What to Buy Skincare Products The 15 Best Face Washes for Acne of 2023, Researched and Tested Dermatologist-approved and editor-tested picks for a cleaner complexion By Nicole Cain ND, MA Nicole Cain ND, MA Nicole Cain ND, MA, is an Arizona-based integrative physician. She is the founder of the Holistic Wellness Collective, which focuses on teaching you how to be your own health expert. In addition to physical holistic wellness, Dr. Cain has a particular passion for mental health and is the author of the forthcoming book PANIC PROOF. health's editorial guidelines Updated on July 22, 2023 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What To Know Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health/jessica juliao If you experience acne, blemishes, pimples, or zits, you’re in the company of over 50 million people in the United States. Beyond impacting your emotional well-being, acne can cause physical pain, scarring, and can even result in infections of the skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, clearing acne starts with your skincare regimen. “The best face washes for resolving acne will generally contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid,” says Anthony Nuara, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic and pediatric dermatology. “For dry and sensitive skin you’re going to want ceramides to protect the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and niacinamide to control oil production. Generally avoid cleansers with alcohol, especially for oily skin, because that will just amp up oil production.” For the best results, your dermatologist may also recommend an acne-reducing moisturizer that is tailored to your skin type. Selecting which products to feature involved researching and testing some of the best face washes for acne-prone skin on the market. We looked for formulas that help with specific skin concerns, including sensitive skin, discoloration, dryness, and anti-aging. We tested over a dozen face washes and evaluated each product for its cleansing ability, ease of use, key ingredients, consistency, and overall feeling and then rated them based on these factors. We are continuously researching and testing the most popular face washes available and will keep updating you with our top recommendations. According to our tests, here is a list of the best face washes for acne on the market today, so you can enjoy healthy and beautiful skin, no matter your skin type. Our Top Picks Best Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Cleansing Gel at Sephora Jump to Review Best for Acne Rosacea: Avene Antirougeurs Fort at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Cystic Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Glycolic Acid: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser at Dermstore Jump to Review Best with Benzoyl Peroxide: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: Evereden Kids Multi-Vitamin Face Wash at Ever-eden.com Jump to Review Best for Teenagers: Starface Space Wash at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On CVS Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Feel 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Why We Like It Formulated with the brand’s signature ceramide mix, this wash is hydrating without causing oil buildup. It’s Worth Noting This is a non-foaming, cream cleanser. CeraVe is widely known as one of the most respected skincare brands among dermatologists. We chose their hydrating cream cleanser as our best overall face wash for acne because during our tests we felt this cleanser effectively removes dirt and makeup without stripping the skin of essential oils. In addition, this facial cleanser is affordable, widely available, useful for a wide variety of skin concerns, and made without extra unnecessary ingredients such as fragrances and other harsh chemicals. We found that the cleanser was very easy to dispense from the bottle, with just one pump providing the perfect amount for a full cleanse. It had a creamy and jelly-like consistency that felt very gentle on the skin without being too thick or heavy. When applied, the face wash felt smooth and easily spreadable throughout the entire face, giving an easy and even lather that we could distribute with ease. We were pleased to find that there wasn't any noticeable fragrance and it didn't cause any irritation at all. The face wash effectively removed all makeup and dirt without the need for a second cleanse. It easily rinsed off the skin without leaving any grime or residue, and we loved how the formula helped makeup to slide off without harsh rubbing or multiple cleanses. We were impressed that the product effectively cleansed while retaining most of our skin's natural moisture, without being stripped of all oils or hydration. Instead, it left our faces feeling soft and hydrated without any tightness or dehydration. Our skin looked clear with smaller pores and a more