Around 95% of adults have struggled with acne to some degree in their life and 1 in 20 women experience acne as an adult (1 in 100 men). While common, spots, blemishes, cystic acne, hormonal acne or even residual acne scars can cause discomfort and can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem. Feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-worth or isolation are more common in those that suffer with recurrent acne.
There are many factors that can contribute to facial acne, including lifestyle, diet and hormones. On way you can improve the appearance of acne-prone skin is by choosing the right face cleanser. Environmental pollutants, unbalanced skin bacteria, a damaged skin barrier, clogged pores and excess oil can all worsen acne symptoms. We’ve curated a list of the most beloved anti-acne cleansers that clarify without leaving your skin dry or tight.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- Exploring the top 4 cleansers for acne-prone skin
The most effective blemish-fighting skincare from CeraVe to The Inkey List
- Skincare ingredients to include in a face wash for acne?
Salicylic acid, niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide: staples in any anti-acne routine
- Cleansing tips for acne-prone skin
Avoid drying your skin – follow our expert tips for acne-prone skin
-
Matching your skin type to a clarifying cleanser
Discover the perfect acne face wash no matter your complexion
Exploring the Top 4 Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin
There are so many cleansers on the market, it can be difficult to decipher which one is right for you and whether cult skincare classics are worth your investment. We’ve shortlisted our favourite blemish-fighting cleansers, exploring why they might be worth a try.
1. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
Adored by gel cleanser advocates, there’s no denying the CeraVe SA smoothing cleanser is a holy grail for those with breakout-prone skin. It’s formulated with three essential ceramides, salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. It also doesn’t contain fragrance or sulphates; this face wash purifies without leaving the skin feeling stripped.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: Acne, clogged pores, texture, acne scars, blemishes
2. CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
Similarly to the smoothing cleanser, this CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser targets acne-causing bacteria with salicylic acid, but also reduces shine with niacinamide. Don’t worry about dehydration with this one as it contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides for that all-important barrier support.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: Acne, excessive oil, clogged pores
3. The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
If you’re looking for a gentle anti-acne cleanser that doesn’t overcomplicate your routine, try the Salicylic Acid Cleanser from the Inkey List. It contains zinc which is helpful for healing active spots and even tackles fungal acne. Skin-loving glycerin helps avoid that dry, tight feeling.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: Recurrent acne, scars & marks, clogged pores, excessive oil and active spots
4. Acnaut Oxy Wash Cleansing Gel
One of the favourite protocols for teenage skin is Biotrade’s Acnaut. Their range of innovative spot-busting products are changing the game for customers. The Oxy Wash Cleansing Gel is not different. It uses oxygenation technology to speed up recovery and heal active spots. Lactic acid also helps to gently unclog pores, fade scars and limit bacterial growth. The formula is free from sulphates, parabens and fragrances.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: acne, acne scars, active spots, blemishes, excessive oiliness, combination skin.
What Skincare Ingredients to Include in a Cleanser for Acne?
You’ll frequently encounter salicylic acid when shopping around for the best clarifying cleanser. This is because it kills bacteria, un-clogs pores, exfoliates texture and reduces shine. There are other less well-known actives for treating spots. Explore these below:
- Niacinamide: versatile and well-tolerated, this active ingredient reduces pigmentation, brightens, minimises pores and controls sebum production.
- Zinc: this mineral can speed up wound healing, which includes active spots. Zinc oxide reduces inflammation and redness.
- Lactic acid: more gentle than salicylic acid, lactic acid helps to lift dead skin cells but also creates an environment where acne-causing bacteria can’t thrive.
- Glycolic acid: similarly to lactic acid, glycolic acid gently resurfaces the skin, unclogs pores and fights bacteria.
- Rosehip: naturally clarifying, rosehip works by reducing inflammation and rebalancing the skin’s sebum.
- Tea tree oil: this ingredient is known for killing microbes that cause acne and reduces inflammation and redness.
- Sulphur soap: also known for killing bad bacteria sulphur soap is commonly used in acne treatment, although it can be very drying.
