The 15 Best Acne Treatments That Work Effectively – 2023
Reduce inflammation, breakouts, and sensitivity and keep your skin gorgeous.
Jessica KramerLicensed Esthetician
Expertise: Esthetics & Skin Care
Experience: 13 years
Jessica Kramer is an award-winning licensed esthetician and laser technician with over 13 years of experience. She is also the owner of a boutique skin care spa specializing in corrective skin care treatments, including advanced modalities,... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after re... more
Monomita ChakrabortyCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care
Experience: 2 years
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Unive... more
Image: Shutterstock
Acne breakouts may occur due to any reason like hormonal imbalance, genetics, consuming junk food, genetics, or hygiene issues. Acne vulgaris is painful and worse when left untreated. So, you need the best acne treatment as per your acne type and skin sensitivity. For example, the treatment that works wonders for acne cysts may not treat blackheads. So, choosing the right acne treatment is crucial if you want to achieve the desired results and flawless skin. From acne laser treatments to over-the-counter medications and face packs, there are several ways to improve your acne skincare routine.
Acne treatments may come in the form of cleansers, serums, wash, and much more. Since the origins of the issues are different, addressing different acne causes requires different formulae. Considering all that, coupled with the fact that the market is flooded with anti-acne products, it may become difficult to narrow down your search to your most ideal pick. SO, in this article, we bring you a list of the 15 best anti-acne products. Check them out below!
In This Article
15 Best Acne Treatment Products For Blackheads, Whiteheads, And Cystic Acne
1. Best For Deep Cleansing:CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Image: Cerave Who doesn’t want to have healthy skin? Here is an Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser by CeraVe that ensures the same. This acne treatment for oily skin is formulated with 4% benzoyl peroxide that deeply penetrates your pores and removes excess grime and oil, correcting and preventing breakouts. With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this gentle cleanser locks in moisture, soothes skin, and enhances the appearance. Multiple reviewers love how effective this cleanser is on their sensitive skin.
Pros
- Unscented
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Treats blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne
- Contains essential ceramides (1,3,6-II) to boost and protect skin health
Cons
- Might be a little sticky
Remember2. Best Medicated Formula:Dr Song 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Medical Acne Wash
Image: Dr Song This face and body wash makes its way to our list as one of the best acne treatment products for more reasons than one! As the name suggests, it features 10% micro-benzoyl peroxide that combats acne-causing agents, eliminates excess sebum secretion, and clears inflammation. Plus, this product is effective in curing severe acne cysts with consistent and committed usage.
Pros
- Unisex
- Long-lasting
- Mild formulation
- No harsh chemicals
- Not tested on animals
- Ideal for both teens and adults
Cons
- Might be a little drying
3. Best For Mild Exfoliation:Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Treatment Pads
Image: Neutrogena An oil-free, non-drying skin treatment product that boosts skin health, resulting in a radiant appearance — what’s not to love about this skincare product! It is formulated with an active ingredient named salicylic acid, which is a constituent of keratolytics – a group of skin medicating agents. This particular acid softens your skin’s top layer, making it easier to eliminate dead and worn-out cells. Besides, its MICROCLEAR technology helps distribute the salicylic acid evenly to every part of your skin to fight acne, breakouts, and control sebum production. Multiple reviewers highly recommend this product for its gentle yet effective treatment.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Results in clear skin
- Prevents pore-clogging
- Quick results (within 8 hours)
- Eradicates swelling and redness
- Includes 60 soft and hydrating pads
Cons
- Might create a slightly itchy feeling at the beginning
Did You Know?4. Best For Blackheads:humane Maximum-Strength Acne Wash
Image: Humane Worried about acne cysts? Well, you won’t have to anymore, with this acne treatment for oily skin. The 10% benzoyl peroxide in the formula facilitates in treating inflammation, unclogging pores, and killing acne-causing microbes. What we love the most is that it can be used for both face and body as a cystic acne-clearing cleanser for both teens and adults. It also contributes to eliminating blackheads, whiteheads, and redness for achieving clear skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan formula
- Maximum strength
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free of harmful chemicals
Cons
- Rinsing off the product might be slightly difficult
5. Best For All Skin Types:DRMTLGY 24 Hour Acne Serum
Image: Drmtlgy Are you fond of skin serums? Then, you may want to check out this unisex 24 Hour Acne Serum by DRMTLGY ideal for all skin types. This top-rated acne treatment is formulated with 5% glycolic acid, a common type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid, that acts as an excellent exfoliator to maximize cellular turnover and clear debris. The best part about this face and body serum is that it negates blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, pimples, redness, scar marks, and breakouts within 24 hours! Before buying, have a look at this video of a tester’s experience to know more details about the product.
