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For blemish-prone skin, a solid skin-care routine starts with the best face wash for acne. But with countless facial cleansers on the market, finding a formula that effectively targets hormonal acne, whiteheads, cystic acne, blackheads, and other blemishes can feel overwhelming at best—and impossible at worst.
So, you may ask, what face washes are actually effective for blemish-prone skin? Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, always recommends gentle cleansers over harsh soaps—especially ones with physical exfoliants—to clear the skin of dirt and excess oil. Don't aggressively rub, scrub, or over-cleanse either (twice a day, morning and night, is perfectly fine) to avoid worsening your skin's condition and encouraging scarring.
With guidance from board-certified dermatologists, we found deep cleansing face wash formulas to help those with acne-prone skin. These facial cleansers are laser-focused on unclogging pores and gently exfoliating skin without exacerbating existing blemishes.
Our Top Face Washes for Acne
- Best Overall: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser, $68
- Best for Makeup Removal: Man:yo Cleansing Oil, $18
- Best for Cystic Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser, $20
- Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser, $39
- Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $48
- Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville EradiKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash, $46
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, $18
- Best for Dark Spots: Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser, $30
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?
- What if I'm on an acne prescription?
- So, I used a cleanser…now what?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
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Tata Harper
Clarifying Cleanser
Amazon
Nordstrom
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: Breakout-prone skin needs a cleanser that won't exacerbate existing irritation. Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser gives you that deep, satisfying clean, clearing away dead skin, excess oil, and congestion that comforts stressed-out skin instead of stripping it, thanks to a sulfate-free formula that's loaded with soothing ingredients such as chlorella, honey, and mint. (Refreshing!) As far as smoothing skin and clearing pores, an exfoliating blend of lactic and citric acids from fermented sugar and salicylic acid get the job done—and very well, might we add.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I've had breakouts for years—they're a fact of life (and hormones). But I've found that washing with this cleanser (after removing my makeup with an oil-based formula) really helps dispatch both large cysts and smaller whiteheads more quickly. It smells herbal and fresh, builds to a nice lather, and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture. I really concentrate massaging it in around my problem areas, like around my nose, chin, and jawline, and feel like it's made a difference in my acne's lifespan and, as important, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (as in, there's less).” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: prickly pear enzymes, lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, chlorella, mint, honey
- Who it’s for: anyone who struggles with acne and clogged pores (unless you're sensitive to fragrance)
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Makeup Removal: Man:yo Cleansing Oil
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Ma:nyo
Cleansing Oil
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Soko Glam
Why it’s worth it: While cleansing oils can sometimes feel too rich—and seem potentially clogging for acne-prone skin—that’s not actually the case. In fact, this Korean favorite manages to strike a rare balance: It melts away makeup, excess oil, and daily gunk without stripping even the most delicate complexions. Formulated with a blend of 14 plant-derived oils like argan and jojoba that help regulate sebum and support barrier health, Man:yo Cleansing Oil emulsifies into a milky texture to rinse cleanly and leave skin calm, soft, and prepped for your routine’s next step. In fact, it’s even gentle enough for daily use, since it delivers a deep, nourishing cleanse without harsh surfactants or foamy irritation that often flare sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen using the Man:yo Cleansing Oil
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after using the Man:yo Cleansing Oil
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“Oil cleansing for a few minutes every single night has taken my skin from good to great, and Man:yo's Pure Cleansing Oil has been my go-to. When my pores are particularly clogged, I can physically feel the sebum and dirt coming out after rubbing a couple of pumps of this gentle formula into my skin. It's the only reason my facialists are always telling me there's no need for extractions." —Nicola Dall'Asen, senior news editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil
- Who it’s for: all skin types, including sensitive
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Active Breakouts: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser
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La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to clearing skin, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser does it all: It clears blemishes, smooths rough texture, cuts through oil, and helps keep future flare-ups in check, thanks to a 4% concentration of benzoyl peroxide. New York City board-certified dermatologist Jessica Krant, MD, sums this ingredient up best: "Benzoyl peroxide is so effective and reliable for acne because it works via several different mechanisms at once," she previously told Allure. "It is both antimicrobial, killing bacteria and other organisms, and an exfoliant, helping to unclog pores and gently resurface the surface layer of skin." The combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and exfoliating equals a powerful acne-fighting ingredient.
