Having a skin care routine that addresses acne can help. So, we looked at one of the pillars of a solid skin care routine, face cleanser, to see which options exist for people who may experience redness and outbreaks. We then asked our testing team to try each face cleanser and share their experiences, and we ultimately found multiple options for people with acne-prone skin. Here’s what we learned, including which cleansers were incredibly effective at removing dirt and makeup, which cleansed without leaving that tight-skin feeling, and which actually reduced breakouts.

Best Face Washes for Acne of 2026

• Best Overall Face Wash for Acne: DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser
• Best for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
• Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
• Best for Breakouts: PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash
• Best Drugstore: CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser
• Best with Salicylic Acid: Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser
• Best for Clogged Pores: Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Best Face Washes for Acne Comparison Table

Face Washes	Key Ingredients	Best For	Benefits
DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser	Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Octapeptide-3), ceramides (Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP), hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5	Normal, combination, and dry	Removes makeup and excess oil, hydrates and balances the skin, promotes a bright and clear complexion
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel	Blend of salicylic acids	Oily, aging, combination, discolored, and acne-prone skin	Exfoliates, helps improve blemishes, decongests pores, smooths skin texture, brightens skin, and helps address visible signs of aging
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser	Amino acid complex technology, high-performing cleansing system, bisabolol and ginger root extract	All skin types, including sensitive and post-procedure	Helps calm skin, reduces facial redness, removes sunscreen and makeup, removes excess oil and impurities
PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash	Benzoyl Peroxide (10%)	Acne-prone skin	Quickly addresses acne, prevents new pimples
CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser	Ceramides, niacinamide, salicylic acid	Acne-prone and oily skin	Restores skin barrier, calms skin, reduces water loss, increases moisture, and promotes the skin’s natural exfoliation process
Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser	Salicylic acid	Normal, oily, and combination skin	Unclogs pores and washes away dead skin and impurities
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash	Calendula, glycerin	Normal and oily skin	Removes dirt, oil, and impurities; gently cleanses and refreshes skin

DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser
Key Ingredients	Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Octapeptide-3), ceramides (Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP), hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5
Best For	Normal, combination, and dry
Benefits	Removes makeup and excess oil, hydrates and balances the skin, promotes a bright and clear complexion
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
Key Ingredients	Blend of salicylic acids
Best For	Oily, aging, combination, discolored, and acne-prone skin
Benefits	Exfoliates, helps improve blemishes, decongests pores, smooths skin texture, brightens skin, and helps address visible signs of aging
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
Key Ingredients	Amino acid complex technology, high-performing cleansing system, bisabolol and ginger root extract
Best For	All skin types, including sensitive and post-procedure
Benefits	Helps calm skin, reduces facial redness, removes sunscreen and makeup, removes excess oil and impurities
PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash
Key Ingredients	Benzoyl Peroxide (10%)
Best For	Acne-prone skin
Benefits	Quickly addresses acne, prevents new pimples
CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser
Key Ingredients	Ceramides, niacinamide, salicylic acid
Best For	Acne-prone and oily skin
Benefits	Restores skin barrier, calms skin, reduces water loss, increases moisture, and promotes the skin’s natural exfoliation process
Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser
Key Ingredients	Salicylic acid
Best For	Normal, oily, and combination skin
Benefits	Unclogs pores and washes away dead skin and impurities
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Key Ingredients	Calendula, glycerin
Best For	Normal and oily skin
Benefits	Removes dirt, oil, and impurities; gently cleanses and refreshes skin

Best Overall Face Wash for Acne: DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser

Our Thoughts on DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser

This is a cream cleanser designed to help skin feel hydrated and balanced, with a “bright, clear complexion.” The formula contains anti-aging peptides, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and 11 botanical extracts, all intended to clean the skin—removing makeup and excess oil—while hydrating it as well. This face wash is sulfate-free and suitable for normal, combination, and dry skin. 

