The Most Popular Acne Products of the Year, Tested and Reviewed by Cosmo Editors

“All my oily-skin girlies need this lotion ASAP. Hydration is necessary and this gets the job done without creating grease or clogging pores.” —Daisy Maldonado, associate shopping editor

“Not too thick yet not too light, this bouncy gel-like moisturizer is juuuust right for my combo skin. It hydrates but doesn’t make my oily T-zone overly greasy.” —Lauren Balsamo, deputy beauty director

“Sure, a barrier repair cream sounds like a superfluous skincare step, but trust me when I say a strong barrier is key to preventing breakouts. Enter this lightweight gel from Dr. Loretta that strengthens my skin without causing breakouts or messing with my other products.” —Jasmine Hyman, assistant shopping editor

“This silky lotion spreads across my face super easily and quickly melts into my skin. I love using it under makeup in the morning or applying a thick layer before bed to mitigate the drying effects of my retinoid.” —Emily Adar, senior visual editor

“I normally stick to the Rx kind, but this OTC option has won me over. It’s just as effective as tretinoin for keeping my pores clear and skin smooth but with less dryness and flaking.” —LB

“I firmly believe in the power of hydrocolloid pimple patches. These ones in particular helped shrink a massive pimple on my forehead literally overnight.” —Beth Gillette, beauty editor

“These ultra-soothing patches come in clutch when I’ve committed one of the deadly sins of acne by picking at a pimple. They flood my irritated zits with creamy, hydrating ingredients that help heal them faster.” —BG

“I love that these patches are big enough to cover a giant growing breakout and stay put on my skin all night. And, ofc, they really do what they say: shrink and calm a breakout so it doesn’t fester under the skin for weeks.” —Olivia Truffaut-Wong, editor

“The second it feels like my skin is starting to break out, I bust out this oil-regulating serum. It really keeps my skin balanced and hydrated.” —Julee Wilson, beauty editor-at-large

“This is hands down the most effective way to get rid of nose blackheads. The combo of an exfoliating enzyme and little volcanic sand particles buff away buildup like no other.” —LB

“With tretinoin, spironolactone, and tranexamic acid, this full- strength trio is the antidote to my cystic zits. And I didn’t have to leave my couch to get the Rx.” —BG

“I’ve been slathering my face in this salicylic acid serum every single morning for months because it gently smooths all the bumps on my face without drying out my skin.” —BG

“I have two bottles of this highly effective niacinamide-packed serum—one at home and one at work. Basically, my post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation has no chance of sticking around. It’s been handled!” —JW

“These pads are pure sorcery. Rubbing my skin with anything usually results in redness, but not with these! I noticed a difference in the first week of use, and my skin has never felt so smooth.”
—OTW

“This serum is the best for fading marks and spots from old breakouts—plus, it doesn’t irritate the sensitive areas on my face. And the price? A steal.” —JH

“Dullness and lack of hydration can be a battle when you’re acne-prone, but C-Luma addresses concerns without clogging pores. It gives me seriously glowy skin with just two pumps.” —JH

"This gel-serum not only worked to tone down my redness, it’s so pleasurable to use. It’s not quite cooling, but the gel just melts into the skin beautifully. I love using it in the mornings because it gives my skin the perfect reset.” —OTW

“The way this lightweight formula rehydrates my skin after a breakout is truly life and skin-changing. The combo of plumping snow mushroom and glycerin is pure magic.” —JW

“Hypochlorous acid—the hero ingredient in this versatile face mist—is the GOAT for acne-prone faces everywhere because it’s both antibacterial and soothing as hell.” —BG

“I’ve endured years of hormonal acne, and my chin isn’t afraid to show it. This overnight treatment was actually helpful in getting rid of my most recent spots, thanks to super brighteners like tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide.” —JH

“This glorious SPF leaves no white cast, doesn’t burn my eyes, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated (but not shiny or sticky). The lightweight formula doesn’t break me out at all. TYSM, DRMTLGY.” —Kara Miller, designer

“When you discover an SPF like this one that fully protects your skin from the sun and blends beautifully into the deepest of skin tones, then you definitely award it and tell the world to stock up!”
—JW

