Lastly, there are facial cleansers that also help with anti-aging and reducing fine lines. If you are looking for this type of cleanser, make sure to choose one with ingredients like ceramides, lactic acid, and retinol.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Murad Anti-Aging Acne Time Release Acne Cleanser | $36.00 High Mid | Best Cream Cleanser for Unclogging Your Pores and Treating Hormonal Acne | ||
2 | COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser | $8.99 Low Mid | Best Anti-Aging Gel Cleanser to Reduce Hyperpigmentation | ||
3 | Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water | $6.79 Low | Best Micellar Water That Gently Reduces Redness | ||
4 | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | $10.90 Low Mid | Best Fragrance-Free Foaming Cleanser for Acne | ||
5 | Burt's Bees Cream Cleanser Intense Hydration | $15.75 Mid | Best Cream Cleanser for Keeping Dry Skin Moisturized | ||
6 | Dermalogica Hadalabo Gokujun Cleansing Oil | $39.00 High Mid | Best Clay Cleanser for Deep-Cleansing the Skin and Shrinking Pores | ||
7 | Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Clay Cleanser/Mask|Pink Grapefruit | $10.06 Low Mid | Best for Protecting the Skin from Environmental Aggressors | ||
8 | PanOxyl Skin Active Purifying Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes | $9.48 Low Mid | Best for Clearing Fungal Acne | ||
9 | Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying Cleansing Balm | $19.88 High Mid | Best Multi-Purpose Cleansing Balm for Acne | ||
10 | Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser | $23.90 High Mid | Best for Reducing Blemishes Like Acne Scars |
Pros:
Cons:
If you are looking for a cleanser that can prevent acne while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, this exfoliating acne cleanser might help! It helps reduce blemishes and acne with the help of salicylic acid that unclogs pores. The cleanser is also infused with anti-aging and moisturizing ingredients like argan oil and willow bark extract to keep your skin healthy and youthful.
A few users with sensitive skin share that this cleanser causes allergic reactions. However, the majority say it's effective in cleansing their face and preventing acne breakouts. Particularly, it's said that this cleanser is especially helpful for hormonal acne.
Pros:
Cons:
The combination of tea-tree oil and betaine salicylate will help you gently clean your acne-prone skin. Specifically, tea tree oil soothes skin and reduces acne inflammation. Meanwhile, betaine salicylate decongests pores. Moreover, the cleanser has a mildly acidic pH level to keep your skin protected from irritation.
A few buyers say that this gel cleanser dries out their skin. On another note, many others like that it efficiently cleanses their faces and prevents acne. There are reports saying that the anti-aging formula helps fade acne scars as well as hyperpigmentation. Those with sensitive skin confirm that it doesn't irritate their skin.
Pros:
This micellar water is made of glycerin, rose water, and salicylic acid. These ingredients gently rinse away dirt and oil as well as reduce redness and swelling. They keep the skin hydrated as well. What's more, the formula does not contain alcohols and fragrances, all of which might irritate the skin.
A couple of buyers comment that this micellar water doesn't remove tough makeup well. However, most confirm that the formula is gentle and hydrating. It doesn't cause acne as well, buyers mention. After application, many reviewers find their skin smooth and soft.
Pros:
Cons:
Formulated with three types of ceramides and glycerin, this foaming face cleanser will remove excess oil and impurities from your face without stripping off its moisture. It also contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to calm skin and enhance the skin's elasticity. Plus, this formula is free from fragrances.
Some buyers say the cleanser is not strong enough. Still, the majority think that this cleanser is both gentle and effective. Particularly, they praise the fragrance-free formula that doesn't irritate their skin. Users with acne-prone and oily skin also confirm that the product helps reduce breakouts and control oil production.
Pros:
Cons:
If you have dry and acne-prone skin, this cream cleanser will provide the hydration your face needs and fight off acne. It's formulated with clary extract, known to reduce inflammation and heal the skin. Moreover, it's infused with many moisturizing ingredients like olive fruit oil, coconut oil, and castor oil.
Some reviewers warn that this may not work on extremely sensitive skin. Rather, others say that this product is moisturizing and great for people with dehydrated, acne-prone, or combination skin. Buyers like that this cleanser is lightweight, creamy, and doesn't trigger acne breakouts.
