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.
Overview of the best face washes for acne
- Best overall face wash for acne-prone skin: Dermal Therapy Acne Face Wash
- Best nourishing formula: iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser
- Best drug store formula: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
The best face washes and cleansers for acne-prone skin in 2024
1. Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
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.
Price: $28AUD
What we like:
- Satisfying lather, doesn’t dry out the skin, skin feels refreshed after use, good price point, gentle enough for daily use
What we don’t like:
- Nothing!
2. Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam
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.
Price: $50AUD
What we like:
- Satisfying foaming formula
What we don’t like:
- Can dry out the skin
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.
Price: $34.95AUD
What we like:
- Effective at quickly clearing acne, pores look tighter and less visible with consistent use
What we don’t like:
- Too strong to use daily, best used two to three times a week
4. CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
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.
Price: $20.99AUD
What we like:
- Added ceramides help support the skin’s moisture barrier, affordable price point
What we don’t like:
- Can be drying when used twice daily — limit use to once a day
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.
Price: $79AUD
What we like:
- LHAs exfoliate the skin more gently than AHA and BHA, works without drying the skin
What we don’t like:
- One of the pricier formulas on this list
6. Bioderma Sebium Purifying & Foaming Cleansing Gel
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.
Price: $26.99AUD
What we like:
- Unique acid-free acne face wash, non-drying, forms a satisfying lather, especially good for oily and combination skin
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
7. iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser
A decidedly luxurious formula, the iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser harnesses the benefits of raw honey, royal jelly, and propolis to thoroughly cleanse and lightly exfoliate the skin, while leaving it feeling hydrated and comfortable. While it’s a non-lathering formula, it feels beautiful on the skin thanks to its luxurious texture and honey scent.
Price: $77AUD
What we like:
- Hydrating, exfoliates without stripping the skin, can be used daily, amazing scent and sensorial experience
What we don’t like:
- Slightly expensive
8. Bioderma Sébium Gel Moussant Actif
This gel cleanser from Bioderma harnesses the benefits of AHAs and BHA to unclog pores and reduce breakouts, while zinc gluconate regulates sebum production. The formula is best used twice daily during active breakouts, before being scaled back to once or twice a week for maintenance.
Price: $31.99AUD
What we like:
- Non-drying, skin looks visibly brighter with continued use
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
9. Dermal Therapy Acne Face Wash
Free from benzoyl peroxide and exfoliating acids, the Dermal Therapy Acne Face Wash is a foaming face wash that uses Seboclear to control breakouts and regulate sebum production while allantoin and panthenol hydrate the skin. Its unique, non-exfoliating formula and eminently affordable price point make it one of the best face washes for acne.
Price: $16.99AUD
What we like:
- Suitable for all skin types, forms an intense lather, can be used twice daily without causing irritation or dryness
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
Words by T. Angel
