10 Best Drugstore Face Washes For Acne – 2024, As Per An Esthetician
Tackle clogged pores and those pesky breakouts along with cleansing your skin.
Vanessa is a Licensed Esthetician with 4 years of experience, certified Usui Reiki Level Two Healer practitioner, and certified by Yakov Gershkovich in Level Two Facial Buccal sculpting. She is also the co-founder of The Switch Suites - a luxury skincare wellness center in Bankers Hill, San Diego.
Read full bio of Vanessa Huerta
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
Read full bio of Swathi E
Image: Shutterstock
We all want clear, radiant skin, don’t we? However, some of us are cursed with acne-prone skin that prevents us from reaching our dream of flawless skin with constant breakouts that take a big hit on our egos. Here to save the day are the best drugstore face washes for acne that help clear clogged pores and reduce those pesky breakouts. They are infused with anti-acne ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide that draw out impurities, cleanse deep pores and regulate sebum production, so acne breakouts are visibly reduced. They also contain tea tree extract and aloe vera to soothe inflammation, keeping skin calm and relaxed. Debunking the common myth that expensive skincare products are what works, these drugstore options clear acne effectively and do so without burning a massive hole in your pocket.
If you’re like us and can’t wait to get your hands on the perfect face wash, take a look at our list of 10 amazing drugstore face washes, selected after sifting through several attributes to find the most important ones and positive and negative reviews. These products are perfect for oily and acne-prone skin and will help you keep breakouts at bay while solving the problem that has been eating away at your confidence. Within no time, you will see that your skin has cleared up and you look flawless from every and any angle!
In This Article
10 Best Drugstore Face Washes For Acne To Get Clear, Radiant Skin
1. Best With Antibacterial Benefits:PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
PanOxyl brings you the best drugstore face wash for acne-prone skin, as it contains 10% benzoyl peroxide. In this concentration, the chemical kills bacteria on the skin and unclogs pores. Not only does the gentle foaming wash rid your skin of existing acne blemishes, it also works hard to help avoid new ones. Even though benzoyl peroxide is an excellent antibacterial ingredient, it can sometimes be harsh. But fret not, as PanOxyl has formulated this drugstore face wash for acne to be gentle on your skin and it can be used on the chest, back, and face too! It has also been clinically proven to kill 99% bacteria in 15 seconds. Need more information? Watch this review video of the tester’s experience to make an informed decision according to your needs.
Pros
- Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide
- Antibacterial benefits
- Unclogs pores
- Can be used on face, back, and chest
- Gentle formula
- Clears existing blemishes and prevents new ones
Cons
- Might stain towels or clothes
Pro Tip2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
Formulated with 10% glycolic acid, this is the best drugstore face wash for oily, acne-prone skin. If you’ve been struggling with painful cystic acne, blackheads, or dull, spotty skin, Botanic Tree’s got the best drugstore acne wash, free from animal testing, to combat all these issues. The exfoliating formula contains tiny micro beads that gently remove dead skin cells to pave the way for fresh, healthy skin. At the same time, glycolic acid removes dirt and makeup from your skin without drying it out. As this acid is an AHA, it also brightens the skin, reduces sun damage, and evens out skin texture while smoothing the skin surface. A blend of skin-friendly ingredients like bamboo, shea butter, and tea tree extract reach deep into the skin to cleanse and reduce hyperpigmentation and redness.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Free of SLS
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Evens out skin texture, and tone
- Rids skin of acne and blackheads
Cons
- Some people may find it to be a little drying
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 2,626 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
3. Best Hypoallergenic:Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cooling Cleanser
Life with acne can be hard, but there are some cleansers you can try to make it a disappearing act. This mild cleanser from Bioré is perhaps the best drugstore facial cleanser for acne, as it contains witch hazel to deep clean your pores and unclog them. Witch hazel is also a star astringent and breaks down dirt, so you can cleanse your face without any hassle. The formula also contains 2% salicylic acid which combats blackheads and breakouts. The cleanser is fast-acting that fast forwards your skin to become blemish-free with consistent use.
Pros
- Contains 2% salicylic acid to reduce pimples and blackheads
- Witch hazel unclog pores and breaks down dirt
- Clears up skin
- Has a cooling effect
- Controls oil production
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Contains alcohol
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash Best With Antibacterial Benefits | Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser Best For Sensitive Skin | Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cooling Cleanser Best Hypoallergenic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Acne Prone | Acne Prone,Oily,Sensitive | Oily |
| Dimensions | 2.5 x 2.25 x 7 inches | - | 2.57 x 1.63 x 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.44 Ounces | - | 0.02 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,962 | 2,626 | 14,586 |
| Price | $9.77 | $24.9 | $6.87 |
4. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
A 10% benzoyl peroxide formula in Neutrogena’s best cheap face wash for acne helps combat acne and also keep future breakouts at bay. With consistent use, you’ll definitely notice a reduction in the size of your pimples and the redness they bring about. This gentle, microbead-free formula of Neutrogena’s best drugstore cleanser for acne can be used both day and night, and won’t have a drying effect. Acne, be gone! This YouTuber’s review will offer a deeper insight into the qualities of this gentle facial cleanser.
