The Best Face Wash For Acne Prone Skin

If you’ve tried several acne treatments but the symptoms just can’t go away forever, it’s time to try our selection of the best face washes for acne prone skin.

While acne treatment has advanced in leaps and bounds over the last decade, many women are still affected by some form of acne – and not just teenagers, even women in their late 30s and into their 50s.

Acne is one of the mundane, nonetheless frustrating illness, and getting rid of it requires a little extra time and effort. You need to know the cause of your acne to find the right and tailored skin care treatment or product. If not, you’ll still be using a raft of treatments that don’t work.

Furthermore, because people have different skin types, everyone’s acne case is a little bit peculiar, and you need to understand that, in some instances, it might take more than one type of treatment to get a good result.

So, to help you find the best face washes for acne prone skin, we have researched and reviewed some options on the market which we believe can address your acne problem depending on your skin type.

Explore Our Top Picks For The Best Face Wash For Acne Prone Skin

If you have a severe case of acne, we recommend Facial Cleanser from Exposed Skin Care because it’s reasonably priced compared to results it promises. It’s gentle on the skin and has exfoliating and soothing properties which can help the skin even after cleansing.

Proactiv Renewing Cleanser comes second as the best face wash for severe acne cases. However, it’s slightly expensive than Facial Cleanser from Exposed Skin Care.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option than the two, got for Oxy Acne Medication Face Wash. It’s effective at fighting stubborn acne and leaves your skin smooth and fresh.

In this roundup, Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula is the only face wash that’s available in 3 skin type formulas. So, if you have very dry skin, you can choose the extra mild option, mild for normal to dry skin, and oily for normal to oily skin.

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser is one of the gentle options that available on the market to treat mild cases of acne. Considering its formula, it’s best suited for oily skin as it easily dissolves into the skin for deep cleansing.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is cheap and geared towards treating acne for people with sensitive skin. It contains a low concentration of salicylic acid to minimize irritation and sensitivity.

If you have normal to dry acne prone skin, Phisoderm Deep Cleaning Cream Cleanser is the product you ought to go for. It’s alcohol-free to prevent over-drying not to mention its sweet scent and ingredients that soothe and hydrate your skin.

If you’re a fan of natural treatment, then Facial Wash by Christina Moss Naturals is your best choice. It contains 100% of natural ingredients that deeply cleanses your pores and leaves your skin clean and fresh without causing any irritation or dryness. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemical. It’s suitable for both men and women.

Acne.org 16 oz. Cleanser is specially created to cleanse the skin without irritation. Moreover, it rebalances the skin’s pH giving it a smooth and healthy look. What stands out about this face wash is its size which is huge enough to take you for months. It’s also reasonably priced considering its size.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is one of the cleansers that never disappoint. Uniquely formulated with three essential ceramides, it’s gentle on the skin and gently cleanse it without damaging the protective layer. It’s ideal for oily skin.

Facial Cleanser from Exposed Skin Care

 

The first cleanser on our list comes from Exposed. As one of the preeminent skin care products makers on the market, Exposed guarantees to clear your acne in less than 30 days using their Facial Cleanser from Exposed Skin Care.

Best suited for sensitive and oily skin, this unique cleanser is stuffed with transformative skin care ingredients that exfoliate dead skin cells, clean clogged pores, eliminate acne, and prevent consistent breakouts and pimples from coming back.

These ingredients include benzoyl peroxide (for deep cleaning), salicylic acid (unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells), green tea extract (fight acne causing bacteria), and passion flower extract and aloe vera (soothes the skin and reduces inflammation).

Even though these acids are part of the formulation, the concentration is low and gentle enough on the skin, and there are no cases of irritation or inflammation. Also, it is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic.

We are also pleased with this product because it’s paraben-free, and the addition of pro-vitamin B5 is commendable as it an effective moisturizer and humectant which help reduce the drying effect.

Pros:

• Natural ingredients that soothe and reduce inflammation.
• A low concentration of essential acids which are gentle on the skin (no irritation or inflammation).
• Pro-vitamin B5 is an exceptional addition because of the benefits that come with it
• Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic

Cons:

• Not recommended to people whose skin are sensitive to salicylic acid.
• As a specialized acne treatment, it might be overkill for people who experience constant breakouts of blackheads or whiteheads.

Proactiv Renewing Cleanser

Proactiv Renewing Cleanser is very effective if you have struggled with acne for a long period. If you have sensitive skin or mild cases of acne, this product is not for you as it can damage your skin.

This milky white cleanser has combined both benzoyl peroxide which combats acne, disodium PEG-12 dimethicone sulfosuccinate which deeply cleanses pores, and polyethylene which acts as an exfoliator.

