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Best Face Wash For Bad Acne (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a solution to bad acne, the right face wash could make all the difference. However, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure you find a face wash that suits your specific needs.

Firstly, take note of your skin type. Different face washes work effectively on different skin types. Dry skin requires a gentle, moisturizing face wash, while oily skin needs one with ingredients that prevent excess oil production. Secondly, assess the severity of your acne. If you have mild acne, a gentle and natural face wash may work effectively. However, if your acne is severe, a face wash with stronger ingredients, such as salicylic acid, is necessary.

Are you tired of hiding behind layers of makeup to cover up your acne? Do you want clear skin that gives you the confidence to conquer the day? Finding the right face wash might be the answer you’ve been looking for! With the right face wash, you can get clear, healthy skin without harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. Keep reading to discover how to choose the right face wash for your acne and take the first step towards the beautiful, radiant skin you deserve.

10 Best Face Wash For Bad Acne

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for individuals with acne-prone skin looking for an effective 3-step skin care routine.
2
This product is ideal for treating acne on the face, skin, buttocks, back, and body with a strong concentration of benzoyl peroxide.
3
The product is ideal for treating acne through a three-step skincare routine involving benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
4
This product is ideal for people with acne as it contains salicylic acid and green tea extract, which help control breakouts.
5
The product is ideal for those looking for an effective acne treatment face wash with key ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and hyaluronic acid.
6
It is ideal for individuals who want an oil-free face wash that can treat and prevent acne.
7
The product is ideal for treating acne-prone, sensitive skin with a 3-step system including cleanser, toner, and spot treatment.
8
The product is ideal for treating acne and improving overall skin health with a 30-day kit of adapalene gel, cleanser, and moisturizer.
9
The product is ideal for exfoliating the skin and addressing issues such as blackheads, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and fine lines.
10
The product is ideal for treating facial acne, reducing redness, and unclogging pores with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.
Ideal for individuals with acne-prone skin looking for an effective 3-step skin care routine.
This product is ideal for treating acne on the face, skin, buttocks, back, and body with a strong concentration of benzoyl peroxide.
The product is ideal for treating acne through a three-step skincare routine involving benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
This product is ideal for people with acne as it contains salicylic acid and green tea extract, which help control breakouts.
The product is ideal for those looking for an effective acne treatment face wash with key ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and hyaluronic acid.
It is ideal for individuals who want an oil-free face wash that can treat and prevent acne.
The product is ideal for treating acne-prone, sensitive skin with a 3-step system including cleanser, toner, and spot treatment.
The product is ideal for treating acne and improving overall skin health with a 30-day kit of adapalene gel, cleanser, and moisturizer.
The product is ideal for exfoliating the skin and addressing issues such as blackheads, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and fine lines.
The product is ideal for treating facial acne, reducing redness, and unclogging pores with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide.

1. Clear Skin Kit – 3-Step Proactiv Solution

The Proactiv Solution has been leading the skincare revolution for acne-prone skin for years. It is a comprehensive acne treatment system that offers a powerful solution by delivering finely-milled benzoyl peroxide deep into your pores to stop acne-causing bacteria in its tracks and prevent breakouts. This kit is designed to remove impurities from your skin and prevent future flare-ups. It is a three-step kit that makes your skin routine easy and efficient. Proactiv's 3-Step Kit is safe for different ages and skin types, including sensitive skin, and it provides the same powerful skin care for both teens and adults.

The Proactiv Solution kit includes Proactiv Solution Renewing Cleanser, 2 FL. OZ.; Proactiv Solution Revitalizing Toner, 2 FL. OZ.; Proactiv Solution Repairing Treatment, 1 FL. OZ. This complete treatment system can clear existing acne blemishes and prevent new breakouts from occurring. This revolutionary product is a win for your skin.

If you want to say goodbye to acne breakouts, the Proactiv Solution is the right product for you. It penetrates deep into your pores to help stop acne-causing bacteria and prevent future breakouts. This kit is easy to use and safe for different ages and skin types. It can help clear existing acne blemishes and prevent new breakouts, leaving you with clear and radiant skin.

