When it comes to managing acne, finding the right face wash can make all the difference. With an overwhelming variety of products available in the market, it can be challenging to decide which one suits your skin type and addresses your specific needs. Some brands have been consistently praised for their effectiveness, using potent ingredients that target acne without overly drying or irritating the skin. To help you in your skincare journey, we have compiled a list of some of the best brands for acne face wash. Dive into the details below to discover which product could be the best fit for your skincare routine.
Illustration of acne face wash
Best brands of acne face wash in 2025
Neutrogena
Neutrogena, founded in 1930, is a leading brand for acne face wash, with their oil-free salicylic acid wash being a #1 dermatologist recommended product that contains 2% salicylic acid to penetrate pores. It is clinically proven to clear acne and prevent future breakouts, while also offering options with 10% benzoyl peroxide for stubborn acne. These products are available in over 70 countries.
CeraVe
CeraVe offers a range of effective acne face washes, including a 10% benzoyl peroxide foaming cream wash, which is the highest over-the-counter strength, designed to treat both face and body acne while being gentle on the skin by including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and three essential ceramides; additionally, their 2% salicylic acid cleanser with hectorite clay helps clear acne, reduce blackheads, and improve pores, making it suitable for daily use; both formulations are fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and allergy-tested, developed with dermatologists for acne-prone and oily skin. You can find more information about the CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Face & Body Wash.
La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a top brand for acne face washes, with their Effaclar line, particularly the Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser, featuring 2% salicylic acid and Lipo Hydroxy Acid to reduce excess oil by up to 47% and clear breakouts. This cleanser is dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin; it effectively removes impurities and unclogs pores, making it a great choice for oily and acne-prone skin. Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, it stands as a testament to La Roche-Posay's commitment to quality skincare solutions.
Clean & Clear
Clean & Clear, established in 1956 by Revlon and later acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 1991, is a popular skincare brand, particularly among young people, and is available in 46 countries. It has been re-positioned to focus on acne treatment, with products like their foaming face wash designed to remove impurities that cause breakouts, and has become a leading teen skincare brand in Canada. While not mentioned as a top pick in recent 2024 face wash reviews, Clean & Clear continues to be a widely available option for those seeking affordable acne solutions. You can explore their range of products on their official website.
Mario Badescu
Mario Badescu, founded in 1967, is renowned for its acne-fighting products, particularly the Acne Facial Cleanser, which utilizes 2% salicylic acid to exfoliate and clear pores, complemented by soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and thyme to calm the skin and help manage blemishes. This cleanser is specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin and is considered a best seller of the brand. The brand has garnered a following among celebrities such as Serena Williams and Ashley Graham.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop's Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash, with 91% natural-origin ingredients including Community Fair Trade tea tree oil from Kenya, is a popular choice for acne-prone skin, known for its cooling sensation and ability to remove excess oil, while also containing salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and clear pores; many users have reported clearer skin with consistent use, and a single bottle can last for several months, although some find it drying, making it better suited for oily skin. This vegan and cruelty-free product is often praised for its effectiveness, and it is a go-to face wash for many, especially those struggling with acne, and can be used daily.
Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice, founded in 1995 by Paula Begoun, is a skincare brand renowned for its science-backed formulations and is considered a top producer of acne face washes, particularly the CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser, which utilizes salicylic acid (BHA) to dissolve pore-clogging impurities and prevent breakouts. It offers a gentle yet effective cleansing experience for various skin types, including sensitive skin, and is often recommended as the first step in both morning and evening routines. The CLEAR line also offers other products like treatments with benzoyl peroxide and exfoliating solutions with 2% salicylic acid.
Aveeno
Aveeno, a brand founded in 1945, offers several dermatologist-recommended facial cleansers, including the Clear Complexion line which utilizes 0.5% salicylic acid and soy extracts to help clear acne and improve skin tone and texture, making it a popular choice for those with acne-prone and sensitive skin; additionally, Aveeno's Daily Moisturizing line, formulated with prebiotic oat, gently cleanses while hydrating the skin, and is free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and dyes, catering to a wide range of skin types seeking gentle care; furthermore, Aveeno has been recommended by dermatologists for over 70 years, highlighting their commitment to skincare. The brand uses "active naturals" like colloidal oats and oat extracts in their products. You can find their products at Aveeno's official website.
Murad
Murad, founded in 1989 by Dr. Howard Murad, is a leading skincare brand renowned for its effective acne solutions, particularly their Clarifying Cleanser, which utilizes a combination of free and encapsulated 1.5% salicylic acid to continuously fight breakouts, while a 3-day clinical study showed 97% of users experienced dissolved excess oil and 85% felt their pores were clear; this cleanser also incorporates green tea extract for soothing and calming effects, making it suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive skin types.
Cetaphil
Cetaphil offers a range of acne face washes, including the Gentle Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser and the Gentle Clear Complexion-Clearing BPO Acne Cleanser, both clinically tested to deep clean and soothe breakouts without over-drying. The Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser, with 2% salicylic acid, gently exfoliates and minimizes pores. Additionally, the Pro Acne Prone Oil Control Foam Wash, formulated with hydrating glycerin and zinc technology, effectively removes excess oil and impurities, solidifying its position as a top skincare brand recommended by dermatologists. These products help manage acne, with the Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser showing visible results in just one week, targeting acne-causing bacteria with 2.6% micronized benzoyl peroxide. The Pro Acne Prone Oil Control Foam Wash is ideal for oily and sensitive skin, as it is hypoallergenic and soap-free, while the Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser helps to minimize pores without stripping the skin. You can find these products and more information on the Cetaphil website.
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