As a gentle cleanser, it wipes off dirt, impurities, and oil to prevent pore from blocking without causing any irritation or sensitivity. Also, it leaves the skin smooth, clear and clean without any visible residue.

If you in love with body cleansers that produce foamy lather, then this is not the type that you need.

Above all, we recommend it for stubborn acne.

Pros:

• Specially designed to prevent and treat stubborn acne
• Contains benzoyl peroxide which fights acne causing bacteria
• Polyethylene which acts as an exfoliator helps to shed dead skin
• Removes dirt, impurities, and oils without causing any irritation or sensitivity and leaves no residues on the skin.

Cons:

• Can be too strong if you have a mild case of acne – can cause breakouts, blemishes or sensitivity.
• Can bleach your hair or fabrics, so avoid contact.
• A little pricey

Oxy Acne Medication Face Wash

Oxy Acne Medication Face Wash is a multi-purpose acne treatment product. It can be used as a cleanser, an acne mask, or a scrub depending on your skin concern.

Specially designed for teens and adults, this face wash can help treat and prevent breakouts

Salicylic acid at a 10% concentration is the main ingredient that’s present in Oxy Acne Medication Face Wash. It’s one of the known acne treatment ingredients in various products that deeply cleans your pores, wash away acne causing bacteria, oils and other impurities that block pores and cause breakouts.

This formulation also consists of menthol which promotes and reduce the inflammation on the surface of your skin.

However, the combination of salicylic acid and menthol can sometimes cause skin irritation and lead to flair-ups of acne. So, if your skin is sensitive to salicylic acid, consult your dermatologist for other treatment options.

Overall, this is an excellent face wash, and you can expect results within a few days of use.

Pros:

• Incredibly affordable
• Specially formulated to fight and prevent acne
• Can be used as an acne mask, scrub, and cleanser.
• Transforms skin within a few days of use.

Cons:

• Can cause inflammation which can increase when exposed to the sun.
• Can excessively dry the skin especially when you’re using it for the first time

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula

If you’ve had a problem with acne, and the products you’ve used never give the results you want, try Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Oily Skin Formula.

Available in 3 skin type formulas (extra mild for very dry skin, mild for normal to dry skin, and oily for normal to oily skin), this facial wash is a non-forming lotion that gently dissolves into the skin to remove dirt and impurities without leaving any residue.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride, olive oil, and sucrose stearate are the main ingredients that work together to cleanse the skin gently. Also available are potent humectants such as sodium PCA and sodium hyaluronate which attract moisture to the surface of the skin.

This product also has a soothing effect on the skin which is provided by chamomile, sucrose, and caffeine. The skin’s moisture barrier is not left out as it is repaired and strengthened by cholesterol and trehalose.

After considering all the benefits, we are sure this is a great face wash for people with combination to oily skin.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Thoroughly cleanses the skin without leaving any residue
• Perfect for both combination and oily skin
• Perfect for oily skin

Cons:

• Too much menthol which can irritate the skin and even the eyes

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser

Skin care products from Dermatologica are still amongst the most liked and most awarded amongst skin care manufacturers worldwide, and you shouldn’t less than excellent results from Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser.

This face wash is packed with powerful ingredients not to mention the cutting-edge formulas. This is to ensure your skin is getting what it needs to combat acne, breakouts and other skin problem. Also, the good thing is that the result is not only at the time when you’re using the products, but the effects go a long way to keep your skin smooth and healthy for a lifetime.

If you have oily skin, this is your perfect fit because the clay formula is easily dissolved into the skin for deep cleansing. This formula is combined with purifying extracts of Sambucus, Ivy, and Lemon which refine the skin texture by removing the excess oils with stripping the skin of its natural oils.

While you might smell some menthol (specifically added to revitalize tired skin), this product is fragrance-free and no added artificial colors.

Pros:

• Deeply cleanses oily congested skin
• Unique clay formula which effectively removes debris and absorbs excess oils.
• Soothing menthol revitalizes and cools the skin

Cons:

• Many people complained of accessional breakouts
• Menthol can be irritating and itchy for sensitive skin

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is not only one of the inexpensive face washes on the list but the market as well.

Uniquely formulated to treat and help prevent breakouts in one simple step, this face wash also combines powerful ingredients which eliminate excess oils, unclog congested pores without leaving the skin inflamed.

Another key thing is that it’s gentle on the skin during cleansing and doesn’t leave it over-dried or irritated thanks to the 2% salicylic acid which is incorporated.

Apart from being non-comedogenic, it also has soothing properties, therefore, keeping the skin clean, residue-free, and oil-free.