Our tester, Susan, who has normal to oily skin, used DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser and first noticed, “The gel feels luxurious in my hand and has a subtle grapefruit scent. The sudsy foam spread evenly and smoothly across my face and stung ever so slightly the first time I used it, but subsequent uses did not.” She rated the product’s texture and feel a 4.5 out of 5.

Susan appreciated how well this product worked, explaining, “It could thoroughly clean the day-to-day grime of living in New York City from my face.” She noted, “I definitely feel clean and refreshed after each use without too much excess scrubbing or cleansing,” and rated this cleanser a 4.5 out of 5 for its cleansing ability.

“After a week of using the cleanser twice daily, there was a noticeable difference in the moisture and radiance of my skin,” said Susan, adding, “The cleanser paired really well with the rest of my routine because of how simple it is to use. It fit nicely into my busy schedule, while still making me feel like I was giving myself and my skin a treat.” She rated her satisfaction with the long-term results of using this product a 4.5 out of 5. If you are working on a tight morning schedule, this cleanser with peptides and ceramides may help cut down the number of products you need before heading out the door. 

Specs:

• Best for: Normal, combination, dry
• Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5  
• Cost per ounce: $4.20

Best for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel

Our Thoughts on SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel

This product is described as an “exfoliating gel face cleanser for blemishes” that helps decongest pores and smooth skin texture. This cleansing gel contains key ingredients including lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, and sorbitol, and it’s formulated for skin that’s prone to breakouts. The company advises using this gel up to three times per week “to keep skin radiant.” 

Katie, a member of our testing team with uneven skin texture and occasional acne, used SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel and said, “I was instantly impressed with how well this cleanser lathered. The gel turned into a soapy lather quickly and rinsed easily. The very light eucalyptus scent was also very pleasant.” She rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5.

After using the cleanser, Katie reported, “My skin felt noticeably cleaner afterward in comparison to other cleansers I’ve recently tried, but it didn’t leave my skin feeling overly tight or stripped. Loved it!” She said her skin felt both clean and calm, with no irritation, and rated this product a 5 out of 5 for cleansing ability.

Katie said this face cleanser also had impressive longer-term effects, explaining, “I noticed my skin felt more balanced overall over the course of the day. My skin felt less inflamed, and the initial acne that I was experiencing when I started using the cleanser subsided completely. Really happy with this product and I’ll continue to use it.” She rated her satisfaction with the results a 5 out of 5. 

Overall, said Katie, “My daily routine needs to be quick, and this cleanser fits the bill. I was also able to eliminate an additional step in my skin care routine—toning pads—as I felt this cleanser did a better job of calming skin and combating acne, ultimately saving me time twice a day.” For this reason we think it’s a great face cleanser for busy professionals who want a streamlined skin care routine that also addresses acne.

Specs:

• Best for: Oily, aging, combination, discolored, and acne-prone skin
• Key ingredients: Blend of salicylic acids
• Cost per ounce: $5.55

Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser

Our Thoughts on EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser

This oil-free, hypoallergenic foaming cleanser includes three amino acids and is meant to help strengthen the skin barrier and cleanse the skin. According to the company website, this cleanser also helps reduce skin water loss, calm skin, and reduce facial redness, all while claiming to be gentle enough for all skin types—even “post-procedure,” which the company website says means chemical peels. 

Our tester, Maggie, has combination skin and rated this foaming face cleanser highly in key areas. For starters, she said, “The foam glides smoothly across the skin and is able to spread easily. It’s very light and feels very pleasing when rubbing it on the face.” She rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5.

“The cleanser was very good at removing excess dirt and oil from the face in the mornings, as well as at night,” said Maggie, adding, “My skin feels very clean afterward, and my pores do not feel clogged or irritated.” She said her skin felt balanced after using this face wash and ready for the next step in her routine. Maggie rated this product’s cleansing ability a 5 out of 5.

With continued use of this face cleanser, Maggie reported, “Breakouts have definitely subsided. It also makes your skin feel more hydrated, cleaner, and refreshed throughout the day when you use it in the morning. It also blends well with the rest of my skin care routine.” She rated her satisfaction with the long-term results a 5 out of 5. We’d recommend this product for professionals with sensitive skin who experience acne and need a gentle cleanser that works without irritating skin.