Doubling down on its blemish-busting properties, the formula also includes lipohydroxy acid (a milder alternative to salicylic acid) to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, without being too harsh on sensitive skin. Unlike other acne cleansers, it doesn’t leave your face feeling dry or tight—even with twice-daily use—thanks in part to the addition of glycerin.
Senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Lexi Herrick
Herrick after using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Lexi Herrick
Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
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“My skin is both acne-prone and sensitive, so finding the right products can be a challenge. This face wash walks that line perfectly, clearing out my pores without causing too much dryness or damage to my skin barrier. I use this one in the shower (beware the benzoyl peroxide will strip the color from towels) so I recommend a generous lather and heavy rinse. You also can't beat the price for the size of this, and it truly lasts forever!” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics
More to know
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- Key ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, lipohydroxy acid (LHA), glycerin
- Who it’s for: those who are struggling with excess oil, raised pimples, clogged pores, and uneven texture
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser
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SkinCeuticals
Simply Clean Cleanser
Dermstore
SkinCeuticals
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: If you’re dealing with acne, double-cleansing is non-negotiable. (If you’re not doing it yet, consider this your sign.) While we always recommend starting with a dedicated makeup remover—cleansing balm, oil, micellar water, your pick—SkinCeuticals’ Simply Clean Cleanser pulls extra weight by lifting leftover makeup, grime, and oil in your second cleanse. It’s powered by exfoliating sulfonic acid (an exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells), as well as glycerin for a moisture boost, and chamomile to counteract any signs of irritation from the acid. Word to the wise: It’s strong enough to clear out buildup but can be a bit too intense for sensitive skin.
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser
Lily Wohlner
Wohlner after using the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser
Lily Wohlner
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I can usually tell right away if I’m going to like a cleanser—it has to be super foamy and leave my skin feeling fresh and clean without that tight, stripped feeling. The second I tried this one from SkinCeuticals, I was hooked. It lathers up like a dream, and after rinsing, my skin looked brighter and my pores felt noticeably clearer like I’d just had a facial. It also does an amazing job at removing makeup. I always check with a towel after, and there’s never any leftover residue. Just make sure to really take your time massaging it in so it can work its magic.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sulfonic acid, glycerin, chamomile
- Who it’s for: those with normal, oily, or combination skin that feels clogged
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville EradiKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
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Kate Somerville
EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Some acne-minded cleansers take big swings out of the gate—or, rather, tube—using a powerful blend of ingredients to nix breakouts. The Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser relies on a quieter (but no less impactful) approach. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner subs the standard acne-fighting ingredients for sulfur, which is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory—meaning it takes down both acne-causing bacteria and redness. But it's also infused with honey and oat and rice bran extracts to calm and soothe skin, and builds to a surprisingly cushiony lather that's hard to find among acne cleansers—and unique in that you can use it not just daily, but even twice a day.
