Best Cleansers for Acne (2026) Reviewed
Finding the right acne cleanser can transform your skincare routine. Whether you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or persistent acne, these cleansers deliver proven ingredients in formulas that work without destroying your skin barrier.
What to Look For
- Active ingredients — Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria; salicylic acid unclogs pores and exfoliates. Choose based on your acne type.
- Concentration strength — Start with lower percentages (2-4%) if you have sensitive skin; higher concentrations (10%) tackle severe or body acne.
- Skin type compatibility — Oily skin tolerates stronger formulas; dry or sensitive skin needs gentler options with hydrating ingredients.
- Supporting ingredients — Ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid help maintain the moisture barrier while treating acne.
- Fragrance and irritants — Fragrance-free formulas reduce the risk of irritation, especially when using active acne treatments.
Best Cleansers for Acne
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser — Best Overall
- [ ACNE FACE WASH WITH BENZOYL PEROXIDE ] This benzoyl peroxide acne treatment face wash clears acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, preventing new acne and promoting healing. Non-sealed.
- [ CREAM TO FOAM ACNE CLEANSER ] This facial cleanser starts as a creamy texture and foams upon lathering, removing dirt and oil without stripping moisture, suitable as a deep pore cleanser.
- [ HYDRATING ACNE WASH ] Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this gentle acne wash retains moisture and calms skin, effective as a blackhead cleanser. Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic.
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Contains ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), crucial for maintaining the skin's barrier, making it an effective acne skincare without over drying.
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] Suitable for various skin types including dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone. FSA eligible and HSA eligible, supports skin care for acne.
This dermatologist-developed cleanser combines effective acne treatment with skin barrier protection, making it the best all-around choice for most acne-prone skin types.
The 4% benzoyl peroxide concentration hits the sweet spot between effectiveness and tolerability. The cream-to-foam texture feels luxurious while the ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide prevent the dryness that typically comes with acne treatments.
- Pros:
- 4% benzoyl peroxide clears acne without excessive drying
- Three essential ceramides maintain skin barrier
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Works on whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory acne
- Cons:
- Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and fabrics
- May cause initial purging in some users
Best for: Anyone seeking an effective daily acne cleanser that won’t strip or irritate skin.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser — Best for Oily Skin
- This salicylic acid face wash for oily skin is formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to remove impurities without harsh scrub particles that may irritate skin
- This acne cleanser helps clear acne breakouts, blemishes, pimples and removes excess oil from the face
- Clinically tested to reduce excess surface oil by up to 47%, leaving skin less oily throughout the day
- 2% Salicylic Acid: Known for its effective exfoliating properties to help clear and refine the appearance of pores. Lipo-Hydroxy Acid: Also known as LHA, has exfolaiting and skin renewing properties
- This pore cleanser is tested on sensitive skin; Allergy tested; Dermatologist tested; Non-Comedogenic
This salicylic acid cleanser from a dermatologist-recommended brand targets excess oil and clogged pores without over-drying.
The 2% salicylic acid combined with LHA (lipo-hydroxy acid) provides effective exfoliation while glycerin prevents moisture loss. The cooling sensation from menthol leaves skin feeling refreshed. Formulated specifically for sensitive skin despite its acne-fighting power.
- Pros:
- 2% salicylic acid plus LHA for enhanced exfoliation
- Glycerin prevents over-drying
- Oil-free and fragrance-free formula
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Cons:
- Menthol may irritate very sensitive skin
- Higher price point than drugstore options
Best for: Those with oily, acne-prone skin who want a gentle yet effective salicylic acid cleanser.
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% — Best for Severe Acne
- Millions sold – The Number One Best-Selling Acne Wash in the U.S.*, this daily foaming face cleanser clears, treats, and prevents breakouts. (*Data on File)
- Starts working fast – A dermatologist-recommended antimicrobial treatment for acne pimples and stubborn breakouts that kills 99% of bacteria in just 15 seconds.
- Maximum Strength – Contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, the highest concentration of this dermatologist-favorite, acne-fighting ingredient over the counter.
- Multi-Use Cleanser – Helps break the acne cycle to clear and unclog pores on the face, chest, and back
- Helps fight dryness – Acne treatments can be harsh and drying to the skin, so this cleanser for acne, whiteheads, and blackheads contains moisturizers to combat dryness. Non-comedogenic, unscented, and safe for daily use.
Maximum-strength 10% benzoyl peroxide makes this the go-to cleanser for stubborn, severe, or cystic acne that hasn’t responded to milder treatments.
This is the strongest OTC benzoyl peroxide wash available. The foaming formula works on both face and body, making it ideal for back and chest acne. Start with once daily use and increase as tolerated to avoid excessive dryness.