- Benzoyl peroxide: this is a strong active that fights bacterial growth. It can be drying and can bleach clothes so be careful when using products containing it.
Three Things to Avoid if you Have Acne-Prone Skin
We’ve outlined the ingredients to look for in your acne cleanser but here are some things you should be wary of, especially if you have clog-prone skin or fungal acne.
- Oils and fats: These are usually the culprits for pore clogging and exacerbating fungal acne. Although there are some non-comedogenic options such as grapeseed oil or jojoba oil, oils feed fungal acne. If you struggle with this, choose oil-free moisturisers.
- Comedogenic ingredients: Uufortunately, many skincare products contain pore-clogging ingredients, especially moisturisers. Check your ingredients label before buying a new skincare product, even some cleansers can clog pores.
- Sulphates: These are powerful surfactants which can be helpful for removing oil and killing off bacteria but they strip the skin, causing it to produce excess oil to compensate.
- Fragrance: It may go without saying but fragrances can be a culprit for unnecessary irritation and even cause breakouts. Natural essential oils can also cause sensitivity.
Cleansing Tips for Acne-Prone Skin
- Don't use hot water
- Massage your cleanser for 30-60 seconds for a deeper clean
- Pat your face dry with a clean towel
- Follow-up with a hydrating serum and non-comedogenic moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp
- Wear SPF during the day, especially if you’re using exfoliating acids or retinol
Matching your Skin Type to a Clarifying Face Wash
There’s no one size that fits all when it comes to skincare, so here is our handy guide on how to fight acne, no matter your skin type.
Oily skin: Cleansing gels with salicylic acid are your best friend. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser has it all. Alternatively, the Skingredients Sally Cleanse is a potent alternative for stubborn spots.
Dry skin: It’s more difficult to shop for a clarifying cleanser for dry skin but cream cleansers may be your go-to here. Skingredients have an AHA cream cleanser which can help treat those pesky pimples.
Combination skin: The key with combination skin is to achieve balance so include hydration and exfoliation into your cleanser. The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser or the Ella & Jo Brighten & Glow are two great hydrating options.
Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, you’ll need a product without fragrance, or sulphates. Anything from CeraVe would be suitable, otherwise the Inkey List salicylic acid cleanser is a great alternative.
Common Side Effects and How to Mitigate Them
Acne-fighting face washes are a blessing and a curse. They often work by drying out spots and creating a hostile environment for bad bacteria to grow. Unfortunately, this can put your skin off kilter too, leading to dryness, irritation and a compromised moisture barrier. Here are some of the signs that you may need to change up your acne treatment.
- Your skin feels super tight after cleansing and treating spots
- You have dry patches or flaky skin
- You have itchy patches or heightened sensitivity
- Your skin has a lacklustre tone
- Excessive greasiness, especially in the T-zone
What should you do if any of the above apply?
Reduce the frequency of using acne treatment and see if this helps your skin recover. If not, you can stop your current routine altogether for a few days and see the result. You may need to find a balanced routine that doesn’t strip your skin.
If your current products are to blame, it might be time to swap it out for a gentle purifying cleanser. Explore our curated list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use an acne cleanser?
You can easily overuse an acne cleanser. Most people find that using one every other day keeps the breakouts at bay without drying the skin. Alternate between a hydrating and exfoliating cleanser.
Can cleansers help with acne scars and pigmentation?
Resurfacing ingredients like acids and retinol directly reduce the appearance of scars, blemishes and pigmentation. However, vitamin C, liquorice root extract and niacinamide also help even skin tone.
Should I skip moisturiser if I have acne-prone skin?
Absolutely not! You should always follow your cleansing routine with a moisturiser to replenish hydration and lock in any moisture you’ve added. Oily and acne-prone skin can be exacerbated by dehydration so it’s even more crucial to moisturise, especially if you use drying spot treatments.
Can using the wrong cleanser worsen acne?
There are no right or wrong cleansers but some will work better for you than others. Cleansers with oils or comedogenic ingredients can worsen acne, especially if you have clog-prone skin or fungal acne. Harsh surfactants or strong acids can worsen acne in dry or sensitive complexions. It’s all about understanding your skin’s needs.