Allure social media coordinator Lex Goldstein applying the Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser
Lex Goldstein
Goldstein after applying the Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser
Lex Goldstein
Tester feedback from Allure social media coordinator Lex Goldstein
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“I love this cleanser because it doesn't leave my skin too dry, as many acne-attacking products often do. It's soft, gentle and incredibly easy to apply and quickly rinse off. No heavy duty scrubbing that could irritate my breakouts! It really glides across the skin so nicely. I have noticed that consistently using this face wash helps ward off pesky breakouts, which is the ultimate win. It's not a drugstore price tag, but a little product goes a long way.” —Lex Goldstein, social media coordinator
Tester feedback from senior manager of analytics and audience development Monica Perry
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“It's a deep-cleaning cleanser that ‘doubles as a mask’—and I would definitely recommend using it as one, because the texture is so thick and creamy that it's a waste to just rinse it off. Plus, it's not super drying like some acne cleansers." —Monica Perry, senior manager of analytics and audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 3% sulfur, oat extract, bran extract, honey
- Who it’s for: anyone with blackheads, sebaceous filaments, or any type of congestion
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
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SkinMedica
AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Amazon
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Why it’s worth it: Acne and excess oil tend to go hand-in-hand, and SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser addresses both in one wash. A favorite among dermatologists, the combination of alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic acids) and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic) works "to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin's texture and complexion," Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, previously shared with Allure. Plus, while AHAs tend to dislodge the glue that holds dead cells together, BHAs are oil-soluble— ideal for removing dead skin cells both on the surface of skin and from within pores.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“This is my favorite summer-time cleanser. With all the oil and sweat that comes with high temperatures, my skin is more prone to breakouts, especially on my cheeks. I use this exfoliating cleanser to make sure all the dead skin is cleared away and unable to clog my pores. It's got both acids and jojoba spheres for two levels of exfoliation. I find it best to use this cleanser when my skin is really feeling greasy or dull, not daily. Too much and it can dry my skin out.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, jojoba oil
- Who it’s for: those with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Fragrance-free: yes
Other face washes for acne we love:
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
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CeraVe
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Walmart
Why it’s worth it: CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Facial Cleanser has the cushiony, non-stripping texture you’d expect from its name. And though this formula provides a deep cleanse that even oily skin types can appreciate, those with dry skin will love its skin-softening, ceramide-forward formula. This is a favorite among many dermatologists, including La Jolla, California-based board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, because it combines acne-targeting benzoyl peroxide with barrier-supporting ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. “I always emphasize that keeping the barrier healthy is just as important as acne control, and this formula does both,” she says.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: benzoyl peroxide (4%), ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Who it’s for: dry, acne-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dark Spots: Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser
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Caudalie
Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: The beauty of Caudalie’s Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser is that it targets both active acne and the post-blemish dark spots that they can leave behind. Noëlle S. Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC, says this formula combines exfoliating salicylic acid and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich grape water to address active breakouts and the resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation alike. “Some acne washes can leave more sensitive or reactive skin types feeling stripped, so this gentle gel stands out for leaving all skin types comfortable after cleansing,” she adds.
Tester feedback from contributor Jennifer Hussein
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“No matter how small a breakout is, I can guarantee it’ll leave a dark spot behind on my skin. While active acne takes about a week tops to clear up on my skin, the post-zit mark can take upwards to a month to fade. When my dark spots become a constellation on my face, this formula helps shorten the process of clearing my skin. Its gel texture provides a deeper cleanse than cream or foam options without leaving my skin with a dry, tight feeling afterwards..” —Jennifer Hussein, commerce contributor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, grape water, grapeseed polyphenols
- Who it’s for: acne- and discoloration-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?
If you’re in the market for a new cleanser, Dr. Chang recommends two powerhouse ingredients: salicylic acid, a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that "goes deep into the pores to clear them from excess oil and dirt," and benzoyl peroxide, which helps prevent inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Milder ingredients include tea tree oil or antioxidant-rich green tea, which also provide skin-soothing benefits (essential for reactive, acne-prone skin).
Note: Face washes marketed for acne-prone skin can help with blemishes, but Dr. Kim keeps it real, saying they’re not the most critical part of an acne routine since they’re rinsed off. The real heavy lifting comes from more intensive spot treatments and other leave-on products.
What if I'm on an acne prescription?
Dr. Kim knows acne firsthand—he went through two rounds of Accutane himself, which now shapes how he guides patients through prescription treatments. He’s a firm believer that if you’re on a solid topical or oral prescription regimen, you can use just about any cleanser—even one that’s not acne-specific. That said, he notes, “If a patient has very mild acne and is only using over-the-counter treatments, adding an acne-focused cleanser can be helpful.”
So, I used a cleanser…now what?
As for follow-up tips, always apply any acne medications immediately after cleansing to allow the active ingredients to work their magic, which Dr. Chang says can take up to 6 to 12 weeks of continued daily use. And never forget to moisturize. Rather than clogging your pores, a lightweight cream will ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected, especially if you're using a drying topical medication. Additionally, Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends avoiding layering retinoids, as well as products that contain fragrance and alcohol, on top of acid-laced cleansers, as these pairings can lead to dryness and irritation.
Meet the experts
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California
- Noëlle S. Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC
- Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face washes for acne, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: formula, which acne concerns are targeted (whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, etc.), skin type, price point, and efficacy. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