- Pros:
- Maximum 10% benzoyl peroxide concentration
- Effective for face and body acne
- Affordable price for the strength
- Kills acne-causing bacteria on contact
- Cons:
- Can cause significant dryness and peeling initially
- Will bleach colored fabrics and hair
- Too strong for sensitive skin
Best for: Those with moderate to severe acne who need maximum-strength treatment and can tolerate potential dryness.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash — Best Drugstore
- Fight acne for a clearer face: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash delivers powerful cleansing to help clear up acne, and help prevent future breakouts, and leave your face feeling fresh and healthy
- Salicylic acid formula: this facial cleanser removes excess oil and impurities from the skin for a deep clean, and uses salicylic acid to treat acne and unclog pores
- Oil-free care: the non-comedogenic, oil-free formula is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, providing effective acne treatment without over-drying your skin
- Easy daily use: apply to wet face, gently massage with fingertips in a circular motion, and rinse thoroughly; use in the morning and before night as part of your daily cleansing routine
- Complete skin care solutions: Neutrogena acne care products such as toner, moisturizer and spot treatments offer solutions for all your acne-prone skin needs
A proven drugstore staple that delivers reliable acne-fighting results at an accessible price point.
Neutrogena’s MicroClear technology enhances salicylic acid delivery deep into pores. The 2% salicylic acid concentration effectively treats and prevents breakouts while the oil-free formula rinses clean without residue. A solid choice for teens and adults alike.
- Pros:
- MicroClear technology boosts ingredient delivery
- Non-comedogenic and residue-free
- Widely available and affordable
- Suitable for daily use
- Cons:
- Contains fragrance that may bother some users
- Can be drying without proper moisturizer
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable, widely available acne cleanser.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser — Best for Blackheads
- [ACNE FACE WASH WITH SALICYLIC ACID] Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, reduce blackheads & the appearance of pores, treats & prevents acne. BHA exfoliants are less harsh than face scrubs
- [FOAMING FACIAL CLEANSER] This CeraVe face wash dispenses as a clear gel and transforms into a light, foaming face wash as you lather. The gentle wash and exfoliation smooths and cleanses skin without leaving skin feeling stripped of moisture
- [ACNE WASH WITH OIL ABSORBING TECHNOLOGY] CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser helps prevent new breakouts from forming with purifying clay to help absorb excess oil and niacinamide to help calm skin. Fragrance free, paraben free, & non-comedogenic
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. All CeraVe products, formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II)to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has products suitable for dry skin; sensitive skin; oily skin; acne-prone; and more. FSA Eligible & HSA Eligible
This gel-to-foam cleanser combines salicylic acid with oil-absorbing clay to specifically target blackheads and enlarged pores.
The 2% salicylic acid exfoliates inside pores while hectorite clay absorbs excess sebum. Niacinamide calms inflammation and the three essential ceramides protect your skin barrier. The oil-absorbing technology helps skin look less shiny throughout the day.
- Pros:
- 2% salicylic acid specifically targets blackheads
- Purifying clay absorbs excess oil
- Contains ceramides and niacinamide
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Cons:
- May not be strong enough for inflammatory acne
- Some users report a tight feeling after use
Best for: Those dealing primarily with blackheads, clogged pores, and excess oil rather than inflammatory acne.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser — Best for Sensitive Skin
- Our mildest cleanser specifically formulated for daily facial use.
- Helps remove makeup and excess skin oils without drying your skin.
- Leaves skin feeling clean and soft.
- Ideal for dry skin.
When your skin is too sensitive for active acne treatments, this ultra-gentle cleanser maintains cleanliness without triggering irritation.
Vanicream strips away everything that could irritate sensitive skin—no sulfates, fragrances, dyes, parabens, or harsh cleansing agents. It’s accepted by the National Eczema Association and works well alongside prescription acne treatments that may already be irritating skin.
- Pros:
- Free of all common irritants
- National Eczema Association accepted
- Won’t interfere with prescription acne treatments
- pH-balanced and non-comedogenic
- Cons:
- Contains no acne-fighting active ingredients
- Won’t treat acne on its own
Best for: Those with sensitive, reactive skin who need a gentle cleanser to pair with separate acne treatments.
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser — Best Non-Drying
- FIGHT ACNE WITHOUT DRYING: Salicylic acid (BHA) dissolves pore-clogging impurities to help prevent acne breakouts, blackheads, redness, uneven skin tone, and dullness. This acne face wash gently removes dirt, makeup, and excess oil.
- SOOTHING GEL TEXTURE: Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Acne Cleanser gently cleanses and refreshes acne-prone skin without irritation. Suitable for all skin types & ages, this gentle face wash can even be used on sensitive skin.
