The Best Face Wash for Acne for Every Skin Type, Based on Our Testing

Best Overall

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

$18 $16 at Amazon $13 at Target $17 at CVS

Why We Like It

CeraVe's Hydrating Cream Cleanser earns our top spot as the best overall acne face wash. Esteemed by dermatologists, it effectively removes dirt and makeup while preserving essential skin oils. It's an affordable, readily available option suitable for various skin concerns, and it avoids unnecessary additives like fragrances and harsh chemicals and we liked its daily usability.

When we dispensed the product, we found it effortless, with a single pump delivering the perfect amount. Its creamy, jelly-like consistency feels gentle and strikes a balance between thickness and lightness, resulting in a smooth, easily spreadable formula that provides a simple, even lather.

What's impressive is that this face wash is free from noticeable fragrance and irritation, which we appreciate. It efficiently removed makeup and grime in a single cleanse, rinsing cleanly without residue. It impressively cleanses while retaining our skin's natural moisture, leaving our face soft, hydrated, and refreshed. We loved how our skin felt after using it, our skin appeared clearer with minimized pores and enhanced evenness with a rejuvenated feel.

It’s Worth Noting

• While it effectively cleanses and hydrates the skin, it may not provide deep exfoliation for those looking to specifically target blackheads or stubborn acne.
  

Product Details: 

• Active Ingredients: 3 Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin
• Texture: Non-Foaming, Cream 
• Size: 12 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Dry Skin

Skinfix barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Cleanser

$30 at Sephora View on Skinfix.com $30 at Kohls.com

Why We Like It

If you have dry, acne-prone skin, the Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Cleanser is an excellent choice. This gentle gel cleanser effectively cleanses while hydrating and soothing the skin. Its pH-balanced formula retains lipids, preventing your face from feeling stripped or tight, while chamomile calms and strengthens the skin barrier over time. Our skin loved drinking up the added moisture this cleanser provided, especially as the weather transitioned into drier fall months.

This face wash removed all of our makeup and SPF at the end of the day, and it worked much better at getting every last bit off than others we've used in the past. Its light, gentle lather made our skin feel clean but never tight or dry, and it never irritated us or caused unexpected breakouts.

It's Worth Noting

• This bottle sometimes leaked, leaving a sticky mess on our bathroom counter.
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Patented B-L3 Complex, ectoin, chamomile
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 5 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Wash

$23 at Amazon $17 at Target $23 at CVS

Why We Like It

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Wash is specifically designed for individuals with oily skin. It contains zinc pidolate, which helps control oil production and prevents breakouts without excessively stripping the skin of its natural oils. After just one wash, our faces felt cleaner and smoother. Additionally, the cooling sensation during cleansing was appreciated by our very oily, acne-prone skin.

This cleanser produces a rich lather with just one pump and a small amount of water. It effectively reduced oiliness and breakouts, including blackheads, during the testing period, and we noticed fewer new breakouts soon after starting use. Despite targeting oily skin, it contains nourishing ingredients that didn’t trigger flare-ups on our eczema-prone hands, and it respects the skin's pH balance, minimizing irritation for sensitive skin.

It's Worth Noting

• This product is designed for oily skin but won't leave that tight feeling often associated with deep cleansing. This is beneficial, as it means your skin retains its natural oils.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Zinc pidolate, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 6.76 oz, 13.52 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Combination Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$15 at Amazon $18 at Target $18 at CVS

Why We Like It

La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a hydrating formula that proved to be a great daily cleanser for our combination skin. After each wash, our skin felt soft and nourished, never tight or dry. This face wash is enriched with nourishing ingredients such as ceramides and glycerin, which help the skin retain moisture.

It contains no harsh ingredients, yet it easily removes makeup and cleanses the skin. The creamy formula is lightweight and refreshing, and it was gentle enough to use morning and night. The tube packaging made washing our face simple: just squeeze out the required amount and lather up.

We appreciated that this face wash kept our skin clean and balanced without irritating drier patches or sensitive areas. It helps strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and maintain natural pH levels, ensuring it remains gentle and non-irritating.