Pros:
This cleanser boasts a combination of kaolin clay and activated binchotan charcoal, all of which help detoxify and absorb impurities from the pores to prevent acne and minimize pores. The addition of tea tree oil further soothes skin irritation and treats acne. It also contains murumuru seed to neutralize free radical damage.
According to some buyers, this cleanser makes their skin feel dry afterward. Nevertheless, most reviewers say the product leaves their skin feeling very clean, soft, and plump. It's said that this cleanser helps control oil production and regulate hormonal acne as well. The formula works for sensitive skin, too!
Pros:
This oil-free cleanser contains two percent salicylic acid, an ingredient that can deeply cleanse and decongest your pores. It will also get rid of dirt, oil, makeup, and help reduce acne and breakouts. The infusion of vitamin C helps hydrate the skin and protect it from sun damage.
A few reviewers experienced rashes after using this cleanser. However, most say that it eliminates impurities well and doesn't leave behind any greasy residue. They also mention that the cleanser treats acne well and doesn't dry out the skin. Another plus point for buyers is the pleasant grapefruit scent.
Pros:
Cons:
This foaming cleanser has 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient well-known for treating acne. Specifically, it can eliminate bacteria, excess oil, and dead skin that block your pores, thus preventing acne. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties to fight inflammatory acne, like pimples and hormonal acne.
One major complaint about this cleanser is that it's irritating to sensitive skin. Even so, most buyers agree that the foaming action helps cleanse the skin deeply. They further mention that it treats severe acne like fungal acne very well and can be applied to both the face and the body. Many reviewers say it blurs their acne scars, too!
Pros:
This cleansing balm removes makeup well, but it also cleans, balances, soothes, and hydrates your face. It is enriched with antioxidant-rich ingredients like matricaria flower extract, evening primrose oil, and licorice root extract to reduce inflammation. There are moisturizing ingredients like argan oil to keep your skin healthy as well.
Some reviewers note that this cleanser has fragrance and might irritate sensitive skin. Meanwhile, many are pleased with this cleanser's smooth texture and mild scent. They also confirm that it's great at getting rid of dirt and makeup! Reviewers with acne-prone skin also say that this cleanser works well in treating whiteheads and blackheads.
Pros:
This cleanser is enriched with glycolic acid, a potent acne-fighting acid. Not only that, but it also helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, it's formulated with bamboo, seaweed, and shea butter to keep the skin hydrated. The infusion of tea tree, lavender, peppermint, and willow bark minimizes pores and reduces acne-causing bacteria.
Some reviewers share that this cleanser leaves their skin dry and irritated. Besides that, many reviewers love that the product works well in reducing their acne scars. They also share that this cleanser is able to control their oil and acne. Buyers further mention that their skin feels smooth, soft, and bright after using this cleanser.
If you still have some questions about cleansers for acne, check out this section! We will answer some of the most commonly asked questions on the Internet here.
Acne is formed when your pores are clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oil. If not treated, acne becomes inflamed and starts hurting.
Acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and salicylic acid might cause stinging in some people with sensitive skin. Heat and sweat may exacerbate your acne and make it become itchy as well.
Excess sebum and dirt are some common reasons that cause acne breakouts. Therefore, it's important to cleanse your face thoroughly to drive away all the daily grime. It's recommended to wash your face twice a day with a cleanser - once in the morning and once at night.
Don't wash your face more than two times a day. Washing your face too much can strip the skin of the natural oils and worsen acne. When in doubt, consult with your dermatologist!
When washing your face, make sure to gently rub the cleanser on the face in a circular motion. Don't scrub your face as scrubbing may damage the skin and worsen acne. Afterward, rinse your face with warm water.
Give your skin the love and care it deserves! If you're looking for other products to help you with your acne-prone skin, check out our favorites below.
If you're not satisfied with our choices, check out Amazon's best-selling products!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Murad|Anti-Aging Acne Time Release Acne Cleanser
No. 2: COSRX|Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
No. 3: Garnier SkinActive|Micellar Cleansing Water
No. 4: CeraVe|Foaming Facial Cleanser
No. 5: Burt's Bees|Cream Cleanser Intense Hydration
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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