even skin tone, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The cleansers consistency and gentle formula make it perfect for daily use, and we love how quickly and easily it provides a thorough cleanse and leaves our skin feeling soft, hydrated, and refreshed. Price at time of publication: $14 Product Details: Active Ingredients: 3 Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, GlycerinTexture: Non-Foaming, Cream Size: 12 ozMedicated: No Health / Jessica Juliao Best for Sensitive Skin Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser Walmart View On Amazon View On Walgreens View On Walmart Why We Like It Feverfew extract, the active ingredient, helps visibly reduce redness and irritation in sensitive skin. It’s Worth Noting The bottle’s pump can be a little unreliable. Sensitive skin can make it hard to find a reliable cleanser, especially for clearing away stubborn acne. If you’re looking for a facial cleanser that is formulated with red, irritated skin in mind, we think Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser is a great choice. This cleanser’s active ingredient is feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), which is an herb that reduces redness without irritating sensitive skin. We like that this product is a parthenolide-free extract (PFE), which means that it has been formulated so that skin-aggravating sesquiterpene lactones—naturally found in the plant—are removed from the feverfew. This wash is also fragrance-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. Price at time of publication: $29 Product Details: Active Ingredients: FeverfewTexture: Cream Size: 6 ozMedicated: No Best for Oily Skin Hyper Skin Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel 4.9 Sephora View On Sephora View On Hyperskin.com View On Thirteenlune.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Feel 5/5 Effectiveness 4.9/5 Hydration 4.8/5 Appearance 5/5 Why We Like It All-natural active ingredients help fade dark spots, calm inflammation, and protect against future breakouts. It’s Worth Noting The citrus scent may be too strong if you’re sensitive to fragrance. Our top pick for the best face wash for oily skin is Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel Cleanser because it is formulated with natural active ingredients. It's the perfect combination of what those with acne-prone skin need to fully cleanse their skin without over stripping the dry areas while still clearing up the oily areas. A gentle yet firm squeeze releases a dime-sized amount of the cleanser, which comes out as a perfectly round jelly orb. The cleanser had a clear, translucent color with a putty-like texture and a gelatinous consistency. It was fairly solid and it wasn't too liquidy or runny. When we pressed it around on our fingers, it became easy to spread, wasn't sticky at all, and felt very soft. When we applied the cleanser it our tests, it was very gentle and lightweight, barely noticeable on the skin. When we lathered the cleanser, it transformed from a gel into a viscous, cream with a milky color that spread around easily. We needed a little more than the recommended dime-sized amount to cover our entire face. However, when it touched the water, the cleanser seemingly reverted back to its gelatinous form (but still had the milky consistency). It had a very slick feel on the skin and it didn't drip or run all over the face but adhered and stayed only where we had applied it. The cleanser had a noticeable but lovely floral/fruity scent that wasn't overwhelming or irritating. The fragrance did not cause any irritation to our skin whatsoever, even when we rubbed and spread the cleanser around directly on our eyelids and lashes. When it came to removing makeup, we didn't think it would be strong enough to do it on the first cleanse, but it did! We had to apply a bit of pressure but the cleanser removed all traces of the liner, mascara, and lipstick. However, it did not remove all of our foundation on the first cleanse. It took a second cleanse to completely cleanse our face, and the cleanser maintained more of its milky cream texture and lathered up a lot more on the second cleanse (presumably because we had less makeup on our face). The cleanser was extremely easy to wash off and did not leave behind any residue at all. It left our face feeling like it had just experienced a luxurious bath. The appearance of our skin looked much brighter and refreshed, our pores felt open, and every bit of our face felt super hydrated. However, we definitely did need moisturizer afterward as we could feel the dryness coming on. Once we applied moisturizer, our skin was on cloud nine. Price at time of publication: $28 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Mandelic Acid, Willow Bark, Licorice RootTexture: Liquid Gel Size: 5 ozMedicated: No Health / Jessica Juliao Best for Acne Rosacea Avene Antirougeurs Fort Soothing