The 15 Best Acne Products Recommended by Dermatologists, Experts and PureWow Editors

This is not your average makeup remover that’ll leave your skin feeling stripped, raw and irritated. Bioderma’s micellar water cleanses your skin of any impurities, whether that be from everyday pollutants or residual makeup, helping to clear out clogged pores and remove any oil buildup. And did we mention that it’s formulated with a cooling cucumber extract that will help soothe red, inflamed skin? That and it’s approved by Dr. Racanelli as an effective and gentle cleanser for acne-prone skin because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or ingredients often found in many popular makeup removers. To use, simply soak a cotton pad with the solution and swipe it over your face and eyes until clean.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, glycerides
• Skin Types: sensitive skin, intolerant skin, allergy-prone skin

The High School Musical alum and 34-year-old actress Vanessa Hudgens knows a thing or two about acne. She’s been open about her struggle with adult acne in the media and mentioned that she’s found refuge in clay masks to fight blemishes and prevent breakouts.” As she explains, “Rather than sell you an entire product line, I wanted to make simple, effective, and elegant solutions that can slot seamlessly into your existing routine!” Her go-to mask pulls out oils and impurities without stripping the skin of moisture. After applying a thin layer to their face, many reviewers reported feeling a slight tingling effect, but no need to fret, as this is the active ingredients—bentonite clay, lactic acid and Canadian colloidal clay—at work. If you tend to experience inflammation or redness because of your acne, Hudgens thoughtfully added giant sea kelp and cucumber extract to calm any irritation.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: Canadian colloidal clay, bentonite clay, lactic acid
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Meet our favorite multi-purpose vitamin C serum on the market created by Gronich: Clearstem’s Clearity. With the perfect trifecta of ingredients (AHA mandelic acid serum, vitamin C and turmeric), this blackhead dissolver penetrates skin and gently exfoliates your pores, ‘dissolving’ any excess oil, as Clearstem claims. In addition to unclogging pores, it also works to brighten skin, smooth texture and improve the appearance of acne scars, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of the tumeric. Associate fashion commerce editor Stephanie Meraz swears by this serum to keep acne at bay. “As someone who’s recently dealt with a bout of adult acne flare-ups, I’ve had to reassess my skincare regimen, so when I started to consistently use Clearity, I began to experience fewer breakouts, even around my period when I normally get cystic acne. It feels refreshing when I apply it to my skin.” Gronich also notes that it doesn’t contain pore-cloggers in its formula, so it can be used on all skin types. For the blend to work properly, you’ll want to apply a thin layer over bare skin and let it sit for a minimum of ten minutes before following up with the rest of your skincare products.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: AHA mandelic acid, vitamin C, turmeric
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Allow us to introduce you to the medicated cleanser that goes the extra mile for acne-prone skin. Recommended by Dr. Racanelli, this cleanser boasts 2% salicylic acid, a dermatologist-approved ingredient for those who have blemishes because it goes deep into the skin to treat the affected area. Unlike many gel cleansers on the market, this face wash doesn’t leave the skin feeling stripped of hydration and is ideal for oily skin, according to many reviewers, though most suggest you follow up with a moisturizer for good measure. The oil-free formula contains lipo-hydroxy acid, an exfoliating ingredient that can be used twice a day for oilier skin types to decrease excess sebum production. For those with combination or dry skin, we suggest consulting your dermatologist on the frequency of use, so as not to strip your face entirely from its healthy oil production.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid
• Skin Types: oily skin, sensitive skin, combination skin, dry skin

A device so nice we reviewed it twice. (No, seriously.) We can’t get enough of this relaxing red-light therapy treatment that helps kill bacteria that could be causing your breakouts. Massage your clean face with the wand using an upwards and outwards motion three times a week, letting the warm light depuff your skin and minimize acne inflammation as it glides over your skin. It has a 180-degree rotating head that makes it easy to maneuver along the curvatures of your face. Use it with the cooling aloe-vera-based activating Renew Complex Serum, or a serum of your choice, for a smooth glide. The wand uses a galvanic current to help your serums absorb into your skin more effectively than it would when applied with your hands. Whether you choose to store it in your medicine cabinet, throw it in your overnight bag or toss it in your purse to enjoy on a long car ride, the Solawave wand is incredibly compact, lightweight, and the most travel-friendly acne device on the market.