Pros

  • Comprehensive acne treatment system
  • Delivers finely-milled benzoyl peroxide deep into your pores
  • Removes impurities and helps prevent future flare-ups
  • Easy and efficient three-step kit
  • Safe for different ages and skin types
  • Clears existing acne blemishes and prevents new breakouts

2. Clearskin: 10% Acne Treatment Cleanser

Humane Maximum-Strength Acne Wash is a potent face and body cleansing treatment that targets the primary cause of acne growth and combats excessive oil production. Formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide, this dermatologist-tested wash helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and clear skin. The non-foaming (SLS-free) cleanser can be used for face acne, body acne, back acne, butt acne, cystic acne, adult acne, and teen acne.

Humane Maximum-Strength Acne Wash helps clear up blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and below-the-skin cysts, while easing inflammation and redness. The wash increases cell turnover, removing the mixture of excess oil, dead skin, and debris that clogs pores. With its simple, clean, safe, and effective formulation, you get real results with clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients. Our products don’t chase trends. Instead, we harness the healing powers of potent ingredients. You won't find parabens, phthalates, sulfates (SLS and SLES), alcohol, paraffin, formaldehyde, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance/color, petrolatum, DEA, triclosan, GMOs, or animal byproducts in our formulations. Humane is also a proud member of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program. Made in the USA.

In a world where a clean skincare movement has gained momentum, the Humane Company was created to bring a clean, minimal-ingredient philosophy to acne treatment. We focus on powerful and proven ingredients while eliminating anything harmful, questionable, or superfluous. With an 8 FL. OZ. bottle, Humane Maximum-Strength Acne Wash is an effective and safe solution to combat acne on both face and body.

Pros

  • Formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide
  • Targets the primary cause of acne growth and combats excessive oil production
  • Unclogs pores, reduces inflammation and clears skin
  • Can be used for face acne, body acne, back acne, butt acne, cystic acne, adult acne, and teen acne
  • Helps clear up blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and below-the-skin cysts, while easing inflammation and redness
  • Increases cell turnover, removing the mixture of excess oil, dead skin, and debris that clogs pores
  • Simple, clean, safe and effective formulation
  • Vegan and cruelty-free ingredients
  • Free from harmful chemicals and animal byproducts
  • Proud member of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program
  • Made in the USA

3. Clear Skin Revival Kit: Proactiv+ Advanced Acne Treatment

Say goodbye to dry and dull skin with Proactiv's acne treatment system. This system not only prevents acne flare-ups but also brightens the skin tone and promotes healthy glowing skin. It is perfect for those who have previously experienced dryness or dullness from other acne face wash products. Proactiv Solution is a powerful and comprehensive acne treatment system that effectively removes impurities deep within the pores and prevents future flare-ups. It contains salicylic acid that exfoliates the skin and a moisture complex that keeps the skin ultra-hydrated. This system is safe for all ages and skin types, including sensitive skin. It provides the same powerful skin care for both teens and adults alike. Proactiv is designed to attack acne-causing bacteria with benzoyl peroxide while simultaneously hydrating and exfoliating the skin with salicylic acid. The result is a maximized healthy glow and fresh-feeling skin.

Pros

  • Prevents acne flare-ups
  • Brightens skin tone
  • Promotes healthy glowing skin
  • Effective in removing impurities deep within pores
  • Prevents future flare-ups
  • Contains salicylic acid that exfoliates the skin
  • The moisture complex keeps skin ultra-hydrated
  • Safe for all ages and skin types
  • Designed to attack acne-causing bacteria
  • Maximizes healthy glow
  • Fresh-feeling skin

4. Acne Control Green Tea Cleanser – Murad

The Clarifying Cleanser is a powerful formula that is designed to remove excess oil, clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts, allowing facial skin to heal. It is suitable for daily use on Oily, Combination, and Sensitive skin types as it is an essential part of your Acne Control skincare regimen for a clear, healthy complexion.

The Time-Released formula of this Salicylic Acid Cleanser ensures that even after you rinse off, the encapsulated Salicylic Acid in the hydrating gel continues to treat the skin. This feature makes it a highly effective cleanser as it starts treating your skin immediately and lasts for a long time.

This Clarifying Cleanser is formulated with essential ingredients like Exfoliating Salicylic Acid that clears and treats spots and blemishes, and Green Tea Extract that helps soothe irritation. Additionally, it is free of Sulfates, Phthalates, and Parabens, making it safe for your skin.

