7 Best Face Washes For Whiteheads That Soothe Angry Skin – 2024

Remain free from the dominance of pesky zits with effective skin care formulations.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Schwarzburg, MD Dr. Schwarzburg Dr. SchwarzburgMD insta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Last Updated on
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Your wait for the best face wash for whiteheads ends here, for we know what your skin needs. While whiteheads are a growing concern for people who strive for healthy skin, we are all bothered by it at some time. Whiteheads are caused mainly by excess oil production, dead cells, and bacteria building up in pores. This condition may sometimes take the form of acne.

But the good news is, you can quickly get rid of them with special cleansers to eradicate whiteheads. These cleansers eliminate bacterial growth and keep the skin free of all kinds of irritants. Here are the 7 best face washes to prevent whiteheads and achieve flawless, gorgeous skin.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Gentle Formula:CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream CleanserPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Oil-Free Formula:Acne Free Oil-Free Acne CleanserPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Non-Drying Formula:Dr Song Glycolic Acid Face WashPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Cruelty-Free:NeutralyzeBreakout Clearing Facial CleanserPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For pH Balance:iUNIKCentella Bubble Cleansing FoamPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Dye-Free:Dermlogic Exfoliating Gel CleanserPrice on Amazon
Best For Moisturizing:YADAH Anti Trouble Bubble CleanserPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

7 Best Face Washes To Get Rid Of Whiteheads

1. Best Gentle Formula:CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

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4.5
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser Image: Cerave

The acne treatment cleanser from CeraVe contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. It is a cream-to-foam formula that clears pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads and smoothens the skin’s surface. The deep cleaning foaming face wash for whiteheads gently removes dirt, sebum, and buildup without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture, while niacinamide calms the skin. Dr. Schwarzburg, a Cosmetic Dermatologist with over 7 years of experience, recommends this product saying, “Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the body and CeraVe is an excellent go-to as it is fragrance-free and is typically well tolerated by most individuals.” This face wash contains three essential ceramides that keep the skin hydrated, balancing its natural protective barrier. Before purchasing this dermatologist-recommended Cerave’s cleanser, watch this YouTuber review the product on its merits and demerits.

Key Ingredients: 4% benzoyl peroxide, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic acid

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Non-irritating
  • Paraben-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Scientifically formulated with dermatologists

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive skin.
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 1,362 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

2. Best Oil-Free Formula:Acne Free Oil-Free Acne Cleanser

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4.5
AcneFree Oil-Free Acne Cleanser Image: Acnefree

The Acne Free Cleanser is an oil-free formula containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid to help treat and prevent breakouts. The medicated cleanser can be used for facial or body acne. It can help reduce pimples, cystic acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.

The cleanser keeps the skin clean and clear while offering skin barrier protection. The advanced micronized benzoyl peroxide seeps into the pores, providing deep cleansing and removing bacteria. The formula is also infused with ceramides that maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier to keep it hydrated. According to the reviews, the product shows visible results quickly.

Key Ingredients: Advanced micronized benzoyl peroxide and Glycolic acid

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Oil-free
  • Safe for the body, back, and face

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell
  • May cause dryness.

protip_icon Pro Tip
Do not wash your face with hot water as it leads to dryness and irritation. Instead use cold water or lukewarm water when cleansing your face.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 878 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

3. Best Non-Drying Formula:Dr Song Glycolic Acid Face Wash

This face wash from Dr. Song reduces acne and blemishes, eliminates blackheads and whiteheads, and diminishes wrinkles and fine lines. The formula contains 10% glycolic acid or AHA, which controls breakouts and evens out the skin tone. It tightens the pores and restores glow to your skin.

The deep cleanser draws out impurities from the pores and unclogs them. The brightening face wash restores hydration and moisture in the facial cells, improving skin clarity. The non-drying formula soothes sensitive skin and makes it soft, supple, smooth, and firm. The anti-aging antioxidants present in this non-drying face wash for whiteheads reduce hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and under-eye bags. It is a great buy because of its proven efficacy.

