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18 best face washes for acne-prone skin – top clarifying cleansers, tried and tested
Whether you're dealing with hormonal breakouts or blackheads, there's a formula for you
Forget what you've heard before now, people. An acne face wash is your best line of defence for breakouts – whether you're battling them on the daily or dealing with the occasional pulsing pimple.
A skin flare-up can happen for many reasons. Hormonal fluctuations can trigger a flare-up, a hefty helping of dairy can leave your chin lined with whiteheads or increased cortisol levels can exacerbate acne. But know that a good face wash for acne-prone skin can go a long way too.
The beauty industry is saturated with products claiming to help blemish-prone skin overnight, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint when it comes to getting that perfect balance between too oily and too dry.
The best face washes for acne-prone skin...
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What to look for in a face wash for acne
First up, we've got the sensorial factor. Our top players feel soft and gentle on the skin and deeply cleanse without stripping or leaving a drying sensation. While it may sound obvious, our faves do exactly what they promise – cleanse! Each one does a stellar job at sloughing away makeup and daily grime without requiring much elbow grease.
Then – the biggie – the ingredients list. Finding the right cleanser to work on acne-prone skin requires the right formula to effectively wash the skin while reducing breakouts and acne – and the best ones can prevent future flare-ups too. Our edit contains formulas that are packed with acne-fighting heroes, like salicylic acid and niacinamide, as well as conditioning ingredients (read: ceramides) to keep the skin barrier happy.
Below, see the formulas that truly live up to the task and keep on scrollin' for the expert advice on EYNTK about face washes for acne. You can thank us later.
How we test face wash for acne:
Oh, where to start? When it comes to testing the best face washes for acne-prone skin, there are a lot of things to consider – but luckily (for you), we've dealt with our fair share of blemish breakouts and hormonal pimples so we can scout out the best ones in town. In this edit we’ve analysed everything from formula and texture to how well the cleanser clears up blemishes and prevents breakouts. Without further ado...
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores
- Simple formula makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin
- Affordable
- Reduces and prevents breakouts
Cons
- Some may want a more complex formula with additional actives
Find skincare ingredients an overwhelming, confusing beast? Then The Inkey List is flying to the rescue as its whole MO is about keeping things as simple as poss.
Take this cleanser. It's based around one key ingredient: salicylic acid. The chemical exfoliant is well-known for being an acne conqueror and has been given the seal of approval by Dr Ejikeme as a must-have in your routine if you're prone to breakouts.
How to use the Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Pros
- Feels light and hydrating on the skin
- Contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to fight acne
Cons
- Some may not like the tea tree aroma
- It doesn't have enough lather to remove makeup completely
Medik8 doesn’t mess around when it comes to busting blemishes: its Clarifying Foam can be found in many a beauty ed’s cupboard because it genuinely does bits.
The light and airy formula is packed with AHAs and BHAs to gently exfoliate and decongest pores, while niacinamide helps to reinforce your skin barrier and keep irritation at bay.
An elite option that will humble any pimple that gets a bit too big for its boots.
How to use the Medik8 Clarifying Foam
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and prevent breakouts
- Boosted with ceramides to comfort the skin barrier
- Affordable
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- It doesn't look cute in your mirror pics – sorry
A literal godsend for dry acne-prone skin, CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cleanser features our favourite friend salicylic acid but is boosted with hard-working hydrators hyaluronic acid and ceramides to ensure you're left supple, not stripped.
Not just for your face, feel free to slather this cleanser on your body to say toodaloo to bumps and breakouts too.
How to use the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
Pros
- Thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Manages oil production and exfoliates dead skin cells
Cons
- Some users have reported a purging phase
When it comes to fighting acne, the Effaclar range is up there as one of the best known. The Purifying Foaming Gel has been specially formulated for oily skin, using some well known acne-fighting ingredients like zinc PCA to keep oiliness in check and citric acid to rid dead skin cells.
La Roche-Posay keeps its fragrances and ingredients to a minimum and steers well clear of parabens, so it's a goer even if you have sensitive skin.
How to use the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to tackle blemishes and green tea to reduce inflammation
- It comes in both a gel and cream formula
Cons
- It's a little expensive compared to others
In Murad we trust, right? As one of the OG dermatologist-founded brands, there are so many products we rely on to tackle a host of concerns. But for acne? We're looking right at the Clarifying Cleanser.
The gel formula gently dissolves makeup and grime without stripping the skin of moisture, while powerhouse actives like salicylic acid clear out those pores and prevent future breakouts. It lathers lightly too, so you know you're giving your face a good ol' scrub. If you fancy a milkier formula, opt for the Clarifying Cream Cleanser.