To use, simply massage a small amount of cleanser over the dampened face and neck, rinse with warm water, and pat dry. Follow up in the morning with Murad sunscreen and in the evening with a moisturizer or night cream.

Pros

  • Suitable for daily use on Oily, Combination, and Sensitive skin types
  • Time-Released formula ensures that the Salicylic Acid continues to treat the skin even after rinsing off
  • Formulated with essential ingredients like Exfoliating Salicylic Acid and Green Tea Extract
  • Free of Sulfates, Phthalates, and Parabens, making it safe for your skin

5. Cerave Acne Foam Wash With Hyaluronic Acid

Get clearer and healthier-looking skin with the Acne Face Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide by CeraVe. This non-sealed face wash helps to reduce acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, and prevents new acne from forming. It also promotes skin healing, leaving your skin smooth and radiant. The benzoyl peroxide formula gently removes dirt and excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

Transform your daily cleansing routine with the Cream Cleanser to Foaming Cleanser by CeraVe. This face wash has a creamy texture that transforms into a rich foam as you lather onto your skin. It soothes and hydrates your skin while gently removing impurities, leaving your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and moisturized.

Say goodbye to dry and irritated skin with the Hydrating Acne Wash by CeraVe. This face wash is formulated with hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin to retain its natural moisture, and niacinamide, which helps to soothe your skin. This fragrance-free and non-comedogenic formula gently cleanses your skin and reduces acne without causing dryness and irritation.

Protect and maintain your skin's natural barrier with the 3 Essential Ceramides by CeraVe. Ceramides are essential lipids that make up 50% of the skin barrier. This face wash is formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II), which help to restore and maintain your skin's natural barrier, providing long-lasting hydration and protection against the elements.

Get dermatologist-developed skincare with CeraVe. This brand has products for all skin types, including dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, and acne-prone skin. CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and is suitable for all skin types. So, you can trust it to help you achieve healthy-looking skin.

Pros

  • Helps clear acne, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads
  • Prevents new acne from forming and promotes skin healing
  • Creamy texture transforms into a rich foam, leaving skin feeling moisturized
  • Formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to soothe and hydrate skin
  • Contains three essential ceramides to help restore and maintain skin's natural barrier
  • Developed with dermatologists and suitable for all skin types

6. Clear Skin Trio: Oil-Free Cleanser X3

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash is a clinically proven formula that helps fight and prevent acne breakouts while cleansing the skin. This face wash comes in a 9.1-fluid ounce pump bottle that contains 2% salicylic acid, which is a powerful acne medication that gently cleanses deep down into pores with conditioners. The unique formula of this face wash ensures that it helps prevent future breakouts and clears up acne, pimples, and blackheads in one simple step.

The MicroClear technology of this oil-free cleanser helps boost the delivery of salicylic acid to the skin to ensure that it effectively clears up acne. This daily acne face wash rinses clean without over-drying or irritating the skin, and it's non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. It's a perfect choice for those who want to unclog pores and treat acne even before it emerges.

Use this acne face wash as part of your daily skincare routine, and you'll see a visible reduction in acne breakouts. It's an excellent cleanser for people who have used cleansers from Proactiv, Clearasil, Biore, Mountain Falls, CeraVe, Differin, and AcneFree.

In conclusion, the Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash is an effective and gentle formula that helps fight and prevent acne breakouts. It's a perfect choice for those who want to maintain healthy and clear skin.

Pros

  • Contains 2% salicylic acid, a powerful acne medication
  • Gently cleanses deep down into pores with conditioners
  • Helps prevent future breakouts and clears up acne, pimples, and blackheads
  • MicroClear technology helps boost the delivery of salicylic acid
  • Non-comedogenic and residue-free formula
  • Rinses clean without over-drying or irritating the skin
  • Suitable for daily use as part of a skincare routine

7. Effaclar Acne Treatment System: 3 Steps, 2 Months.

The Acne Kit with Effaclar Duo, recommended by dermatologists, is the perfect solution for those struggling with acne. This kit is formulated with dermatological acne treatment ingredients, such as Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO), to reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It is an oil-free formula that targets the major causes of acne as observed by dermatologists.

The Effaclar Duo in this kit is the only one of its kind and is highly recommended by dermatologists. It reduces up to 60% of acne in just 10 days with visible results starting day 1. This amazing kit has won Allure’s Best of Beauty Award for Best Acne Treatment 3 times.

