15 Best Face Washes for Acne-Prone Skin of 2022

Vichy’s tried-and-true gel cleanser is a GH Beauty Lab and editor go-to for acne-prone, oily skin types. “I particularly like this product because it makes my skin feel clean without over drying it, and the salicylic acid helps treat my adult hormonal acne,” says GH Chemist Danusia Wnek. “It also smells great!”

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Formula type: Gel
• Size: 6.7 ounces
• Medicated: Yes

Drugstore brand hero Neutrogena and its classic gel acne cleanser has been around for years and upholds its reputation as one of the top face washes dermatologists recommend to acne-prone patients. “The 2% salicylic acid works well without overly drying out skin,” notes Jeanine B. Downie, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey. “Most of my patients tolerate it very well.”

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Formula type: Gel
• Size: 9.1 ounces
• Medicated: Yes

With a unique cream-to-foam formula, this CeraVe cleanser helps heal acne with the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide, while hydrating skin with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. “My skin does not feel overly dry or irritated which was a concern I had when considering a peroxide wash,” one Amazon reviewer says. “I will definitely be purchasing again.”

• Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide
• Formula type: Cream
• Size: 5 ounces
• Medicated: Yes

A top-rated acne face wash on Amazon — with over 8,000 five-star reviews — La Roche-Posay’s gel cleanser fights breakouts with salicylic acid. It’s also been clinically tested to help reduce excess oil. But, the best part is that it’s still gentle enough to use on those with acne and sensitive skin, with a non-comedogenic formula that includes moisturizing glycerin. “It’s very mild, lathers beautifully, and leaves your face feeling extremely clean without being tight or stripped of moisture,” an Amazon reviewer says. This cleanser “has worked better for my adult onset cystic acne than any other product I’ve tried on the market,” another reviewer adds.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Formula type: Gel
• Size: 6.76 ounces
• Medicated: Yes

Hands down, this powerful gel cleanser is Dr. Downie’s favorite cleanser for all skin types — including those with acne. “It gently exfoliates skin and also contains vitamin C to brighten.” She loves that it effectively deep cleans skin but is gentle enough for daily use: the songyi mushroom helps tone without drying out your skin while the gentle gel formula is non-irritating.

• Key ingredients: Songyi mushroom
• Formula type: Gel
• Size: 7 ounces
• Medicated: No

This potent cleanser does double duty thanks to its high concentration of alpha hydroxy acids, including lactic, glycolic, citric and malic acids, as well as salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that helps exfoliate skin and clear clogged pores. Dr. Downie loves that it “helps to improve acne, skin tone (read: dark spots), and texture all at once.”

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid
• Formula type: Oil
• Size: 6 ounces
• Medicated: No

A gentle cleanser, this Bioderma micellar water will remove makeup, grime and impurities that can clog pores without drying out skin, which is key when you have hormonal acne. “It leaves my skin feeling clean and moisturized until I wash it,” shares one Dermstore user. And it’s easy to use — just swipe with a cotton pad and go, no rinsing required.

• Key ingredients: Micellar water
• Formula type: Liquid
• Size: 16.7 ounces
• Medicated: No

A Walmart best-seller and for good reason: This intensive Clearasil cleanser with salicylic acid works its magic quickly, helping to reduce breakouts in as fast as 12 hours. “I would recommend it to anyone who has any type of acne or even just a few blemishes they want to clear up,” one Walmart reviewer says. “It works quickly as stated on the bottle.” Note: The formula can be drying, so make sure to follow with a good moisturizer.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Formula type: Cream
• Size: 6.78 ounces
• Medicated: Yes

This purifying wash claims to soothe and brighten with gentle cleansing ingredients like jade water, lotus flower, and green tea. “Though it’s a little on the pricier side, this cleanser is gentle and light but cleans out my pores so well, leaving my skin glowing without any inflammation or redness, something my skin is prone to with most face washes,” says GH Assistant Editor Annie O’Sullivan. It balances an invigorating light citrus scent with a delicate cleanser that lathers and cleans skin well.

• Key ingredients: Jade water, green tea, ceramides
• Formula type: Liquid
• Size: 6.7 ounces
• Medicated: No

Thanks to a combination of salicylic and glycolic acids, this cleanser from Glytone, top-rated on Dermstore, treats breakouts and exfoliates skin at the same time. Not only does it aim to purify your complexion, but it also helps improve texture, too. “I love this cleanser because it makes my skin feel so smooth and clear,” a Dermstore reviewer shares.