Pros
- Prevents over-drying
- Effective spot treatment
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Free of sulfates and parabens
- Reduces secretion of oil up to 85%
- Contains 5% USP benzoyl peroxide to fight acne
Cons
- Might not be effective in treating acne cysts
Quick Tip6. Best Fragrance-Free:Proactiv Renewing Cleanser
Don’t miss out on this pimple treatment product by Proactiv, which has a bunch of skin benefits! Its smooth exfoliating beads effectively clears away dead skin cells, dirt, and grime from the face. Formulated with micronized benzoyl peroxide, this formulation deeply penetrates the pores, preventing clogging and lending you even and radiant skin.
Pros
- Unscented
- Suitable for all skin types
- Fights acne-causing bacteria
- Safe to use for adults and teens
- HashHyaluronic acid to keep skin well-hydrated
Cons
- Slightly expensive
7. Best In Budget:Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
Image: Biore Looking for the best acne treatment for adults? Then, this acne clearing face wash by Biore may be the right choice. Its natural charcoal extract eradicates excess oil, cleanses pores, and locks in moisture in your skin. What we love the most is its Skin Purifying Technology, which treats and prevents future blemishes, blackheads, and breakouts. Plus, this holy grail product gives you the desired results in just two days! Watch this video to know more about a reviewer’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically-tested
- Lends clear and healthy skin
- Contains 1% salicylic acid to combat acne and soothe skin
Cons
- Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
8. Best With Natural Ingredients:BREYLEE Acne Treatment Serum
Image: Breylee This popular acne treatment serum by BREYLEE would never fail to amuse you! With tea tree oil and camellia sinensis leaf extract, it gets rid of acne and breakouts effectively. It comes with deep penetrating molecules to prevent skin damage and soothe your pores. The best part is its mild and non-greasy formulation, which doesn’t irritate or cause rashes on your skin.
Pros
- Shrinks pores
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Complete skin repair
- Made from natural ingredients
- Enhances the metabolism of skin cells
Cons
- Might not provide immediate results
9. Best Dermatologist-Tested:LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR Medicated Gel Cleanser
This medicated gel cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid that targets excess oil and acne breakouts. This dermatologist-tested formula exfoliates the skin and improves the appearance of pores while clearing acne breakouts. It is clinically-tested to reduce surface oil by 47%. The foaming texture doesn’t irritate the skin and is allergy-tested and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for oily, acne-prone skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Might be very drying
10. Best For Overnight Use:Emuaid Overnight Acne Treatment
Image: Emuaid Are you worried about severe acne? Well, you do not have to anymore with this salicylic acid-infused acne treatment product by Emuaid! This active skin correcting ingredient not only eradicates blemishes and breakouts overnight but also promotes healthy and immediate healing. Besides, it is an effective treatment for extreme skin conditions like cystic acne and rosacea.
Pros
- Exfoliates pores
- Non-irritating formula
- Works on all skin types
- Dermatologically-tested
- Eliminates redness, swelling, and skin rashes
Cons
- Slightly expensive
11. Best Gentle Formula:AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub
Image: Acne Free Here is the best acne and blackhead treatment scrub by AcneFree that will nourish your skin! It contains maximum strength salicylic acid that exfoliates and clears blackheads by eliminating dead skin cells and debris from the pores. As it is also formulated with jojoba oil and charcoal extracts, it also acts as a deep hydrating agent to repair and lock in moisture in dry and acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Tightens pores
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle scrubber
- Convenient to use
- Removes excess oil
Cons
- The consistency might be slightly thin.
