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11 best acne creams and treatments for banishing spots, tried and tested
Including expert advice on how to tackle acne
Acne is a normal part of skin life for many of us – beauty journalists (hi, hello, us) included – which is why searching for the best acne creams and treatments is so common. From blackheads and whiteheads to bumps and cystic breakouts, these skin concerns are often triggered by factors we can’t always control, like stress, hormones and environmental changes.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of excellent acne creams and treatments that can help you manage your breakouts and keep your skin looking clear and bright! With all the different available options you’re basically* guaranteed to find a formula that will help control your acne, but the bad news is that finding your perfect match can be incredibly overwhelming.
That’s where this curated list of the best acne creams comes in handy. It’s full of the Cosmo beauty team’s favourite formulas (seriously, we’ve tried them all so you don't have to), plus a few top-rated options from board-certified dermatologists Dr. Joshua Zeichner and Dr. Deanne Mraz-Robinson and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed.
Best acne creams and spot treatments 2026
- 1
- 2
Best cream for existing acne
Strivectin Multi-action Clear Blemish Clearing Treatment Lotion
Read review - 3
Best cream for under-the-skin acne
Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemish Concentrate Moisturiser
Read review - 4
- 5
Keep reading for the full list of the best acne creams that’ll help clear up existing breakouts and prevent new ones from forming – plus the must-know tips for incorporating a new acne cream into your skincare routine.
*Though, to note: If you are struggling with severe cystic or hormonal acne, we do recommend seeking professional help IRL via your GP or dermatologist. In some cases, over-the-counter treatments won’t work and prescribed medication may be the way to go.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
Pros
- Gently exfoliates
- Hydrating and barrier friendly
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Cons
- It won’t target large bouts of acne or cystic acne
This is a one-and-done type product, if you will! The rich cream contains salicylic acid – the gold-star ingredient to prevent and tackle breakouts – but there are also moisturising ceramides as it’s super important to keep your skin hydrated when you have acne as a damaged barrier will cause even more acne. Talk about a vicious circle!
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients: | Salicylic acid, ceramides |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Apply lovingly to face and body |
| Customer review: | “Bought for my teenage daughter to clear up some bumps and break outs on her back and chest. She’s seeing the spots clear up but without drying her skin out.” |
Strivectin Multi-action Clear Blemish Clearing Treatment Lotion
Pros
- Lightweight and not overly drying
- Balances oil production and prevents breakouts
Cons
- Those with sensitive skin may find it irritating
This lightweight acne cream is gentle yet super effective at clearing existing breakouts and preventing future pimples, too. If you've been burned (quite literally) by harsh acne products in the past, you’ll love how this gentle lotion can clear up whiteheads and blackheads without drying out the skin.
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients: | Salicylic acid, bakuchiol (a retinol alternative) |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Apply a thin layer onto your face after cleansing |
| Customer review: | “I have combination type skin and I am prone to getting acne, so this acne lotion helps curb my breakouts.” |
Avène Cleanance Comedomed Anti-Blemish Concentrate Moisturiser
Pros
- Targets spots and prevents it returning
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- A gentle formula, good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not a targeted acne treatment
Under the skin bumps can be a pain in the ar*se... I would know – and TBH, they’re not often spoken about! Yeah, we’ve got blemish and acne treatments down but what about whiteheads and closed comedones? I mean, they are a strain of acne, after all!
Well, fear not closed comedone-prone folks, because this face cream (marketed as a ‘concentrate’) is here to save your skin.
While it can be used as a moisturiser, I like to use it prior, after my vitamin C serum both morning and night. And within a week or two, you’ll not only see it clear up your complexion but prevent any further breakouts/clogged pores, too! My holy-grail skincare product.
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients: | Avene Thermal Spring Water, glycerin, polyacrylate-13 (helps to reduce oil production) |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Apply once or twice a day, onto clean and dry skin |
| Customer review: | “My go to product to keep pimples away. I typically have oily acne-prone skin so by using this product, the oiliness is controlled.” |
Pros
- Helps reduce breakouts and blemishes
- Improves post-acne marks
- Lightweight and hydrating
Cons
- It’s an all-over blemish cream rather than a targeted treatment
When you have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s easy to forgo creams all together. Well, don’t. Keeping your skin hydrated can actually prevent breakouts from happening in the first place. You just need to pick the right formula – and La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo Plus is a viral hit for a reason.