It's Worth Noting

• Some users may find they need an additional cleansing step, like micellar water or an oil cleanser, to fully remove all residue.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Ceramide-3, glycerin, niacinamide, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water
• Texture: Cream
• Size: 1.69 oz, 6.76 oz, 13.52 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser

$32 at Amazon $32 at Sephora View on Theoutset.com

Why We Like It

The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser provides an ideal balance of gentle cleansing and nourishing hydration, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It's formulated with soothing chamomile, hydrating botanical alternatives to hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and protective antioxidant fruit extracts that cleanse while supporting the skin’s natural balance. After each use, our skin felt refreshed and thoroughly cleansed without any dryness or tightness. After several weeks of testing, we noticed visible improvements in skin texture and clarity. Our skin felt softer, pores appeared less congested, and there was a notable reduction in blackheads.

This cleanser effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities, leaving skin clean and soft. We mainly used it in the evenings and found it great for lifting stubborn makeup. Its unique clear gel consistency resembles aloe and becomes slightly sudsy when massaged. A few pumps spread easily on dry skin, and rinsing with a damp washcloth leaves skin smooth and hydrated. Even with regular use, it didn't cause breakouts or irritation, proving gentle enough for daily use. The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser lives up to its claims of being gentle yet effective, creating the perfect clean base for the rest of your sensitive skincare routine.

It's Worth Noting

• This has a gel-like texture, so if you have sensitive skin and prefer a milkier, hydrating cleanser, this may not be the right choice for you.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Micelles, Antioxidant Fruit Extract Blend, 7 Amino Blend
• Texture: Gel 
• Size: 5 oz
• Medicated: No 

Best for Acne Rosacea

EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser

View on Eltamd.com

Why We Like It

EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser is a foamy, hydrating face wash that won't irritate sensitive skin. This dense cleanser left our skin feeling healthy, soft, and moisturized. By the end of our testing, we also noticed reduced redness, making it ideal for those dealing with acne rosacea.

The large pump made it easy to dispense the right amount, and we were surprised that only one pump was needed to clean our entire face effectively. The foamy formula spreads across our skin very well and with little effort, never leaving filmy residue behind. It removed our light makeup and sunscreen easily and was gentle enough for our dry skin to use daily. Despite being so moisturizing, we never had any breakouts or irritation on our acne-prone skin.

It's Worth Noting

• If you wear a heavier face of makeup you may need to double cleanse.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Amino acid complex, lactylate, alkyl polyglycosides, bisabolol, ginger root extract
• Texture: Foam
• Size: 5 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Cystic Acne

Beauty Pie AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Cleanser

$35 at Beautypie.com

Why We Like It

Cystic acne causes painful, pus-filled blemishes deep beneath the skin, making treatment difficult. According to dermatologists, 2% salicylic acid is key for addressing this type of acne as it exfoliates the skin, promotes faster healing, and soothes inflammation. The Beauty Pie's AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid and a papaya enzyme complex that works to help clear cystic acne and unclog pores while brightening and smoothing the skin. This cleanser impressed us with its ability to deeply cleanse without irritating or drying the skin, which is essential for those with cystic acne.

It effectively removed dirt and oil while gently exfoliating, leaving our skin feeling refreshed and balanced, and it removed residual eye makeup without a separate remover. We found it gentle enough for daily use, and the mild, earthy scent was pleasant. We felt that this face wash helped reduce minor breakouts and worked well for routine exfoliation, especially when paired with a hydrating cleanser. We also love that this pick is designed to be used on both face and body.

It's Worth Noting

• This isn't the strongest exfoliator out there, so it may not fully decongest clogged pores compared to other options.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, C-X Papaya Enzyme Complex, Seboclear, Mallow extract, Oat extract
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 13.52 oz
• Medicated: Yes

Best for Eczema

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser

$31 $28 at Amazon $28 at Sephora View on Glowrecipe.com

Why We Like It

The Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser is full of nourishing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides that gently cleanse while supporting and protecting the skin barrier, making it an ideal face wash for eczema-prone skin. After use, our skin felt clean, soft, and replenished—without the dryness that can often follow washing.