12. Best Non-Drying:Vichy Normaderm Anti-Blemish Care
Want to have clean and acne-free skin? You may want to check out this pore treatment product by Vichy. Formulated with salicylic and glycolic acid, it corrects acne and lends you soft, hydrated, and radiant skin. The best part about this moisturizing formula is that it is completely natural and safe to use as it is free of parabens, sulfates, GMOs, and other toxic chemicals.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Soothes irritated skin
- Non-greasy consistency
- Works as an excellent makeup primer/base
Cons
- May not treat cystic acne
13. Best For Whiteheads:Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Image: Differin It’s a known fact that retinoid is good for the skin. With this acne treatment product formulated with Rx-retinoid, get ready to repair and protect your skin from acne! It will regulate the right skin cell turnover, cure inflammation, and prevent clogged pores. Also, this acne treating gel combats blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and other blemishes with continuous usage.
Pros
- Restores shine
- FDA-approved
- Dermatologist-tested
- Reduces acne up to 87%
- Lends an even complexion
- Effective healing and protection
Cons
- Might not be effective on sensitive skin
14. Best For Calming Inflammation:TULA Probiotic Skincare Acne Clearing + Tone Correcting Gel
Considered to be one of the best facial treatments for acne, this is what you need to treat, nourish, and protect your dry and acne-prone skin! The blend of 2% salicylic acid and azelaic acid in the formula brightens your skin by fading spots, marks, blemishes, and breakouts. As an added benefit, it also treats flakiness and dryness with extracts of willowherb, probiotics, and hyaluronic acid. The brand claims to offer visible results after 4 weeks of use.
Pros
- Unisex
- FDA-approved
- Oil-free formula
- Clinically proven
- Moisturizes and soothes skin
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Might be a little watery
15. Best For Even Skin Tone:Herbivore Natura Lapis Facial Oil
Image: Herbivore Botanicals Say goodbye to painful acne and hello to this natural acne-treating facial oil by Herbivore. Formulated with jojoba oil and jasmine flower extract, it corrects and heals blemishes, eliminates oiliness, and breakouts effectively. It contains a deep blue component named Azulene, which is an anti-inflammatory agent that eradicates redness, puffiness, and blisters.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- No toxic chemicals
- Ideal for all skin types
- Results in even skin tone
Cons
- Expensive
When it comes to choosing the best acne treatment product, there are a few important points to consider.
How To Find The Right Acne Treatment For You
Being aware of the type of acne is the first step! When you have figured that out, deciding the acne treatments that work becomes easy.
1. Acne cysts
It is considered the most severe acne condition where the hair follicles combine with the dead skin cells, oil, and dirt, forming big pus-filled pimples or folliculitis. It may also cause inflammation and redness. In such cases, look for cystic acne treatment products formulated with hydrocortisone cream and benzoyl peroxide to treat and soothe your pores with their deep-penetrating mechanism.
2. Whiteheads
This is a condition where white zits develop in your skin. They mostly appear in the T-zone, and this happens when dead skin cells and oil get accumulated in the pores. In such cases, opt for products with salicylic acid (BHA). With regular usage, this component makes skin smoother by eliminating dead skin cells.
3. Blackheads
These are waxy black zits caused due to oxidation of bacteria, worn-out skin cells, and oil in pores. Exfoliation with products containing salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid can be the best treatment for this kind of acne.
4. Papules or inflammatory pimples
This is an acne condition where tiny, red blemishes appear on the skin with slight inflammation. This is caused mainly due to bacteria, and products with benzoyl peroxide can be the best for this. It fights against such acne-causing bacteria, and repairs and protects damaged skin.
5. Pustules
These are again pus-filled pimples with a yellow/white liquid. It is caused due to bacteria, and can be treated with benzoyl peroxide, zinc, zinc oxide, and sulfur-based products.
After analyzing the acne type, the following factors also need to be looked upon:
1. Toxic chemicals
While making a choice, opt for a product that is crafted without any harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, silicones, and GMOs. This is extremely important as these chemicals may worsen your acne and cause adverse skin conditions.
