Whether you’re dealing with hormonal acne or oily skin, these skin fixes really work.
If you’re tired of feeling bummed out every time a breakout occurs, and nothing in your bathroom cabinet seems to keep pimples at bay, you’re not alone. Adult acne affects a significant percentage of people over the age of 25 — we’re talking 40% to 54%. Every person’s skin is different, and what works for your friend might not work for you. Plus, there’s a myriad acne products out there claiming to curate your ideal acne skincare routine, whether you have hormonal acne to treat or need to get rid of gunky blackheads.
Luckily, most mild, non-hormonal cases of acne can be cleared using OTC products, according to Angela Lamb, M.D. a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Dermatology. You’ll want to look for products with proven acne-fighters, like “a great mix of salicylic acid, niacinamide and azelaic acid to improve breakouts,” she adds.
Much like the breakout itself, it can be downright painful zeroing in on the very best products out there, so our editors vetted a list of the top acne treatments by speaking with eight board-certified dermatologists and aestheticians and the skincare pros in our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab. That includes acne face washes and benzoyl peroxide products that actively clear pores to expert-recommended sunscreens for acne that help protect your skin while you zap those zits and hero pimple patches to quickly put a stop to breakouts.
1
BEST RAPID ACNE SPOT TREATMENT
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment Gel
Shrink pimples stat with this speedy acne remedy. With more than 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, Neutrogena’s gel-based formula boasts a potent 10% benzoyl peroxide concentration, which can significantly reduce pimple size and redness. As one satisfied customer noted, applying a small amount of the treatment before bedtime has yielded impressive results: “I’ve been able to quickly eliminate pesky zits that I can feel forming overnight.” With strong gel treatments like this, make sure you moisturize as it can be drying.
Type Gel
Key ingredients Benzoyl peroxide
Size 1 fl. oz
2
BEST PRESCRIPTION-STRENGTH RETINOID FOR ACNE
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel
This acne gel comes highly recommended by Beth Goldstein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Central Dermatology Center. It’s a prescription-strength retinoid treatment that helps clear acne and prevents breakouts by increasing cell turnover and reducing pimple-exacerbating inflammation. Our GH pros deemed it one of the best treatments for hormonal acne. Lather on a good face SPF since retinoids can make skin sensitive to sun exposure.
Type Gel
Key ingredients Retinol
Size 1.6 fl. oz
3
AFFORDABLE MOISTURIZER FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Cetaphil Face Moisturizer
To keep your skin soft and supple after cleansing and applying serums, it’s crucial to moisturize. Multiple dermatologists recommend Cetaphil’s acne products, including its salicylic moisturizer, which can both clear acne and hydrate your skin. This product also contains prebiotics that may strengthen your skin barrier and protect it from damage or irritation. Although some reviewers appreciate its mattifying properties, others found that they needed to reapply for maximum hydration.
Type Moisturizer
Key ingredients Salicylic acid and prebiotics
Size 3 fl. oz
4
BEST DEVICE FOR ACNE
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro
Experts like dermatologist Shauna Diggs, M.D., suggest LED light therapy for blemish control. She recommends Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s FDA-cleared LED face mask, a popular at-home beauty tool. This device uses blue light therapy to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and stimulate collagen production, resulting in a reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, rosacea and acne. Many users have reported significant improvements in their skin’s appearance with consistent use of the device.
Type LED Face Mask Treatment
5
BEST ACNE GEL
CeraVe Salicylic Acid Acne Control Gel
A winner among dermatologists, CeraVe’s powerful gel chases acne out of pores to welcome clear, healthy-looking skin. Its star ingredient salicylic acid is “excellent for [getting rid of] excess oil,” as well as “dissolving dead skin cells that clog the pores,” according to Renée Moran, M.D., owner of Dr. Renée Moran Medical Aesthetics and RM Skincare. Combine its powerful formula with a great moisturizer to restore any moisture loss, since some said it can be drying.
