5 Best Cleansers For Hormonal Acne That Promise Quick Results – 2024

Steal all the goodness of these effective products to achieve a healthy and flawless skin.

Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Last Updated on

Are you looking for the best cleanser for hormonal acne? We have just what you need. Acne is never easy to deal with, especially how big and painful it gets with time. It not only ruins your selfies but also leaves behind a treacherous spot. Half the problems get solved once you have a cleanser that removes excess oil, dirt, and buildup from your face. For treating hormonal acne, using a formula that gently exfoliates your skin while balancing controlling agents like glycolic acid salicylic acid is what works best. Here are 5 choicest cleansers crafted specially to treat hormonal acne.

Top Picks
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Best Overall:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
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Best For Teens:Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Acne Treatment Cleanser
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Best Hypoallergenic:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
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Best Professional:PCA SKIN BPO 5% Cleanser
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Best Anti-Aging:Neutralize Breakout Clearing Facial Cleanser
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5 Best Cleansers For Hormonal Acne

1. Best Overall:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

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4.6
Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Face Wash Image: Botanic Tree

The Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser is the perfect herbal solution for hormonal acne, blemishes, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, blackheads, and redness. This natural cleanser contains 10% glycolic acid that exfoliates the skin to remove makeup, oil, dirt, and impurities without drying it out. This results-driven facial cleanser reveals changes only in one week when used 2-5 times a week. It features gentle AHA exfoliants and tiny microbeads that penetrate deep into the skin to brighten it from within and reveal a clear complexion. Other ingredients like tea tree extract, organic bamboo, and shea butter cleanse the pores, reduce hormonal acne, and restore the skin texture. This review video will help you make an informed decision about your purchase as it contains the details of the reviewer’s experience. Moreover, numerous reviews show that people experience real results with this product.

Ferrule Material: Aluminum | Handle Material: Metal,Wood | Skin Type: All | Material: Metal,Synthetic,Synthetic Antimicrobial,Wood | Color: F30 | Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 1.1 x 0.1 inches | Weight: 1.41 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Shea butter, Organic bamboo, and Tea tree extract

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Pros
  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Gentle
  • Non-drying
  • For all age groups
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben free
  • Cruelty-free

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Cons
  • Strongly scented
protip_icon Quick Tip

This product contains both glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Glycolic acid is a good exfoliant that brightens the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and even out the skin tone. Salicylic acid is more suitable for acne-prone skin, as it can clear excess oil and fight breakouts.
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has gained over 2,626 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.

2. Best For Teens:Glowbiotics MD Probiotic Acne Treatment Cleanser

This cleanser from Glowbiotics MD is infused with probiotics that enhance the skin’s ability to repair itself. The gentle formula removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities without drying out the skin. This cleanser contains a soothing blend of ingredients like eucalyptus which has antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and menthol that calms and soothes irritated skin.

The 2% salicylic acid in this formula gently exfoliates and unclogs pores. This hydrating cleanser also contains Smart Peptide 13 and Chelasyn Complex which help stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria. It is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types and can also be used by teens. This clarifying product is safe to apply on breakout-prone areas like the arms, shoulders, back, etc.; it thoroughly cleanses the skin while providing soothing and cooling effects.

Skin Type: Acne-prine | Product Dimensions: 1.81 x 1.81 x 5.63 inches | Weight: 6.56 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Eucalyptus, and Menthol

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Pros
  • Oil-free
  • Non-drying
  • Makes the skin softer

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Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not suitable for sensitive skin.

3. Best Hypoallergenic:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser has a dermatologically tested acne-fighting formula that leaves your skin soothed and refreshed. It clears impurities, excess oil, blackheads, and dirt from the pores to reveal flawless and clean skin. It is best suited for acne-prone and oily skin types and prevents excess shine. This cleanser has 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid that work on targeted areas to effectively eliminate dirt, oil, and debris without irritating the skin. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product as per testing done by the reviewer.

Skin Type: Oily, Sensitive, acne-prone | Product Dimensions: 2.95 x 1.9 x 7 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Key Ingredients: 2% Salicylic acid and Lipo-hydroxy acid

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Pros
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Non-irritating
  • Oil-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free

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Cons
  • May dry the skin out.
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If your skin feels dry, use a moisturizer made for acne-prone skin. Apply twice a day after washing your face. Avoid products with astringent or rubbing alcohol that can dry out the skin.
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

A whopping 11,588 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.