Specs:

• Best for: All skin types, including sensitive and post procedure
• Key ingredients: Amino acid complex technology, high performing cleansing system, bisabolol and ginger root extract
• Cost per ounce: $7.00

Best for Breakouts: PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash

Our Thoughts on PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash

Marketed as a “maximum-strength acne treatment,” this foaming face cleanser purportedly clears and helps prevent breakouts. It’s made with 10% benzoyl peroxide and can be used on both the face and body. The company website says it starts working quickly and that it contains moisturizers that help combat dryness.

Jasmine, who’s on our testing team, says she has dehydrated skin and mild acne. She tried this face wash from PanOxyl and said, “I’ve used several other acne face washes and serums and found that this face wash worked faster than, or at least as fast as, any other treatment.”

Upon first using the product, Jasmine said, “It spreads fairly evenly but doesn’t lather very much. The texture felt nice as I was working the wash into my skin, though, and once rinsed off, my skin felt very clean—but not dry or tight.” She rated the texture and feel a 4 out of 5.

“I noticed my skin felt much drier the next morning, even with the application of a moisturizer. However, the acne on my forehead had reduced quite a bit overnight, so I was okay with the dryness. My skin wasn’t flaky, red, or sensitive, just pretty dry,” explained Jasmine, who rated her overall skin comfort after using this product a 3.5 out of 5.

Her favorite thing about using this product was how effectively it handled acne. “The breakouts I had when I started using the product have disappeared, and I haven’t had any significant new breakouts since,” said Jasmine, adding, “My skin looks clear and bright, though I do still have some blackheads on my nose. But I noticed an immediate improvement in my skin’s appearance when I started using this face wash.” She rated the product’s effectiveness a 4.5 out of 5.

We’d recommend this product for professionals looking to address an active breakout as quickly as possible, and who don’t mind dealing with some slight dryness as a tradeoff. 

Specs:

• Best for: Acne-prone skin
• Key ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide (10%)
• Cost per ounce: $1.85

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser

Our Thoughts on CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser

CeraVe’s Acne Control Cleanser is a gel-to-foam formula that contains a few key ingredients: salicylic acid to help clear acne, reduce blackheads, and “improve the appearance of pores”; “purifying clay” to absorb excess oil; and ceramides designed to help protect the skin barrier.

A member of our testing team, Alyssa, reports having combination skin that changes depending on the time of year, plus some acne and dryness. She used CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser and said, “This cleanser feels a little sticky, and if not completely rinsed off, it leaves the skin feeling sticky.” She rated the texture and feel a 2 out of 5.

This product’s cleansing power was much more impressive. As Alyssa explained, “It effectively removes light makeup, and my skin feels clean afterward as long as the cleanser is fully washed off.” She said her skin felt more balanced and comfortable after using this cleanser and rated the product a 4 out of 5 for its cleansing ability.

As for long-term results, Alyssa said her skin is less oily, but that she still has some breakouts. She rated the long-term results a 3 out of 5.

Specs:

• Best for: Acne-prone and oily skin
• Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, salicylic acid
• Cost per ounce: $1.79

Best with Salicylic Acid: Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

Our Thoughts on Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser

This foaming cleanser is made with salicylic acid and “helps unclog pores and wash away dead skin and impurities.” It’s suitable for normal and oily skin types, and the website notes that users should try to avoid unnecessary sun exposure when using this product and apply sunscreen if going outdoors.

Kayla, who’s part of our testing team, has dry skin and generally uses spot treatments or patches to address acne, not a face cleanser. But for this testing, she tried Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser and reported positive results.

“The product is easy to apply,” said Kayla, adding, “This product goes a long way and lathers really well.” She also said this is a gel cleanser, noting, “The texture feels really nice when applied with some water. I wouldn’t use this as your first line of defense to remove makeup, though.” Kayla rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5.