Formulated with salicylic and lipo-hydroxy acids, it decongests blocked pores by gently exfoliating the surface of the skin. With less build-up, it will prevent new acne from forming in the first place. Then you’ve got niacinamide to keep your complexion soothed and free from irritation.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Salicylic acid, niacinamide and zinc PCA |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Apply to the face and neck morning and evening |
| Customer review: | “Keep going back to, I have oily skin and this is the best moisturiser, great under makeup.” |
Purifide by Acnecide Spot Clearing Gel Face Moisturiser
Pros
- Helps clear and prevent blemishes
- Hydrates without heaviness
- Affordable
Cons
- For deeper breakouts you’ll still need a dedicated treatment
Lightweight but seriously hardworking, this gel-moisturiser is a great pick for skin that’s prone to breakouts but still needs hydration. The oil-free formula helps to clear spots while calming redness, all thanks to peptides and niacinamide.
It has a shine-free finish, so it’s a good moisturiser to apply under makeup, especially if you get a midday oil slick. Perfect for keeping blemishes in check without the heavy, sticky feel – and it has a budget-friendly price tag.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Niacinamide and peptides |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Apply morning and evening to dry, cleansed skin |
| Customer review: | “Really helps to control the oil in my skin to reduce breakouts, keep my pores clean and my skin overall hydrated.“ |
Pros
- Affordable
- A little goes a long way
- Contains spot fighting ingredients as well as hydrating ones
Cons
- Best for mild acne
Known for its budget, sensitive-skin friendly skincare that actually works, it’s no surprise that CeraVe has a top spot in our edit.
This lightweight gel is enriched with three essential ceramides – as all CeraVe products are – to ensure the skin stays conditioned, while a potent blend of glycolic acid, lactic acid and 2% salicylic acid works hard to banish blemishes and reduce inflammation.
It also exfoliates the surface of the skin, clearing out excess oil and bacteria deep within pores, so you’re less likely to develop breakouts in the first place.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Glycolic acid, lactic acid, 2% salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Use in the PM. Apply it all over for general application or use as a targeted treatment. |
| Customer review: | “It actually works. As soon as I added this to my skin care routine I noticed my spots were much less inflamed!” |
Pros
- Affordable
- Has a lightweight and creamy texture
Cons
- As the product contains sulphur, it does have a potent smell
While many spot treatments focus on salicylic acid, The Inkey List spotlights succinic acid – a compound used to balance excess sebum production and prevent inflammation triggered by acne-causing bacteria.
Place a small amount of gel directly onto the spot, and the formula will gently exfoliate and decongest pores. You can apply it up to three times a day, so stay loyal to it and over time you’ll notice smaller, less inflamed breakouts.
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Succinic and salicylic acid, sulphur, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Use up to three times in a day. Apply directly onto the targeted area, allow it to dry for 10 minutes. |
| Customer review: | ”I love this treatment. It is amazing at reducing the size and redness of new pimples.” |
Pros
- Fast-acting on individual blemishes
- Quick drying
- Reduces irritation
Cons
- Pricey for a small tube
You may already have a generous selection of Medik8 products in your collection (same) so don’t miss out on the speedy spot solution. It’s just a wise tube to keep in your skincare cupboard, as you never know when a breakout will occur.
Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, azelaic and dioic acids, it works to clear clogged pores and reduce post-acne pigmentation. You’ve also got niacinamide to keep everything calm and free from irritation. The best part is, you can apply it as normal in the morning and layer up foundation over top, knowing your pimples are getting the treatment they need.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | 2% salicylic acid, azelaic and dioic acids, niacinamide |
|---|---|
| How to use: | After cleansing, apply a small amount onto the treatment area |
| Customer review: | “A highly effective spot treatment that quickly soothes and reduces the appearance of blemishes. It targets redness without drying out surrounding skin.” |
Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm Post-Blemish Recovery Cream
Pros
- Speeds up healing
- Hydrating and barrier-friendly
Cons
- Not an active spot-zapping treatment
Perfect for breakouts that are just starting to heal, this acne cream helps repair scabby, broken skin to minimise the appearance of redness, bumpiness, and inflammation. Panthenol and peptides help keep the area moisturised, while vitamin E improves tone and texture and beta-glucans accelerate the healing process.
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients: | Panthenol (a moisturising ingredient), peptides, beta-glucans, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Apply the treatment directly onto the spot once daily |
| Customer review: | “Lightweight, soothing cream that really helps calm redness and speed up healing after breakouts.” |
Pros
- Doesn’t contain harsh acids – good for sensitive skin
- Calms redness
Cons
- Takes consistent use to see results
Many acne-fighting creams contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid which, while they’re two excellent actives to reduce acne, those with sensitive skin may find them too potent.