2. Oil-free and non-comedogenic
Mostly, acne-prone skin tends to be oily. Hence, to control excess secretion of sebum, go for a product that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. This formula will not only regulate oil production but will also prevent pores from clogging and blocking to avoid pimples/acne.
3. Other skin types
Sometimes, acne can also appear on dry, sensitive, normal/combination skin. Acne treatment for sensitive skin should be a mild formula with natural ingredients like essential oils and fruit extracts. When it comes to dry skin or skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, opt for a hydrating and dermatologically tested formula with salicylic acid, ceramides, shea butter, aloe vera, etc. For normal and combination skin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other natural components like green tea and caffeine works well.
How To Use Acne Treatment Products In The Right Way
- Use the product on affected areas once or twice daily. Never over-do by washing or scrubbing your skin as it may aggravate the acne.
- Use only an adequate amount of product for treatment. Apply evenly on the affected areas and pat dry it to achieve the desired results.
- If it is a gel or cream-based acne treatment product, make sure that you use a gentle cleanser and toner on your skin before application.
- Follow it up with an effective sunscreen before you step out.
The Bottom Line
Acne breakouts can happen for many reasons, and to treat them and prevent such breakouts from occurring, you need the best acne treatment products. Not treating acne might be worse, and that is why you need the best treatment as per your skin type and sensitivity. Acne treatments are available in different forms, from cleansers, serums, and acne patches, and you can choose one based on your preference.The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser effectively cleanses acne-prone skin while maintaining its natural moisture barrier. The DRMTLGY 24 Hour Acne Serum’s combination of salicylic acid, niacinamide, and retinol provides comprehensive and continuous acne treatment for different stages. The AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub is formulated to effectively exfoliate and unclog pores, targeting blackheads and promoting smoother, clearer skin.These products are free from synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and can effectively eradicate all acne-related concerns. Always choose products free of toxic chemicals that have an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula, and consider the cause of your acne before choosing the best acne treatment products. Go for products with positive customer reviews and remember to conduct a patch test to check for skin sensitivity.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast who loves exploring various skin care products and reviewing the best of the lot. She has done extensive research and read numerous online reviews and user feedback to compile a list of the best acne treatment products for our readers. The suggested list comes with options in varied formulations to treat different types of acne and suit different skin types and skin sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What acne treatments are safe during pregnancy?
Mostly, acne treatment products aren’t recommended for pregnant women to prevent congenital disabilities.
Should you use an acne treatment product before applying serum?
Yes, you need to apply the acne treatment before serum. Also, remember to leave it to dry and then continue with your next skincare step.
Is acne treatment supposed to burn?
At the initial stage, using benzoyl peroxide can create a slight burning and itchy feeling on your skin. It is just a mild side effect and not a cause of worry.
How can I get clear skin overnight?
Following a night skincare routine comprising cleansing, toning, mild exfoliation, moisturizing, and mini facial treatment for acne helps. Also, make sure that you do not pick at the acne because that will only inflame it further. A night of good and relaxing sleep will also soothe the skin, eliminating acne-causing bacteria.
What products help get rid of acne fast?
Products formulated with retinol, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, antioxidants, and natural ingredients like tea tree, rosehip, jojoba oils, etc., can heal acne and zits sooner as they possess anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that eliminate microbes and dead skin cells.
Jessica Kramer’s Quote:
Acne spot treatments are used speed up the healing time of an active breakout as well as mitigate the after effects, such as pigmentation and scarring, of the breakout. Spot treatments are most effective when they are started at the very beginning of a breakout. Continuing to use stronger ingredients such as salicylic or benzoyl peroxide during the healing phase can cause the skin to heal less than ideal – leaving post inflammatory pigmentation or textural scars.
Ingredients such as salicylic, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and mandelic acid are all great for acne spot treatments. The use of Blue LED Light therapy has also shown to be a great, non-invasive treatment plan.
Recommended Articles:
- OTC Acne Treatment Products
- Acne Products Helping Your Skin Stay Clean And Clear
- Acne Spot Treatments For Flawless Skin
- Benzoyl Peroxide Products
