10 Best Face Scrubs For Acne-Prone Skin – Top Picks Of 2023
Rejuvenate your skin with these face scrubs for an eternal, acne-free glow.
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Medha DebCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Beauty, Health, & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Oily and acne-prone skin can lead to severe breakouts, oiliness, and greasiness if not catered to properly. Your skin needs exfoliation to get rid of all these woes. The best face scrubs for acne-prone skin will help make your skin clear, smooth, and refreshed, as exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and oil or product build-up from your skin. In addition, a good face scrub will exfoliate grime oil and dirt while leaving your skin with a radiant and flawless glow. This article lists the best face scrubs for acne-prone skin that you can try. Keep scrolling to check out our top picks!
In This Article
10 Best Face Scrubs for Acne-Prone Skin
Best Soap-Free:Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Image: Aveeno Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub is formulated with radiance-boosting soy extract to cleanse and clarify your skin. Soy reduces the appearance of discoloration, while jojoba and castor oils balance your skin tone and texture. In addition, its moisture-rich and skin-brightening formula scrubs away dead skin cells and promotes smooth and glowing skin. Feedback from several reviewers on Amazon indicate that they experienced positive results with acne, blemishes and dark spots after using this product.
Key Ingredients: Soy extract, Jojoba oil, and Castor oil
Pros- Soap-free
- Oil-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Contains parabens
Best Anti-Aging:Era Organics Revive+Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask
Image: Era Organics Era Organics Revive+Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask is an exfoliating skin mask and scrub featuring a microdermabrasion formula to renew overall skin tone and texture. Its gentle formula loosens dirt, grime, and dead cells from your skin, leaving it nourished and healthy. It features the goodness of manuka honey and walnuts. This product contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that repair dead skin cells. Aloe vera offers soothing properties to this product, while orange peel increases collagen production and blood flow.
Key Ingredients: Manuka honey, Walnut, Aloe vera, and Orange peel
Pros- Soothes the skin
- Fight the signs of aging
- Sulfate-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-approved
- Gentle formula
- Dye-free
- Perfume-free
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
Best Dermatologist-Tested:St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub
Image: St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub has a formula that promotes deep exfoliation and fights acne. Say ‘goodbye’ to blemishes with this apricot-based scrub enriched with salicylic acid that will reduce breakouts and make your skin glow. The infusion of walnut shell powder in this scrub provides physical exfoliation by removing the outer layer of dead skin. The 100% natural exfoliants in its oil-free, affordable formula leaves your skin silky smooth and glowing.
Key Ingredients: Walnut shell powder, Salicylic acid, and Apricot
Pros- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Not BPA-free
ProTipBest Soap-Free | Best Anti-Aging | Best Dermatologist-Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub | Era Organics Revive+Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask | St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub |
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Dry, damaged, combination, oily, sensitive, aging | Acne Prone |
| Weight | 5 ounces | - | - |
| Dimensions | 1.95 x 2.9 x 6.1 inches. | 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | 7.27 x 2.93 x 1.75 inches |
| Weight | - | 2 Ounces | 6 Ounces |
| Rating* | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
| Reviews | 33,268 | 15,790 | 8,774 |
| Price | $8.84 | $23.99 | $5.82 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Best Oil-Free:Solimo Oil-free Acne Scrub
Image: Solimo Solimo Oil-free Acne Scrub is tested for safety by dermatologists and pediatricians. It eliminates acne issues with the help of salicylic acid. It also contains pink grapefruit, which is known for its cell regenerating properties. Additionally, this oil-free acne scrub is free from parabens and phthalates. The facial scrub is designed to treat acne and blemishes to reveal nourished and healthy skin.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Pink grapefruit
Pros- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Pediatrician-tested
- Oil-free
- Polyethylene bead-free
Cons
- May dry out the skin
Best pH-Balanced:Bioré Blue Agave+Baking Soda Acne Scrub
Bioré Blue Agave+Baking Soda Acne Scrub is best suited for combination skin. It is infused with natural baking soda that provides deep chemical exfoliation to give clear skin in just two days. It comes with the acne-fighting power of salicylic acid, a type of beta-hydroxy acid, which heals existing acne and prevents future breakouts. Its gentle formula has a creamy texture that does not dry out your skin and leaves it silky smooth. This oil-free scrub is pH-balanced to prevent further loss of moisture.
