Best Acne Face Washes of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025

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For those struggling with acne-prone skin, finding the right face wash is crucial. There are many products on the market claiming to banish breakouts, but not all of them live up to the hype. These acne face washes have been recommended by dermatologists and have received positive reviews from users. They contain ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide to help fight acne-causing bacteria, as well as soothing and hydrating ingredients to prevent irritation and dryness. With regular use, these face washes can help improve the appearance and health of acne-prone skin.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Face Wash for Acne Cover #TOP 1
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Face Wash for Acne
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SVR SEBIACLEAR Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser Cover #TOP 2
SVR SEBIACLEAR Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Minimalist Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Oily Skin Cover #TOP 3
Minimalist Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Oily Skin
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Acne Face Washes

#TOP 1

Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Face Wash for Acne

200 ml (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Face Wash for Acne Cover
Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Face Wash (1x 200ml), Purifying Facial Wash for Acne-Prone Skin with Salicylic Acid and AHA/PHA, Fragrance-Free Face Wash for Spot-Prone Skin to Help Prevent Breakouts

The Neutrogena Clear & Defend+ Face Wash is specially formulated for acne and spot-prone skin. It works to improve the appearance of acne marks and enhances your skin's radiance within a week. With active ingredients like Salicylic Acid and a blend of AHA and PHA, it effectively cleanses and refines your complexion. This fragrance-free wash is easy to use—simply massage it onto your face and rinse, making it a convenient addition to your skincare routine.

What We Like
Effective for acne-prone skin
Fades acne marks quickly
Enhances skin radiance
Fragrance-free formulation
Easy to use
#TOP 2

SVR SEBIACLEAR Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser

SVR
3662361003402
Transparent
400 ml (Pack of 1)
SVR SEBIACLEAR Salicylic Acid Gel Cleanser Cover
SVR SEBIACLEAR Salicylic Acid Face Wash and Body Wash for Oily, Acne-Prone, and Combination Skin. Purifying, Unclogging Soap-Free Wash Off Foaming Gel Cleanser 400ml

The SVR SEBIACLEAR Cleanser is designed for those with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. This soap-free formula gently exfoliates while purifying sensitive areas, ensuring your skin feels calm and nourished. It effectively removes excess sebum without causing irritation, helping to eliminate spots and congestion. With its non-drying properties, it unclogs pores and softens the skin, leaving it fresh and mattified. You can use this versatile gel on both your face and body, making it ideal for addressing body acne as well.

What We Like
Calms and nourishes skin
Non-drying, gentle formula
Removes excess sebum
Unclogs pores effectively
Suitable for face and body
#TOP 3

Minimalist Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Oily Skin

Minimalist
MNSAC
100 ml (Pack of 1)
Minimalist Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Oily Skin Cover
Minimalist 2% Salicylic Acid Face Wash for Oily Skin | Sulphate free, Anti Acne Face Cleanser With LHA & Zinc For Acne or Pimples | Men & Women, 100 ml (Pack of 1)

The Minimalist Face Wash is designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. It features a unique blend of Capryloyl Salicylic Acid and Salicylic Acid, providing multi-level cleansing that gently exfoliates while deeply penetrating pores to control oil production. Being sulphate-free, it ensures a non-drying cleanse, leaving your skin feeling hydrated. Additionally, the formula includes antibacterial Zinc, which effectively combats acne and helps prevent future breakouts, giving you clearer skin.

What We Like
Multi-level cleansing
Non-drying formula
Controls oil production
Antibacterial properties
Suitable for sensitive skin
#TOP 4

Australian Bodycare Face Wash for Oily Skin

Face-Wash
500 ml (Pack of 1)
Australian Bodycare Face Wash for Oily Skin Cover
Face Wash 500ml - Facial Wash cleanser for oily skin with Tea Tree Oil | Spot Face Wash, oily skin cleanser & Deep Cleansing Face Wash for acne prone skin | Face Wash Women & Men…

The Australian Bodycare Face Wash is designed for those with oily and acne-prone skin. You can expect to see results within 1-3 weeks when used daily, helping to clear spots and blemishes. Simply apply it to wet skin in circular motions, and rinse with lukewarm water for effective cleansing. This product contains natural active ingredients that cleanse without drying out your skin, making it suitable for both men and women.

What We Like
Effective for oily skin
Natural active ingredients
Suitable for all genders
Daily use recommended
Helps clear spots and blemishes
#TOP 5

Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Clear Skin

BA-SF25461
Clear
150 ml (Pack of 2)
Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Clear Skin Cover
Super Facialist - Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish Purifying Cleansing Wash with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Face Cleanser & Face Wash for Clean and Clear Skin & Treat Acne, 150ml (Pack of 2)

The Super Facialist Cleansing Wash is designed to help you achieve clean and clear skin. Infused with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, it effectively cleanses oily skin without sacrificing moisture, leaving you with a healthier complexion. This cleanser penetrates deeply to unclog pores, reducing inflammation and redness associated with acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. For best results, use it daily, and enjoy a balanced, clearer look with regular use.

