Not everyone is blessed with clear and glowing skin and acne sufferers understand this more than anyone else. When it comes to getting rid of breakouts, using any typical face wash might not give you the results you’re seeking.
You’ve to use the best face wash for acne to get an acne-free face.
Now this explains why so many skincare companies have come up with facial cleansers and face washes especially for those with troubled skin.
Well, having pimples or acne is daunting, extremely daunting indeed. It not only mars your outlook, lowers your confidence, but also make you envy of people with flawless skin.
This is enough to awake your sleeping demon and start popping out those nasty bumps. Hold on; don’t do anything stupid otherwise, you’ll be left with ugly acne scars.
But how will you cope with it?
I’ll be your torch bearer as I was also plagued by this menace for 3 years and now I’m totally free from it. I’ll also tell you what is the best face wash for acne prone skin and help you to save a ton of your precious time, effort and hard earned money (sounds like brownie points).
First thing first, while shopping for facial cleanser and the best face wash for acne that work well, here’s what you should look for:
- Go for a gentle, nonabrasive, and alcohol-free face wash or cleanser.
- opt for a face wash or cleanser that matches your skin type – oily, dry, or a combination of both.
- Some acne cleansers and face washes have added ingredients to fight or prevent acne and improve your skin’s appearance. These are – Salicylic Acid, Sulfacetamide Sodium, or Benzoyl Peroxide.
- Salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores and reduces redness and swelling. Benzoyl peroxide exfoliates your skin and kills bacteria. Sulfacetamide Sodium interferes with the growth of bacteria.
- Always look for those facial cleansers and face soaps that contain emollients (petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, and ceramides) or humectants (glycerin). Because they’ll keep your skin hydrated by holding moisture in your skin.
10 Best Face Wash for Acne To Get Clearest Skin Possible
1. Bella Yasa Skin Purifying Cleanser For Acne
A powerful cleanser specially designed to help acne sufferers. It makes use of the best of both the worlds: Nature and Science to shed dead skin cells and promote skin rejuvenation.
Best For: All skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.
Active Ingredient: No active ingredient. It contains salicylic acid, papaya extract, vitamin C and more.
Pros:
- Unique nature + science formula, highly successful in combating acne.
- Salicylic acid removes dirt and fights acne-causing bacteria.
- Citric acid from orange extract helps in lightening skin discoloration and improving skin tone.
- One bottle lasts for eternity (that’s a bit of exaggeration).
- Has a natural orange scent.
- Removes makeup without stripping off natural oil from your skin.
Cons:
- Can’t be taken as a stand-alone acne treatment.
- Not for people sensitive towards citric and salicylic acid.
- Although rare, can cause dryness and irritation on your skin.
How to Use It?
- Apply bite-sized amount, avoiding contact with your eyes, at all costs.
- Massage gently and then rinse off.
Dryness is inevitable when you’re using salicylic acid on your skin. If it happens, you can either use it less often or follow it up with a good moisturizer.
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash with Salicylic Acid
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash makes use of the best anti-acne ingredient, salicylic acid to unblock your skin pores and prevent flare-ups.
This makes it the best face wash for acne prone skin. Your skin might get dry because of this acid; therefore, apply a moisturizer after using this facial cleanser.
Best For: All skin types except sensitive and very dry skin.
Active Ingredient: Salicylic acid (2%).
Pros:
- Eliminates both blackheads and whiteheads.
- Also, prevents future breakouts.
- Works great in unclogging skin pores.
- Makes your skin brighter and clearer.
Cons:
- May cause excessive dryness if you’re allergic to salicylic acid.
- If used with other topical, it can cause adverse effects.
How to Use It?
- Simply massage it into your skin.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water.
In the beginning, use it once a day. When your skin gets used to it, start using it twice daily to get acne free face.
It may just not be for you if you feel excessive dryness, irritation, swelling, or redness.
3. Clean & Clear Acne Control Cleanser
It’s one of the best face wash for acne and perfect for getting rid of whiteheads and occasional cysts. Also, benzoyl peroxide is the best alternative to fighting acne causing bacteria.
Best For: All skin types, but best for oily skin.
Active Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide (10%).
Pros:
- Economical acne treatment.
- Prevents new breakouts.
- Its creamy consistency will leave your skin soft and smooth.
Cons:
- Because of 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, it can cause excessive skin dryness.
- It leaves a film on your face, which isn’t admired by many.
- It can bleach your hair.
How to Use It?
- Gently massage it on your wet face for 20-30 seconds.
- Then, rinse off with plain water and pat dry.
This product can cause skin dryness, so start with one application daily. You can increase its usage to twice a day when you feel it isn’t drying your skin.
4. Proactiv Face Renewing Acne Cleanser
Proactiv is a well-known anti-acne product range and the best face wash for acne, I’ve come across. Its products are formulated by skin care experts to combat acne and give you a flawless skin.
Best For: All skin types except extremely sensitive skin.
Active Ingredient: Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5%).
Pros:
- Leaves your skin clean and fresh.
- Benzoyl peroxide present in it helps to eliminate bacteria that cause acne.
- Contains exfoliating beads that help in shedding dead skin cells.
- Designed to remove excess oil and skin-diluting impurities from your skin without ripping off the natural skin moisture.
Cons:
- Benzoyl peroxide is not good for sensitive skin.
- Can bleach your hair.
- Has a lot of chemicals.
How to Use It?
- Wet your face.
- Apply a pea-sized amount on your skin.
- Gently massage for 1-2 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
Using it can increase your sensitivity towards sunlight, so apply a sunscreen before going outside.
