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 [1] and benzoyl peroxide, as well as pore-clearing ones like alpha hydroxy acid [2], to make sure your zits vanish and stay away.
Whether you opt for a gentle option [3] 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 [4] you'll love ahead.
Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser
Leave on the Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser [5] ($5), which contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, for a few minutes to get the most out of the powerful ingredient.
Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
The Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser [6] ($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.
Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment
Clear out your pores with the Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment [7] ($22). Those with oily skin will love its ability to banish both blackheads and whiteheads while sloughing off dirt and debris.
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
The Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser [8] ($9) has a low amount of benzoyl peroxide that will kill off acne-causing bacteria without irritating your skin.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
Using alpha hydroxy acids, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash [9] ($38) will cleanse and gently exfoliate your skin, preventing future breakouts.
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 [10] ($38) has two percent salicylic acid to banish excess oil and bacteria.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin
Not only is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin [11] ($11) extra gentle, but it's also formulated with ceramides to restore moisture to your skin.
Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser
You'll love the pore-minimizing effects of the Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser [12] ($42). It removes dead skin cells, which often clog pores and cause acne.
Proactiv Renewing Cleanser
For those who prefer benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and temporarily decreases oil, the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser [13] ($25) is a reliable pick with many devoted users.
Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser
Gently cleanse your face with the Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser [14] ($26), or leave it on for three minutes for a purifying treatment that will keep acne at bay.
Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel
Hydrangea leaves in the Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel [15] ($28) cleanse your pores while removing dirt and oil, all without stripping your skin of moisture.
Tatcha The Deep Cleanse
The natural fruit extracts in Tatcha's The Deep Cleanse [16] ($38) gently exfoliate your skin, preventing dead skin cells from clogging your pores.
Alba Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser
The Alba Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser [17] ($7) smells like a tropical paradise, and the pineapple and papaya fruit enzymes also brighten and exfoliate the skin, keeping pores from getting clogged.
Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser
The Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser [18] ($10) won't strip or dry out your skin and contains a gentle exfoliant and salicylic acid to prevent clogged pores.
Tata Harper Clarifying Blemish & Oil Control Cleanser
Those with acne-prone and oily skin will love the Tata Harper Clarifying Blemish & Oil Control Cleanser [19] ($72). The gel-foam contains salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids to banish breakouts and uneven texture.
100 Percent Pure Tea Tree and Willow Acne Clear Cleanser
The 100 Percent Pure Tea Tree and Willow Acne Clear Cleanser [20] ($34) contains natural acne-fighting ingredients that banish bacteria.
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 [21] ($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.