Best face washes for acne-prone skin

When dealing with breakouts, a good skincare routine is vital to clear up your complexion. This should include an acne face wash – which can help unclog pores and prevent future spots.

Some of the key ingredients to look for in an acne-fighting cleanser are salicylic acid – a beta-hydroxy acid that tackles spot-causing debris – and benzoyl peroxide, a medication that works to kill bacteria in your pores.

It is also important to know which formula is best for your skin type. Those with sensitive skin should use a cleanser that won’t dry out the complexion or cause irritation, while oily skin needs something that can balance oil production.

To help you on your way to clear skin, we’ve selected the best acne face washes for every skin issue.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel

Best for: sensitive skin

When it comes to products for sensitive skin, the skincare experts at La Roche-Posay are on top of their game. This soluble gel cleanser, created with most skin types in mind, is soap and alcohol free, which means it won’t strip the skin of its own moisture. Infused with soothing thermal spring water, it gently purifies and removes access oil for a fresh and shine-free complexion. Work a small amount of the product into a lather and it will produce a gentle foam that applies smoothly on to the skin. There's hardly any smell either, so it shouldn't irritate those who are sensitive to fragrance.

£12, Look Fantastic, Buy it now

Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash

Best for: oily skin

Boots’ own-brand skincare range features something for every skin type, and this budget buy happens to work a treat on blemish-prone skin types. Formulated with tea tree and witch hazel, two ingredients which are both used widely in spot treatments, it claims to deeply cleanse and refresh the skin to keep it clear and healthy. Our favourite part about this foaming face wash is how gentle it feels on the face. It effectively lifts dirt, oil and makeup – which you can see coming off in the sink – without drying out the skin. The green-tinted product is dispensed through a pump bottle and instantly foams up as it is released.

£4.19, Boots, Buy it now

Murad Blemish Control Clarifying Cleanser

Best for: redness

This cleanser is part of Murad’s problem-solving Blemish Control range, developed by celebrity dermatologist, Dr. Murad. The powerful formula contains salicylic acid, which remains active for hours and works to address the common causes of acne (dirt, oil and irritants). It not only leaves the skin clean and prepped before any further treatments, but calms inflammation and reduces redness – thanks to the addition of Green Tea extract. We found its thick gel texture a little hard to work with at first, but soon adapted.

£17.55, John Lewis, Buy it now

Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam

Best for: all skin types

Clinique, with its fragrance-free promise, is a safe bet for the most sensitive skin. This mild cleanser from its 3-step Anti Blemish Solutions range is created from an anti-redness formulation that lightly hydrates the skin, leaving it smooth and touchably soft. Once applied, the lightweight foam quickly lifts oil and impurities while soothing the skin. The salicylic acid it contains helps create a barrier against further blemishes, which makes it perfect for anyone who suffers from regular breakouts.

£17.10, Look Fantastic, Buy it now

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser

Best for: combination skin

A blend of purifying charcoal, salicylic acid and brightening tomato extract, this detoxifying cleanser works to gently exfoliate to tackle congestion and balance the skin's pH. What's more, it has anti-ageing benefits that keep the complexion looking youthful. This one had the most dense texture – which made it feel more like an expensive spa treatment. No complaints!

£8.99, Superdrug, Buy it now

Verdict

Our top pick from this list has to be the Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel from La Roche-Posay. Suitable for most skin types, it works fast at removing a build-up of impurities and has a soothing effect that calms sensitive skin.