19 Best Acne Face Washes in 2023

Perhaps the unsung star of a complete skincare regimen is face wash. It seldom seems to receive the credit it deserves; rather, it’s frequently written off as a tedious prerequisite to the fun of serums and creams. However, a facial cleanser prepares the skin for every subsequent treatment and ingredient, particularly when it comes to treating acne. With the help of these 19 best acne face washes, we can start by getting rid of your pimples and giving your skin that smooth, glowing, flawless appearance.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

The highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide found in an over-the-counter product, PanOxyl’s acne cleanser has a whopping ten percent benzoyl peroxide content, making it extremely effective at eradicating acne-causing germs as soon as it is massaged into the skin. After just one application, the antibacterial foaming wash starts to clean and unclog pores. However, this cleanser can be drying and is powerful. 

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Numerous dermatologists recommend this CeraVe cleanser, praising it for its ability to cure and prevent breakouts without stripping skin. With the right combination of moisturizing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid and potent acne-fighting chemicals like four percent benzoyl peroxide, your breakouts will be treated without aggravating your skin more. It can stain towels and garments because of the benzoyl peroxide content, which is significant.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Dermatologists regard CeraVe as one of the most reputable skincare companies. This cleanser eliminates grime and makeup effectively without removing the skin’s natural oils. This facial cleanser is also created without additional superfluous ingredients like scents and other harsh chemicals and is widely accessible, reasonably priced, and helpful for a variety of skin conditions. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash

This medicated cleanser is perfect for oily skin and acne-prone skin because salicylic acid is one of its main ingredients. This face cleanser, which has been dermatologist-tested, is so effective that it has been shown in studies to eliminate excess surface oil by up to 47%. A flurry of moisturizing ingredients guards against skin being parched or dried despite the fact that that may seem terribly drying. This cleanser aims to regulate oil production, therefore it might not be the best choice for dry or sensitive skin. 

SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel

Lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) and glycolic acid are used in this SkinCeuticals cleanser to exfoliate the skin, clean up pores, and smooth out any bumpiness or hyperpigmentation from previous acne flare-ups. Additionally, it is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, neutralizing microorganisms on the skin’s surface and lowering the likelihood that pores may clog in the future. The face wash may, however, become stuck close to the top due to the bottle’s packaging.

Glo Skin Beta-Clarity Clear Skin Cleanser

In order to effectively treat blackheads and pimples, this cleanser offers a physical exfoliant in the shape of mild, eco-friendly beads as well as a chemical exfoliant in the form of salicylic acid. This foamy cleanser purifies the skin’s surface by reducing excessive sebum production, and the apple amino acids improve the skin’s moisture barrier.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Popular facial cleanser Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is made especially for people with oily and acne-prone skin as Salicylic acid, a frequent component in many acne treatments, is included in it. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash’s oil-free formula is amazing because it can help your skin less oily. Furthermore, it will not clog pores because it is non-comedogenic.

Fresh® Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

There are two types of skin: semi-sensitive skin and skin that reacts violently to even the mildest cosmetics. This extremely gentle cleanser can be the finest acne-clearing option if that describes your skin type. It uses soy proteins and amino acids to thoroughly clean your pores instead of salicylic acid, which can be harsh on your skin and cause irritation. But it is really expensive, and it does not help with really bad outbreaks.

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Another cleanser that is not specifically designed to cure acne but that customers have found to be helpful in a pinch to get rid of their outbreaks is this one! The nutrients and antioxidants that are naturally extracted from superfoods make this face cleanser a great option for aged skin. Cold-pressed kale extract contains phytonutrients that help cleanse the skin while also supplying vitamins C, E, and K. Green tea calms and nourishes the skin, while spinach aids in reducing inflammation.

T-Blast Foaming Facial Cleanser

Although very mild, the cleanser’s 0.4% natural tea tree oil content is sufficient to help treat acne, making it ideal for teenagers. Of course, this cleanser probably will not work completely if the adolescent acne is more severe. However, for the common pre-teen or adolescent acne that practically everyone experiences every now and then, this is a great cleanser to help control the outbreaks and maintain confidence!

