14 Best Acne Face Washes In India For 2024
Experience: 5 yearsSakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her to take up literature and follow that up with creative writing after completing her education.
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Acne is your skin’s worst enemy. What starts as a single bump can soon turn into a gross settlement of pesky breakouts that refuse to go away. Dealing with acne comes with all kinds of problems – from not knowing what to eat to struggling to find the right products for your “sensitive” and “acne-prone” skin. I feel you. Been there, done all that. To help you out a little, here are 15 of the best acne face washes that can go a long way in helping you tackle stubborn acne. Read on.
In This Article
Top 14 Acne Face Washes – 2024
1. Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash
Product Claims
Himalaya Herbals Purifying Neem Face Wash has a herbal formula that gets rid of the excess oil and impurities that clog your pores. It contains neem and turmeric, both of which prevent acne from recurring in the future. Neem has antibacterial properties while turmeric is a natural antiseptic. This face wash evens out your skin tone and gives you soft and clear skin.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Ideal for daily use
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Herbal ingredients
- Non-drying
- Soap-free formula
- Hypoallergenic
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Paraben-free
- Affordable
None
2. Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Neem And Tea Tree Face Wash
Product Claims
Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Neem And Tea Tree Face Wash is made with an Ayurvedic disinfecting formula to cure acne. The neem in it rids your skin of bacteria while removing excess sebum and impurities. This face wash maintains your skin’s oil balance with rose petal extracts. The added vitamins in it help lighten scars and blemishes and improve your skin tone. It also contains a blend of tea tree and lavender essential oils that prevents blackheads and soothes skin irritation.
- Ideal for daily use
- Paraben-free
- Soap-free
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial coloring
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Affordable
- Not suitable for dry skin
3. Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Product Claims
Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser gently pampers your skin. Use it daily to recharge your skin and enjoy the soft, supple, and fresh feeling it leaves behind. This face wash cleanses your pores by dissolving dirt, grime, oil, and makeup. It also removes dead skin cells to give you a naturally glowing and radiant complexion.
- Suitable for normal to oily skin
- Ideal for daily use
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- May cause skin dryness
4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash
Product Claims
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash is one of the best acne face washes out there. It contains salicylic acid that helps fight acne while cleansing your skin. It also prevents future breakouts. This unique formula includes conditioners that unclog pores. Its clinically-proven Microclear technology boosts delivery of acne medicine to clear up acne and blackheads.
- Ideal for daily use
- No greasy residue
- Non-drying
- Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Not suitable for all skin types
5. Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash
Product Claims
Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash is specially designed to cleanse your skin thoroughly, remove excess oil, control shine, and prevent pimples. It lathers well and removes dirt, grime, and makeup effectively. Its liquid formula cleanses your skin deeply without causing dryness. Its regular usage gives you a healthy and glowing complexion.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Ideal for daily use
- Removes excess oil
- Alcohol-free
- Non-drying
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Affordable
- Contains parabens
- Contains added fragrance
6. Lotus Herbals TeaTreeWash Anti-Acne Oil Control Face Wash
Product Claims
Lotus Herbals Tea Tree And Cinnamon Anti-Acne Oil Control Face Wash controls acne and reduces excess oil without leaving behind any pore-clogging residue. It also regulates sebum production, reduces dry patches, and hydrates your skin. The cinnamon in it acts as a natural cleanser that removes dead skin cells and improves blood circulation to make you look fresh and youthful.
- Ideal for daily use
- No oily residue
- Can also be used as a mild scrub
- Non-drying
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Pleasant fragrance
- Affordable
- Contains SLS
- Contains parabens
7. Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Wash
Product Claims
Control excess oil secretion on your face with the Mamaearth Tea Tree Face Wash. It is formulated with tea tree oil and neem that helps prevent acne by cleansing the impurities and acne-causing bacteria deeply. The face wash also helps to clean the clogged pores and purify the skin for a healthy appearance. Additionally, aloe vera infused in the formula reduces inflammation and redness to soothe your irritated skin.
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- No harmful chemicals
- Dermatologist-tested
None
8. Biotique Bio Neem Purifying Face Wash
Product Claims
Biotique Bio Neem Purifying Face Wash is an antibacterial cleansing gel blended with extracts of neem leaves, ritha, and kulanjan. It removes impurities, prevents pimples, and purifies your complexion for clear, soft, and pimple-free skin. Neem is known as the healing plant because of its antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. These help you deal with stubborn acne when you use this face wash daily.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Ideal for daily use
- Soap-free formula
- Removes makeup effectively
- Non-drying
- Affordable
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Contains added fragrance
- May cause breakouts
9. VLCC Tulsi Acne Clear Face Wash
Product Claims
Purify and revitalize your skin with the VLCC Tulsi Acne Clear Face Wash. This face wash has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce acne and breakouts. The vitamin E beads nourish your skin to maintain your skin’s health. In addition, this face wash exfoliates your skin without over-drying to give you a clean, fresh look.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to use
- Contains sulfate
10. Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash
Product Claims
Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash is formulated especially for oily and combination skin types. It cleanses your skin gently yet thoroughly to remove excess oil and prevent blocked pores, which are the primary causes of acne. This foaming cleanser is gentle on your skin and does not dry it out. The cellulose beads in it act as a gentle scrub and offer mild exfoliation.