After using this face cleanser, Kayla said, “My skin feels really refreshed and clean. I was worried that an acne cleanser would be too drying and leave my skin looking dull.” She also noted, “I love how my skin feels after using this. It feels so clean, and my skin feels soft. My skin feels slightly hydrated, but not oily or sticky.” She rated her skin comfort after using this product a 5 out of 5.

Kayla said she uses this face cleanser for both active breakouts and as a second cleanser when she uses retinol, noting that this cleanser “does a good job making sure my pores get a deep clean and removing any dead skin cells or oil buildup.” She rated its overall effectiveness a 4 out of 5.

One other thing worth noting: Kayla said this face cleanser has a noticeable fruity scent, which she didn’t mind, but other people may prefer an unscented product. Overall, we’d recommend this product for professionals who want an acne cleanser that truly feels like it deep cleans and removes buildup—which the salicylic acid helps with. This cleanser may be especially well-suited for those who have long days and packed schedules that include gym time, a long commute outdoors, or time spent on public transit.

Specs:

• Best for: Normal, oily, and combination skin
• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Cost per ounce: $12.50

Best for Clogged Pores: Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Our Thoughts on Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

This gel-to-foam face cleanser is made with calendula flower extract and glycerin, and it’s formulated for normal and oily skin types. The product claims are pretty straightforward: This foaming face wash helps remove dirt and oil, and it offers gentle cleansing that won’t over-dry the skin. It’s also sulfate-free.

A member of our testing team, Bella, said she has combination skin and tested Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash.

“The cleanser was a bit thinner than I expected and felt more like a gel,” said Bella, adding, “For a foaming face wash, I was also hoping it would be more foamy.” She said the application process was pretty simple, but she would have appreciated a thicker foam. Bella rated the texture and feel a 3.5 out of 5.

Bella did appreciate this product’s cleansing ability, explaining, “I would say this face wash removed dirt, oil, and also an extremely thick moisturizer pretty well. Excessive scrubbing was not required, but I did feel like the rinsing process required a few more rounds than I would have preferred.” She rated this product’s cleansing ability a 4 out of 5, noting, “This cleanser left my skin feeling very clean and refreshed. My face felt balanced, definitely not stripped like some face washes leave you feeling.”

After regularly using this cleanser, Bella said her skin didn’t feel too different. “I would say it has maintained the typical balance of my skin texture and appearance, which is what I would like it to do! I had a slight breakout before I started using it, and I noticed that the process of healing was quicker than my typical timeline. The scarring was less red and noticeable,” said Bella, rating the long-term results of using this product a 4 out of 5.

Also of note: This product has a subtle scent, which Bella liked and said was refreshing. In general, we’d suggest this product for professionals who are about substance over style and who don’t mind a lower-foam face cleanser as long as it removes dirt and oil exceptionally well while still maintaining skin balance.

Specs:

• Best for: Normal and oily skin
• Key ingredients: Calendula, glycerin
• Cost per ounce: $5.00

Why the Right Face Wash Matters to Professionals 

Skin care might not seem very relevant to your work life, but how you look—including your complexion—can affect your self-confidence. That can affect how you interact with others, how you feel when presenting or engaging in client-facing activities, and more. So having the right products, including “core” skin care products like face cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, is important. And because people tend to have differing skin types, you want to make sure you choose products—like a cleanser for sensitive skin, or in this case, acne-prone skin—that meet your skin’s needs. 

How We Tested and Selected the Face Washes for Acne

Here’s how we chose our lineup.

Texture and Feel

We looked at each face cleanser’s texture and examined how it felt when applied to the face. This included noting things like how much a specific product foamed, how easy it was to rinse off, and more.

Cleansing Ability 

Our testers reported on how well each face cleanser removed dirt, oil, and makeup, and how much effort was required. For example, testers noted whether multiple washes or excessive rinsing were required, and whether they needed to rub or scrub their faces to effectively clean their skin.

Skin Comfort 

Some face cleansers that claim to address acne can also be extremely drying, resulting in a feeling of “tight” skin after washing. We asked our testing team to note whether they experienced any post-wash dryness or tightness, or whether their faces felt refreshed and hydrated.