Type Gel
Key ingredients Salicylic acid
Size 1.35 fl. oz
6
AFFORDABLE ADAPALENE GEL
Differrin Gel Acne Treatment
A popular retinoid treatment, Differin’s acne gel is effective in treating troublesome breakouts, according to Tracy Evans M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology. However, Dr. Evans warns that the gel can be drying and advises those with dry skin types to use it slowly, such as every third night after moisturizing. For a similar alternative, she suggests asking your dermatologist to prescribe Tretinoin (0.025-0.1%) in the appropriate strength for your skin.
Type Gel
Key ingredients Adapalene
Size 0.5 fl. oz
7
BEST FOR HORMONAL ACNE
Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Complete Acne Treatment Gel
When hormonal acne is triggered, this salicylic acid and retinol gel treatment steps in to calm harsh breakouts. Franzino used it to treat unusual acne around the mouth area. She said breakouts were less noticeable by the next morning and almost totally clear within a few days. It contains other skincare ingredients like vitamin C, peptides and aloe to treat skin holistically and help reduce inflammation that can come with blemishes. Keep in mind that some shoppers experienced a “purge” period in which it got worse before it got better.
Type Gel
Key ingredients Salicylic acid, retinol, vitamin C, peptides and aloe
Size 1.7 fl. oz
8
BEST FACE AND BODY WASH FOR ACNE
PanOxyl Antimicrobial Acne Creamy Wash
If your skin is on the oilier side, you may want to try a product that has benzoyl peroxide in it such as PanOxyl, according to Wong. Like salicylic acid, it helps to break up dead cells and excess oil, but it also works as an antiseptic that kills acne-causing bacteria. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, benzoyl peroxide may be too harsh for you, even though PanOxyl claims that their wash is gentle.
Type Face and body wash
Key ingredients Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide
Size 6 fl. oz
9
BEST FOR DRY, SENSITIVE SKIN
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Acne products for dry skin come few and far between since many can feel quite dehydrating. Sans fragrance and alcohol, The Ordinary’s serum is made with acne-fighting niacinamide, an ingredient known to be compatible with sensitive skin types, to soothe inflammation and brighten and even out complexions. Just note to choose either vitamin C or niacinamide in your routine as both are potent ingredients.
Type Serum
Key ingredients Niacinamide and zinc
Size 1 fl. oz
10
BEST ACNE PATCHES
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original
Sometimes getting rid of a blemish is as easy as slapping on a pimple patch, which ease pimples into releasing beneath cover. Once ready to peel off, the Mighty Patch’s transparent material shows off the gunk and grime gathered at the scene of the crime, though they work best once a whitehead has formed. This one is virtually invisible so you can carry on with errands without paying any mind. Plus, the brand offers special shapes (like nose patches) if you’re more prone to breakouts in certain areas.
Type Pimple patch
Key ingredients Hydrocolloid
11
GENTLE ACNE FACE WASH FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe is a well-known over-the-counter brand that formulates products for various skin types. Jennifer Wong, PA-C, a dermatology physician’s assistant at Advanced Dermatology PC, recommends their foaming wash because it’s gentle and suitable for those with sensitive, acne-prone skin. It’s a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic cleanser that effectively removes excess oil and dirt that could potentially clog pores. Designed for oil control, those with dry skin may need to opt for a different formula.
Type Cleanser
Key ingredients Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides
Size 12 fl. oz
12
BEST FOR BLACKHEADS
Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask
Caudalie’s blackhead mask is a one-step solution to minimize pores and mattify the complexion. GH experts love its potent blend of kaolin and bentonite, which work together to clear blackheads and absorb excess oil. Wnek, who has an oily skin type, confirms its effectiveness, saying her skin feels smoother and looks clearer after use. GH Beauty Director April Franzino raves that it provides an at-home facial experience that’s comparable to a professional treatment. If you prefer non-scented masks, keep in mind that it has a subtle citrus scent.