Concentrate Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore Why We Like It Ruscus extract and dextran sulfate are key ingredients for treating acne rosacea. It’s Worth Noting This product may be better used as a secondary wash if you are removing sunscreen or makeup. Acne rosacea is commonly associated with redness, heat, tightening, and irritation of the skin. While fighting these stubborn red spots is difficult, ingredients like dextran sulfate and ruscus extract can help. “Ruscus extract (Ruscus aculeatus) is a vasoconstrictor, which means it can help reduce the size and redness of blood vessels beneath the skin,” says Tressa Pinkleton, ND, an integrative and naturopathic physician who specializes in holistic dermatology. “While ruscus extract reduces the redness appearance of blood vessels, dextran sulfate minimizes swelling and inflammation.” We like that the Avene Antirougeurs FORT Relief Concentrate contains both ingredients in a calming, creamy wash that helps to soothe irritation from acne rosacea. An added bonus we appreciate is that FORT Relief is also non-comedogenic, reduces irritation, and decreases overall skin sensitivity. Price at time of publication: $50 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Dextran sulfate, Ruscus aculeatus root extractTexture: CreamSize: 1.01 ozMedicated: No Best for Dry Skin Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser 4.8 Paula's Choice View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Cloud10beauty.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Feel 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 4/5 Why We Like It This skin-restoring cleanser gently cleans and moisturizes using a hydrating lotion botanical formula. It’s Worth Noting It contains citric acid which may be over-stripping for those with sensitive skin. While oily skin is more commonly associated with acne, blemishes in dry skin carry their own set of problems. Acne in dry skin is often caused by the buildup of dead skin cells, but most acne treatments target blemishes with skin-drying ingredients that can exacerbate the issue rather than solve it. We chose Paula’s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser as our best face wash for dry skin because it heals and rejuvenates the skin without drying it out. We found the consistency and texture of the face wash very smooth and satin-like, making it easy to apply. It was gentle yet effective and didn't require much work. The smooth consistency glided effortlessly on our skin and didn't require much scrubbing, almost like a massage. It felt light, almost like glycerin, and didn't irritate our eyes. The fragrance had a pleasant odor that wasn't too strong or cloying, and it complemented our skin well. The face wash cleaned our skin very well, even removing undereye concealer and foundation with just one wipe. Our faces felt fresh and moisturized, which was a plus. It left our skin feeling clean, moisturized, and our pores didn't feel clogged. We were impressed with how well the face wash washed off, it didn't feel heavy or mucky like some soaps can. Although our skin was a little irritated with some redness, our faces felt good, which we think is a doable bargain. We also like that this product uses gentle ingredients such as green tea and chamomile to soothe sensitivity and calm redness making Paula’s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser ideal for your morning and nighttime skincare regimen. Price at time of publication: $22 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Soapberry, Green Tea, ChamomileTexture: Non-foaming cleansing lotion Size: 6.4 ozMedicated: No The 12 Best Retinol Serums of 2023 Best for Cystic Acne La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash 4.8 La Roche View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Feel 5/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Like It This medicated formula reduces surface oil in the skin, stopping cystic acne before it starts. It’s Worth Noting Its heavy-duty formulation can be stripping and drying for some. Cystic acne causes painful, pus-filled acne deep under the skin that can be frustrating and difficult to get rid of. According to the dermatologists we consulted, the most important ingredient for this particular kind of blemish is 2% salicylic acid. Salicylic acid exfoliates skin to encourage quicker healing of acne while soothing painful and inflamed skin. “If you have larger pores, and struggle with sebaceous filaments—tiny collections of sebum and dead skin cells around your hair follicles—you should consider a product containing salicylic acid,” says Dr. Pinkleton. Cystic acne results from blocked pores deep in the skin—like the ones Dr. Pinkleton mentions—that can get infected and swell up. A dermatologist favorite, La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser works to reduce oil on the skin’s surface, a leading cause of cystic acne. We asked Dr. Pinkleton for her favorite hacks for cystic acne: “Cystic acne is related to excess oil production, large pores, as well as a high sugar diet or imbalances in hormones. Making a few small changes to your health regimen in addition to the right cleanser can result in big improvements in your skin,” she says. Price at time of publication: $16 Product Details: Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acidTexture: Foaming gelSize: 6.76 fl ozMedicated: Yes The 10 Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best with Glycolic Acid SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid 4.7 Dermstore View On Dermstore View On Bluemercury.com View On Skinceuticals.