Acne is a widespread skin concern that can affect anyone, especially those in their teenage and young adult years. Acne can vary in severity from a few breakouts or zits here and there to debilitating cystic acne. Picking the right face wash is a crucial component of your acne treatment and help you keep your skin healthy and clear. With so many choices available it can be hard to know which one is the best for your skin. Dermatologists and skincare professionals may have various recommendations on ingredients and products that can be helpful for treating acne without further irritating your skin (if you’re sensitive). Below, we compiled a list of the dermatologist-approved face washes that will help you find the best face wash for your acne-prone skin.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Face Wash for Acne
Before starting into our best-sellers, it is essential to identify the important considerations that make a face wash appropriate for acne-prone skin:
- Gentle Clean: Overly harsh cleansers strip your skin of important oils, which can cause your skin to become overly oily and lead to more acne. Look for gentle cleansers that cleanse your face without damaging your skin further.
- Active Ingredients: Certain active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur, actively target the acne-causing bacteria that contributes to breakouts.
- Non-Comedogenic: When looking for face wash products, look for the words “non-comedogenic”, meaning it won’t clog pores, which is important for acne-prone skin.
- Avoid Fragrance: Products with artificial fragrance and dyes can irritate sensitive skin. Go for fragrance free or hypoallergenic products to avoid a reaction.
Best Dermatologist-Approved Face Washes For Acne
1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin
CeraVe is a dermatologist favorite because of its effective, mild formulas. This foaming cleanser is great for oily and acne-prone skin because it removes excess surface oil without stripping the natural barrier of your skin. CeraVe has plant-based ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that help hydrate the skin and rush to calm it. Further, with regular use, CeraVe can wash deeply into the skin to cut the chance of new breakouts while not drying out your skin.
Key Features:
- Contains ceramides to restore the skin’s natural barrier
- Niacinamide to reduce anti-inflammatory properties
- Non-foaming for sensitive skin
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
Best For: oily skin and blackhead prevention
Neutrogena’s oil-free acne wash contains 2% salicylic acid, which is, by far, the most proven acne-fighting product. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and removes excess oil. Thus, this oil-free formula is designed only to target acne while preventing new ones. Therefore, this gentle formula is designed for daily usage.
Key Features:
- Contains 2% salicylic acid for deep pore cleansing.
- Oil-free formula helps to reduce excess oil.
- Gentle, non-comedogenic formula, non-irritating to sensitive skin.
3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
Best For: Sensitive, acne-prone skin.
Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is a gentle foaming gel specifically designed for sensitive skin and acne. Containing La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water naturally provides soothing properties to reduce inflammation. The formula contains no soap and does not irritate sensitive skin, while still removing dirt, oil, and make-up.
Key Features:
- Soap-free, non-stripping hair conditioner
- Soothes the skin
- Safe for sensitive skin.
4. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Best For: Sensitive and severe acne skin.
If you have sensitive or irritated skin, Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a dermatologist recommended product. It is fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free. If you have acne-prone skin and sensitivities to harsh ingredients, this is especially useful! This gentle facial cleanser cleanses the skin (dirt and oil) without irritation or dryness. Best for calming irritated, acne-prone skin.
Key Features:
- Free of any typical irritants, including parabens and fragrances
- Gentle formula that is safe for sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic and cleansing
5. Differin Gel (Adapalene)
Best For: Severe acne and prevention
Differin Gel is not a face wash, but rather, a prescription-strength retinoid that dermatologists regularly recommend to treat acne. The active ingredient, adapalene, works by speeding up cell turnover, preventing clogged pores, and decreasing inflammation. This product is especially great for treating severe acne and may be paired with other acne products for improved effectiveness.
Key Features:
- Prescription-strength retinoid for severe acne
- Works to prevent future breakouts by increasing cell turnover
- Decreases inflammation over time and severity of acne
6. Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel
Best For: Combination skin that is experiencing acne
Bioderma’s Sebium Foaming Gel is specifically designed for a combination skin type with acne-prone skin. It prepares the skin for cleansing without stripping it of moisture and reduces excess sebum to prevent breakouts. It is gentle enough for both face and body (so it works well for body acne!).
Key Features:
- Regulates oil production to diminish acne
- Gentle formula for face and body
- Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
7. Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Cleanser
Best For: Hyperpigmentation from acne
This vitamin C-infused face wash from Dr. Dennis Gross is a great option if you tend to get acne or if you’re dealing with post-acne marks or hyperpigmentation on the skin. It’s packed with antioxidants for brightening the skin and stimulating collagen. The cleanser also contains salicylic acid for delivering acne-fighting benefits and cleansing your pores deeply.
Key Features:
- Vitamin C brightens and lightens skin
- Contains salicylic acid for acne-reducing benefits
- Aims to reduce post-acne scarring
Conclusion
It can truly mean the difference between clearer skin or constant breakouts of mild acne when you find the best face wash for acne. The best dermatologist-recommended face washes contain active ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, plus gentle moisturizers to keep the skin balanced, while you treat the acne. You’ll also find a face wash for your skin type and skin sensitivity, whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin. Remember to always consult with your dermatologist to find out what may work best for your skin type and severity of acne if you are ever unsure.