The 14 Best Acne Face Washes Derms Actually Recommend

As you shop for acne treatments, you’ll notice that most cleansers contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, two powerful ingredients that ensure your breakouts don’t return.

“Some key ingredients to look for in an acne wash include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur. Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur help reduce acne-fighting bacteria, while salicylic acid, as a beta-hydroxy acid, is especially good to help get rid of dead skin cell buildup, unclog the pores, and reduce excess oil,” Dr. Garshick explains. If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Garshick advises using a gentle cleanser, especially if your skincare routine contains strong ingredients. “When it comes to treating acne, it is important to not use too many active ingredients, unless your skin can tolerate it, to minimize the potential for dryness and irritation,” she adds.

Good news: double-cleansing works for all skin types. The trick is finding a formula that suits your specific skin needs. For acne-prone skin, “it can be helpful in some cases to ensure the proper removal of makeup and excess oil, which can be especially important in those with acne-prone skin,” Dr. Garshick says. If your skin is on the oily/combo side, Dr. Garshick says to look for cleansers “that are considered non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores.”

Double-cleansing with acne-prone skin isn’t as scary as you may think. “To double cleanse, you can start with an oil-based cleanser, cleansing oil, or a cleansing balm and then follow with a water-based cleanser. It is especially important that the first step of a double cleanse won’t worsen breakouts in those with acne-prone skin, “Dr. Garshick says.

“It is normal for people to experience occasional breakouts. For this reason, it is something that we try to manage with various treatment options. Also, it’s important to remember that just because something worked for one type of breakout, doesn’t mean it will work for another,” Dr. Garshick says. There’s no permanent cure-all for acne, but with the proper treatments, breakouts can be reduced.

Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.