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid

Pros

  • Non-drying
  • Paraben-free
  • Dye-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Oil-free

Cons

  • Does not foam.
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The extensive 2,921 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Best Gentle Formula
Acne Free Oil-Free Acne Cleanser
Best Oil-Free Formula
Dr Song Glycolic Acid Face Wash
Best Non-Drying Formula
Skin Type Oily Dry Acne Prone
Dimensions 1.58 x 2.44 x 7.56 inches 2 x 2 x 7 inches -
Weight 5.93 Ounces. 5.6 Ounces-
Rating
Reviews1,3628782,921
Price$13.47$5.99$10.96

4. Best Cruelty-Free:NeutralyzeBreakout Clearing Facial Cleanser

Thisface wash is a potent formula containing 2% medical-grade salicylic acid, 1% mandelic acid, and Nitrogen Boost Skincare Technology. These ingredients work in tandem to minimize acne and other bacterial breakouts like blemishes, zits, pimples, cystic acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. The cleanser evens out the skin tone, improves skin clarity and texture, and prevents further breakouts. The nitric oxide infused in this formula heals the skin. It reduces irritation and redness and imparts a visibly improved complexion. If you are unsure about purchasing the salicylic acid-infused face wash, take a look at this YouTube video.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (BHA), Mandelic acid (AHA), Nitrogen boost skincare technology

Pros

  • Gentle
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Not tested on animals
  • Clinically proven ingredients

Cons

  • May dry out dry skin.
  • May cause burning sensation on sensitive skin.
worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 1,456 great reviews on Amazon.

5. Best For pH Balance:iUNIKCentella Bubble Cleansing Foam

This bubbling formula from iUNIKis infused with natural tea tree leaf water and 69% Centellaasiatica extract. The formula soothes the face and keeps it moisturized while exfoliating and deep cleansing the skin.

It also contains other botanicals like wild chamomile oil, rice bran extract, allantoin, and purslane extracts rich in amino acids, fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Together, these ingredients lock in the skin’s natural moisture. This soothing face wash for whiteheads and inflammation also soothes sensitive acne-prone skin. It removes blackheads, whiteheads , and acne and keeps the skin hydrated.

Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract (69%), Tea tree leaf water, Wild chamomile oil, Rice bran extract, Allantoin, and Purslane extracts

Pros

  • Suits all skin types
  • Balances skin’s pH
  • Vegan
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-sticky
  • Non-greasy
  • Artificial fragrance-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Color additive-free

Cons

  • May dry out the skin.

6. Best Dye-Free:Dermlogic Exfoliating Gel Cleanser

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4
Dermlogic Exfoliating Gel Cleanser Image: Dermalogica

This exfoliating gel cleanser for clogged pores from Dermlogic helps remove blackheads, whiteheads, and acne. The antibacterial face wash for infection cleanses the pores, exfoliates dead skin, and removes excess oil and dirt, which cause bacteria and breakouts.

The salicylic acid in the formula has antibacterial properties for the body and face. It unclogs the pores and gives the skin a vibrant complexion. The pore tightening cleanser improves the skin’s texture, increases its elasticity, tightens it, and offers anti-aging benefits. The antioxidant-rich face wash also helps rejuvenate the skin and increase blood circulation.

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (0.4%), Papaya fruit extract, Allantoin, Provitamin B5, Orange oil, Aloe vera extract, and Green tea extract

Pros

  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Artificial dye-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use a facial cleansing brush along with your cleanser to remove whiteheads and dead skin cells better.

7. Best For Moisturizing:YADAH Anti Trouble Bubble Cleanser

The YADAH Bubble Cleanser cleans the skin of impurities, opening up the pores and drawing out the dirt. The clarifying face wash for uneven texture keeps the skin moisturized and soft. It soothes irritation in acne-prone and sensitive skin types.

The gentle bubble cleanser will control breakouts, acne, and whiteheads as it helps decrease the number of microbes in the skin. It has a pH of 5.5, which lowers the skin’s acidity levels. The formula of this face wash for sensitive skin includes botanicals like blackberry extract, green tea, rosemary, sage, and aloe vera, along with salicylic acid, which help deep cleanse the skin and prevent further breakouts. You can check this skincare aficionado’s review of the clearing face wash for whiteheads and acne control for more details.

Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, Aloe vera, and Sage leaf extract

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Paraben-free
  • Benzophenone-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Artificial dye-free

Cons

  • Thin foam

protip_icon Quick Tip
Never scrub the foam of a cleanser on your skin because it can push the impurities deeper into the skin and cause whiteheads. Instead, massage the foam in a circular motion to remove dirt and oil and to improve blood circulation for better skin rejuvenation.

*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

A gentle exfoliating face wash can effectively remove whiteheads from your skin. But there are a few points that you need to consider before investing in a whitehead removal cleanser. Go through the following points to know more.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Face Wash For Removing Whiteheads

  • Skin Type:It is essential to evaluate your skin type. The face wash should be gentle on your skin and fulfill its specific requirements. For example, those with oily or congested skin should avoid a rich moisturizing formula or pick an oil-free natural face wash for whiteheads. Those with dry skin should make sure the cleanser is not a drying formula.
  • Formula And Ingredients: Harmful chemicals and ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, artificial dyes, and fragrances, can irritate the skin. Therefore, check the ingredient list thoroughly to ensure that the cleanser does not contain such toxins. Synthetic fragrance causes contact dermatitis, and hence, it is always a wise choice to avoid a face wash that includes it. Look for natural ingredients and botanicals or products containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Face Washes For Whiteheads

There are many face washes available on the market that claim to work on whiteheads and blackheads. However, their authenticity can only be measured in terms of the ingredients they have. The below infographic delves further into the ingredients that face washes for whiteheads should include. Take a look!

Key Ingredients To Look For In Face Washes For Whiteheads

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

Accumulation of oil, dirt, impurities, and dead skin cells in the blocked pores causes whiteheads. That is why you need to get your hands on the best face washes for whiteheads. These cleansers prevent bacterial growth and keep your skin free of whiteheads. They help you achieve flawless and gorgeous-looking skin. These cleansers have a gentle and non-irritating formula free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. They have a non-comedogenic and non-sticky texture ideal for all skin types. The CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser is gentle and perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, while the Dr. Song Glycolic Acid Face Wash is great for those who want a deep cleanser for dry and combination skin. But if you are looking for sensitive and irritation-prone skin, try the iUNIK Centella Bubble Cleansing Foam . Consider your skin type and carefully go through the ingredients list before purchasing the best face wash for whiteheads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get so many whiteheads?

If the pores on your face are blocked with impurities, excess sebum, bacteria buildup, and dead skin cells, the toxins get pushed out as whiteheads. Whiteheads are also a type of acne.

Do whiteheads go away naturally?

Yes, they do. However, they might take weeks and may become painful. A good face cleanser can clear out whiteheads faster and reduce further breakouts.

How long do whiteheads last?

Whiteheads can last for weeks.

How often should you wash your face?

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, it is recommended to wash your face once in the morning and once at night. If your skin is normal to dry, then once at night should be enough.

Do I also need to use a whitehead removal cream?

Face washes prevent whiteheads but using a spot treatment can prevent whiteheads. A cream containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is beneficial in treating active acne, while face washes avoid further breakouts.

Do I need to use a whitehead toner after using my face wash?

A toner is not necessarily required to remove whiteheads. Toners help to remove residue facial products after washing the face. But if the cleanser is water-soluble, a toner is not needed. It is optional.

How do you get rid of whiteheads on your face?

• Apply a warm compress to your pores to open them up.
• Use small cotton pads and prevent extra oil from getting on your skin.
• Apply gentle pressure to both sides of the whitehead to pop it out. Stop if it is not coming out.
• Rinse the area and cleanse your face with a mild cleanser.

Does washing your face remove whiteheads?

No. Washing alone cannot remove whiteheads from your face. Daily cleansing and exfoliating are effective in clearing the pores.

Do I need to use a whitehead toner after using my face wash?

Yes. Use a whitehead removal toner after using a face wash to tighten your pores and remove the leftover dirt.

How long do whiteheads take to clear?

Whiteheads take three to seven days to go away on their own. But with effective home remedies and the use of face washes for whiteheads, you can clear them faster.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and understands which products work best for the skin. For this article, she has immensely researched face washes that claim to prevent whiteheads and analyzed hundreds of reviews posted on trusted online platforms. The products mentioned in the list cover various skin types and work effectively in removing whiteheads besides soothing and cleansing the skin.

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Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Schwarzburg
Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
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 editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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