4. Best Professional:PCA SKIN BPO 5% Cleanser

The BPO 5% Cleanser from PCA Skin helps get rid of existing acne and prevent future breakouts, including hormonal acne. It contains 5% liquid benzoyl peroxide and other effective ingredients like phytic acid and gluconolactone for cleansing and purifying the skin. This professional-grade facial cleanser does not irritate the skin and is formulated without artificial dyes and fragrances.

Skin Type: Oily | Product Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 7.25 inches | Weight: 7.01 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, Gluconolactone, and Phytic acid

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Pros
  • Gentle
  • Non-irritating
  • Artificial dye-free
  • Synthetic fragrance-free

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Cons
  • Expensive

5. Best Anti-Aging:Neutralize Breakout Clearing Facial Cleanser

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NeutralyzeBreakout Clearing Facial Cleanser Image: Neutralyze

This facial cleanser from Neutralize contains 2% salicylic acid and 1% mandelic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, reduce and prevent breakouts, fade dark spots, and even out the skin tone. It is powered by Nitrogen Boost Skincare Technology that helps get rid of acne by promoting healing. This medical-grade cleanser also prevents the appearance of premature aging signs and is ideal for all skin tones. This deep-cleansing formula combats zits, whiteheads, blackheads, blemishes, post-acne scars, and soothes conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and keratosis pilaris. No animal testing was done in the making of this product.

Skin Type: All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry | Product Dimensions: 1.46 x 1.46 x 5.59 inches | Weight: 4.96 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Mandelic acid

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Pros
  • For all skin types
  • Suitable for teens
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free

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Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip

Washing your face with cold water helps regulate oil production, reduce pore size, and prevent acne. It is also ideal for sensitive skin, as hot water can strip the natural oils and cause dryness.
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 1,456 great reviews on Amazon.

Infographic: Mistakes To Avoid If You Have Hormonal Acne

Dealing with hormonal acne can be frustrating and challenging. But with the right knowledge and practices, it is possible to effectively manage breakouts. For instance, unclean skin can become a breeding ground for germs, while excessive washing can dry out the skin and aggravate sebum production. So, the key to healthy skin is to find the right balance. Check the infographic below to learn more.

Mistakes To Avoid For Hormonal Acne (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Fighting hormonal acne requires careful consideration. One of the best and most effective ways to keep this problem at bay is to use a face wash that removes excess oil, dirt, and buildup from your skin. The best cleansers for hormonal acne have exfoliating properties that help to clear the pores. For example, the Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser brightens the skin, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser reduces the shine, and the Neutralize Breakout Clearing Facial Cleanser treats premature signs of aging. The reviewed options mentioned in the listicle are packed with natural ingredients, devoid of synthetic chemicals, and fragrances. As a result, they effectively prevent future breakouts and improve the overall texture of your skin. In addition, their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties keep acne-causing bacteria at bay. Look for ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide as they have proven efficacy in treating acne which is supported by clinical data. If you have sensitive skin, go for dermatologically approved ingredients and always conduct a patch test to check for allergies.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She has researched thousands of user reviews and feedback to put together this list of the best cleansers that combat hormonal acne. These products do not irritate the existing acne, are high in quality, are gentle on the skin, and help cleanse the skin to prevent pore-clogging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hormonal acne ever go away?

Yes, hormonal acne goes away with the proper prescription and over-the-counter treatment products.

What triggers hormonal acne?

Hormonal acne can be caused due to increase or decrease in estrogen levels or a rise in androgen levels. They are usually due to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or menopause and conditions like PCOS.

How long does hormonal acne last?

The duration varies from person to person. It depends on the treatment and may take a month or two. Work with your dermatologist and follow the prescribed treatment.

What cleanser helps with hormonal acne?

An oil-balancing cleanser that gently exfoliates your skin and eliminates extra sebum and accumulated debris from facial pores can help alleviate hormonal acne. Cleansers designed specifically for hormonal acne focus on unclogging pores and lowering the risk of future breakouts by maintaining healthy, clean skin.

How do I get rid of hormonal acne on my chin?

One of the simplest and easiest ways to prevent hormonal acne on the chin is to wash your face with a sebum-regulating cleanser twice a day. Make sure to use non-acnegenic makeup products on your face, especially on the chin area.

Is salicylic acid good for hormonal acne?

Yes. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and kills germs that fester in acne.

Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for hormonal acne?

Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide work for acne. But salicylic acid is more effective at treating and preventing hormonal acne.


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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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