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.8/5 Feel 4.9/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 4/5 Why We Like It Its glycolic acid formula is great for combating wrinkles, pigmentation, acne, and scarring from blemishes. It’s Worth Noting Glycolic and salicylic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so this wash is best used with sunscreen. Glycolic acid—an alpha hydroxy acid that comes from sugar cane—is a two-in-one solution for combating acne and clearing wrinkles. Revision Skincare Brightening Face Wash is favored by dermatologists we spoke to because it contains optimal doses of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which exfoliate the skin to remove dead cells that can cause acne. After testing this product, we felt that the Skinceuticals Purifying Cleanser was the best face wash with glycolic acid for those looking for something that will hydrate and cleanse acne-prone skin. This face wash is dispensed in a liquid gel that foams when wet. The consistency is thin and gel-like, and it easily foams when water is applied to the skin, which helps the skin feel more cleansed compared to a cream-based cleanser. It immediately foamed after applying to our skin and felt very gentle and pleasant. The product lathers well, but we realized that it does need a good amount of water to keep the product foamy. We thought that the scent of the product was perfect; it doesn't have too many ingredients and strong fragrances, and it smells very clean, almost like water. The cleanser effectively broke down dirt and residue, leaving our skin feeling softer and less oily after washing, without drying it out. We only needed one wash to completely cleanse our face, and it washed off extremely well, leaving no film behind. We really enjoyed the water-based formula, since it's hard to find a hydrating face wash that isn't a cream that also cleanses well. We didn't notice a difference in blackheads or brighter skin. It only drew out the oiliness, but our skin felt extremely soft, cleansed, and hydrated, much better than before. We also like that this cleanser also combats signs of aging like pigmentation and wrinkles, while brightening and nourishing skin with a combination of healing botanicals, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, and anti-aging beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Price at time of publication: $36 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, GlycerinTexture: GelSize: 6.8 ozMedicated: Yes Best with Benzoyl Peroxide PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Our Ratings Consistency 4.5/5 Hydration 4/5 Cleansing Ability 4/5 Effectiveness 4.5/5 Why We Like It This formula uses benzoyl peroxide to combat acne-causing bacteria and ceramides to heal skin and prevent new acne from forming. It’s Worth Noting Benzoyl peroxide can cause redness and peeling in sensitive skin. If you need quick results fighting stubborn acne breakouts, dermatologists recommend 4% benzoyl peroxide, which can quickly eliminate acne and prevent new lesions from forming. "In addition to being a great exfoliator, benzoyl peroxide is also bactericidal, which means it kills bacteria—many of which contribute to some forms of acne,” says Dr. Pinkleton, noting that this powerful ingredient does have some drawbacks. “It does not distinguish between acne-causing bacteria and the healthy microflora of your face so adding a good probiotic to your protocol can make a big impact.” PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash not only clears acne with 10% benzoyl peroxide —the highest concentration without a prescription, but it’s fast-acting too. The cleanser had a thick gel consistency that felt creamy in texture, it was easy to spread on our skin and it didn’t feel harsh. We appreciated that there was no scent or fragrance in the product which can cause skin irritation on acne-prone skin. Using the product for the first time, we were pleasantly surprised that the cleanser removed a full face of foundation with just one use, without leaving any residue. It felt comfortable and left our skin feeling clean and hydrated. However, we did note that using the product daily might strip our skin of moisture due to the ingredient Benzoyl peroxide, so we would