By Nina Belgin
Finding the perfect acne cleanser can be a challenge: you want to treat your breakouts without causing further irritation. The key? Knowing what to look for in a cleanser that suits your skin type can make the process much easier and more effective.
Understanding Acne Cleansers
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to acne cleansers. Your choice should depend on your skin type. For example, what works for oily skin might not be suitable for dry skin. The formulation—whether gel, cream, or foam—also matters, as using the wrong one can hinder your progress in clearing your skin.
Despite the complexities of choosing an acne cleanser, we’re here to help. Follow our straightforward selection guide and explore our comprehensive list of the best acne cleansers. Each one is designed to soothe inflamed breakouts, act as the best blackhead remover, and prevent future blemishes, so your best skin can shine through.
How to pick the best cleansers for acne
How do you choose the products?
Our experts spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Selecting the best cleansers for acne involves considering these two key factors:
Acne type
Whether you’re dealing with hormonal acne or trying to eliminate blackheads, there’s a cleanser for you. For inflammatory acne (like papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts), look for soothing, hydrating ingredients like aloe or glycerin. To tackle blackheads or whiteheads, over-the-counter treatments containing sulfur, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide can be effective. These ingredients help remove dead skin cells and excess oils, with benzoyl peroxide being the most effective, sulfur being the gentlest, and salicylic acid preventing non-inflammatory acne from returning. Products with glycolic acid can also help to unclog pores.
Skin type
If your skin is dry and irritated, a thick cream cleanser is best as it keeps your skin hydrated and won’t over-dry it. For oily, acne-prone skin, opt for a foaming cleanser to deep clean by removing excess oil and sebum, and to clear debris from your pores. For normal, combination to sensitive skin, a gel cleanser provides a milder cleanse without leaving the skin feeling stripped. Washing your face twice a day—no more, no less—is optimal.
So let’s dive into our tested and loved face cleansers
1. Babor Deep Cleansing Foam
Best acne cleanser for combination and dry skin
Specifications
Price: $40
Type: Foam
Ingredient highlights: Glycerin, provitamin B5, ginseng extract, moringa seed protein extract
View at Babor
Reasons to buy
- Gently cleanses without drying
- Astringent and invigorating properties
- Protects from environmental factors
Reasons to avoid
- May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
Babor Deep Cleansing Foam is a refreshing, delicately soft cleansing foam suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. This light and airy foam features glycerin and provitamin B5, which gently and effectively cleanse the skin without irritation or dryness. The ginseng extract offers astringent and invigorating properties, while the moringa seed protein extract protects the skin from negative urban environmental factors.
In testing, we found that it worked into a refreshing, billowy soft foam that left our skin feeling clean and revitalized. It’s an excellent option for those with combination, oily and dry skin types looking for a clear and even complexion.
2. AveSeena Gentle Gardenia Anti-Pollution Gel Cleanser
Best acne cleanser for hormonal, inflammaging and stress induced acne
Specifications
Price: $48
Type: Gel
Ingredient highlights: Amethyst, rice proteins, vitamins C, E, and B3
View at AveSeena
Reasons to buy
- Removes impurities and pollutants
- Gentle, non-drying formula
- Leaves no residue
Reasons to avoid
- Absolutely none—it’s a skincare gem!
Stress and hormonal changes can cause acne even for the most diligent skincare enthusiasts. Hormonal acne is particularly challenging, but AveSeena’s Gentle Gardenia Anti-Pollution Gel Cleanser is an exceptional solution. This remarkable gentle cleanser for face targets “signs of inflammaging” with precision and includes niacinamide to keep breakout-causing bacteria in check and brighten the skin, effectively reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
In our testing, we were thoroughly impressed with the micro foam and the luxurious, soft after-feel it left on our skin—without the unwanted squeaky clean sensation. This cleanser is not just a good start; it’s a game-changer for anyone dealing with hormonal and stress-induced acne.
3. TWiiSH Peachy Clean Gel Cleanser
Best acne cleanser for teen skin
Specifications
Price: $28
Type: Gel
Ingredient highlights: Colloidal silver, salicylic acid
View at TWiiSH
Reasons to buy
- Deeply cleans without drying
- Targets and eliminates pimples at the source
- Reduces and prevents breakouts
- Gently exfoliates and unclogs pores
- Lifts away dirt, oil, makeup, and debris
Reasons to avoid
- None we can find!A+
This cleanser is expertly formulated to deeply clean the skin without making it feel tight or dry, targeting and eliminating stubborn pimples at the source. It helps reduce breakouts and prevents new ones from emerging in just days, gently exfoliating dead skin and unclogging pores for smoother skin. It effectively lifts away dirt, oil, makeup, and debris that contribute to breakouts.