Pros:

• Price is affordable to almost everybody who wants to get rid of acne.
• Thoroughly cleans the skin without leaving residue, inflammation or excessive dryness.
• Lathers easily and gentle on the skin
• Eliminates blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes and prevent any future breakouts

Cons:

• If you’re allergic to salicylic acid, it can cause excessive dryness or irritation.
• Cannot be used with other topical acne treatment because they can wreck the skin.

Phisoderm Deep Cleaning Cream Cleanser

Acne is always associated with oily skin, but sometimes, people with dry skin also suffer from breakouts which can be worse. So, if you have a dry acne prone skin, then Phisoderm Deep Cleaning Cream Cleanser is a great product to use.

This cleanser works by removing dirt, excess oils and makeup without drying the skin. Importantly, it’s gentle on the skin and rinses easily without leaving residue or causing irritation or blemishes. The result is a fresh, healthy and radiant skin.

Because it’s geared towards helping people with dry skin, this soap-free and dye-free cleanser are also alcohol-free to prevent skin from drying. Additionally, it has a pleasant scent that lingers on your skin for quite some time. So, if you want to feel and smell clean, this gentle product will work for you.

Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Chamomile are also crucial ingredients that are available; help soothe the skin and keep it hydrated all day long.

Pros:

• Thoroughly cleans the skin without causing excessive dryness.
• Easily removes makeup and dirt without drying the skin or leaving it tight.
• Rebalances the Ph level of the skin
• Alcohol-free

Cons:

• Strong scent that can be irritating

Facial Wash by Christina Moss Naturals

Since many facial products on the market contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, or some synthetic fragrance that cause sensitivity, they always cause acne flair-ups.

If you prefer natural products, then this is your best friend.

Formulated for people with very sensitive skin, this product contains highly concentrated ingredients which work effectively to restore your skin’s glow and fair. Also, even though the bottle is small, the concentration is high enough to be compared with other huge facial washes; it takes long enough as other products.

Made up of 100% certified organic ingredients, this facial wash is said to provide results within six months and if you don’t experience any satisfactory results, you can be given a refund in full.

It works by gently and thoroughly cleansing your skin without stripping, drying or leaving residues. It also nourishes the skin making it smooth, hydrated and radiant.

Even more important is the ability of this face wash to remove fine lines and any signs of aging. And if you are worried about the type of skin that would benefit from this face wash, then we would like to let you know that it is suitable for everybody.

Pros:

• Contain concentrated and active ingredients that restore your skin’s glow and fair
• Provides results within six months of use
• Thoroughly cleanses and nourishes your skin without drying, stripping or leaving residues.
• Even though the bottle is small, the concentration is high, and all you need is a small amount; so, it can last long as other options.
• No harmful ingredients

Cons:

• Can cause breakouts or irritation if your skin is sensitive to natural ingredients.
• Can leave the skin greasy especially if you have oily skin.

Acne.org 16 oz. Cleanser

Acne.org emphasizes on using acne treatment products that don’t irritate and cause blemishes. In that regard, they came up with their own product which is specially made to treat and prevent acne without causing irritation or blemishes.

One of the visible features is the big 16-ounce size which lasts for about 2 to 4 months depending on how you use it.

In as much as cleansing is concerned, this product is gentle on the skin and cleanses without drying or stripping the skin. It also produces a thick lather, therefore, providing the right amount of ingredients to deep clean your pores. Moreover rinsing is easy.

Balancing the skin pH is another important factor to consider when buying acne treating product, and this cleanser does it perfectly.

Many skin care products designed by other companies are not always compatible with other product on the market. With this, you can use it together with other acne treatment without fear of allergies or acne flair-ups.

It’s perfect for all skin types.

Pros:

• Comes from a renowned organization so you can be sure of positive results.
• Doesn’t irritate, dry or cause blemishes.
• Reasonably priced considering its size.
• Can be used together with other acne treatments.

Cons:

• Is not potent enough to counter the effects of benzoyl peroxide
• Might irritate if you have sensitive skin
• Contain sulfates which can excessively dry the skin
• While it’s fragrance-free, you can still smell some chemical.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a fairly popular cleanser and concordantly accepted as effective. It’s gentle on the skin and effectively cleanses the skin without damaging the protective layer.

Perfect for normal to oily skin, this fragrance-free and non-comedogenic product also cleanses deep down into the pores for clear and smooth skin and has soothing properties that prevent irritation or over-drying thanks to the hyaluronic acid that helps retain your skin’s natural moisture and niacinamide that help reduce inflammation.

The big difference between this face wash and other products is that it is geared towards clearing acne, and while it deeply cleanses the skin, you won’t see or feel residues or greasiness on your skin.

Like many other face washes that fight acne, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser contains hyaluronic acid which is known to be harsh on acne.