Key Ingredients: Blue agave, Salicylic acid, and Natural baking soda
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-tested
- pH-balanced formula
- Oil-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Best Skin-Friendly:Plum Green Tea Gentle Revival Face Scrub
Image: Plum The Plum Face Green Tea Gentle Revival Face Scrub is formulated with cellulose beads and walnut shell granules to help reveal clear and brighter-looking skin. The scrub gently exfoliates the skin for a healthy and radiant-looking complexion. It has anti-bacterials like green tea extracts that fight bacterial growth along with licorice extracts that target minor scars. It is loaded with antioxidant properties and an alpha hydroxy acid, allowing it to clear pores and reduce skin damage. This is a water-based gel scrub that gently removes stubborn dirt and skin impurities. Its aloe and hibiscus extracts are an excellent remedy for softer and hydrated skin.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Green Tea Extracts, Cellulose Beads + Walnut Shell
Pros- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Controls excess oil
- Brightens skin
- Gentle on the skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
RememberBest Acne-Resistant:Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Scrub
Neutrogena Acne Proofing Daily Facial Scrub is powered by ClearDefend technology to prevent future breakouts. Its oil-free formula is a skin-smoothing exfoliator that locks in moisture, keeping it soft and nourished. It is powered by salicylic acid that clears dirt, grime, and bacteria, making your skin look healthy and nourished. This clinically-proven scrub contains gentle exfoliators and helps your skin become more acne-resistant.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Pros
- Oil-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically proven formula
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
Best Fragrance-Free:Acne Free New Blackhead Removing Scrub
Image: Acne Free Acne Free New Blackhead Removing Scrub is a gel-based cleanser that combines the maximum strength of salicylic acid to remove blackheads. The natural exfoliators in this formula reduce the appearance of pores to give you a smooth, clear, and glowing look. It is infused with purifying jojoba oil and natural charcoal to rejuvenate your skin without making it dry. This fragrance-free scrub prevents skin irritation, making your skin look brighter and cleaner.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Jojoba oil, and Activated charcoal
Pros- Fragrance-free
- Value for money
- Just a little product required per use
Cons
- Contain sulfates
Best Vegan:Beauty By Earth Facial Scrub
Image: Beauty By Earth Beauty By Earth Facial Scrub contains a natural blend of nourishing ingredients. It is infused with organic ingredients like aloe vera and superfruit extract to provide deep hydration and accelerate skin cell growth. This scrub is a perfect solution for all your skin woes. It is balanced with a combination of organic ingredients and chlorophyll. This 2-in-1 face wash and scrub exfoliates and cleanses away dirt at the same time. Its vegan formula contains bamboo powder and vegetable cleansers that suit all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Super fruit, Chlorophyll, Bamboo powder, and Vegetable cleansers
Pros- All-natural ingredients
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
ProTipBest Sulfate-Free:Eva Naturals Exfoliating Facial Scrub
Image: Eva Naturals Eva Naturals Exfoliating Facial Scrub has a gentle formula that moisturizes your skin. It is powered with natural ingredients like aloe vera and willow bark to provide deep nourishment and prevent premature aging. Its herbal infusion of salicylic acid exfoliates your skin to remove stubborn blackheads. It is formulated with fine cosmetic pumice that clears away your dry skin and combats cellular damage. In addition, its gentle formula is free of any harmful chemicals and safe for all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Willow bark, Salicylic acid, and Pumice
Pros- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
It is important that you use a face scrub the right way on your acne-prone skin to get the best results. Find out how to use it in the next section!
How To Use Face Scrubs For Acne
- Tie your hair back and splash water on your face.