What We Like
Cleanses without stripping moisture
Reduces blemishes and inflammation
Deeply unclogs pores
Suitable for daily use
Pairs well with other products
#TOP 6

Australian Bodycare Face Wash for Oily Skin

QOG-Aus-10613
100 ml (Pack of 1)
Australian Bodycare Face Wash for Oily Skin Cover
Face Wash 100ml - Facial Wash cleanser for oily skin with Tea Tree Oil + Lemon Myrtle | Spot Face Wash, oily skin cleanser & Deep Cleansing Face Wash for acne prone skin | Face Wash Women & Men

The Australian Bodycare Face Wash is designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. You can expect noticeable results within 1-3 weeks of daily use, especially when paired with their face tonic and cream. For best results, apply the wash to wet skin, massaging gently before rinsing to effectively clear spots and blemishes. This gentle formula uses natural ingredients to cleanse without drying your skin, making it suitable for both men and women.

What We Like
Visible results in 1-3 weeks
Gentle on skin
Natural active ingredients
Suitable for all genders
Effective for blemish reduction
#TOP 7

Uzuri Life Organic Detoxifying Facial Wash

Uzuri Life
5065004743204
100 ml (Pack of 1)
Uzuri Life Organic Detoxifying Facial Wash Cover
Uzuri Life Natural Organic Facial Wash For Face Detoxify and Activated Charcoal Pore Cleansing Ideal for Vegan Skin Care, Anti-Aging, Acne Treatment and Skin Lines 100ML

The Uzuri Life Facial Wash is an excellent choice for anyone looking to refresh their skin. This detox cleanser uses activated carbon to deeply clean away impurities, making it ideal if your skin feels dull or oily. Designed specifically for acne-prone skin, it features botanical extracts that soothe irritation and reduce inflammation, helping to clear blemishes. Additionally, it has anti-aging properties that nourish your skin and target wrinkles, allowing you to enjoy a more youthful appearance.

What We Like
Deep cleansing with activated carbon
Suitable for acne-prone skin
Reduces signs of aging
Gentle for daily use
All-natural, vegan ingredients

Procoal Salicylic Egg Natural Soap 100g

Salicylic Acid Facial Soap
100 g (Pack of 1)
Procoal Salicylic Egg Natural Soap 100g Cover
Salicylic Egg, Natural Salicylic Acid Soap 100g by Procoal - Salicylic Acid Face & Body Wash For Combination, Oily, Blemish Prone Complexion, Vegan Face Soap & Cruelty-free

The Procoal Salicylic Egg Soap is designed to promote clearer and smoother skin by harnessing the pore-clearing properties of salicylic acid. With a formulation that includes 2% BHA, it effectively targets acne, blackheads, and enlarged pores without being abrasive. The addition of organic aloe vera and avocado oil ensures that your skin stays hydrated, preventing any tightness or dryness after use. Furthermore, the inclusion of tea tree oil helps to calm blemishes, making it an excellent choice for anyone with blemish-prone skin.

What We Like
Effective for acne and blemishes
Hydrating and non-drying formula
Targets blackheads and enlarged pores
Contains natural tea tree oil
#TOP 9

SVR SEBIACLEAR Soothing Face Wash for Oily Skin

SVR
3662361003365
white
200 ml (Pack of 1)
SVR SEBIACLEAR Soothing Face Wash for Oily Skin Cover
SVR SEBIACLEAR Soothing Face Wash-Off Cream Cleanser for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Sensitized by Drying Acne Treatments, 200ml

The SVR SEBIACLEAR Face Wash is a gentle, soap-free cleanser designed specifically for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps to calm angry breakouts without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, making it ideal for those using drying acne treatments. This non-foaming formula contains zinc to purify the skin and niacinamide to soothe discomfort, promoting a healthy skin barrier. Enriched with glycerin, it hydrates while protecting against dryness, leaving your skin feeling soft, fresh, and comfortable.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Hydrates while cleansing
Reduces irritation and tightness
Non-foaming and fragrance-free
#TOP 10

Retinol Gel for Acne and Blemishes

Retinol Gel for Acne and Blemishes Cover
Retinol Gel, Spot Cream For Acne, Blemish Cream, Anti Acne Face Cream, Acne Foaming Wash, Control Sebum Secretion, Oil Control, Skin Treatment Gel Cream for Face Blemishes (1Pc)

The Retinol Gel is designed to provide instant relief for itchy skin, making it an ideal choice for everyday use. Its skin-soothing properties help protect your skin barrier and reduce irritations, especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin. You will appreciate the deep moisturisation it offers, promoting regeneration while soothing dry and irritated areas. Furthermore, its scientifically proven effects ensure that it protects and regenerates damaged skin, making it a versatile product for various skin concerns.

What We Like
Instant relief for itchy skin
Reduces skin irritations
Deeply moisturises the skin
Protects skin barrier
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do face washes give you acne?

Face wash can cause acne and breakouts, but the reasons differ. Sometimes, the true cause of a breakout can be hard to discern. Generally, sustained acne signifies that one of your face products isn't good for your skin. If you've been experiencing serious breakouts since using a new face wash, it's likely the culprit.

Editor's Notes

During our acne face wash research, we found 118 acne face wash products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 98,707 customer reviews through our big data system to write the acne face washes list. We found that most customers choose acne face washes with an average price of £12.22.

The acne face washes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of acne face washes, including Neutrogena, SVR, Minimalist, Australian Bodycare, Super Facialist.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.