Fast Facts

• Standout Technologies: red-light therapy, galvanic current, therapeutic warmth
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

For occasional breakouts or those annoying whiteheads that seem to sprout up overnight, try sticking a Mighty Patch over the spots. Each patch is made with 100% medical-grade hydrocolloid that absorbs the gunk inside your pimple in as little as six to eight hours. The pack features six of the best-selling original patches and six of the invisible+ patches that won’t budge and seamlessly blend into any skin tone without a hitch. If you have a habit of picking at your pimples, these patches are a PureWow editor favorite for preventing acne scarring, redness and infection.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredient: 100% medical-grade hydrocolloid
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

OK, your pimple finally subsided, but you’re now having to deal with the annoying aftermath of it all. Enter: CeraVe’s resurfacing retinol serum. From scarring to red marks that make it look like the pimple never left ‘ya, this potent blend purportedly speeds up skin renewal to improve the texture and brightness. While retinol is known to be one of the best ingredients for acne-prone skin, it also has the tendency to cause irritation for some, which is why this serum was formulated with encapsulated retinol, which can be gentler on sensitive skin types. Basically, the vitamin A derivative is protected by a lipid so it’s able to sink into your skin without being in direct contact with the surface layers, so you’re less likely to experience its harsh drying effects. Soothing and brightening ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides and licorice root are added to balance things out, restore your skin’s texture, maintain its moisture barrier and improve its overall appearance. This everyday retinol serum is developed by dermatologists and happens to be Dr. Racanelli’s top pick for sensitive skin but be sure to follow the instructions. Some discomfort may occur for first-time retinol users, so Dr. Racanelli suggests using it sparingly (tk time a week to start) to allow your skin time to adjust.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredient: retinol
• Skin Types: sensitive skin

Sometimes convenience is key when treating acne-prone skin. First Aid Beauty’s Facial Radiance Pads are quick and effective, according to hundreds of reviewers. Each jar contains 60 thin pads that are saturated in a blend of non-irritating botanical extracts like aloe, licorice root, lemon peel, cucumber and Indian gooseberry, which target inflammation and hyperpigmentation. And that’s not all. Each small-but-mighty-pad features green tea extract, a natural ingredient that is known to decrease oil production when used consistently. Oh, and it’s got the stamp of approval from our expert dermatologist, Dr. Racanelli. For best results, swipe one pad across your clean face and neck, morning and night before applying serums, moisturizer and sunscreen.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredient: aloe, green tea
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

If you’re regularly using retinols and exfoliants to treat your acne, you’re going to need a stellar moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent your oil glands from overcompensating. We love the Hydraglow moisturizer because it boasts immediate topical benefits—like soft, plump and smooth-looking skin—and it has invisible advantages that continue to work after you wash it off. The brand claims that the formula can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines with consistent use. “I’ve been using this for over half a year and my skin’s texture and moisture level has improved drastically. I’ve received a lot of compliments from friends and family, and I can only assume it's because of this gem,” says Meraz, who uses the moisturizer morning and night. “And a little goes a long way here. I like to use a nickel-size amount since the creamy texture blends like butter into the entirety of my skin.” With a blend of plant stem cells, bakuchiol and squalane, you can think of this as an antioxidant-packed superfood for your skin.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredient: bakuchiol (a natural alternative to retinol), squalane
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