The Acne Kit contains an acne wash/cleanser, an acne facial toner, and an acne spot treatment cream. Use these products together as part of your daily skincare routine and get ready to say goodbye to acne for good.

Pros

  • Reduces up to 60% of acne in just 10 days
  • Visible results starting day 1
  • Formulated with dermatological acne treatment ingredients
  • Oil-free formula
  • Targets major causes of acne as observed by dermatologists
  • Effaclar Duo recommended by dermatologists
  • 3-time winner of Allure’s Best of Beauty Award for Best Acne Treatment

8. Clear Skin Kit – Proactivmd Adapalene

The Be Kind to Your Skin face wash is a gentle formula that is specifically formulated with green tea, making it safe and effective for people with sensitive skin. This helps to cleanse the skin without causing any harm or irritation.

The Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer is an ideal choice for people with acne-prone skin. It is formulated to restore the moisture barrier of the skin and reduce redness, which is perfect for sensitive skin care routines. This moisturizer is ultra-lightweight and non-greasy, making it perfect for everyday use.

The Adapalene Gel is a powerful treatment that not only treats but also prevents acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. The formula is designed to penetrate deep into the skin to help unclog pores and prevent future breakouts.

This 30-Day Acne Kit includes a face cleanser, moisturizer, and adapalene acne treatment, making your daily routine simple and easy. The kit is designed to help you achieve healthy skin by clearing existing acne blemishes and preventing new breakouts from occurring.

Be Kind to Your Skin's complete treatment system is a win for your skin. It not only clears existing acne blemishes but also prevents new breakouts from occurring. With this treatment system, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin. What's not to love?

Pros

  • Formulated with green tea, making it safe and effective for sensitive skin
  • The Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer restores moisture barrier of the skin and reduces redness
  • The Adapalene Gel is designed to prevent and treat acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores
  • The 30-Day Acne Kit includes everything needed to complete a daily routine for healthy skin
  • The complete treatment system is effective in clearing existing acne blemishes and preventing new breakouts from occurring

9. Clear Skin Solution: Paula's Choice Bha Exfoliant

The Gentle Non-Abrasive Leave-On Exfoliator is an effective skincare solution that helps to unclog and diminish enlarged pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, and brighten and even out skin tone. This leave-on exfoliator contains 2% BHA (Beta hydroxy acid) that combats redness, wrinkles, aging, enlarged pores, and blackheads. The packaging may vary but the formula remains the same.

The Beta hydroxy acid (BHA), also known as salicylic acid, mimics the natural exfoliation process of younger skin by helping it shed extra layers while unclogging and clearing pores. It hydrates, brightens, and smooths fine lines without causing any abrasion. This unique, non-abrasive exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Unlike an abrasive face scrub that can cause micro-tears, Paula's Choice facial exfoliants are gentler on delicate skin of the face and neck. A BHA leave-on exfoliator delivers hydration and can exfoliate directly inside the pore, improving how the pore works. Use Paula's Choice for highly effective skin care solutions for the face and body. The full line of facial cleansers, exfoliators, toners, moisturizers, serums, eye creams, facial masks, sunscreens, body washes, and more are made to care for every kind of skin.

Pros

  • Contains 2% BHA that helps to unclog and diminish enlarged pores
  • Exfoliates dead skin cells, smooth wrinkles, and brighten and even out skin tone
  • Gentle enough for daily use on all skin types and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Hydrates, brightens, and smooths fine lines without causing any abrasion
  • Gentler on delicate skin of the face and neck

10. Clear Acne Relief Kit With 2% Salicylic Acid.

Combat stubborn acne, breakouts, blemishes, and blackheads with the Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Kit. This three-step skin care system is designed to quickly address and control acne without causing dryness or redness. The kit includes CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser, CLEAR Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution with 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA), and CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide.

The gentle yet effective formulas of the Paula's Choice CLEAR collection provide skin-perfecting, pore-clearing, and hydrating benefits. They are suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types, including skin prone to cystic acne. The system works together to unclog and minimize the look of pores while improving signs of sensitivity. For best results, use this as your morning and evening daily skincare routine and always finish with SPF 30+ in the morning.

