Acne cleanser (salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide wash)
A face or body wash that contains an acne-fighting ingredient, usually salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, that is rinsed off after a short time.
Why it helps
Salicylic acid helps unclog pores by slowing the buildup of dead cells inside them. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and calms inflammation. A wash is a lower-strength way to start, and it works well on the chest and back.
Look for
- Salicylic acid (about 0.5% to 2%) or benzoyl peroxide (about 2.5% to 5%) listed as the active ingredient
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free
- Labeled non-comedogenic
- Fresh product, since benzoyl peroxide breaks down after long storage
Avoid
- Scrubbing beads or brushes
- Using two different acne washes and leave-ons together without guidance
- Letting benzoyl peroxide touch towels, pillowcases, or colored clothes while wet
Caution
Benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric and both ingredients can dry or sting, so start slowly, and ask a clinician first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and want to use salicylic acid.
Worth asking a clinician about
If acne is deep, painful, scarring, or not improving after a couple of months, prescription treatments are available and worth asking about.
Sources
Products
CeraVe
Acne Control Cleanser
Price: medium price · For face
A gel-to-foam face wash with 2% salicylic acid, plus ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
- Salicylic acid
- Ceramides
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Non-comedogenic (brand)
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Price: medium price · For face
A rinse-off gel face wash with 2% salicylic acid, made without fragrance or oil.
- Fragrance free
- Oil free
- Paraben free
- Salicylic acid
- Non-comedogenic (brand)
Neutrogena
Oil-Free Acne Wash, Fragrance Free
Price: low price · For face
A rinse-off face wash with 2% salicylic acid in a fragrance-free, oil-free formula.
- Fragrance free
- Oil free
- Salicylic acid
Differin
5% Benzoyl Peroxide Daily Deep Cleanser
Price: medium price · For face
A rinse-off face wash with 5% benzoyl peroxide in a glycerin-containing formula.
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Glycerin
PanOxyl
Acne Foaming Wash
Price: medium price · Face and body
A rinse-off foaming wash with benzoyl peroxide, for use on the face, chest, and back.
- Benzoyl peroxide
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.