5. Body Merry Glycolic and Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Add this cleanser to your routine and give your skin the freshness it deserves. It has glycolic acid, salicylic acid and jojoba beads, which help in alleviating clogged pores and sloughing away dead skin, and oil build up.
Best For: All skin types.
Active Ingredient: 2.5% glycolic acid + salicylic acid + jojoba beads.
Pros:
- Gentle on your face.
- Helps to control the excess oil and clear up your acne.
- Works as a great exfoliant, resulting in a clear and smooth skin.
Cons:
- Its scent is somewhat off-putting.
How to Use It?
- Wet your face and hands.
- Apply a small amount on your face.
- Massage for a few seconds.
- In the end, wash with water.
6. Christina Moss Naturals Acne Wash – All Natural and The Best Face Wash For Acne
This product if perfect for natural skin care lovers, and is specially designed to fight acne.
Best For: Anyone can use as it’s one of the best face wash for acne prone skin. But, not for people with too sensitive and dry skin.
Active Ingredient: It’s 100% natural therefore, it has no active ingredient.
Pros:
- All natural facial cleanser.
- Free from any preservatives, dyes, and synthetic fragrances.
- Perfect for both men and women.
- Won’t cause allergic reactions as its hypoallergenic.
Cons:
- Not for those, who are sensitive towards essential oils.
- Can be “over greasy” for oily skin.
How to Use It?
- Wet your face with slightly warm water.
- Put dime-sized amount of it onto a sponge.
- Work gently in circular motion.
- Rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry with a soft towel.
7. Phisoderm Deep Acne Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Phisoderm acne cleanser is the second best product I’ve used to treat acne.
Why?
Because I’ve sensitive skin and this is a perfect facial cleanser for sensitive skin.
Best For: All skin types. It’s a boon for you if you’ve sensitive skin.
Active Ingredient: Has Vitamin E and other natural ingredients such as chamomile and aloe Vera.
Pros:
- Balances your skin’s pH levels.
- Thoroughly cleanses your skin without excessive dryness.
- Free from alcohol, soap, and dye.
- Effectively removes makeup without tightening or drying your skin.
Cons:
- Strong and pungent smell.
- Nothing else to complain about. (Please share if you’ve any)
How to Use It?
- Just wet your face.
- Apply pea sized Phisoderm Cleanser on your face.
- Massage gently and rinse off.
8. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser For Acne Prone Skin
Cetaphil’s reviews speak for itself as it has the best user reviews. This explains why your Dermatologist always recommends Cetaphil Cleanser.
Best For: Combination, oily and normal skin. For an extremely polar combination skin, such as having very dry cheeks and oily forehead, Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is the best choice.
Active Ingredient: No active ingredients as all ingredients are mild and non-irritating.
Pros:
- It’s non-comedogenic.
- Specially designed for acne-prone skin and rosacea.
- Oil-free and non-irritating.
- Removes makeup easily, in spite of being a gentle cleanser.
- It’s one bottle goes a long way, so it’s definitely light on your wallet.
- Doesn’t leave any residue.
Cons:
- Can dry out your skin if you used with another acne medication like BP.
- It’s not a foaming cleanser and doesn’t lather up nicely.
How to Use It?
- Massage a little amount on your wet face.
- Then, rinse it off with slightly warm water.
9. Dr Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap
This is a great cleanser for acne sufferers and best face wash for acne prone skin for oily skin tone. The peppermint oil in this product has tremendous therapeutic properties. So, it won’t only clear up your acne, but will also relax your mind and reduce stress.
Best For: All skin types, even sensitive skins.
Active Ingredient: Peppermint essential oil. Also contains organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil.
Pros:
- Shrinks blackheads and fights back acne.
- Has the ability to fight even severe acne.
- Has a naturally soothing scent.
- It works for all, from teenagers to adults.
Cons:
- You’ll need to use it consistently for a couple of months to see the desired results.
- It burns your eyes so keep it away from them.
How to Use It?
- Take 3-4 drops this liquid Soap.
- Lather up and massage gently on face.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
Use twice a day to get acne free skin.
10. Oxy Maximum Action Advanced Acne Face Wash
This product from Oxy is specially formulated to rejuvenate your skin and soothe irritation. The benzoyl peroxide present in it can effectively kill acne, make it a prominent anti-acne face wash.
Best For: All, except people with very sensitive skin.
Active Ingredient: 10% Benzoyl peroxide.
Pros:
- Easy on your pocket.
- Specially formulated to prevent and fight acne.
- Dries out inflamed pimples and helps them fade away.
- Works for all.
Cons:
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure as it might increase your sensitivity towards it.
- It’s capable of bleaching your hair and fabrics.
- Can be excessively drying initially. But you can handle it by either using it in small amounts or limiting its application.
How to Use It?
- Take a small amount of this wash.
- Work it into lather and gently massage it on your wet face.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Keep it away from your lips as it can dry them out.
- Before going outside after using it, make sure to apply a sunscreen.
- Use it patiently only once a day for at least two weeks, and the results will be worth the wait.
Summarizing
A great skincare regime begins with a great face wash and facial cleanser to help your other beauty products work effectively. If you’re struggling with acne, ditch that typical drugstore soap and chose the best face wash for acne for yourself from the list.
Also, do share your views on what do you think of all these products? If you’ve tried, or intend to try any of these, then let me know in the comments below.
For the love of god remove proactive from your list! It’s so bad for skin.
I’m also wondering what qualifications you have to write such a list??