Pros
- Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide
- Fights acne and prevents future breakouts
- Gentle formulation
- Won’t dry out skin
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- May not be the ideal fit for all skin types
Quick Tip5. Best Non-Irritating:Dr Song 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Medical Acne Wash
Free your skin of stubborn acne with Dr Song’s best drugstore acne face wash as it contains a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. If you struggle with acne anywhere on your body, you can conveniently use this cleanser for acne, as it is a gentle, non-irritating formula that penetrates deep into the skin. Use it for spot treatment or on your teenager’s cystic acne and you won’t be disappointed with its results. Dr Song has the best over-the-counter acne cleanser as it controls oil, reduces pimples, and clears pores.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Can be used on face and body
- Non-irritating formula
- Can be used as a spot treatment for acne
- Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide
Cons
- Some may find the scent off-putting
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 3,852 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
6. Best Non-Drying:Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
If 10% benzoyl peroxide intimidates you due to its drying nature, try Differin’s best drugstore cleanser for sensitive acne-prone skin as it contains only 5%. The micronized formula goes deep into your skin and effectively absorbs oil and also unclogs pores. Now you can wash your face without that dreaded stripping feeling. The lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide in Differin’s drugstore anti-acne face wash ensures a powerful treatment of acne with reduced drying and irritation that is gentle on sensitive skin and its natural barrier.
Pros
- Non-drying
- Doesn’t irritate skin
- Lesser concentration of benzoyl peroxide
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Reduces oil
Cons
- Might cause a burning sensation
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 19,629 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
7. Best For Blackheads:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
The best drugstore face wash for sensitive, acne-prone skin, La Roche-Posay brings to you a formula with 2% salicylic acid. If excess oil between washes is your eternal enemy, this mild cleanser will take care of it for you. This cleanser goes to war with acne, blackheads, and whiteheads to give you an even skin surface to boost your confidence. You’ll also find micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid that helps in skin renewal and treating uneven skin tones for a fresh, healthy complexion. As acne-prone skin feels a little stuffy, the Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser also contains menthol to give your skin a cooling sensation. Check out this video that shows the tester’s experience to better understand the functions of this product.
Pros
- Clears acne, blackheads, and whiteheads
- Allergy-tested
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Might leave skin feeling a little tight
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 11,588 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
8. Best For Oil Control:Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser
With Murad’s best drugstore acne cleanser, your skin is going to gain freedom from excess oil and acne. A concentration of salicylic acid that is just below 2% provides acne-free effects to skin, well after you’re done with deep cleansing. Not only does this powerful ingredient dissolve extra oil, it purges pores and ensures that you remain breakout-free for days to come. This acne treatment is also enriched with green tea extract that helps soothe skin conditions, such as inflammation and redness reduction, making it the best drugstore face wash for acne.
Pros
- Controls excess oil
- Cruelty-free
- Gentle formula
- Free of parabens, sulfates, gluten, mineral oils, petroleum
- Heals and soothes skin
- Prevents future breakouts
- Clinically tested
- Visible results in 3 days
Cons
- Might be too mild for some
9. Best For Skin Softening:Clean And Clear Daily Pore Cleanser
A brand that a lot of us grew up loving, Clean And Clear brings the best drugstore cleanser for acne-prone skin. With the help of micro-scrubbers, this daily pore-clearing cleanser has a gentle exfoliating effect and renews skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Clearing your skin of dirt, oil, and sweat, this acne-attacking face wash penetrates deeply into the skin to unclog pores. Work up a rich lather in the mornings and evenings with Clean And Clear’s best drugstore face wash for acne scar reduction and write your acne a farewell letter!
Pros
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Makes skin soft and smooth
- Unclogs pores
- Oil-free formula
- Ideal for daily use
- Doesn’t cause a burning sensation
Cons
- Might dry skin out a little
10. Best For Sensitive Skin:Vichy Laboratories Normaderm Phytosolution Intensive Purifying Gel
The best drugstore face wash for acne and oily skin, Vichy contains active ingredients salicylic acid, zinc, and copper. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce scarring left behind by acne and copper offers anti-aging benefits to improve skin texture. With salicylic acid, you can welcome oil and dirt-free skin, which is also free of the pimples. Enriched with Vichy’s 15 Mineral-Rich Volcanic Water, this is the best drugstore face wash for hormonal acne as it contains 15 naturally occurring minerals that strengthen skin barrier, and fight against stressors. It has a proven efficacy to improve skin texture within 4 weeks. And, no fears about drying skin, as the formula is gentle, and can also be used on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits
- Gentle formula
- Allergy-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Parabens, alcohol, oil, and sulfate free
- Fades blemishes
- Clinically tested
- Visible results in 4 weeks
Cons
- Might not be suitable for people intolerant to fragrance
After reading about the best drugstore face washes for acne, let’s break down how you can choose the right one for yourself.