- Take a dime-size amount of the scrub on your fingertips and apply it to your cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead.
- Massage it into your skin gently in circular motions.
- Keep massaging it in till the scrub dries on your face.
- Wash your face gently with lukewarm water and use a towel to pat it dry.
- Follow up with your favorite toner, serum, or moisturizer.
Now, let us also learn about the factors to consider when buying a face scrub.
How To Choose The Best Face Scrubs For Acne
- Ingredients
Natural ingredients like olive oil, eucalyptus, sandalwood, etc. help in controlling excess oil on your skin and prevent breakouts. Salicylic acid has proven efficacy in treating acne-prone skin as it sucks out oil from the pores while improving your skin’s elasticity.
- Physical Exfoliants
Look for products with grainy solid particles – like walnut and apricot shell powders, cellulose beads, or rice powder – as they act as natural exfoliators.
- Brand
Your skin is the most sensitive part of your body. A good brand may be expensive, but it will not cheat you with its quality. It is also likely to use dermatologist-recommended ingredients that keep your skin clear and healthy without the risk of irritations. So, choose quality over quantity.
Infographic: A Guide To Face Scrubs For Acne: What To Look For & How To Use
Caring for acne prone skin is not too difficult. You can manage acne with a good skin care routine. You may also include a face scrub for acne-prone skin to get rid of stubborn breakouts and eliminate the chances of new acne from overtaking your skin.
This infographic suggests the points to be kept in mind while looking for the perfect face scrub for acne. It sheds light on the effective steps that should be taken while using the face scrubs. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
The Bottom Line
Good face scrubs help eliminate dead skin cells, unclog pores and prevent excess oil build-up on your skin. They also help exfoliate grime, oil, and dirt, while maintaining your skin’s natural glow. The Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub is a gentle exfoliator that provides daily brightening and revitalization of the skin. At the same time, Era Organics Revive+Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub & Mask is a multifunctional skincare product to pamper your skin with natural ingredients. To get the best results, choose scrubs that are made of natural ingredients, including olive oil, eucalyptus, and sandalwood, that are known to prevent breakouts. For users with oily skin, look out for scrubs such as the St. Ives Acne Blemish Control Scrub with salicylic acid as one of its components, as it is good for acne-prone skin. However, avoid scrubs that have the tendency to dry out the skin after every use. Ideally, opt for dermatologically-tested products and do a patch test to check for skin reactions.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach who knows what is good for the skin and what it needs. Her deep knowledge of skin care and issues like acne helps her pick the best for her readers. She has browsed through several user reviews and product details to prepare this list of the best face scrubs for acne-prone skin. These products help keep your skin clear, smooth, and refreshed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I scrub my face daily?
Face scrubs help with sebum control and clears the build-up in your pores. Using a scrub daily may be drying for the skin. Hence, it is recommended to use a scrub only once or twice a week. Always follow it up with a moisturizer to protect your skin from drying out.
What is the best time to use a face scrub?
The best time to use face scrub is in the morning as the dead skin cells loosen up at night, making it easier to exfoliate them in the morning.
Are there any side effects of using face scrubs if I have acne?
Too much scrubbing may disrupt the upper layer of your skin, thereby exposing it to more UV rays. Therefore, limit its usage to once or twice a week.
Can scrubbing remove pimple marks?
Yes, scrubbing and exfoliating help remove pimple marks and offer a smoother appearance.
Which is better – face wash or face scrub for acne?
Both face wash and face scrub are great for your skin. While face washes are used to cleanse your skin daily, face scrubs are used to clean the skin deeply twice or thrice a week.
How many minutes should I scrub my face?
Scrub your face for 30 to 45 seconds.
Should I apply moisturizer after scrubbing?
Yes, moisturize your skin after washing out your face scrub. Exfoliation can remove natural oils from your skin and hence, moisturization can save your skin from being too dry.
Can we use face wash after scrubbing?
While there is no need to use a face wash after scrubbing, you can use a face wash after it if you desire to
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