If that’s the case, The Breakout Hack’s Spot Cream is free from benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid but instead uses the brand’s patented technology to gently target spot-causing bacteria and prevent new blemishes from forming.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | It contains patented technology, borrowed from the medical devices world, to target the biofilm on the skin barrier which makes blemishes so hard to get rid of. |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Apply directly onto active pimples, leave to dry before applying other skincare products |
| Customer review: | “Excellent product, soothing, non drying and will purchase again.“ |
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Blemish Salicylic Acid Serum
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid, niacinamide, succinic acid and zinc
- Reduces post-acne marks
Cons
- May feel a slight tingling feeling
This is one of my fave acne treatments you can find on the high-street. Whenever I feel a breakout brewing (usually on my chin, around my period) I layer on this gel before my moisturiser and it helps to reduce swelling and mollify post-spot pressure.
I also use it on spots that have formed as the salicylic acid and succinic acid work to clear up my complexion and knock back redness. You'd never guess it's £14.
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, succinic acids (to soothe) and prebiotics (to balance the skin barrier). |
|---|---|
| How to use: | Use every morning and night after cleansing – can be used all over |
| Customer review: | “I have been using this for a week now and I am honestly so happy with how my skin is feeling. Its so much softer, pores are looking smaller and I feel like my face is constantly clean!“ |
What’s the best cream for acne?
“The best acne cream for you will depend on your skin type and the specific type of acne you’re dealing with,” says Dr. Mraz-Robinson. Acne treatments are available in basically every product category, including cleansers, toners, serums, and creams. So, depending on the severity of your acne, you may find that just one product will do the trick, or you may need a full acne routine to see improvement in your breakouts.
How often should you use acne cream?
“Many acne products are drying, and many people cannot tolerate using them daily,” says Dr. Mraz-Robinson. The best way to figure out what’s best for your skin is to start slowly with any new acne product, and if your skin can tolerate it, increase your use from there. Ideally, as Dr. Mraz-Robinson informs, topical retinoid should be used nightly, while other topical ingredients may require application morning and night.
And, according to Dr. Zeichner, it’s important to use your acne cream even when you’re not seeing active breakouts. “While most people treat a pimple after they see it develop, the best way to keep a clear complexion is to use your acne products all over the face –not just as a spot treatment – and on a regular basis, even when you’re not breaking out” Dr. Zeichner says.
How to choose the best acne cream:
Pay attention to the active ingredients.
“My three favourite ingredients for blemish or spot-prone skin are salicylic acid, niacinamide and benzoyl peroxide,” explains Dr. Ahmed. “Salicylic acid is a BHA that deeply penetrates skin to cleanse and reduce the chance of spot formation. It is an exfoliant and removes dead skin cells effectively to allow application of blemish-targeting actives. Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and reduces pigmentation associated with blemishes. And benzoyl peroxide helps to unclog pores and acts an antiseptic,” she explains.
Carrying on from this, Dr. Zeichner explains: “For red, angry pimples, I recommend benzoyl peroxide. For blackheads and whiteheads, look for a retinol or salicylic acid. And if you have sensitive skin, sulphur is your go-to ingredient.”
When in doubt, consult a dermatologist.
If you’re still overwhelmed by all the acne products out there, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. They’ll be able to help you narrow down your options and give you the best treatment plan. And if you've gone the OTC route and your acne is not responding, your dermatologist may prescribe you a topical acne medication (like Tretinoin) or an oral acne medication (like spironolactone) if needed.
How we tested acne creams and treatments:
We tested the best acne creams and treatments in the best way possible – by trialling these formulas on real, angry, stubborn spots. Our main focus was seeing how effectively each formula reduced the size and swelling of pimples. But we also paid attention to other factors, like how the products felt on the skin, their price, and their scent (because funky smells are surprisingly common in spot treatments).
We also spoke to members of the Cosmo beauty team, consulted multiple experts, and carried out extensive research to bring you the best acne creams and treatments you can trust.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, and specialises in the treatment of acne.
- Dr. Deanne Mraz-Robinson is a board-certified dermatologist. She is the President and Co-Founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut, as well as the founder of DMR Research.
- Dr Alia Ahmed is a Consultant Dermatologist with a particular focus on psychodermatology.
Gabby Shacknai is a New York-based journalist and editor who produces high-quality content for a wide variety of outlets and brands across various industries.
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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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