recommend this product to anyone who needs a medicinal face wash to treat acne and breakouts, but not for those with dry skin. Price at time of publication: $8 Product Details: Active Ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxideTexture: Foaming creamSize: 5.5 ozMedicated: Yes Health / Jessica Juliao Best for Kids Evereden Kids Multi-Vitamin Face Wash Evereden View On Ever-eden.com Why We Like It This wash gently cleanses and hydrates while delivering health-promoting micronutrients directly to the skin. It’s Worth Noting It may be a little difficult for younger kids to use. It’s never too early to start teaching your kids healthy habits, and that includes a skincare routine that incorporates a quality facial cleanser designed for kids. Formulated with the unique needs of kids' skin in mind, Evereden’s Kids Face Wash is great for children ages four and up. We love that it's available in three 100% natural scents—Cool Peach, Fresh Pomelo, and Melon Juice—which makes this formula is fun to use while being gentle and hydrating. It contains anti-inflammatory and soothing nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish the skin mantle and regulate oil production, along with micronutrients like niacinamide to balance oils and rejuvenate the skin, as well essential micronutrients vitamins B5 and C. Price at time of publication: $17 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, niacinamideTexture: FoamSize: 3.4 ozMedicated: No Best for Teenagers Starface Space Wash Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Starface.world Why We Like It It contains natural ingredients that are dermatologist-approved for clearing acne-prone combination skin. It’s Worth Noting Its foaming texture comes from surfactants, which can be drying for non-oily skin. One of the best ways for anyone to see results from any product for acne-prone skin is consistent use—this is especially true for teens. We think that Starface Space Wash is a great option for teenagers thanks to its trendy branding and ingredients that target adolescent skin issues. We like that it contains soothing ingredients like sage leaf for soothing and relieving acne, calendula flower extract to expedite healing and reduce inflammation, and white willow bark extract, which helps exfoliate and deeply clear pores to alleviate acne and irritation. Price at time of publication: $11 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Willow bark extract, sage, calendulaTexture: FoamSize: 4.2 ozMedicated: No Best Organic True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser 5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Beautytheshop.com Why We Like It It contains willow bark extract to gently exfoliate and improve signs of aging while leaving the skin more hydrated than salicylic acid does. It’s Worth Noting The fragrance may be too strong for some. Our top pick for the best organic and natural face wash for acne is True Botanicals’ Clear Cleanser. While this cleanser is a bit pricier than some other brands we tested and researched, it delivers an antioxidant-rich, deeply nourishing product that’s perfect for signs of aging. Green tea and willow bark protect the skin barrier while balancing oily skin. This formula also includes glycerin and aloe vera, which are deeply nourishing and hydrating, along with a blend of grapefruit, lavender, vetiver, and jasmine, which we think not only smell incredible but also work synergistically to reduce inflammation. We also like that True Botanicals’ Clear Cleanser is certified nontoxic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainably made. Price at time of publication: $48 Product Details: Active Ingredients: White willow bark extract, green and white tea, aloe veraTexture: CreamSize: 4 ozMedicated: No Best for Use During Pregnancy Belli Skincare Anti-Blemish Facial Wash Amazon View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart Why We Like It Formulated for pregnancy acne, this blend is also free of allergens and harmful chemicals. It’s Worth Noting The texture is a little thick, which could make oily skin more greasy. If you’re pregnant and struggling with blemishes, sensitive skin, blackheads, and breakouts due to hormonal skin changes, you need a facial cleanser that can pamper and protect without potentially harmful ingredients such as retinoids and parabens. Belli’s Anti-Blemish Facial Wash is a great face wash for pregnancy acne. It gently cleanses without drying and irritating skin and is free of harmful ingredients. We like that it contains glycerin for deep hydration, green tea and cucumber for delivering antioxidants to the skin, and lemon peel oil for natural antibacterial and skin brightening. This wash offers a fresh, clean face and peace of mind from using a product containing natural ingredients to clear existing acne and prevent breakouts from occurring. While this formula is made with natural ingredients, we noted that its texture is a little thicker than other cleansers, which may be an issue if you’re prone to oily skin. Price at time of publication: $20 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Glycerin, green tea, cucumber, lemon peel oil Texture: CreamSize: 6.5 ozMedicated: No Best for Menopause CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Feel 4.3/5 Effectiveness 5/5 Hydration 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Like It Designed to clear acne and rejuvenate and restore youthfulness to mature or aging skin. It’s Worth Noting Its exfoliating salicylic acid can cause extra UV sensitivity. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe’s products are specially formulated with anti-aging in mind. As skin ages, it becomes more fragile and loses elasticity and we become more prone to discoloration, changes in texture, and irritation—including acne. While acne is most associated with changing hormones in adolescence and young adulthood, those same hormones are to blame for menopausal breakouts. Our number one solution in protecting your skin from blemishes and combating signs of aging is to use a cleanser designed to rejuvenate and support optimal skin health. We chose the CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser as the best facial cleanser for menopause, as well as for those who want to prevent signs of skin aging. CeraVe is formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, three types of ceramides to restore your skin's protective barrier, and niacinamide to rejuvenate and improve circulation to the skin. The SA in this cleanser’s name refers to exfoliating salicylic acid, an acne-busting ingredient that not only clears out pores, but also provides relief for dry skin and rough, bumpy texture. Price at time of publication: $12 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramidesTexture: Foaming gelSize: 8 ozMedicated: No The 14 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums of 2023 Best for Beards Horace Beard Shampoo Horace View On Horace.co Why We Like It It supports beard fullness and growth while soothing and nourishing the skin. It’s Worth Noting The bottle cap can get a little sticky and gummy during use. If you have a beard, you might have run into beard acne at some point. Facial hair tends to trap dead skin cells and oil, creating an acne-prone petri dish right under your beard. Regardless of if you have a full beard or prefer to rock the five o'clock shadow, you need a face wash that is tenacious enough to cleanse the skin under your facial hair without neglecting the health of your hair follicles. The best beard cleansers will be able to penetrate thick beard hair to clean skin and support beard growth in the follicles directly, all while keeping your face supple and fresh. Horace Beard Shampoo checks all these boxes, which is why we selected it as the best face wash for beards. Some of our favorite active ingredients include: Jamaican black castor oil to promote hair growth and add softness and body to your beard, organic aloe vera for reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin, and deeply hydrating glycerin to keep skin from drying out. Price at time of publication: $16 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Jamaican black castor oil, organic aloe veraTexture: Low-foamingSize: 8.5 fl ozMedicated: No Best Budget Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Feel 5/5 Effectiveness 4.2/5 Hydration 5/5 Appearance 3/5 Why We Like It Formulated with plenty of skin-protecting ingredients, including ceramides and zinc oxide, this face wash helps to battle UV rays and reduce irritation. It’s Worth Noting It contains behenyl alcohol, which can dry out skin. This cleanser from Vanicream—a go-to brand for dermatologists—proves that you don’t have to leave the drugstore to get effective skin care. We appreciate that Vanicream’s cleanser is endorsed by the National Eczema Association as an effective and affordable face wash for acne, eczema, and sensitive skin. With its skin-friendly ceramide blend, this product is designed to protect the skin barrier by reducing harmful damage while also locking in precious moisture. It also includes pyrithione zinc, an ingredient that helps relieve itchy and irritated skin. If you have combination skin, be aware that this formulation also contains behenyl alcohol, which can dry skin out. Price at time of publication: $9 Product Details: Active Ingredients: Ceramides, pyrithione zincTexture: CreamSize: 8 ozMedicated: No The 12 Best Blackhead Removers of 2023 Our Testing Process To identify the best facial cleansers for acne, blemishes, pimples, and blackheads we researched the many acne face washes on the market, taking into consideration ingredients, sustainability, accessibility, and cost. Then, a group of Health team members who have acne-prone skin tested more than a dozen face wash products in The Lab.Wearing minimal to no make-up, testers