This cleanser’s gentle, avocado-like creaminess felt incredibly hydrating and spread easily over the skin, yet it was light enough not to leave a heavy residue. The thick, creamy texture lathered up beautifully without being overly foamy, and we only needed a small “almond-sized” amount to get a deep, refreshing clean. We appreciated its ability to effectively remove makeup, even around sensitive areas like the eyes, without needing additional makeup remover. Despite its effectiveness, it was non-abrasive, making it suitable for daily use, which is essential for those with eczema-prone skin that needs extra care.

It's Worth Noting

• This face wash can sometimes irritate the eyes; if you wear eye makeup, consider using a different product for removal.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 1.69 oz, 5 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Teen Acne

Youth to The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

$39 at Amazon $39 $16 at Sephora $39 $16 at Nordstrom

Why We Like It

Teenage skin often battles hormonal changes that can lead to acne, oiliness, and sensitivity. The Youth to The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser addresses these concerns head-on, making it our pick for teens dealing with hormonal acne. The gentle, pH-balanced formula is packed with superfoods and antioxidants, and it effectively cleanses without stripping the skin, leaving it balanced and nourished. We observed a noticeable reduction in oiliness, especially in the T-zone, and fewer breakouts.

This gel-based cleanser has a refreshing texture that lathers well and spreads smoothly over the skin, requiring minimal product. Housed in a sleek glass bottle with a pump, it dispenses just the right amount—often only half a pump is enough for a full cleanse. It rinses off easily, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Its earthy, fresh-cut-grass scent may not be for everyone, but it feels invigorating, particularly in the morning. We recommend it as a gentle yet effective daily face wash for teens looking to manage acne and maintain healthy skin.

It's Worth Noting

• Some might find the earthy aroma unappealing, especially if they prefer unscented or lightly fragranced products.

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Kale, spinach, green tea, glycerin, Vitamin B5 + E
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 2 oz, 8 oz, 16.9 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Pregnancy Acne

Dr. Idriss Soft Wash Jelly Cleanser

View on Dridriss.com

Why We Like It

If you’re struggling with blemishes, sensitive skin, blackheads, and breakouts due to hormonal skin changes during pregnancy, you need a facial cleanser that can pamper and protect without potentially harmful ingredients such as retinoids and parabens. With its pH-balanced, oil-free, unscented formula and gentle cleansing properties, the Dr. Idriss Soft Wash Jelly Cleanser delivers a balanced clean without exacerbating the irritation that can sometimes come with pregnancy acne.

This cleanser had a unique jelly-like texture that felt creamy and gentle on the skin. Packaged in a sturdy squeeze tube, it was mess-free and easy to dispense. We only needed a small amount to fully cleanse our faces, and it left no residue behind, which we appreciated for a fresh, clean feel.

The lightweight but substantial texture effectively removed daily dirt and impurities, and it was gentle enough for our sensitive skin. This cleanser also helped streamline our routine, eliminating the need for a separate micellar water cleanse. It lived up to its claim of being non-irritating, as we experienced no dryness, tightness, or breakouts.

It’s Worth Noting

• While we would love a travel-size option or additional anti-redness properties, it performed well as an everyday cleanser,
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Poloxamer, decyl glucoside, glycerin, polyglyceryl
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 5.2 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Menopausal Acne

STĀS The Repair Face Bar

View on Stasskincare.com

Why We Like It

As skin ages, it becomes more fragile, loses elasticity, and becomes more prone to discoloration, changes in texture, and irritation—including acne. Acne is often linked to hormonal changes in adolescence, but these hormones can also cause breakouts during menopause.

