Acne has no age barrier and can cause breakouts decades after your teenage years and well into your adult life. If you are suffering from acne, then an acne treatment should become an essential part of your daily skincare regime. Using a good face wash, that is medicated to fight acne, could help deep cleanse your skin and effectively open pores and fight acne-causing bacteria. Cleansing is an important step of this process to prevent blemishes and future breakouts.
The below guide provides a detailed review of the 5 best acne face wash products in the market, selected based on user reviews and our own product analysis. While we suggest you look at a full acne treatment system, a good face wash can be a great start to combat breakouts and help you clear pimples and blackheads.
PICK
Facial Cleanser
Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser
Daily Deep Cleanser
Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
Acne Creamy Wash
All skin types including sensitive skin
Oily skin
Oily and combination skin
Normal, oily and combination skin
Normal, oily and combination skin
- Combines natural ingredients with scientific treatments for best results
- Gentle formula using pure natural extracts
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and soap-free
- 30-day guarantee to deliver results
- Gentle formula using saw palmetto
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Uses dual-action, micronized formula for a deep cleanse and hydration
- Uses Skin Purifying Technology
- Affordable
- pH balanced
- Uses 3 emollients to increase hydration
1 year guarantee for a refund of first kit purchased + 30-day guarantee to deliver results
Refunds are offered.
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$15.95 (4oz)
$26.88 (5oz)
$7.59 (4oz)
$7.99 (6.77oz)
$9.99 (6oz)
PICK
Facial Cleanser
- Combines natural ingredients with scientific treatments for best results
- Gentle formula using pure natural extracts
- Paraben and sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and soap-free
- 30-day guarantee to deliver results
Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser
- Gentle formula using saw palmetto
- Paraben and sulfate-free
Daily Deep Cleanser
- Uses dual-action, micronized formula for a deep cleanse and hydration
Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
- Uses Skin Purifying Technology
- Affordable
Acne Creamy Wash
- pH balanced
- Uses 3 emollients to increase hydration
Exposed Skincare Facial Cleanser
Pros: This is our number one recommended facial cleanser for a blemish-free skin that is clear of acne. It uses a mild concentration of salicylic acid to deep cleanse clogged pores and fight acne-causing bacteria. This product also combines pro-vitamin B5 and sage extracts to control the production of oil as well as to prevent dryness of the skin. The non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and soap-free formula ensures the protection of the natural moisture of the skin, leaving it smooth and supple. It’s ideal for any skin type and is free from paraben and sulfate, making it gentle on the skin.
Cons: For best results, this facial cleanser is recommended as part of an acne care regime by Exposed Skin Care. However, based on the many positive reviews by users, trying out this product on its own is also known to provide a visible difference for acne-prone skin.
Origins Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser
Pros: This refreshingly cool, gently foaming cleanser is one of the best products we have come across for oily skin. Its gentle formula uses a combination of salicylic acid and natural ingredients like saw palmetto and mint to remove excess oil and deep cleanse and minimize pores to visibly reduce shine. It’s also free of parabens and sulfates.
Cons: Origins’ Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser is not the best option for dry or over-sensitive skin as it could lead to excessive dryness and redness for certain skin types.
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Pros: This product uses 5% benzoyl peroxide to fight acne-causing bacteria and deep cleansing of pores. Its micronized formula removes excess oil and releases moisturizer for gentle hydration without clogging pores. This works great for especially acne-prone oily skin and is one of the best affordable face washes in the market.
Cons: When using this product, you will need to avoid excessive sun exposure and ensure that you apply a sunscreen if going outside.
Moreover, with 5% benzoyl peroxide, it’s best to first refer to your dermatologist if you are planning on using this face wash on a daily basis. And if you have hyper-sensitive skin or are sensitive tobenzoyl peroxide, this might not be the best option for you.
Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
Pros: This product uses natural charcoal and salicylic acid to penetrate deep into the skin and remove excess oil and purify pores. It’s great for daily use and applies Skin Purifying Technology to quickly clear acne as well as to prevent future breakouts. It’s also oil-free and therefore can be used effectively on oily skin. This is one of the most affordable drugstore products in the market, retailing at $3.99 for a 6.77 oz bottle.
Cons: The Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser could leave a tingly sensation if you keep it for long on the skin without rinsing, although this is usually nothing much to be concerned about. However, this is not recommended for dry or sensitive skin as it could cause dryness and irritation.
PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash
Pros: This gentle and creamy face wash uses 4% Benzoyl Peroxide to fight acne-causing bacteria and deep cleanse pores by removing excess sebum. It could provide fast results to clear acne and prevent new blemishes. The PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash uses a pH-balanced formula with 4 humectants and 3 emollients to preserve moisture, increase hydration and provide a soft and smooth skin. While it’s mainly known as a face wash it can also be used to treat chest and back acne.
This is another great drugstore product that is affordably priced.
Cons: For best results, you may need to use it as part of PanOxyl’s acne treatment face care regime. Also, this product is most effective for acne-prone oily or combination skin types and could cause dryness and irritation on sensitive or damaged skin.