selected a face wash based on their skin type and concerns. They washed their face following the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging, noting the consistency, ease of use, how well it cleansed their skin, fragrance, as well as how it made their skin feel. We also consulted with the following dermatologists about the differences between acne facial cleansers and the ingredients they contain: Anthony Nuara, MD, Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist Victoria Lofdahl, ND, a physician with expertise in integrative dermatology Tressa Pinkleton, ND, an integrative and naturopathic physician who specializes in holistic dermatology Rita Balyan, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant who specializes in dermatology Dipa S. Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist We compiled the results of the test to recommend the best face washes for acne based on our findings and offered a range of skin cleanser types so you can find the one that best suits your needs and your budget. What to Know About Face Washes for Acne What to Look for When Choosing a Face Wash for Acne When shopping for an acne face wash you’re going to want to keep three important ingredients in mind: ceramides to protect the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and niacinamide to control oil production. “When buying a skin cleanser for acne you should pay attention to ingredients. For acne-prone skin look for products containing retinol or salicylic acid to clean up the pores, for dry and sensitive skin you’re going to want ceramides, and across the board avoid cleansers with alcohol, especially for oily skin because that will just amp up oil production,” says Rita Balyan, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant who specializes in dermatology. Dipa S. Patel, MD, adds to Balyan’s recommendations, advising cleansers containing vitamins C and E to protect the skin from free radical damage, improve the texture and skin tone, and enhance the skin’s bright, youthful appearance. Victoria Lofdahl, ND, a physician with expertise in integrative dermatology, says to avoid facial cleansers that have parabens and fragrances. What You Can Expect to Pay for a Quality Face Wash for Acne You can typically expect to pay less than $10 for a face wash for acne, particularly products that are widely available. We’ve included a few more specialty products here, including True Botanicals’ Renew Nourishing Cleanser and Revision Skincare’s Brightening Facial Wash—at $48 and $40, respectively—which are more expensive than more common brands. Our least expensive pick was the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser at $9. Your Questions, Answered How does acne face wash work? Face wash for acne works by reducing the presence of oil and other pore-clogging impurities that can cause buildup on the skin. By washing your face, especially with a cleanser designed for your skin type, you’re breaking down leftover sweat, dead skin, makeup, and even bacteria. Many acne face washes also contain skin-soothing ingredients like ceramides that help to reduce redness and irritation or acids that work to break down blemishes under the skin. What’s the best way to use face wash for acne? The best way to use face wash for acne is by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically involves using your cleanser twice a day, in the morning and evening. You should also follow cleansing with a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. Cleansers can dry out skin, which can cause additional oil production and worsening acne if the skin isn’t properly moisturized. Who We Are Nicole Cain ND, MA, is an Arizona-based integrative physician. She is the founder of the Holistic Wellness Collective, which focuses on teaching you how to be your own health expert. In addition to physical holistic wellness, Dr. Cain has a particular passion for mental health and is the author of the forthcoming book PANIC PROOF. She can be found at DrNicoleCain.com. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 7 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Skin conditions by the numbers. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Acne: Tips for managing. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 9 things to try when acne won’t clear. Shin B, Kwon JA, Park EK, et al. Prenatal exposure to parabens affects birth outcomes through maternal glutathione s-transferase (GST) polymorphisms: From the mothers and kids environmental health (MAKE) study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(6):3012. doi:10.3390/ijerph18063012 Cleveland Clinic. What you need to know about aging skin. Khunger N, Mehrotra K. Menopausal acne - challenges and solutions. Int J Womens Health. 2019;11:555-567. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S174292 American Academy of Dermatology Association. DIY treatment for 5 common beard problems.