How to use the Murad Clarifying Cream Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Cleanser
Pros
- It gently exfoliates and reduces blemishes without stripping the skin
- It's easy on the budget
- It mixes into a hydrating lather, and it removes makeup well
Cons
- It doesn't have the same yummy, sensorial experience as others in this edit
- The bottle is very bulky, making it tricky to travel with (although you get 473ml of product, so you get your moneys worth)
As much as we love a cleanser with a fresh, fruity scent or fancy packaging, sometimes you just need a does-good, hearty tub of face wash that will cleanse, clarify and prevent breakouts.
This brand-new Cetaphil cleanser (fyi, it’s available to pre-order RN) is packed with all the right ingredients for acne-prone skin; there’s salicylic acid to reduce breakouts and mandelic acid and PHAs to smooth texture and exfoliate. It also suds into a hydrating lather, so it melts away makeup without making your skin feel dry after.
How to use the Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Cleanser
Pros
- Gently removes makeup and oils without stripping
- Keeps the skin barrier hydrated and calm
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable
Cons
- Not potent enough for those with deeper set acne
When fighting a battle with acne, it's not always about high-active formulas – your skin needs a break, too. This creamy and comfortable cleanser from No7 will purify your skin and remove daily grub while nourishing the delicate barrier.
Then, if you choose to, you've got a fresh canvas to apply your active ingredients. We know it's not the sexiest cleanser around, but you just can't argue with genuine results.
Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins
Pros
- Formulated with kale, green tea, spinach, and vitamins to cleanse the skin
- Removes oil and impurities without stripping the skin
Cons
- The natural scent may not appeal to everyone
- Designed for gentle cleansing, as opposed to acne fighting
Youth to the People is a science-led beauty brand that considers the environment as much as your skin.
Using antioxidant-rich leafy greens to purify skin, it's also fully vegan friendly and cruelty free. If you're looking for an effective cleanser with a serious eco-conscience then this needs to be added to your skincare routine pronto.
Pros
- Velvety formula lightly lathers for a good ol' scrubbing
- Made with silver to prevent future breakouts while fighting existing ones
- Hydrating ingredients keep the skin barrier happy
Cons
- A more expensive player in this edit
Whether you deal with frequent breakouts or rouge pimples, 47 Skin is the brand to know about. Each formula contains its patented Silver Chitoderm – a powerful antibacterial ingredient that targets the cause of acne: bacteria.
Not only is this cleanser made with silver to stop and prevent acne, but it also contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid which supports the skin barrier and increases hydration levels. Stay loyal to it and plump, smooth and clear skin will be yours.
Pros
- Regulates oil production and reduces shine
- Removes makeup and oils without stripping the skin
- Contains Thermal Spring Water to keep the skin barrier calm and hydrated
Cons
- Those with sensitive skin may not like the strong fragrance
Not only is Avène's Cleanance Cleansing Gel great for use on the face, but it's also safe to use on the body. Whether your skin is feeling extra sensitive or you've got some irritation, the formula helps to soothe and reduce redness, without stripping the skin.
The formula also contains Avène's soothing thermal spring water which has been used for over 270 years to care for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping
- Comes with a handy muslin cloth to remove oils and makeup
- Formulated with hydrating and nourishing ingredients
Cons
- Another spenny player
- Doesn't contain any active ingredients to fight breakouts
An OG cleanser, nothing quite beats the feeling of a thick cream melting away makeup. This one from Liz Earle has one countless awards and draws on soothing ingredients like chamomile, rosemary and eucalyptus alongside hydrating cocoa butter to rebalance and even out skin.
For optimal exfoliation, use a muslin cloth and warm water. Your acne will wonder what's hit it.
Pros
- Formula maintains the skin's pH balance for a hydrated and irritation-free barrier
- Gently removes dirt and makeup while keeping the skin hydrated
- Suitable for those with sensitive skin
Cons
- It doesn't contain active ingredients to fight acne
A total classic, we've been recommending this cleanser to anyone who will listen for years now.
It's a solid choice for all skin types, but the acne-prone will love that it's pH-balanced, meaning it'll leave your skin barrier exactly as it wants to be: balanced, hydrated and clean.
Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
Pros
- Comes in a massive 500ml bottle
- Formulated with the right ingredients to tackle body acne
- Lightly lathers and still feels conditioning
Cons
- It doesn't have much of a scent, where some may prefer a fragranced body wash
Breakouts on your face suck, but you know what’s also a real nuisance? Bacne.
As those who have an acne-prone complexion are also more likely to experience bacne, we’d suggest keeping this clarifying body wash in your shower cubby too.
Packed with salicylic acid, glycerin and olive fruit oil, it’ll gently resurface without the risk of stripping your skin and disrupting your moisture barrier.
What’s more, the chunky bottle will keep you going for months so it’s great value for money too.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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