Peachy Clean contains colloidal silver and salicylic acid and gently exfoliates the skin without drying it out. The teen-friendly formula features gentle ingredients suitable for young skin, free of harmful chemicals, and never tested on animals.
4. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Best micellar water cleanser for acne prone skins
Specifications
Price: $20.99
Type: Micellar water
Ingredient highlights: Highly purified water, physiological pH, no fragrance
View at Bioderma (US)
Reasons to buy
- Instantly soothes the skin
- Respects and preserves skin balance
- Very good tolerance, unfragranced, no-rinse formula
Reasons to avoid
- Sometimes doesn’t remove makeup well with heavy makeup
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is an iconic cleansing solution that effortlessly removes dirt, debris, pollution, and makeup while respecting sensitive skin. It instantly soothes the skin and maintains its balance.
Formulated with a physiological pH of around 5.5 and highly purified, pharmaceutical-grade water, Sensibio H2O respects the skin’s biological balance, essential for maintaining healthy-looking skin. While it’s designed as a dual-purpose cleanser and makeup remover, it falls a bit short on the latter, especially with waterproof makeup. Using this as a secondary step after makeup removal is recommended.
5. Dermalogica Acne Clearing Skin Wash Cleanser
Best acne cleanser for oily skin
Specifications
Price: $40
Type: Gel-to-foam
Ingredient highlights: Salicylic acid, prebiotics, glycerin, menthol, tea tree, chamomile
View at Dermalogica
Reasons to buy
- Non-stripping
- Helps with blackheads, whiteheads, and oiliness
- Smooth texture
Reasons to avoid
- Strong menthol smell
If you’re ready to invest in an acne cleanser, the Dermalogica Acne Clearing Skin Wash Cleanser is worth considering. It addresses aging signs, balances oily skin, and curbs breakouts. The key ingredient is salicylic acid, which fights blemishes and blackheads, prevents new ones, and stimulates cell turnover for brighter skin. Menthol, chamomile, and tea tree provide anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits.
However, those sensitive to scents may find the menthol aroma too strong. If you have sensitive skin, this cleanser may also feel harsh. For those with normal skin but occasional breakouts, a gentler formulation might be better. For generally acne-prone skin, this cleanser is an excellent addition to your routine.
6. Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser
Best acne cleanser for very dry skin types
Specifications
Price: $41
Type: Cream
Ingredient highlights: Silk Amino Acids, Vitamin C, Organic Moringa Oil, Green & White Tea Extracts, Astaxanthin
View at Allies of Skin
Reasons to buy
- Purifies pores
- Non-stripping formula
- Paraben- and sulfate-free
Reasons to avoid
- Contains oils, not suitable for everyone
This cream like cleanser is rich in silk amino acids, delivering silky-soft, fresh-faced skin. It includes key allies such as Vitamin C, Organic Moringa Oil, Green & White Tea Extracts, and Astaxanthin.
The cleanser effectively cleanses while leaving the skin hydrated, softer, refined, and more radiant. It purifies pores without damaging the moisture barrier, making the skin feel clarified and comforted. If you prefer the gentle feel of lotions, you’ll love how softening and soothing this cleanser is, especially beneficial for sensitive and inflammatory acne-prone skin. However if oils in your cleanser is not your favorite then this may not be for you.
7. Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser 
Best acne cleanser for combination skin
Specifications
Price: $22
Type: Gel
Ingredient highlights: Salicylic acid, arginine, panthenol
View at Paula’s Choice
Reasons to buy
- Deep cleans pores
- Calms irritation
- Cruelty-free and fragrance-free
Reasons to avoid
- Maybe too strong for sensitive skin
This Paula’s Choice cleanser is perfect for deep cleaning pores and calming inflammation without causing more breakouts. It is fragrance-free and contains arginine to soothe redness and provitamin B5 to condition and hydrate.
We loved its combination of soothing ingredients and pore-unclogging acids however acids could be too strong for sensitive and dry skin types. The fresh, elegant texture makes it suitable for oily skin with occasional dry patches, providing nourishment without dryness.