Tips To Find The Best Face Wash For Acne
- Active ingredients
An active ingredient is what will help in acne-fighting head-on, and there are various products that cater to different types of acne and other skin conditions. One of the most common ones is salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate your skin and rid it of blackheads and whiteheads. If you have mild or hormonal acne or the occasional breakout, this is the ideal ingredient for you. Benzoyl peroxide is another ingredient which often makes an appearance in skincare for acne-prone skin. It penetrates deep into the skin to remove bacteria, unclog pores, and also helps in acne prevention. If you struggle with severe or cystic acne, you can use up to 10% of this chemical or tone it down to around 5% for less severe cases. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid are gentle on the skin yet just as effective as the other ingredients mentioned earlier in reducing breakouts and controlling oil production. Vanessa Huerta, a cosmetic chemist with 20 years of experience, explains, “Glycolic acid helps to break down dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and treats hyperpigmentation. Another great ingredient is salicylic acid, which helps break down bacteria between the cellular walls and remove excess oil.” Additionally, AHAs also boost collagen production to make skin plump and reduce hyper pigmentation for even-toned skin.
- Supporting ingredients
As the active ingredients in cleansers for acne-prone skin can be a little harsh and drying, keep an eye out for some calming and soothing elements like green tea, aloe vera, honey, tea tree, and chamomile. If you have oily skin, you can opt for a cleanser with kaolin or niacin amide, and people with dry skin will benefit with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. While AHAs and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) suit combination skin, activated charcoal or clay can be a good supplementary ingredient for those who have sensitive acne-prone skin. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to avoid products with fragrance as this can trigger inflammation.
- Form
Cleansers are available in the form of a gel, exfoliant, or foam. Gel cleansers are suited to oily skin and when infused with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree, help control excess oil and sebum production. Exfoliants have a thick cream-like consistency and contain tiny beads that help remove dead skin and unclog pores when scrubbed on the face. This ensures that new, refreshed skin shines through and gives you a healthy glow, but this type of face wash might be too drying on already dry skin. Foaming cleansers are great for including in daily skincare routines, as they are refreshing and almost weightless and instantly lather up in contact with water. They suit those with combination skin the best as they also provide gentle exfoliation without drying skin out.
Benefits Of A Face Wash For Acne-Prone Skin
A face wash targeted towards people with acne-prone skin can:
- Unclog pores and shrink them in size
- Control excess oil production and reduce the grease on your face
- Control the appearance of pimples and prevent new ones from forming
- Exfoliate skin to remove dead cells and make way for fresh, healthy skin
- Reduce blackheads and whiteheads
- Calm skin down in instances of hormonal, cystic, and adult acne
- Reduce inflammation and redness
Infographic: Key Ingredients In Drugstore Face Washes For Acne
Finding the right face wash can make all the difference in your skin care routine, especially if you are prone to acne. The face washes specifically formulated to target acne help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. They contain retinol, salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree oil to improve dark spots and promote glowing, healthy skin. Check out the infographic below to know more about the key ingredients in a face wash for acne.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Drugstore face washes help clear clogged pores and reduce dark spots and patches. These face washes also help in regulating sebum production for oily skin types while soothing inflammation and keeping your irritated skin calm and relaxed. Some of these face washes are perfect for oily and acne-prone skin as they help reduce pesky blackheads and control breakouts. Not only on your face but some of these products can also be used on your back and chest. The PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash contains 10% benzoyl peroxide, which has antibacterial properties, while the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser targets acne-prone skin and blackheads and gives you healthy radiant complexion. Further, if you are looking for a cleanser that helps soothe inflammed skin, go for the Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser. Their gentle formulas clear existing blemishes and prevent the formation of new ones. You should avoid face washes that can stain your clothes, or dry your skin out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a face wash for acne-prone skin show results?
When used consistently, a scientifically formulated face wash for acne-prone skin will help reduce instances of breakouts and prevent future ones from appearing. It penetrates deep into the skin to get rid of the acne-causing bacteria and controls oil production and unclogs pores.
Does an acne face wash cause acne?
No, as face washes formulated for acne-prone skin work to reduce the microbes that give rise to acne.
Can I use acne face wash every day?
Yes, you can use an acne face wash every day. In fact, it is recommended to use an acne face wash at least twice a day if you have acne-prone skin.
How long does it take for an acne face wash to work?
Acne face washes start showing visible results within four to six days. They can also take a month to work depending on your skin type and concerns.
What causes acne on the face?
Acne is caused due to a lot of factors, mainly excess sebum, the accumulation of dead skin cells, and bacterial infections. Acne can also be the result of the excess intake of sugar and carbohydrates and disturbance in hormonal and pH balance.
Read full bio of Vanessa Huerta
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Swathi E
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.