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Refreshing fragrance
- Expensive
- May irritate sensitive skin
- May cause dryness
11. Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser
Product Claims
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser replenishes skin lipids and moisturizes your skin. It removes excess oil from your skin without drying it out. Its gentle foaming action rinses easily and does not leave behind any residue that can clog pores or irritate your skin. This face wash also helps eliminate dirt and makeup to give you fresh skin that does not feel stretched out or tight.
- Hypoallergenic
- Ideal for daily use
- Soap-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Contains SLES
- Contains added fragrance
- May irritate sensitive skin
12. Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Neem Face Wash
Product Claims
Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Purifying Neem Face Wash claims to fight acne, blemishes, and dark spots by removing dirt and pollutants from your skin. It has three purifying actions: it fights bacteria, combats pollution, and removes excess oil. It is particularly effective at protecting your skin from the damage caused by exposure to pollution and the harmful UV rays. It contains neem leaf extracts and tea tree oil that act as natural antiseptics to reduce blemishes and acne.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Soap-free formula
- Non-drying
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Contains SLES
- Leaves behind a sticky residue
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not effective at removing makeup
13. Pond’s Pimple Clear Face Wash
Product Claims
Pond’s Pimple Clear Face Wash targets pimples and pimple-causing germs at their roots and works on your skin to cleanse it thoroughly. It removes excess oil to prevent acne from recurring. This acne face wash contains Active Thymo-T Essence, a unique anti-pimple combination that is formulated with thyme and pine oils. It is a clinically proven ingredient patented by The Pond’s Institute that visibly reduces pimples in 3 days.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Contains added fragrance
- May dry out your skin
- Not too effective on blackheads
- Not strong enough for severe acne
14. The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash
Image: The Body Shop Product Claims
The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash is a refreshing gel-based face wash that combats existing blemishes, prevents them from popping up again, and controls oil and shine. It is infused with purifying tea tree oil sourced from the foothills of Mount Kenya. This mild face wash protects your skin from multiple skin problems, such as acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. It also improves the radiance and natural balance of your skin.
- Ideal for blemish-prone skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains SLES
- May cause breakouts
- May dry out your skin
- Strong fragrance
Check out the buying guide below before buying an acne face wash.
Things To Keep In Mind When Buying An Acne Face Wash
- Skin Type
Acne is caused either on oily or combination skin type. If you have oily skin, look for an oil-control face wash that helps remove impurities and dirt. If you have combination skin, opt for a mild face wash that cleanses the face thoroughly while maintaining the pH balance of your skin.
- Ingredients
Checking the ingredient list is a must when buying an acne face wash. A mild cleanser with green tea and tea tree oil is a great choice as they help in balancing the oil on your face. Buy a face wash that contains salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide as they help in deep cleansing by removing excess oil, dirt, and grime from the skin. Avoid buying acne face washes with parabens and sulfates as paraben is a cancer-causing agent and sulfates cause skin sensitivity or irritation.
- Quality
Look for an anti-acne face wash that is clinically tested or dermatologically approved. If you have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist before investing in any product.
- Exfoliation
Exfoliation is essential for every skin type, even for acne-prone skin, as it helps eliminate dead skin cells, which cause dullness. Opt for a face wash with microbeads or soft exfoliants to scrub your skin gently without stripping away the natural oils. Avoid cleansers with large granules as they can scrape your delicate skin.
- Packaging
Acne face washes come in a tube or pump bottle packaging. It is recommended to go for a pump bottle as it dispenses only the required quantity of face wash. Also, look for a small bottle if you have never used the product before. If it suits your skin, you can buy a bigger bottle next time.
These acne face washes will help evict the happy campers on your skin. However, a face wash alone cannot ensure healthy skin. You also need to invest in a good moisturizer and toner for your skin. Have you used any of these acne face washes? If yes, share your experience in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should acne face washes be used for best results?
The frequency of using acne face washes may vary depending on the specific ingredients used in the face wash and your skin type. However, in general, these are recommended to use twice a day.
Are there different types of acne face washes for different types of acne, such as hormonal acne or cystic acne?
Yes. There are different types of acne face washes for different types of acne. Consider using tea tree oil and sulfur face wash, if you have hormonal acne. Both these ingredients have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat acne. In addition, opt for benzoyl peroxide acne face wash, if you have cystic acne. This works by combatting acne-causing bacteria.
Do acne face washes have any potential side effects or skin irritations?
It is important to choose an acne face wash that is specifically formulated for your skin type to avoid its adverse effects. Also, using it in the right way is important. Otherwise, it may cause allergic reactions, irritation, skin peeling, and a burning sensation.
Are there specific considerations for using acne face washes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Yes. Avoid using acne face washes that are rich in retinoids and AHAs because these ingredients have been associated with potential risks.
Can acne face washes be used in conjunction with other acne treatments, such as topical creams or spot treatments?
Yes. You may use acne face washes in conjunction with other acne treatments. However, it is important to check ingredient compatibility to avoid adverse reactions. Also, check with your dermatologist before using them.
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