An acne face wash won’t clear severe acne on its own, but it’s an easy, affordable first step. The best ones use proven over-the-counter ingredients that work even in the short time they’re on your skin.
The two ingredients to know are benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and is best for red, inflamed pimples, and salicylic acid (a BHA), which gets into pores to clear oil and dead skin and is best for blackheads and whiteheads. Here are the face washes we’d buy.
Our picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key ingredients | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | Best overall | 4% benzoyl peroxide, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | See on Amazon |
| PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash | Best for stubborn breakouts | 10% benzoyl peroxide (4% creamy version also available) | See on Amazon |
| CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser | Best for blackheads and texture | Salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | See on Amazon |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser | Best for oily skin | 2% salicylic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid | See on Amazon |
| Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash | Best budget pick | 2% salicylic acid | See on Amazon |
| Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser | Best for irritated days | Glycerin, coco-glucoside | See on Amazon |
The best face washes for acne
1. CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser: Best overall
This cleanser pairs a moderate 4% benzoyl peroxide with CeraVe’s barrier-supporting ingredients, so it’s less drying than many acne washes. It has a creamy foam that rinses clean. It’s a great starting point for inflamed breakouts.
Key ingredients: 4% benzoyl peroxide, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Effective but gentler than stronger BP washes
- Barrier-supporting ingredients
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and pillowcases
- May still be drying at first, so start with once a day
2. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash: Best for stubborn breakouts
PanOxyl’s 10% wash is the strongest benzoyl peroxide you can get over the counter and a favorite for body acne on the chest and back. For the face, many people prefer the gentler 4% creamy version.
Key ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxide (4% creamy version also available)
Pros
- Maximum OTC strength
- Great for body acne
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be very drying on the face
- Bleaches fabrics, so use white towels
3. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser: Best for blackheads and texture
A gentle salicylic acid cleanser that’s good for clogged pores, blackheads and rough texture. It’s a smart choice if your acne is more bumps and congestion than big red pimples.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Gentle exfoliation
- Helps with rough texture
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Mild, so it may not be strong enough for inflamed acne
- Low-lathering
4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser: Best for oily skin
A refreshing gel cleanser with the maximum OTC strength of salicylic acid. It removes excess oil well and leaves skin feeling clean but not squeaky. It’s especially good for oily skin in hot weather.
Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid
Pros
- 2% salicylic acid
- Great at removing oil
- Pleasant gel texture
Cons
- Can be drying for combination or dry skin
- Pricier than the drugstore basics
5. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash: Best budget pick
A long-running drugstore classic. It’s inexpensive, easy to find and contains 2% salicylic acid. It’s not as elegant as newer formulas, but it gets the job done.
Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid
Pros
- Very affordable
- Widely available
- 2% salicylic acid
Cons
- Basic formula without barrier-supporting extras
- Some people find it drying
6. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser: Best for irritated days
Not an acne treatment, but worth having. If your skin gets red and raw from acne products, switch to a gentle cleanser like this one for a few days, or use it in the morning and save the medicated wash for night.
Key ingredients: Glycerin, coco-glucoside
Pros
- Extremely gentle
- Fragrance-free
- Pairs well with acne treatments
Cons
- No acne-fighting ingredients
- Doesn’t remove heavy makeup on its own
How to use an acne face wash
- Start slowly. Use it once a day for the first week or two, then increase if your skin tolerates it.
- Leave it on for 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing so the active ingredient has time to work.
- Follow with an oil-free moisturizer. Acne treatments are drying, and an irritated barrier makes breakouts worse. See our picks for the best moisturizers for oily skin.
- Don’t stack too many actives. Using a BP wash, a salicylic toner and a retinoid all at once often leads to irritation.
- Give it time. Most acne treatments take 6 to 12 weeks to show their full effect.
FAQ
Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid: which is better?
Benzoyl peroxide is usually better for red, inflamed pimples. Salicylic acid is better for blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores. Some people use one in the morning and the other at night.
Can I use an acne cleanser every day?
Most people can once their skin adjusts. Start with once a day, and back off if you get dryness, peeling or stinging.
When should I see a dermatologist?
If you have painful cysts, acne that leaves scars, or no improvement after about three months of consistent over-the-counter treatment, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger options.
The bottom line
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is the best place to start for most people: it fights inflamed breakouts while being kinder to your skin than most acne washes. If your problem is mostly blackheads and texture, choose CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser instead.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. If you have a persistent skin condition, a reaction that doesn’t settle, or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check with a dermatologist or pharmacist before trying new actives.