Type Mask
Key ingredients Kaolin and bentonite
Size 2.5 fl. oz
13
BEST ACNE SPOT TREATMENT
Kate Somerville EradiKate® Acne Treatment
If you don’t dig the smell of eggs, you probably don’t want to put this all over your face. But, Wnek has used this fast-acting formula to treat stubborn pimples, and it definitely does the trick. Dip a cotton swab into the formula then apply directly on acne. The treatment goes on wet but firms like clay to dry up pimples. Made of zinc oxide, sulfur and salicylic acid, it effectively clears existing breakouts and absorbs oil. Just screw the lid on tight to ensure the liquid doesn’t evaporate.
Type Spot treatment
Key ingredients Zinc oxide, sulfur and salicylic acid
Size 1 fl. oz
14
BEST SUNSCREEN FOR ACNE
Supergoop! CC Screen
Ross loves Supergoop CC Screen because not only does it protect your skin from the sun with SPF 50, it “has 20% zinc which is very high quality,” he says. Zinc is great for calming irritated skin, according to experts. This sunscreen is also a concealer so if you’re looking for a moisturizing sunscreen that doubles as makeup, this product might be something you’ll want to try. Oily skin types noted that it left a slight sheen so dust on a bit of powder to mattify.
Type Tinted sunscreen
Key ingredients SPF
Size 1.6 fl. oz
15
BEST FACE WASH
Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel
No longer let pimples get under your skin: This face wash not only deeply cleanses skin but also may help to prevent blemishes with regular use. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek crowned it her go-to cleanser. “This product contains the FDA-approved active, salicylic acid, to treat acne,” she says. “It does a really good job at cleansing my skin and keeping my blemishes at bay.” Although it does contain fragrance, the scent is gentle and disappears quickly after use.
Type Cleanser
Key ingredients Salicylic acid
Size 6.7 fl. oz
16
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
It may not sound super appealing, but this snail mucin essence has gathered viral fame for its skin barrier-repairing reputation. Touted for boosting skin hydration and reducing skin inflammation, snail mucin helps remedy skin barrier damage. It’s said to contain various skin-loving ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing allantoin (often found in toners for sensitive skin) and exfoliating glycolic acid. After using it for two weeks, one GH editor noticed a dramatic difference in taming breakouts. Other shoppers, however, wanted a more glassy effect.
Type Serum
Key ingredients Hyaluronic acid and panthenol
Size 3.38 fl. oz
17
BEST TONER
Paula’s Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution
Gently scrub away blackheads with Paula’s Choice multi-tasking salicylic acid toner. The face exfoliator effectively deals with blackheads, minimizes breakouts and refines the appearance of pores without causing redness. This top-rated toner has received high praise from its users, including Wnek, for its ability to keep blackheads at bay while salicylic acid helps fight acne. However, those with eczema and rosacea should be cautious when using this toner as it contains acids that may irritate.
Type Toner
Key ingredients Hyaluronic acid, panthenol and salicylic acid
Size 4 fl. oz
How we chose the best acne products
Finding the most effective products for your unique skin can be a long process of trial and error. So, to give you a head start on your search, we’ve asked acne specialists — from dermatologists to aestheticians — what they thought were some of the best acne products on the market. Other picks included were tested by or used by our Good Housekeeping Institute experts in their own skincare routines.
What causes acne?
Acne is a condition that manifests whenever your poor hair follicles get all blocked up by either excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria or inflammation according to dermatologists at the Mayo Clinic. What results is a breakout that may show up as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or all of the above. Dead skin, oil and bacteria buildup can happen for several reasons, like …
- Slow cell turnover rate. For some skin types, dead skin doesn’t shed as easily when it’s time for them to go, according to experts from Harvard Health. Instead, these skin cells can clog your hair follicles and prevent them from secreting sebum (the oil that makes your skin nice and supple) as well as bacteria that cause infection.
- Overproduction of oil. This can occur when you wash your face too much, don’t use enough (or the right moisturizer) or live in a hot or humid environment. Your body’s natural production of oil can even be influenced by your genes.
- Hormone fluctuations. The changing levels of estrogen and progesterone during menstrual cycles or the menopause transition can also cause your skin to ramp up its oil production.