“Once I massage this balm into my skin, it completely removes all of my makeup. Like, full-coverage foundation, concealer, glitter eyeshadow, waterproof mascara—everything. And it does so without clogging my pores or making my eyes cloudy.” —BG

“This face wash dispenses through the mess-free twisty top as a watery liquid but then lathers into the most delightful non-drying foam. It always leaves my skin feeling clean (but not squeaky) and unbothered.” —EA

“With glycerin to hydrate and benzoyl peroxide to treat stubborn breakouts, I feel like my skin is actually getting the love and attention it deserves everything I was with this cleanser.” —DM

“I love all things Skinbetter for my acne-prone skin, including this foamy cleanser with a blend of AHAs and salicylic acid. It keeps pores clear and skin soft, never stripped.” —LB

“Most skincare is a long game, but this exfoliator is one of the few products out there that legit gives instant results. Immediately after I use it, my face is noticeably softer and smoother so that light easily bounces off of it for a radiant glow.” —LB

“Softening, soothing, and moisturizing: literally everything I want in a toner for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. When I added this toner to my routine after a few weeks of traveling left my skin dry and red, I noticed the calming effect almost immediately.” —Mary Fama, art director

“Environ is one of those under-the-radar brands loved by skincare insiders and aestheticians. The brand’s hero product is this exfoliating toner, IMO. It’s pure magic for unclogging pores and smoothing bumpy skin texture.” —LB

“Whenever I’ve got a first date coming up, I coat my T-zone in this mask to make sure I don’t break out. The benzoyl peroxide is an MVP for killing acne-causing bacteria.” —BG

“OMG, this stuff is good. It’s filled with salicylic and glycolic acids to help chemically exfoliate the hell out of my skin, but—plot twist—it doesn’t leave me tight or dry post-wash.” —BG

“After a summer of sweating and breaking out, I’ve got way more hyperpigmentation than normal. Enter: This niacinamide-rich body wash that helps brighten dullness and smooth my skin with pineapple extract, all while hydrating it with aloe vera juice and sunflower seed oil.” —BG

“This hardworking body bar cleanses and, thanks to the clever combo of kojic acid and vitamin C, fades hyperpigmentation from head to toe like nobody’s business.” —JW

“For having such a fast-absorbing texture, this lotion makes my skin shockingly supple. It exfoliates and hydrates, which is the ultimate recipe for soft, clear skin.” —LB

“Finally a body serum that makes me actually want to take the time to use a body serum. It is loaded with THD ascorbate to brighten skin and has been incredibly effective at lightening the dark spots on my chest and upper shoulders.” —LB

“This lotion is more than an excellent hydrator—it helps smooth out rough bumpy skin in just a few weeks. Combined it with an acne-safe body wash and you will have the clearest, softest skin of your life—trust me.” —JH

“Applying oil to already oily skin seems...scary, I know. But, but! The Good Aura Body oil literally m-e-l-t-s into your skin and there’s legit zero greasy residue. It’s the best body oily I’ve ever tried, and I have zero fear of it breaking me out.” —SG

“This stuff delivers silky smooth skin without irritation. I don’t feel like I’m scratching my skin off when I use it, and it smells so so good.” —OTW

“I used to stick multiple pimple patches on my back zits because that’s all I had. Now I just opt for these body-specific ones, which are legit massive, so they cover big clusters of pimples in one shot.” —BG

“I’ve been burned (literally) by acne pads in the past, but these really helped clear up my bacne and body bumps without making my skin raw or chapped.” —BG

“This exfoliating stick is technically for smoothing KP, but it’s also the best—and most convenient—way to get rid of the clogged pores on my chest.” —BG

“I cannot begin to describe how cooling and soothing this ultra-fine mist feels on my irritated bacne. With one spritz, it covers basically my entire upper back in a formula comprised of acne-fighting salicylic acid, witch hazel, and tea tree oils plus moisturizing argan oil.” —BG

"This sunscreen glides on so smoothly sans stickiness and doesn’t leave a white cast, both of which are nonnegotiable for me when it comes to using SPF on my acne-prone bod. And, of course, it thoroughly protects skin with SPF 40 too.” —DM

“This foundation combos SPF and full-coverage pigments into one serum-like product that doesn’t cake up around acne scabs or newly forming pimples.” —SG

