Breaking Out? Try One Of These Face Washes For Acne-prone Skin

The foundation of a good skincare routine, an effective cleanser is crucial for creating a clean canvas, allowing the rest of your skincare products to work effectively. While we’d like to think acne eventually disappears along with homework, uniforms, and heavy-duty backpacks, it often lingers long after your tenure at school has come to a close. When selecting the best face wash for acne, you’re looking for a cleanser that works to unclog pores, lightly exfoliate your skin, and modulate sebum production, without stripping your skin of its moisture. Most importantly, good face washes for acne shouldn’t trigger or exacerbate current breakouts.

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Key acne-fighting ingredients to look out for are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. An oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin, salicylic acid works to clear out pores, remove dead skin cells, and eliminate excess sebum that contributes to acne formation. Meanwhile, benzoyl peroxide effectively kills acne forming bacteria beneath the skin, while removing dead skin cells and excess sebum.

Whether you’re looking to reduce the appearance of acne and soothe irritated and inflamed skin, minimise the appearance of enlarged pores, or looking to prevent acne before it forms, these are the 8 best face washes for acne and breakout-prone skin.

1. Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

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Formulated with 0.5% salicylic acid, the Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser strikes the ideal balance between gentle and effective. Unlike many cleansers designed for acne-prone skin, this one doesn’t strip or dry the skin, working to gently but effectively remove surface impurities and excess oil from the skin. 

2. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam

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Sometimes a foam cleanser can be more satisfying than a gel formulation, working to soothe and calm the skin during active breakouts. Designed for acne-prone skin, the Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam contains probiotics and salicylic acid to soothe the skin and prevent breakouts. 

3. La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser

One of the best face washes for acne, the La Roche Posay Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser is suitable for sensitive, blemish-prone skin. Using LHA, a gentle salicylic acid derivative, in conjunction with soothing zinc, this cleanser deeply exfoliates the skin to eliminate existing pimples and breakouts, reduce excess sebum production, and refine pores. 

4. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

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This fragrance-free, budget-friendly pharmacy formula contains salicylic acid as well as CeraVe’s signature ceramides, which work together to exfoliate and soften acne-prone skin, preventing the formation of blemishes and whiteheads, while allowing the skin to retain its natural moisture barrier. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide work to hydrate and reduce redness, respectively. 

5. SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser

Combining AHAs with BHA and LHA (a gentle salicylic acid derivative), this exfoliating face wash for acne decongests and refines pores while brightening the skin. Designed for acne-prone skin, it effectively cleanses the skin of makeup, impurities, and excess oils, without drying the skin.

6. Bioderma Sebium Purifying & Foaming Cleansing Gel

best face washes for acne skin every budget

A gentle everyday cleanser for acne-prone skin types, the Bioderma Sebium Purifying & Foaming Cleansing Gel uses the French skincare brand’s patented Fluidactiv complex, which works to regulate sebum production and quality while cleansing the skin. Ideal for oily and combination skin types, this face wash leaves skin feeling clean, refreshed, and free from the excess sebum that contributes to acne.  

7. Carbon Theory Facial Cleansing Bar

For those who are partial to a bar soap, the Carbon Theory Facial Cleansing Bar is the ideal choice. Formulated with charcoal to draw out bacteria and impurities and tea tree oil which acts as an antiseptic, antibacterial, and reduces inflammation, the Carbon Theory Facial Cleansing Bar works to prevent breakouts and balance oil levels. The addition of shea butter keeps skin feeling moisturised and nourished without clogging pores. 

8. Versed Keep the Peace Acne Calming Cleanser

Combining the acne-fighting power of 1.5% salicylic acid with the soothing, anti-inflammatory properties of blue tansy, this gentle foaming cream cleanser works to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturise the skin.


Words by T. Angel