The Best 15 Face Washes for Acne - Tested and Reviewed

Acne, a skin condition affecting millions worldwide, often presents as an outbreak of pimples or zits on the face. More than just a cosmetic issue, it impacts self-esteem and quality of life considerably.

Leading dermatologists, like Dr. Gary Goldenberg at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, define acne as an inflammation triggered when pores trapped with oil under the human skin are infected by bacteria. It's here that acne begins its unwelcome stay age.

Understanding causes helps prevention efforts exponentially. Numerous studies have linked hormonal fluctuations to acne onset primarily during the puberty period; however, stress has also been correlated with aggravated outbreaks, according to research. Other factors, such as a diet high in sugars and fats, are also seen to contribute to acne.

In tackling treatment routes, there exist several paths one might consider walking down upon: Over-the-counter products containing Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid offer some reprieve for mild cases, but more severe instances warrant consultation from healthcare providers who can prescribe stronger gel-based medications featuring Retinoids proven effective against inflammations clinically tested across various controlled trials including those showcased through Harvard Medical School find themselves featured within subsequent resources alongside input gathered collectively from experts throughout their glowing field.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Neutrogena Oil Balancing Facial Wash

Also Great: Acnecide Wash, 5% Gel

Best Natural Face Wash For Acne: Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

Best Antibacterial Face Wash For Acne: Quinoderm Antibacterial Face Wash

Best Gel Face Wash: Zinplex Facial Wash & Treatment Gel Combo

Best For Combination Skin: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Best For Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Best For Dry Acne-Prone Skin:  CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Best For Cystic Acne: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Best For Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Best For Pregnancy Acne: Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser

Best For Acne Scar: Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser

Best Drugstore Face Wash: Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Cleanser

Best For Deep Pore Cleansing: Biore Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser

Best Post Procedure: Dr. Loretta's Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Neutrogena Oil Balancing Facial Wash

Neutrogena oil balancing facial wash is a skincare solution formed to address the needs of those with oily or combination skin types. Neutrogena Oil Balancing Facial Wash is created with lime and aloe vera, natural ingredients known for their oil-balancing properties. As it deeply cleanses the pores, its microclear technology removes excess sebum and impurities on your facial surface. It costs £6.19 and has a customer rating of 5/5.

Acnecide Wash 5% Gel

Acnecide wash orchestrates an effective intervention for mild facial acne. Within its components, Acnecide Wash, 5% Gel generously harbors a clinically verified concentration of benzoyl peroxide at 5%, renowned for its power in obliterating up to an impressive feat of eliminating approximately 95% bacteria inflicting unsightly spots. It has a customer rating of 4.6/5 and costs £8.60.

Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash

Simple kind to skin refreshing facial wash gel 150ml is a delicacy for those searching for an effective yet gentle face wash. Its unique blend includes Pro-Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E, renowned for their hydrating benefits that leave the skin soft to the touch. This product eschews harsh chemicals, artificial perfumes, or dyes, catering even to sensitive skin thanks to its mild composition. Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel costs £3.74 and is rated 5/5.

Quinoderm Antibacterial Face Wash

Quinoderm Antibacterial Face Wash, designed like soap for easy application, is specifically for spot-prone skin. Its formulation boasts 0.15% chlorhexidine digluconate and 1.5% cetrimonium bromide, eliminating excess facial oil, grease, and dirt, leaving the skin refreshed and healthy-looking. Quinoderm Antibacterial Face Wash’s antibacterial properties target bacteria associated with acne and other types of spots. It is rated 4.6/5 and costs £3.60.