We recommend this product for people with combination to oily skin.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced
• Fights existing acne and prevents any future breakouts
• Gentle on the skin, prevents irritation and dryness and leaves no residue on the skin
• Removes grime and dead skin

Cons:

• Can cause irritation or breakouts if you’re sensitive to hyaluronic acid
• Can be too harsh if you have mild cases of acne.

How To Choose The Best Face Wash For Acne Prone Skin.

Face washes are some of the must-have skin care products. They are designed to wash away dirt, impurities and excess oils from the surface of your skin leaving it clean, smooth and ready for other acne treatments.

Choosing the right face wash is important. If you select the right product, you’re step ahead at achieving a fresh, smooth and acne-free face. However, if you choose a wrong face wash, you’ll be introducing other skin infections as well as fighting constant breakouts and blemishes.

To choose the right face wash, you need to understand your skin type and other conditions you want to treat. Since acne attacks almost every type of skin, you need to select a face wash that addresses both your acne and is tailored for your skin type.

The common skin types are combination, dry, oily and sensitive.

Here’s a guide how you ought to choose your next face wash.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is one of the common conditions. If you want to know if you have oily skin, cleanse your face with your preferred cleanser and wait for a few hours. If your face becomes oily within a few hours and you notice large pores and a shiny t-zone, then your skin type is oily.

If you have oily acne prone skin, you need to select a face wash that would combat both the two conditions. First, the product you choose must be oil-free. Then find out if it contains acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, all which have been proven to combat acne causing bacteria.

Also, you have to choose a product that is gentle enough on the skin and doesn’t strip it of its natural oil. Harsh face washes can over-dry the skin, cause irritation or lead to constant breakouts.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is other problematic conditions that deserve proper and effective skin care regimen.

If a cleanser causes irritation, blemishes or breakouts within a few days of cleansing, then you have sensitive skin. Other factors might cause this, but most often than not, the ingredients used in the face wash play a large part.

Caring for sensitive skin requires a tailor-made product which will address both sensitivity and acne. What you need to look out for are products that contain alcohol, fragrance, dyes, and other sensitivity triggers.

So, go for products labeled as fragrance-free, oil-free and dye-free. You can also select non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic options which can ensure your pores are tight all the time and reduce sensitivity or over-reaction to certain triggers.

Dry Skin

There’s a misconception that dry skin is not prone to acne. Nevertheless, dry skin is as much acne ridden as other types of skin. In fact, dry skin can cause worst skin damages if not treated on time.

It’s not difficult to know if you have dry skin. So, if you feel itchiness, flakiness, and if you feel your pores are extremely tight, then you have dry skin.

When choosing a face wash for your dry acne prone skin, go for options that gently but effectively wash away dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. This is because, while you might think strong face wash is the best for fighting acne, they can leave your skin extremely dry and dull. In this case, your skin rebounds and produces excess oils which can lead to breakouts.

You can also pick face washes that contain hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerine, essential oils or vitamin E. More importantly, go for soap-free options.

Combination Skin

From the name, combination skin is characterized by dryness in some parts of your skin and oiliness in other parts. Ordinarily, it’s hard to find cases of sensitivity if you have combination skin. But, that’s not to say that your skin can’t be irritated or allergic to some triggers.

What you need from your face wash is a combination of a gentle, effective cleanser that leaves your pores clean and clear and hydration effect that leaves your face cool and fresh all the time.

Just like other skin types, don’t select any product that is harsh or does it job but leaves your face much worse than it was. If you experience oiliness in your forehead, nose or chin, make sure the cleansers remove oiliness without leaving your face too dry or scaly. On the other hand, if you experience dry skin on your cheeks, make sure the same product cleanses your skin and hydrates it as well.

Other Factors That Play Part

Selecting the best face wash that’s tailored for your skin and addresses your acne concern is just one part of achieving success. You also need to consider other acne fighting products like moisturizers. Understand how and when you need to wash your face using your cleanser. While the frequency with which you use your cleanser determines success, over-washing or using cleanser more frequently than it should can be detrimental to your skin. So, limit the use of your face wash to your bath and shower time, and avoid hot showers (use warm water).

Above all, acne fighting takes a lot of time and effort, and it also involves a healthy diet which can help you fight it from within. Include in your diet, vegetables, seasonal fruits and other foods that are high in water and contain some purifying and healing properties.

Last Word

Different face washes are created for specific skin types, and they address different concerns. If you know your skin type and want to fight acne, you can select the best face wash for acne prone skin from this roundup.

We recommend Facial Cleanser from Exposed Skin Care because it contains unique transformative ingredients which can clear acne within 30 days of use.

Also, it prevents any future breakouts. It’s gentle on the skin, exfoliates dead skin cells, soothes the skin and reduces inflammation. Indeed, it contains all the ingredients you can ever need from a face wash.