Value

While not everyone has the same criteria when looking for a face cleanser for acne, price plays a role in many people’s purchasing decisions. Here’s an overview of what each cleanser costs, including its cost per ounce.

Face Washes	Size	Price	Cost per ounce
DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser	6.9 fl oz	$29	$4.20
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel	8.11 fl oz	$45	$5.55
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser	5 fl oz	$35	$7.00
PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash	5.5 oz	$10.19	$1.85
CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser	8 fl oz	$14.29	$1.79
Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser	4 fl oz	$50	$12.50
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash	7.8 fl oz	$39	$5.00

DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser
Size	6.9 fl oz
Price	$29
Cost per ounce	$4.20
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
Size	8.11 fl oz
Price	$45
Cost per ounce	$5.55
EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
Size	5 fl oz
Price	$35
Cost per ounce	$7.00
PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash
Size	5.5 oz
Price	$10.19
Cost per ounce	$1.85
CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser
Size	8 fl oz
Price	$14.29
Cost per ounce	$1.79
Obagi Daily Care Foaming Cleanser
Size	4 fl oz
Price	$50
Cost per ounce	$12.50
Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Size	7.8 fl oz
Price	$39
Cost per ounce	$5.00

How to Find the Best Acne Face Washes for You

Here are some things to think about when looking for a face cleanser for acne-prone skin.

Your Skin Type

Consider your skin type and what it needs. If your face tends to be oily, for example, you likely have different needs in a face cleanser than if you have dehydrated or dry skin. Be sure to choose a face cleanser that offers what your skin needs.  

Primary Skin Concerns 

We also suggest thinking about your main skin concern, which could be acne, redness, or something else, and looking for a face cleanser that’s designed to address those issues.

Fragrance 

Think about your personal tolerance for fragrance, as some of the face cleansers in our lineup are scented. If you prefer something unscented, be sure to check products’ ingredient labels to ensure they’re truly free of any kind of scent.

Cost

Face cleansers range in cost, so make sure to think about your ideal price range and whether you’re willing to pay more for certain features. Additionally, keep in mind that some companies may offer products in various sizes or may offer subscription discounts, both of which are additional ways to reduce costs.

What to Avoid in Face Washes for Acne

According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an acne face cleanser.

• Don’t assume you need a product for oily skin: Jaliman said, “One of the biggest mistakes I see is that people assume that because they have acne, they have oily skin. They often use abrasive, harsh cleansers and end up with redness and worse acne.” As she explained, “Some people with acne actually have sensitive skin and are prone to redness.”
• Do use the right type of cleanser: “I often recommend using a non-comedogenic, mild cleanser so that it doesn’t strip the skin,” said Jaliman, noting that some people then use topical prescription products, but that over-the-counter products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are often a better way to address the issue.
• Don’t use products with added scent: Another suggestion from Jaliman: “Definitely avoid cleansers that have fragrance and botanical oils. For a gentle cleanser, look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides.”

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

We chose DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser as our all-around best cleanser for acne because its highly effective formula cleanses and hydrates the skin and suits normal, combination, and dry skin types. We also think it’s an excellent choice for professionals who want a luxurious-feeling face cleanser that could be incorporated into an evening wind-down routine after a busy day, as our tester thought this product felt like a “treat” for her skin. 

Frequently asked questions

Is salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide better for acne?

According to Dr. Jaliman, “Salicylic acid is excellent for unclogging pores, and it is good for oily skin. Benzoyl peroxide actually kills bacteria on the skin surface. One isn’t better than the other, they’re just different.”

How often should you wash acne-prone skin?

“I recommend that my patients wash their faces twice a day,” said Dr. Jaliman.

Should you scrub your face with a cleanser for acne?

Dr. Jaliman said, “I recommend using cotton pledgets to wash the face as opposed to using fingers. There is bacteria under the fingernails, which is not helpful for someone who is acne-prone. I like cotton pledgets because they are gentle on the skin and offer some mild exfoliation. Another option is to use a baby washcloth, which is also very gentle. I do not recommend that people scrub their skin because it can spread the bacteria all over the face and worsen the acne.”