Top Acne-Fighting Powerhouses You Must Try

Navigating the world of skincare can be daunting, especially when trying to find the perfect products to tackle acne. With numerous brands claiming to be the best, it can be overwhelming to discern which ones truly live up to their promises. From well-established names to emerging innovators, some brands have consistently proven effective in combating acne through their dedication to quality and dermatologically-backed formulations. Curious to know which brands made it to the top of the list this year? Read on to discover the best in acne products and how they can transform your skincare routine.

Illustration of acne products

Best brands of acne products in 2025

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is a leading brand in acne treatment, offering a wide range of products including cleansers and washes, with over 18 million units sold in the U.S. alone in 2023, and is known for its salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide formulations that effectively target acne; in 2020, 12.54 million Americans reported using Neutrogena facial cleansing products 7 or more times per week, demonstrating the brand's popularity and effectiveness; additionally, Neutrogena offers various products for acne-prone skin, including the Visibly Clear line, which uses ClearDefend technology, and many products are available at a variety of retailers, while the brand has also shown a 145% increase in online conversions during promotional periods, further highlighting its strong market presence; with a focus on both prevention and treatment, Neutrogena helps individuals achieve clear and healthy-looking skin.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay, founded in 1975, is a leading dermocosmetic brand, recommended by 9 out of 10 dermatologists in the UK and by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide. Their products are formulated with science-backed innovation and clinically tested to ensure efficacy. They conduct over 600 clinical studies on 90,000 patients, addressing skin concerns such as acne, which affects 85% of Australians in their lifetime. This makes La Roche-Posay's acne solutions like the Effaclar line, containing ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, essential for achieving clear skin. Among those who know the brand in the US, 24% express a preference for it, reflecting its commitment to quality and dermatological endorsement.

CeraVe

CeraVe, the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, offers a range of acne products, including cleansers with 2% salicylic acid and foaming washes with up to 10% benzoyl peroxide, targeting acne-causing bacteria and clogged pores while maintaining the skin's barrier with three essential ceramides. In 2023, CeraVe experienced a 50.3% sales growth, proving its efficacy and popularity for acne treatment. Additionally, approximately 85% of people between 12 and 24 years of age experience acne, making CeraVe a go-to solution, and many users report visible improvements like reduced breakouts and clearer skin with consistent use of CeraVe products.

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice, established in 1995, is renowned for its science-backed acne solutions, featuring effective ingredients like 2% salicylic acid (BHA) for unclogging pores and benzoyl peroxide, available in strengths such as 2.5% and 5%, to combat acne-causing bacteria, with many users reporting significant improvements within weeks of use. The brand offers a variety of products including cleansers, exfoliants, and treatments designed to work together without causing dryness or irritation, and they also offer a 10% Niacinamide Booster to help reduce the appearance of pores, with their 2% BHA liquid exfoliant being a worldwide best seller.

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is a highly regarded brand, known for its effective and affordable skincare, particularly for acne, offering products like the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, which exfoliates and clears pores, and the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum, which helps control sebum production and reduce blemishes; their Salicylic Acid Masque provides extra care with its blend of charcoal, kaolin clay, and squalane, while the Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension brightens skin and the Acne Set provides a targeted regimen for treating acne using the Salicylic Acid 2% Solution. The Ordinary also offers an AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution for deeper exfoliation, though this should be used no more than twice a week. One place to find their products is The Ordinary website.

Murad

Murad, founded by Dr. Howard Murad, is a leading skincare brand renowned for its science-backed approach to treating acne, with their Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment, an Allure Best of Beauty winner, clinically proven to reduce blemish size and redness in as little as 4 hours, and their Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser, formulated with salicylic acid, which helps tackle acne and calm flare-ups. Remarkably, 97% of users reported improved blemish appearance after just 1 day of using their products, and their 30-day trial kit includes a variety of effective treatments that work synergistically, including a mattifying SPF moisturizer.

Clean & Clear

Clean & Clear, a brand established in 1956, offers a range of skincare products, with a strong focus on acne solutions. While in 2023 they experienced an 8.6% decrease in sales, the "Advantage" line has been recognized as one of the top ten acne treatments in the U.S. with a 4% market share in 2012. Their acne spot treatment is clinically proven to show clearer skin in 100% of testers in just one day. Additionally, they have products like the Persa-Gel 10, which is formulated with maximum strength benzoyl peroxide. For more information about their products, you can visit their official website.

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant, founded in 2012 by Tiffany Masterson, has gained a strong following for its commitment to excluding the "Suspicious 6" ingredients, which are known irritants and acne culprits, making their products particularly suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Their T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, with its blend of glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, has been cited as a holy grail product for many, effectively fading acne scars and brightening the complexion. Furthermore, Drunk Elephant's C-Firma Fresh Day Serum contains a potent 15% concentration of L-Ascorbic acid, which is a go-to brightener and free radical fighter, effectively diminishing the appearance of aging and photodamage, while the C-Luma Hydrabright Serum offers a gentler 10% vitamin C option for beginners. The brand offers a range of products catering to different skin needs, with active ingredients at pH-friendly levels for optimal absorption, and products are designed to be combined for a customizable skincare "smoothie." You can explore their offerings further.

Proactiv

Proactiv, launched in 1995, is a popular skincare brand known for its 3-step system, using benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid to combat acne, with studies showing an average reduction of 27% in acne lesions and 10% in inflammation. While effective for mild acne, it is not recommended for severe cases; Proactiv+ was introduced in 2013 with a paraben-free formula, and in 2017, ProactivMD launched with Adapalene, providing an option for different skin needs. The brand, owned by Guthy-Renker and Galderma, is sold at ULTA Beauty, Target, and online, with a subscription program sending a 3-month supply and continues until cancelled.

Differin

Differin, a brand known for its effective acne solutions, offers products like their adapalene 0.1% gel, which is a retinoid that helps to clear acne by working deep into the pores within 5 minutes, preventing new breakouts from forming, and reducing up to 87% of acne in 12 weeks according to a study by Cunliffe et al in 1998; this over-the-counter treatment is dermatologist-recommended and can be used daily as part of a skincare routine to improve skin tone and texture, with some users seeing results in as little as 1 week, and it is available in both cream and gel formats to suit different skin types. You can find more information at: Differin's official website.