- GENTLE FACE CLEANSER: Use this gentle, blemish-fighting facial cleanser twice daily as the first step in your morning & evening skincare routine. Follow with your favorite Paula's Choice toner, exfoliant, serums, & moisturizer. In the AM, always finish with SPF 30 or greater
- DAILY SKINCARE: Paula's Choice CLEAR collection also includes a Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5 - 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, an Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), and our Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+.
- Paula's Choice Skincare makes products that work. No fragrance, no fluff. Just effective, science-backed formulas that target any concern from wrinkles to breakouts. This product is FSA/HSA eligible.
This gentle gel cleanser dissolves pore-clogging debris without the stripping or tightness common with acne washes.
Paula’s Choice built their reputation on science-backed formulas, and this cleanser delivers. The salicylic acid formula gently removes excess oil and buildup while the soothing gel texture leaves skin clean but never tight or uncomfortable. Fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types.
- Pros:
- Salicylic acid without the drying effects
- Soothing gel texture
- Fragrance-free formula
- Works for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Cons:
- Higher price than drugstore options
- Some users find it too gentle for severe acne
Best for: Those who want salicylic acid benefits without the typical dryness or irritation of acne cleansers.
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser — Best Mid-Strength Benzoyl Peroxide
- TARGET ACNE: Penetrates deep into pores with 5% benzoyl peroxide with less irritation & dryness
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Micronized, dual-action formula absorbs excess oil in the skin, while releasing a gentle moisturizer that won't clog pores
- KEY INGREDIENTS: 5% benzoyl peroxide that can effectively target and treat acne
- HOW TO USE: Apply to dampened skin and gently massage, rinse thoroughly with warm water
- DERMATOLOGIST-DEVELOPED: Can be used to effectively treat acne or maskne caused by wearing face masks or facial coverings
This 5% benzoyl peroxide cleanser offers the bacteria-killing power of BP with a gentler, less irritating formula than maximum-strength options.
Developed by dermatologists, this cleanser uses micronized benzoyl peroxide that’s been shown to cause less irritation than traditional formulas. The dual-action formula absorbs excess oil while releasing a gentle moisturizer. Works well as part of a routine with Differin Gel.
- Pros:
- 5% BP provides effective treatment with less irritation
- Micronized formula reduces dryness
- Built-in moisturizing agents
- Dermatologist-developed
- Cons:
- Still causes bleaching on fabrics
- Not recommended to combine with Differin Gel
Best for: Those who want benzoyl peroxide’s bacteria-killing power but find 10% formulas too harsh.
Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Wash — Best for Body Acne
- Maximum-Strength Acne Body Wash: Formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide, Humane Maximum-Strength Acne Wash is a potent face and body cleansing treatment that targets the primary cause of acne growth and combats excessive oil production. Do not use if you have sensitive skin. 8 FL. OZ. bottle
- Treats Adult Acne and Teen Acne: This non-foaming (SLS-free) cleanser can be used for face acne, back acne, butt acne and cystic acne.
- One Proven Ingredient: We harnessed the healing powers of benzoyl peroxide to help clear and prevent blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and other types of inflammatory acne, while easing redness. It also helps to increase cell turnover by removing the mixture of excess oil, dead skin and debris that clogs pores.
- How to Use: Once or twice daily, apply an even layer of Acne Wash to damp skin and gently massage. Let sit for 1 minute initially and gradually increase to 2-3 minutes if you aren’t seeing results. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. We recommend testing 1 or 2 small, affected areas for 3 days prior to beginning regular treatment to avoid possible irritation.
- Simple Yet Effective: A proud member of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program, we harness the healing powers of potent ingredients to get you real results with vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. You won't find parabens, phthalates, sulfates (SLS and SLES), paraffin, formaldehyde, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance/color, petrolatum, DEA, triclosan, or GMOs in our products. Made in the USA.
This maximum-strength, non-foaming cleanser is specifically designed to tackle stubborn body acne on the back, chest, and shoulders.
The 10% benzoyl peroxide concentration aggressively targets body acne while the SLS-free formula avoids the irritation that foaming agents can cause. The non-foaming texture makes it easy to apply and leave on skin for 1-2 minutes before rinsing for maximum effectiveness.
- Pros:
- Maximum 10% benzoyl peroxide for stubborn acne
- SLS-free, non-foaming formula
- Works on face and body
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Cons:
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
- Requires leaving on skin for best results
- Will bleach fabrics
Best for: Those struggling with back, chest, or shoulder acne who need an aggressive treatment.
Verdict
For most people, the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser offers the best balance of acne-fighting effectiveness and skin barrier protection. If you have oily skin and prefer salicylic acid, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser delivers without over-drying. Budget shoppers will find reliable results with Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash.
