Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?
If you’re in the market for a new cleanser, Dr. Chang recommends two powerhouse ingredients: salicylic acid, a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that “goes deep into the pores to clear them from excess oil and dirt,” and benzoyl peroxide, which helps prevent inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Milder ingredients include tea tree oil or antioxidant-rich green tea, which also provide skin-soothing benefits (essential for reactive, acne-prone skin).
Note: Face washes marketed for acne-prone skin can help with blemishes, but Dr. Kim keeps it real, saying they’re not the most critical part of an acne routine since they’re rinsed off. The real heavy lifting comes from more intensive spot treatments and other leave-on products.
What if I’m on an acne prescription?
Dr. Kim knows acne firsthand—he went through two rounds of Accutane himself, which now shapes how he guides patients through prescription treatments. He’s a firm believer that if you’re on a solid topical or oral prescription regimen, you can use just about any cleanser—even one that’s not acne-specific. That said, he notes, “If a patient has very mild acne and is only using over-the-counter treatments, adding an acne-focused cleanser can be helpful.”
So, I used a cleanser…now what?
As for follow-up tips, always apply any acne medications immediately after cleansing to allow the active ingredients to work their magic, which Dr. Chang says can take up to 6 to 12 weeks of continued daily use. And never forget to moisturize. Rather than clogging your pores, a lightweight cream will ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected, especially if you’re using a drying topical medication. Additionally, Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends avoiding layering retinoids, as well as products that contain fragrance and alcohol, on top of acid-laced cleansers, as these pairings can lead to dryness and irritation.
Meet the experts
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California
- Noëlle S. Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC
- Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best face washes for acne, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: formula, which acne concerns are targeted (whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, etc.), skin type, price point, and efficacy. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