Zinplex Facial Wash & Treatment Gel Combo

With a rating of 5/5 and a price of £11.00, The Zinplex Facial Wash & Treatment Gel Combo presents a two-step skincare regimen aimed at cleansing, toning, and moisturizing the skin. This combo encompasses the Zinplex Facial Wash - a gentle cleanser designed to remove grime and oils without disrupting natural moisture balance; and the Zinplex Facial Treatment gel for intensive post-cleansing care. It harnesses naturally derived ingredients like tea tree oil, zinc, and aloe vera, providing soothing effects while ensuring cleanliness.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is a solution that deep cleans, minimizes pore appearance, and balances skin. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is exceptionally suitable for sensitivity to oily skin types and effectively removes dirt, excess oils, impurities, and pollution microparticles. Its hypoallergenic formula, free of parabens and sulfates, makes it safe even for the most sensitive skin. The typical price is £9.56 for 16 fl oz, with a rating of 4.4/5.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is a top-rated acne facial cleanser that eliminates excess oil and aids in clearing up breakouts. It's formulated with 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to expel impurities without irritating the skin through harsh scrub particles. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is also superb in removing surface oils (up to 47%), and it contains glycerin, which moisturizes and restores the skin, countering any drying effects typical of other acne treatments. It has a customer rating of 4.5/5, and the price is £13.55 per item.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a daily skincare enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. It effectively removes makeup and impurities while providing 24-hour hydration for non-greasy skin. Its adaptable use caters to face/body cleansing routines and hand-washing needs. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser has a customer rating of 4.7/5 and costs £10.36.

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide 

PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Maximum Strength Acne Foaming Wash is an acne treatment solution suitable for both face and body. With a price of £7.81 and a customer rating of 4.6/5, PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash contains the highest amount of benzoyl peroxide one can find without a prescription, making it an efficient daily cleanser that functions to clear inflammatory acne rapidly while killing over 99% of spot-causing bacteria in just 15 seconds.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is an effective solution designed for sensitive skin. It offers gentle cleansing of dirt, oil, and makeup without drying the skin, making it ideal for everyday use. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser avoids common chemical irritants and harsh agents; it is free from betaine, gluten, soap, and botanical extracts, as well as sulfates, dyes, fragrances, masking fragrances, lanolin parabens, plus formaldehyde releasers. Costs  £9.96 and has a customer rating of 4.7/5.

Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser 

Glytone mild gel cleanser, rich in AHAs and glycolic acid, is adept at exfoliating the complexion and removing impurities. It effectively diminishes dead skin cells to resurface your complexion while promoting cellular regeneration. Consequently, Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser leaves skin with balanced pH levels and a radiant glow. It costs £28.70 and has a customer rating of 4.5/5.

Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser

Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser is a sulfate-free facial cleanser that diligently removes dirt, oil, makeup, and other debris. It contains Vitamin C, which is well known for boosting skin radiance. This vitamin promotes a healthy glow in the complexion while supporting an even skin tone and balancing the skin's pH. Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser enjoys an impressive rating of 4.7/5 from users on various platforms and has a price of £13.51.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Cleanser

Neutrogena offers this 9.1 fluid-ounce acne cleanser packed with salicylic acid for effective combat and skin cleansing. Its formula, engineered to cleanse deep into pores while preventing future breakouts through embedded active agents, combines comfort and functionality in an oil-free texture that avoids clogging pores. Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Cleanser is highly rated across platforms at a solid 4.6 out of five stars – proof of its trusted efficacy amongst global skincare enthusiasts. It costs £14.14.

Biore Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser

Packed with natural charcoal, Biore Charcoal Acne Daily Cleanser is curated to eradicate impurities and manage oil production in the skin. It leverages 1% salicylic acid along with Biore's Skin Purifying technology for effectively clearing pores and deterring the formation of new acne blemishes. It has a customer rating of 3.8/5, and the price is £10.76 for 11.45 fl oz.

Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Enriched with a sulfate-free formula, Dr. Loretta's Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, removes makeup and impurities while preserving the skin's natural oils. Suitable for normal to dry sensitive or post-procedure skin. It costs £31.89 and has a rating of 4.8/5.

Summary

Acne is a widespread skin condition defined by prominent dermatologists as inflammation resulting from oil-trapped pores infected with bacteria. It drastically affects self-esteem and overall quality of life, with causes varying from hormonal fluctuations, notably during puberty and stress-related factors, to a diet high in sugars and fats. Various treatment paths include over-the-counter products for mild cases or prescribed gel-based medications featuring Retinoids for severe conditions that have proven effective in numerous clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which face wash is best for acne problems?

 Neutrogena Oil Balancing Facial Wash has proven effective for acne problems.

Which face wash is strong for pimples?

Acnecide Wash, 5% Gel acts robustly on pimples

What is the best face wash, according to a dermatologist?

Dermatologists say Zinplex Facial Wash & Treatment Gel Combo is often a top choice.

Which is the best face wash in the world?

The "best face wash in the world" status varies among individuals and skin types; however, Neutrogena Oil Balancing Facial Wash consistently receives high praise globally.