This cult-favorite skincare brand knows how to pack a mean punch against acne. We can’t go anywhere without our Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peels, but the real acne MVP is none other than the Alpha Beta watery serum. With AHAs, BHAs, farnesol, prickly pear and more, you can think of this as your secret weapon to achieving clear skin. If you’re looking to eliminate bacteria buildup and expunge the gunk from your pores, this serum is for you. The non-drying formula has even gone through Dr. Gross’s extensive clinical-graded trail, in which 81 percent of participants saw improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, no doubt due to adipic acid which binds to the skin to smooth and fill textured spots. The subjects also reported improvement in their pores after consistent use over a few days. While there’s no topical treatment on the market that will shrink your pores, we can, however, minimize the appearance of them temporarily, which is precisely what this serum does.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredient: AHAs and BHAs
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Sometimes less is more. Having multiple serums, exfoliants and creams may not be in your wheelhouse or price-range, and that’s more than OK. The TikTok viral Peace Out Acne Serum is a fast-acting treatment that boasts seven benefits in one pastel peach bottle. In a nutshell, it targets acne, decongests pores, soothes irritation, hydrates skin, improves texture, brightens dark spots and prevents new breakouts from forming. For a multi-purpose acne product, this lightweight serum has all the effective ingredients you want for the best care, from oil-targeting performers like zinc and 2% salicylic acid to brightening and replenishing key-players like vitamin C and niacinamide. The silicone- and fragrance-free serum has a thin, watery consistency to it, making it ideal for all skin types. For best results, apply one to two pumps on a dry, clean face and neck, morning and night, or before a pimple patch (the “dream team” combo, according to TikTok). Make sure to also lather on a moisturizer (or a SPF if it’s daytime) and you’re good to go.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Listen up, people! Dermalogica’s latest launch claims to stop cystic acne in its tracks. Yeah, you heard right. Basically, it’s a liquid-to-patch spot treatment that forms a semi-permeable barrier that protects the infected area from absorbing more bacteria and environmental stressors all while cleaning out the pus. (Great news: Expecting mamas can use it throughout their pregnancy, too.) The concentrated spot treatment is sulfur-based and features 4% niacinamide to aid in the healing process over time, while preventing cystic acne from getting worse. Unlike traditional patches that are often confined to a small circumference, this one applies freely like a liquid, making it customizable to any sized breakout. When you feel a deep pimple coming on, use the needle-point applicator to control where the treatment is applied and use your finger to dab it into your skin until it’s completely invisible. Mark our words: This product is one to watch.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: 5% colloidal sulfur, niacinamide
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Looking for a fast-acting face mask? The Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask is at the top of our beauty lineup always, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. It applies as a thick gel and quickly oxygenates to a weightless foam by the end of the five minutes that can be easily wiped away with a washcloth. The majority of reviewers get a kick out of the foaming effect, noting how it feels like the gentle gel penetrates deep into the layers of the skin with each micro burst. After you wash off the foam, you may notice that your skin is feels silky smooth and bright. That’s because it’s made with vitamin C, squalane and almond oil, all of which brighten, moisturize and nourish dehydrated skin. According to dermatologists, the purifying mask is a no-brainer buy that goes beyond the confines of the face and neck. “This is my favorite all around, multi-purpose treatment,” says Dr. Angela Lamb. “It can function as a rejuvenating mask in the shower, a shaving cream or an add-on to help give you that wonderful glow from the vitamin C.” In fact, the co-founders of the brand, Matthew and Andrew, prefer to use it when shaving to soften the hair follicles and after a long flight to replenish dehydrated skin.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: squalane, vitamin C and E
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, this broad-spectrum SPF 40 doesn’t just provide you with ample protection, it also improves your skin’s overall texture, thanks to the ceramides and peptides in it. ICYDK, ceramides live in the outer layers of your skin and play a crucial role in the skin’s renewal process, but they unfortunately diminish with age. In a study conducted by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, it was found that ceramide-containing products and moisturizers (like this SPF) can complement acne therapies, as it restores dry, irritated skin (one of the main drivers of those annoying pimples). And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, this silicone-free sunscreen went absolutely viral on TikTok, garnering over 123 million views after Hailey Bieber was seen slathering her face in it. Naturally, we had to put it to the test, too, and we were surprised by the results. The creamy blend goes on with a peachy tint to balance out the natural white cast of the zinc-based SPF. We found it to be non-clogging, slightly blurring and an incredibly natural base for makeup.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: zinc oxide, ceramides
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin

• Promising Review: “For about a month and a half to two months I been suffering with perioral dermatitis and it has been rough and taking over lower half of my face…I kept reading on Reddit about this product praising it, so finally I gave in. It’s been one day—I got it yesterday [and] used it that night and the pustules were all dried up [and] the redness was almost completely gone. I was flaking in the areas most affected quite a bit, but I will take it. I know the price tag is a bit intimidating but it’s worth every penny. Also make sure (before using) you shake it and/or roll the tub in between the palms of your hands a bit to combine the ingredient separation.” — Mar., Avene Amazon reviewer

When it comes to skincare, the French know a thing or two. When we chatted with our French expert and Yolaine Paris founder Camille Yolaine a few months back, she mentioned that Avène is a French makeup bag staple. The brand’s scar gel utilizes their famous thermal water, which calms damaged skin, as well as hyaluronic acid and “C+ - Restore,” the brand’s naturally derived ingredient that helps replenish the skin barrier with essential proteins. Now we know we should always buy silicone-free shampoos, but did you know that silicones have been proven to heal scars and wounds? Basically, silicones create a thick, protective barrier that allows the spot to heal and breath. Be careful not to use the gel on existing blemishes though, as this can trap oil or dirt in your pores. For best results, apply the gel sparingly only after your breakout has fully healed. Hot tip: Silicones are water repellent, so if you have acne- or oily-prone skin, make sure to double cleanse the following day to remove any residue.

Fast Facts

• Active Ingredients: C+ - Restore, Avène thermal water, silicones, hyaluronic acid
• Skin Types: acne-prone skin, combination skin, dry skin, mature skin, normal skin, oily skin, sensitive skin