The STĀS Repair Face Bar provides a gentle, nourishing cleanse with targeted benefits for mature, acne-prone skin. It includes green tea extract, which helps calm inflammation and reduce puffiness, while collagen, biotin, hydroxyproline, and ceramide 6 II work to smooth and support the skin barrier, reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving skin resilience. Even after daily use, the bar didn’t strip away moisture, leaving our skin feeling refreshed and balanced. The bar comes in simple, recyclable packaging and is shrink-wrapped for protection. Its compact, round design with a flat side makes it easy to store in the shower. It produces minimal lather but feels creamy and rich on the skin, effectively cleansing the face with just a small amount. The creamy texture is nourishing, rinsing off cleanly without leaving any residue, and its mild fragrance is pleasant but not overpowering.

One of the best features of this bar is its longevity; it shows minimal wear after multiple uses, making it more economical than many liquid cleansers. It’s particularly beneficial for those with menopausal skin, addressing both acne and dryness while leaving the skin smoother and healthier over time.

It’s Worth Noting

•  Its round shape, though compact, can easily slip out of your hands, so using a grippy soap dish is recommended to keep it in place.
  

Product Details:

• Active Ingredients: Collagen, ceramide 6 II, green tea extract, biotin, Vitamins B1, 2, 3, 9, 12 and E
• Texture: Bar
• Size: 3.5 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Eadem Dew Dream Cleansing Balm

$34 at Sephora View on Eadem.co View on Instacart.com

Why We Like It

With ingredients like moringa, known for its skin-brightening and fine line-reducing properties, the Eadem Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm is ideal for hyperpigmentation and dullness. Plus, the formula is designed with “Smart Melanin™ Technology,” which delivers the right ingredient dosage for skin of color—making it an excellent option for those seeking a brightening, nourishing cleanser that gently supports an even complexion.

This cleanser not only removed makeup and impurities effectively, but it also left our skin feeling hydrated and refreshed, without the stripped feeling some cleansers can leave behind. Unlike typical cleansing balms that can feel oily, this balm starts as a gel and transforms into a foamy lather, making it easy to spread across the face without any mess. The packaging includes a squeeze tube with a screw cap, allowing us to dispense the perfect amount without any spills. Its lightweight, gel-like texture rinsed off effortlessly, leaving no residue, even around the eyes.

We were impressed by how well it removed makeup; a quick follow-up test with micellar water showed no leftover traces of makeup or dirt, demonstrating the balm’s thorough cleansing power. After use, our skin felt clean and soft, and we didn’t need to double cleanse to achieve a fresh face. While it comes at a higher price point, the quality, hydrating feel, and effectiveness in cleansing made it stand out.

It’s Worth Noting

• Its high price for a small bottle makes it less budget-friendly for daily use compared to other cleansers that offer more product for less.
  

Product Details:

• Active Ingredients: Kalahari melon, moringa, allantoin, tiger grass
• Texture: Balm
• Size: 3.4 oz
• Medicated: No

Best for Blackhead Removal

Fenty Beauty Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub

View on Fentybeauty.com

Why We Like It

The Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub emerged as the top choice for effective blackhead removal in our tests. Staying true to its brand description, this scrub mimics the appearance and texture of cherry jam, boasting a vibrant purple-red hue that's visually appealing.

The texture is delightfully thick, akin to old-fashioned jam with seeds, adhering to the skin like putty for an effective exfoliation experience. As you massage it in, the scrub transforms from a sticky jam-like consistency to a soft creaminess. It's noncomedogenic and easy to apply evenly across the face, thanks to its sticky consistency. The gentle exfoliating sugar crystals are noticeable but not abrasive, leaving skin smooth and refreshed without any irritation. A subtle cherry scent enhances the experience without overwhelming the senses.

With consistent use, our skin's texture improved, becoming plump and well-hydrated. This scrub integrates seamlessly into a nightly skincare routine, offering a straightforward yet highly effective path to silky-smooth skin and a radiant complexion.

It’s Worth Noting

• While gentle, this face scrub contains physical exfoliants in the form of sugar crystals which may not be suitable for those with very sensitive or easily irritated skin.
  