In addition to the three-step system, the Paula's Choice CLEAR collection also includes Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+ for daytime, the CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer for weightless hydration, and the CLEAR Purifying Clay Mask to control excess shine and clogged pores.

Paula's Choice Skincare is committed to creating products that work. The formulas are backed by science and are free from fragrance, parabens, and other unnecessary ingredients. Whether you're concerned about wrinkles or breakouts, the Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Kit has got you covered.

Pros

  • Quickly combats and controls stubborn acne, breakouts, blemishes, and blackheads
  • Gentle yet effective formulas suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin types
  • Unclogs and minimizes the look of pores while improving signs of sensitivity
  • Includes three-step system, Ultra-Light Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 30+, CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer, and CLEAR Purifying Clay Mask
  • Backed by science and free from fragrance, parabens, and other unnecessary ingredients

Best Face Wash For Bad Acne FAQs

Are there any natural or organic face washes that are effective for treating bad acne?

Yes, there are several natural or organic face washes that can effectively treat bad acne. One of the most popular natural remedies is tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce acne symptoms. Another effective natural ingredient is activated charcoal, which can help absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin, and reduce the appearance of acne. Additionally, aloe vera gel can help soothe inflamed skin, and chamomile can help reduce redness and irritation. When looking for natural or organic face washes for acne-prone skin, it's important to look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, as these can irritate the skin and worsen acne symptoms. It's also important to choose products that are specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, as these will contain ingredients that target the root causes of acne, such as excess oil production and inflammation.

Can face wash alone clear up bad acne?

The answer to this question depends on the severity of your acne. If you have mild acne, using a good face wash can help to clear up your skin. However, if you have severe acne, face wash alone may not be enough to clear up your skin.

Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation. A good face wash can help to remove excess oil and dirt from your skin, which can help to prevent acne. However, if you have severe acne, you may need to use other treatments such as topical or oral medications to clear up your skin.

It's also important to note that not all face washes are created equal. Look for a face wash that is specifically formulated for acne-prone skin and contains ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help to unclog your pores and kill acne-causing bacteria.

In summary, while a good face wash can help to prevent and reduce mild acne, severe acne may require additional treatments. It's important to speak with a dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

How often should I use a face wash for bad acne?

The frequency of using a face wash for bad acne can vary depending on the severity of your acne and your skin type. Typically, it is recommended to use a face wash twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. However, if you have severe acne, you may benefit from using a face wash more often, up to three or four times a day.

It is important to choose a face wash that is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and contains active ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria that can lead to acne.

In addition to using a face wash, it is also important to maintain a regular skincare routine that includes moisturizing and protecting your skin from the sun. It is also important to avoid picking or squeezing pimples, as this can lead to scarring and further breakouts.

If you are unsure about how often to use a face wash for your acne, it is best to consult with a dermatologist who can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual skin type and acne severity.

What are the best face washes for severe acne?

When it comes to severe acne, finding the right face wash can be a game-changer in your skincare routine. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best face washes for severe acne:

1. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash: This facial cleanser is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and contains salicylic acid that helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Acne Cleanser: This medicated face wash contains 2% salicylic acid and helps to reduce excess oil and clear up acne breakouts.

3. Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash: This gentle yet effective cleanser contains zinc technology that helps to control oil production and prevent acne breakouts.

4. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash: This face wash contains salicylic acid and tea tree oil that helps to clear up acne breakouts and prevent future breakouts.

5. Murad Clarifying Cleanser: This cleanser contains salicylic acid, silver citrate, and green tea extract that helps to unclog pores, reduce inflammation and prevent acne breakouts.

Remember, it's important to test different products to find the one that works best for your skin type and severity of acne. Consult with a dermatologist if you're unsure about which product to use or if you're experiencing severe acne.

What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for bad acne?

When looking for a face wash to combat bad acne, it is important to choose one with the right ingredients. Look for products that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, while benzoyl peroxide works to kill acne-causing bacteria. AHAs, such as glycolic acid, help to smooth and brighten the skin.

Additionally, it may be helpful to choose a face wash that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. Look for products that are labeled as oil-free and fragrance-free, as these can also irritate the skin and worsen acne.

When using a face wash for acne, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use it consistently. It may take several weeks to see results, so be patient and don't give up too quickly. And remember to always moisturize your skin afterwards to keep it hydrated and healthy.

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