- Heavy or greasy personal products. Certain lotions, makeup and hair pomades that come in contact with acne-prone skin may contribute to breakouts.
- An inflammatory diet. There’s some research out there that says that certain foods can make acne worse. But which foods could be triggering or helpful for you is hard to say since there’s no consensus on specific dietary restrictions or suggestions.
What to consider when shopping for acne products
To rid your skin of acne, keep these tips top of mind:
✔️ Product types. No acne product is the same. To stop acne in its tracks, it’s ideal to know exactly how to treat it. For that one pesky breakout that pops up, you can stop it fast with spot treatments and pimple patches. Tame skin and manage breakouts by adopting a go-to acne skincare routine, consisting of preventative face washes, serums, toners and moisturizers. Those with aggressive acne, like cystic, should look to more powerful formulas found in acne gels.
✔️ Look for non-comedogenic labels. Some moisturizers contain heavy ingredients like petrolatum or mineral oils that may block your pores, says Dr. Lamb. This non-comedogenic label means skincare that’s formulated to not clog things up, says Dawn Marie R. Davis, M.D., a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic. “For patients with oily skin or sensitive skin, looking for ‘oil-free’ products may also be important,” adds Dr. Davis.
✔️ Use gentle formulas. Most of all, you definitely want to dodge any ingredient you know is irritating. Studies say when your skin is healing from acne, further irritating the affected area by washing, scrubbing or moisturizing with something your skin doesn’t like can lead to more breakouts. That’s why Dr. Lamb’s not a fan of certain exfoliators for acne-prone skin. “Patients think they are helpful when they tend to be too harsh,” she says.
✔️ Consult your dermatologist. To determine which ingredients would work to treat your acne, this is especially important if you have moderate to severe acne, in which case experts say you may need an oral medication, a topical ointment (or a combination of both), which only your MD can prescribe.
What ingredients clear acne fast?
From oral antibiotics to over-the-counter (OTC) creams, gels and face washes, there are so many different options available to treat acne. These typically include acne-busting ingredients such as:
- Salicylic acid. One of the most common beta hydroxy acids (BHA) used to clear acne, it’s known for its ability to fight off bacteria, exfoliate dead skin cells, calm inflammation and keep whiteheads and blackheads at bay.
- Alpha hydroxy acids. While these are less commonly used in acne products, lactic acid and glycolic acid are sometimes used for their ability to increase skin cell turnover. Lactic acid specifically is known for being a good exfoliator while glycolic acid works to fight bacteria and decrease inflammation.
- Benzoyl peroxide. An antimicrobial ingredient that gets rid of the germs that can infect your skin as well as scrub off dead skin cells. While using it consistently can significantly improve your condition within a month, some people find that it can be too harsh and cause their skin to peel. According to experts, it also can bleach hair and fabrics.
- Retinol. This vitamin A derivative can boost skin cell turnover as well as decrease oil production, reduce inflammation and smooth out potential scarring. If you have skin allergies or dry skin, though, experts from the American Academy of Dermatology, generally warn against avoiding retinol altogether.
- Adapalene. Another vitamin A derivative, this is a retinoid (which tends to be more potent than retinol and usually only available in prescription form). Adapalene is especially great at stopping pimples from forming underneath the skin, according to experts at the National Institute of Health.
- Sulfur. While this ingredient reeks like rotten eggs, Wnek says that it does help to dry out excess oil and shed dead skin cells.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Adele Jackson-Gibson wrote this guide to acne products and tapped a network of dermatologists for their favorite acne products, plus commentary on each. That includes Dr. Renée Moran, Dr. Beth Goldstein, Dr. Shaunda Diggs, Dr. Tracy Evans, Dr. Corey Hartman, Dr. Dawn Davis, Dr. Angela Lamb and Jennifer Wong, PA-C.
We also consulted the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek for her expert picks, while GH Beauty Director April Franzino weighed in. GH Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin most recently updated this piece with additional picks previously recommended and tested at the GH Institute.