TULA Skin Care Supersize Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser

It is very likely that if you are pregnant, an OB/GYN has advised you to avoid a number of things, including several skincare products (like retinol). However, this popular cleanser is not one of them. It is especially suitable for skin that is prone to acne because of its mild exfoliating characteristics, which help clear pores. Prebiotic and probiotic extracts, together with turmeric, are used to do this, leaving your skin feeling exceptionally clean and balanced. You might wish to pick a stronger face wash if you have oily skin.

Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser

In comparison to your typical breakout condition, hormonal acne is a different animal. This kind of acne is chronic, may be present deep under the skin, and may even become excruciatingly painful. If you experience this problem, an extra-strength product is certainly required, which is why this acne cleanser is the best choice! To treat and prevent acne, it makes use of two different kinds of salicylic acid.

Kate Somerville® ExfoliKate® Cleanser

This cleanser effectively exfoliates the skin, which is a great approach to maintain clear pores and prevent acne. Glycolic and lactic acids penetrate deeply into pores while you remove makeup and pollutants from your face, and a variety of naturally derived enzymes ensure that your pores are completely unclogged when you rinse the cleanser out. It is advised to perform two cleanings for the optimum outcome.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

Finding a trustworthy cleanser for sensitive skin can be challenging, especially when it comes to getting rid of persistent acne. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser is a fantastic option if you are searching for a facial cleanser that is made with red, irritated skin in mind. This wash will not clog pores because it is fragrance-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. The bottle’s pump can be a little erratic, which increases the possibility that it will break quickly.

Avene Antirougeurs Fort Soothing Concentrate

Skin redness, heat, tightness, and irritation are frequently linked to acne rosacea. Although it can be challenging to eliminate these persistent red spots, substances like dextran sulfate and ruscus extract can be helpful. Vasoconstrictors like ruscus extract (Ruscus aculeatus) can help lower the size and redness of blood vessels under the skin. If you are taking off sunscreen or makeup, this product can be better utilized as a secondary wash.

Starface Space Wash

Consistent use—especially for teenagers—is one of the greatest ways for anyone to notice results from any product for acne-prone skin. Due to its trendy branding and ingredients that address adolescent skin problems, we believe that Starface Space Wash is a fantastic choice for teenagers. It has calming components including calendula flower extract, sage leaf extract, and white willow bark extract, which help exfoliate and deeply clear pores to minimize acne and irritation. Sage leaf helps calm and relieve acne. 

True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser

Although this cleanser is a little more expensive than some other brands, it provides a highly nourishing, antioxidant-rich product that is ideal for indications of aging. Willow bark and green tea balance oily skin while defending the skin barrier. Glycerin, aloe vera, and a combination of grapefruit, lavender, vetiver, and jasmine are also included in this mix; these ingredients are deeply moisturizing and nourishing, and they also have a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect.

Cetaphil Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser

When applied to the skin, the product, which is initially very thick and creamy, turns into a pleasant foam. You can see and feel the effects of the deep-cleansing salicylic acid once you wash it off; your skin will have that healthy shine but will not feel stripped or dry.

DERMA E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

DERMA E Hydrating Gentle Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid deeply hydrates skin while removing grime, oil, and pollutants. Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile, Lemon Grass, and Papaya are all included in this ultra-hydrating face cleanser, along with antioxidant Vitamins A and E, to gently cleanse and condition skin for a soft, smooth, dewy sensation with no drying, aging side effects. This face wash exfoliates, cleanses, and improves skin’s natural glow while also assisting in the fading of blemish marks and sun damage for radiant-looking skin. It also visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dryness.

Acne affects everyone, whether they have been suffering from the sudden onset of adult acne or have been battling pimples for years. However, the correct blemish-removal chemicals can calm your skin. There are many acne-fighting treatments available on the market (both over-the-counter and prescription), but creating an acne skincare routine that will effectively treat your outbreaks is not always straightforward. We give you all the information you need so you may choose the ideal face wash for your skin without having to spend a lot of money on this really simple, straightforward process.