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Best Acne Face Wash

17 Acne-Fighting Cleansers That Will Banish Pimples

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We get it — pimples can be annoying and sometimes even painful, which is why we've done our research to present you with the best acne face washes. These cleansers contain acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, as well as pore-clearing ones like alpha hydroxy acid, to make sure your zits vanish and stay away.

Whether you opt for a gentle option like our pick from CeraVe that is easy to pair with other acne medication or you want one that will eliminate zits all by itself like our favourite from Clean & Clear, you're sure to find an acne face wash you'll love ahead.

Image Source: nordstrom.com

Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser

Leave on the Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser ($5), which contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, for a few minutes to get the most out of the powerful ingredient.

Image Source: target.com
Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser
$5
from target.com
Buy Now

Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser

The Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser ($8) is a gentle cleanser that contains natural charcoal, which absorbs any excess oil your skin produces. It also contains salicylic acid for treating current zits and preventing future breakouts.

Image Source: ulta.com
Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
$8
from ulta.com
Buy Now

Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment

Clear out your pores with the Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment ($22). Those with oily skin will love its ability to banish both blackheads and whiteheads while sloughing off dirt and debris.

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment
$22
from shop.nordstrom.com
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Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser

The Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser ($9) has a low amount of benzoyl peroxide that will kill off acne-causing bacteria without irritating your skin.

Image Source: amazon.com
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
$9
from amazon.com
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Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

Using alpha hydroxy acids, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash ($38) will cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin, preventing future breakouts.

Image Source: sephora.com
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
$38
from sephora.com
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Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash

If you've been searching for a powerful cleanser that will eradicate zits, the Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash ($38) has two percent salicylic acid to banish excess oil and bacteria.

Image Source: sephora.com
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
$38
from sephora.com
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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin

Not only is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin ($11) extra gentle, but it's also formulated with ceramides to restore moisture to your skin.

Image Source: target.com
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin
$11
from target.com
Buy Now

Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser

You'll love the pore-minimizing effects of the Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser ($42). It removes dead skin cells, which often clog pores and cause acne.

Image Source: eminenceorganics.com
Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser
$42
from eminenceorganics.com
Buy Now

Proactiv Renewing Cleanser

For those who prefer benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and temporarily decreases oil, the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser ($25) is a reliable pick with many devoted users.

Image Source: ulta.com
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser
$25
from ulta.com
Buy Now

Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser

Gently cleanse your face with the Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser ($26), or leave it on for three minutes for a purifying treatment that will keep acne at bay.

Image Source: sephora.com
Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser
$26
from sephora.com
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Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

Hydrangea leaves in the Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel ($28) cleanse your pores while removing dirt and oil, all without stripping your skin of moisture.

Image Source: sephora.com
Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel
$28
from sephora.com
Buy Now

Tatcha The Deep Cleanse

The natural fruit extracts in Tatcha's The Deep Cleanse ($38) gently exfoliate your skin, preventing dead skin cells from clogging your pores.

Image Source: sephora.com
The Deep Cleanse
$38
from sephora.com
Buy Now

Alba Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser

The Alba Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser ($7) smells like a tropical paradise, and the pineapple and papaya fruit enzymes also brighten and exfoliate the skin, keeping pores from getting clogged.

Image Source: amazon.com
Alba Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser
$7
from target.com
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Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser

The Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser ($10) won't strip or dry out your skin and contains a gentle exfoliant and salicylic acid to prevent clogged pores.

Image Source: ulta.com
Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser
$10
from ulta.com
Buy Now

Tata Harper Clarifying Blemish & Oil Control Cleanser

Those with acne-prone and oily skin will love the Tata Harper Clarifying Blemish & Oil Control Cleanser ($72). The gel-foam contains salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids to banish breakouts and uneven texture.

Image Source: sephora.com
Tata Harper Clarifying Blemish & Oil Control Cleanser
$72
from sephora.com
Buy Now

100 Percent Pure Tea Tree and Willow Acne Clear Cleanser

The 100 Percent Pure Tea Tree and Willow Acne Clear Cleanser ($34) contains natural acne-fighting ingredients that banish bacteria.

Image Source: amazon.com
100 Percent Pure Tea Tree and Willow Acne Clear Cleanser
$34
from amazon.com
Buy Now

Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

The 0.5 percent salicylic acid within the formula of the Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser ($13) dissolves grime and buildup on my skin without being too drying or irritating. While the percentage might seem minimal, I've found that smaller amounts of active ingredients can frequently give me better results than their powerful counterparts.

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser
$13
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

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