The Holy Grail Acne Awards: 50 Game-Changing Products, Tools, and Treatments for Clearer Skin

“My face loves this creamy cleanser from Beautystat. It gently removes makeup, excess oil, and buildup while restoring your skin’s barrier with ceramides and plant extracts.” —Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large

“Even though this face wash contains exfoliating AHAs, it’s truly gentle enough to use every day thanks to mild surfactants and a trio of humectants, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and betaine.” —Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director

“Mineral sunscreens can be notoriously thick and chalky, but not this lightweight option from Nudeskin. It protects from UV damage with 15 percent zinc oxide and won’t suffocate your skin or clog your pores either.” —LB

“This matte, oil-free SPF is my go-to for sun protection that doesn’t leave a greasy film on my skin or break me out. Plus, it has allantoin, which helps soothe inflamed pimples.”
—Beth Gillette, beauty editor

“This is hands down the best retinoid you can get without an Rx. The brand’s proprietary AlphaRet technology (a blend of lactic acid and a retinoid) is combined with salicylic acid and niacinamide to boost cell turnover, unclog pores, and curb excess oil production.”
—LB

“This powerhouse potion is constantly in my possession. It works like magic to zap zits thanks to its trifecta of pimple-eradicating ingredients: salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and camphor.” —JW

“The only ingredient that can *truly* treat cystic zits is the retinoid adapalene—but it can be hella harsh. Enter: this magical formula that’s spiked with hydrocortisone to offset irritation while clearing your pores.” —Chloe Metzger, deputy beauty director

“This pre-cleanse treatment (yup, it goes on *before* washing your face) is the hyperpigmentation treatment I’ve been waiting for. It boasts a healthy dose of cysteamine, and my dark spots started fading within the first two weeks.” —JW

“I have blackheads that have lasted longer than any of my past relationships, but I’m *finally* starting to see them go MIA thanks to this serum. It’s filled with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid to dissolve gunk and excess oil that gets stuck in your pores.” —BG

“Most face mists do more harm than good—ahem, alcohol—but this three-ingredient formula is pure hugs in a bottle, thanks to its major dose of hypochlorous acid, a natural antimicrobial that helps soothe redness and inflammation.” —CM

“These salicylic- and glycolic-acid-soaked pads are my favorite for keeping my pores looking teeny-tiny and my skin bright and glowy. And I love how easy they are to use too—just swipe one on clean skin a few times a week and you’re good to go.” —LB

“Try this gentle scrub with carnauba wax beads when you need to unclog your pores but don’t want the irritation that usually results from exfoliating. The 99 percent natural formulation is *chef’s kiss*.” —JW

“To be honest, this is the only serum that has actually and factually minimized my pores. I’m sure it’s the niacinamide, lysophosphatidic acid, and green tea extract—but I also love that they work to brighten dark spots as well.” —JW

“You need this. You just do. With pore-clearing salicylic acid, soothing aloe vera, and spot-fading tranexamic acid, this toner is the all-in-one acne step I swear by for almost all skin types.” —CM

“My skin gets irritated pretty much any time I try a high-dose vitamin C (fun!), which led me to this gentle option from U Beauty. It’s got an antioxidant-rich form of vitamin C that is a bit less sensitizing and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties too. It’s also got exfoliating glycolic and mandelic acids to make your skin super smooth.”
—BG

“Fact: Broken-out skin is angry skin, which means your skin barrier needs all the TLC it can get. A quick fix? This serum, which is filled with powerful, proprietary peptide and hyaluronic acid that can help boost your skin’s moisture levels both instantly and in the long run.” —CM

“It might sound wacky to put oil on your face to clear up acne, but I’m telling you it works if you use this specific oil. It’s packed with clarifying sea algae plus tsubaki oil and sake extract to help fade discoloration.” —JW

“This charcoal and clay mask is a freakin’ destroyer to acne and rough texture because it’s filled with exfoliating acids, including salicylic, mandelic, tartaric, lactic, and glycolic. I use it all over to reduce the likelihood of zits around my period or as an overnight spot treatment.” —BG

“The Body Shop’s tea tree collection is iconic—and this overnight mask is no exception. Apply a thin layer of the gel formula before bed and wake up with a clearer and more radiant complexion.” —BG

“There are tons of pimple patches out there, but these are my absolute favorite. I love that the clear hydrocolloid dots slowly turn white as they absorb pus from your pores.” —JW

“Acne-fighting treatments often make my skin super dry. In order to combat that—but not promote any more breakouts—I use this hydrating cream. It helps strengthen my skin barrier and soothe inflammation too.” —JW

“I reach for this gel cream when my T-zone feels oily enough to fill a fried chicken shop and my cheeks are dry and flaky. It moisturizes with hyaluronic acid but doesn’t clog my pores or feel greasy.” —BG

“This lightweight lotion is pricey…but worth every dollar, IMO. It’s both moisturizing and mattifying (and it has anti-aging benefits too)—a rare combo in the beauty world.” —LB

“My acne-prone skin has the temperament of a sleep-deprived toddler, but I have yet to deal with breakouts or rashes from this super-soothing moisturizer (ty, colloidal oatmeal and white tea extract).” —CM