Product Details

• Active Ingredients: Barbados cherry (Acerola), Cranberry, Pomegranate, Papaya, and Pineapple Enzymes, Caffeine, Sugar and Silica Exfoliants
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 3.4 oz
• Medicated: No
  

Best with Glycolic Acid

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

$39 at Dermstore $39 at Skinceuticals.com $39 at Skinstore.com

Why We Like It

Glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane, is a versatile solution for addressing both acne and signs of aging. We chose Skinceuticals Purifying Cleanser as our top choice among glycolic acid-infused face washes for those seeking hydration and acne control. In addition to cleansing, it also addresses signs of aging, such as pigmentation and wrinkles, through a blend of botanicals, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, and anti-aging beta hydroxy acids (BHAs).

This liquid gel cleanser transforms into a foamy texture when in contact with water. Its thin, gel-like consistency gave us a gentle yet thorough cleanse. It boasts a pleasing, clean scent without any overpowering fragrances. Skinceuticals' cleanser efficiently dissolves dirt and residue, leaving skin softer and less oily without causing dryness. A single wash was all we needed for a complete cleanse, and it rinsed off cleanly. Its water-based formula, a rare find among cleansers, proved to be both nourishing and cleansing. It effectively reduced oiliness and left skin feeling remarkably soft, cleansed, and hydrated.

It’s Worth Noting

• Glycolic and salicylic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so this wash is best used with sunscreen.
  

Product Details:

• Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Glycerin
• Texture: Gel
• Size: 6.8 oz
• Medicated: Yes

Best with Benzoyl Peroxide

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

$10 at Amazon $10 at Target $10 at Walmart

Why We Like It

If you need quick results fighting stubborn acne breakouts, dermatologists recommend 4% benzoyl peroxide, which can quickly eliminate acne and prevent new lesions from forming. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash is our pick if you're in need of a medicated face wash to target acne and breakouts. It's a potent acne-fighting solution containing 10% benzoyl peroxide, making it one of the highest concentrations available without a prescription.

We love that it has a fragrance-free formula, which reduces the risk of skin irritation for those with acne-prone skin. This foaming wash has a thick gel consistency with a creamy texture, making it gentle and easy to apply. It removed a full face of foundation in a single use and left our skin feeling clean and hydrated.

It’s Worth Noting

• It's important to be cautious when using this product daily, as the high concentration of Benzoyl peroxide may potentially strip the skin of moisture, so it may not be suitable for people with dry skin.
  

Product Details:

• Active Ingredients: 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
• Texture: Foaming cream
• Size: 5.5 oz
• Medicated: Yes

Best Drugstore

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

$16 $14 at Amazon $9 at Target $9 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser—a go-to brand for dermatologists—proves that you don’t have to leave the drugstore to get effective skincare for acne, eczema, and sensitive skin. Celebrated for its mild and effective cleansing properties, it's our pick for an affordable face wash for acne-prone skin due to its non-irritating, non-comedogenic, gentle formula that cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils and ensures that it doesn't clog pores, a key factor in preventing acne breakouts.

We loved the gel-like appearance but the lotion-like creaminess of this cleanser. This unique texture made for a gentle and spa-like experience, free from stickiness or thickness, and felt reminiscent of high-end moisturizing cream.

While we couldn't recall a strong scent, there may have been a subtle sweetness. Regardless, it didn't lead to any irritation and harmonized well with our skin. In terms of cleansing effectiveness, it left us with a refreshed and awakened look to our skin. It rinsed off easily with a few splashes of water, and after, our skin felt moisturized, reducing the need for additional lotion. This face wash delivers a clean, refreshed, and well-hydrated feeling. Its suitability for all skin types, including sensitive skin, makes it a versatile cleanser that can be integrated into any skincare routine aimed at managing and preventing acne.

It’s Worth Noting

• It's great for sensitive and acne-prone skin, but those with very oily skin might find it not strong enough to effectively reduce excess oiliness.
  

Product Details:

• Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Niacinamide, Vitamin B5
• Texture: Cream
• Size: 8 oz
• Medicated: No