“Dewy makeup + acne usually don’t mix, but Patrick Ta has nailed it. The lightweight formula makes my face look like I’ve got a real-life filter on it.” —BG

“Matte skin that isn’t cakey, dry, or flat? Yup. It’s all because of this cult-fave powder foundation that helps even out my skin tone and smooth uneven texture.” —BG

“This is an absolute gem that I’ll forever keep in my makeup bag. Not only does it keep my skin matte without drying it out, but my foundation clings to it like glue for hours.” —DM

“I’ve been wearing this all over to cover up zits with a skin tint, and it’s the perfect no-makeup makeup look. The formula is blendable and light but has a medium coverage that I love.” —BG

“I’m all about efficiency, and this skincare/makeup/SPF hybrid is as efficient as they come. It is spreadable with just fingers and has peptides to plump and SPF 50 to protect from UV damage.” —LB

“If your vibe is no-makeup makeup then add this to your cart immediately. The lightweight gel foundation is filled with pigmented capsules that blend down to a barely there, flawless finish.” —JW

“These Tarte color correctors come in five different shades and have a super-thin texture so they never look cakey when layered with concealer. Just one tiny dot the green totally neutralizes the look of an angry, red breakout.” —SG

“This is perfection. It’s super pigmented, creamy, and easy to blend. And it sinks into skin seamlessly for a flush that looks nice and natural.” —EA

“Whether I use this illuminating liquid under makeup, mixed with foundation, or tapped on the tops of my cheekbones, it never pills or emphasizes bumpy texture.” —OTW

“This setting spray is loved by Team USA gymnast Suni Lee, so you better believe that if it kept her makeup in place during her routines, it’ll keep yours looking amazing while you’re at your desk.” —SG

“I was truly shocked with how pigmented such a lightweight serum could be. Typically, creamier formulas feel too heavy on my acne-prone skin, so I love how the SoftSculpt provided the color payoff I wanted without suffocating my skin.” —SG

“I’m always wary of powders because I’m quite literally pressing and pushing the product into my pores during application, but Rare Beauty’s is a dream to use. It keeps my shine to a minimum and isn’t too heavy on my sensitive skin. I also love that it is talc-free and has an expansive shade range. Other brands with four or five options, take notes!” —JH

“I’m a connoisseur of LED masks (brag) and CurrentBody’s has my top vote. It’s comfy and easy to use, and the combo of red and blue lights is perfect for minimizing inflammation and breakouts.” —LB

“A high-tech skincare device like this can seem intimidating to use at home, yet this one from Stacked Skincare is anything but. I had an angry breakout that was brewing on my chin right before a big event. The night before, I zapped it using this device and I woke up to a pimple that was nearly gone!” —SG

“This gentle brush combines LED therapy and sonic vibration to make my PM cleaning routine quicker and more thorough. After I use it, my pores are ultra clean.” —SG

“The ~dramatic~ appearance of my pores is one of my biggest skin insecurities. Luckily, this device is so great at unclogging them without irritating my skin. It’s soooo much better than manual extractions, IMO.” —DM

“DiamondGlow is my favorite facial of all time. I love the pore-purifying version, which has seriously helped reduce my bumpy texture and clogged pores. After one of these facials, my skin glows for weeks.” —BG

From $150

“After months of hormonal acne breakouts, my skin was suffering from serious post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. But one Aquagold treatment (which I paired with PRP for a vampire facial effect, because I’m extra like that) transformed it all, making my dark marks practically disappear.” —BG

From $400

“My love for the VI Peel is real. I did a series of three over the summer to help with congestion and dark spots from old breakouts, and the results were impressive, to say the least.” —LB

From $300

“I know the idea of microneedling can be scary. I know I certainly was a bit nervous. But trust me when I say there’s nothing to worry about with SkinPen. It does such an effective job of resurfacing skin and reducing all types of acne scars—even the stubborn pitted ones.” —DM

$350 on average

“If large pores are your enemy, this is the fractional laser treatment for you. It’s intense, yes, but the way just one session made my skin absurdly smooth and glass-like makes the price tag and downtime totally worth it.” —LB

$1,500 on average