“If you want the easiest, most effective acne treatment, go for the cult-classic Clinique Three-Step, which includes a cleanser, an exfoliator, and a moisturizer that can be customized for your skin type. I mean, there’s a reason it’s famous, you know?” —CM

“You can’t talk about pimple patches without talking about Starface’s Hydro-Stars. Not only did they start an entire movement of making acne look cute, but they genuinely work too. Pop one on a pimple to speed up healing time and prevent picking.” —LB

“My face loves these XL patches when I’ve got a cluster of zits on my chin or cheek that needs some TLC. Pop ’em on overnight and let the salicylic acid and niacinamide go to work to exfoliate dead skin and calm down redness.” —BG

“Realistic-looking color correctors that melt into your skin? Obsessed. This creamy formula comes in six shades to help you neutralize your zits regardless of your skin tone. Just tap it on, layer with concealer, and live your life.” —CM

“Giant, inflamed pimples call for high-coverage concealers, and this formula—with a precision-tip brush—is the best at delivering an opaque, waterproof finish that still looks natural.” —CM

“This foundation gives me a major god complex every time I use it because it blurs nearly every pore and bump on my face. It has a balm-to-powder finish that spreads evenly across skin and covers without feeling heavy.” —BG

“Skin tints are having a moment, but most aren’t pigmented enough to actually conceal pimples and discoloration. Rose Inc’s formula is the exception. It feels weightless but provides meaningful coverage.” —LB

“This is honestly the only foundation I will use when my skin is betraying me with blemishes. It is lightweight and full-coverage, has oil-controlling properties, and there’s even some SPF 15 in the formula too.” —JW

“This mattifying primer has a dose of witch hazel in it to zap excess skin oils while leaving your makeup looking softer and smoother throughout the day.” —CM

“The more products I put on my skin, the more likely it is to break out. Hence my obsession with this multitasker. It hydrates with glycerin, brightens with niacinamide, protects with SPF 40, and evens out my skin tone with a sheer tint.” —LB

“Got acne? Wear makeup? Then you need to be rinsing with this squalane-based cleansing oil, which binds to and dissolves every bit of grime, foundation, and waterproof mascara while also hydrating your skin as you wash.” —CM

“This gel body moisturizer has done the impossible. The glycerin-rich formula leaves my skin super plump and hydrated but literally absorbs the second I slather it on.”
—BG

“Bacne, buttne, chestne—this salicylic-acid-spiked wash helps tackle it all. And unlike other clarifying body washes I’ve tried, it isn’t the slightest bit drying.” —LB

“A physical exfoliant and chemical exfoliant match made in skin-perfecting heaven. Bamboo powder and lactic acid team up to soften, clarify, brighten, and leave your body on glow.” —JW

“My keratosis pilaris bumps were significantly smoother and calmer after a few weeks of this serum. The formula is highly effective—a combo of retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea—but potent, so stick to twice-a-week use and finish with a moisturizer.”
—CM

“Body sunscreens typically make my skin feel all greasy and sticky, but I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight this formula wears on skin. It has the same texture as a regular body lotion, so I actually enjoying slathering it on from head to toe.” —BG

“My butt and back acne have ceased to exist since I started keeping this salicylic acid body mist in my gym bag. All I have to do is spritz it on clean skin after a workout, et voilà.” —BG

“Aviclear is one of the biggest innovations I’ve seen in the acne space in my nearly 10 years of beauty editing. In three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, the laser treatment helps suppress oil glands to treat and prevent everything from whiteheads to stubborn cysts.” —LB

“This radiofrequency microneedling treatment is a must-try if you’re dealing with uneven texture and scarring from old breakouts. The combo of heat energy and needles triggers a wound-healing response, resulting in fresh collagen and elastin (aka the building blocks of smooth, healthy skin).” —LB

“I am impatient as hell, so when I saw that this little bb device takes only three minutes to do its thing, I was sold. It uses red and blue light to calm inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria, making it ideal for those annoying hormonal zits that just will not go away.” —BG

“Have a hot date tomorrow and a mound the size of Texas on your face? Zap it with this high-frequency machine that uses electricity to kill bacteria around your zit, making it look a lil flatter.” —BG

“If smaller-looking pores, fewer pimples, and a bright and even-toned glow are on your list of skin goals, this is *the* chemical peel for you. The 20 percent salicylic acid helps exfoliate skin, dissolve excess oil and buildup in pores, and promote cellular renewal.” —LB

“Hydrafacials have always been the GOAT when it comes to deep-cleaning pores and improving skin texture, but now, thanks to a new add-on clarifying booster with salicylic acid made by Murad, it’s even better at obliterating blackheads and preventing breakouts.” —LB

“Meet Aklief: A prescription retinoid (called trifarotene) cream that’s designed to tackle breakouts on your face *and* your body. Use it on your shoulders, chest, and back to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.” —BG

“Encapsulated (skincare-speak for gentle and time-released) retinol and benzoyl peroxide come together in the treatment to stimulate cell turnover and kill acne-causing bacteria—two key functions for clear, acne-free skin.” —LB

“I honestly don’t know what my acne- and rosacea-prone face would look like if I hadn’t found SkinMedicinals. The acne formula is custom-cocktailed by your dermatologist with prescription-only tretinoin and other calming and clarifying ingredients based on your skin needs—no insurance needed.” —CM