15 Best Body Washes For Acne That Actually Work – 2023
Bid farewell to bumps and blemishes to get smooth, spotless skin that you can flaunt.
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 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 three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Acne is not limited to your face. Body acne can be a real struggle, but thankfully, the best body washes for acne can help get rid of them! Whether we are talking about the occasional zit or a cluster of whiteheads, it’s an unpleasant affair altogether. Body acne appears because of accumulated oil and sweat. If you want to get rid of it, body washes are the way to go. We have handpicked a few of our top choices to help you pick the right one. Note: The same products may not work effectively on all body acne, so you need to find out which ingredient works best for you. For some, salicylic acid may be effective, while others may prefer products based on tea tree oil. It’s essential to do your research before buying!
In This Article
15 Top Rated Body Washes For Acne You Must Try
1. Best Non-Drying Formula:Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
Product Claims
This is a very effective and gentle body wash. It contains salicylic acid that can clear acne with regular use. It prevents breakouts on your chest, shoulders, back, and other body parts without irritating your skin. It gives a foamy lather and does not clog your pores.
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid (2%)
- No artificial fragrance
- No artificial dyes
- Doesn’t contain harmful chemicals
- Non-drying formula
- Doesn’t irritate your skin
Cons
None
2. Best For Reducing Acne Spots:Dr. Song 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Medicinal Acne Wash
Product Claims
This body wash is a medicinal grade and contains just a few basic ingredients for clearing acne. And that’s why it is best for those who have highly sensitive skin. Your skin will not develop any adverse reactions to this product. It is a very potent formula that helps clear acne without giving you new ones.
Pros
- Contains medical grade Benzoyl Peroxide (10%)
- No harsh chemicals
- No artificial fragrance
- No alcohol
- No glycerine
- Cruelty-free
- No parabens
- Reduces acne spots
Cons
None
3. Best Botanical Extracts:Mountain Falls Clarifying Body Wash
Product Claims
This body wash contains 2% salicylic acid that exfoliates your skin and cleanse the pores. It foams well and clears all the dirt from your skin. It works pretty effectively in clearing acne and has a pleasant fragrance.
Pros
- Contains Salicylic Acid
- Contains botanical extracts
- Clears acne
- Dermatologically tested
- No glycerine
- Cruelty-free
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrance
Cons
None
4. Best For Reducing Acne Blemishes:Proactiv Deep Cleansing Wash
Product Claims
This is an extremely gentle body wash that contains salicylic acid. It helps in preventing blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts. It clears all impurities and dead skin cells to reveal soft and glowing skin. It doesn’t make your skin feel tight after a shower.
Pros
- Developed by dermatologists
- Clears blemishes
- Gentle on your skin
- Contains gentle beads for exfoliation
- Non-drying formula
- Reduce acne blemishes
- Formulated by doctors
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
Caution5. Best Clinically Proven:Touch KP Exfoliating Wash
Product Claims
This is a formula containing 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid. These are proven exfoliants that clear your skin. It smoothens acne and rough bumps on your skin, improves your skin texture, and evens out your skin tone. It is perfect for treating keratosis pilaris (a skin condition that causes small bumps ).
Pros
- pH balanced
- Clinically proven
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Phthalate-free
- Contains Vitamin E
- No parabens
- No dyes
Cons
None
6. Best Oil-Free Formula:Phisoderm Skin Balancing Technology Anti-Blemish Body Wash
Product Claims
This body wash is good for those with combination and oily skin types. This is also a salicylic acid-based body wash. It clears breakouts, dirt, and oil without drying out your skin. It is formulated with a skin-balancing technology and suits all skin types.
Pros
- Medicated
- Leaves no residue
- Contains Vitamin E and aloe vera
- Soap-free
- Dye and alcohol-free
- Oil-free formula
Cons
None
7. Best For Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria:Murad Acne Control Body Wash
Product Claims
This is among the most popular body washes for treating acne. It contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid that keep your skin pores clean. It kills acne-causing bacteria and is best for back acne.
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid
- Does not overdry your skin
- Contains exfoliating beads (biodegradable)
- No PEG and alcohol
- No artificial fragrance
- No artificial color
Cons
None
Caution8. Best Cruelty-Free:Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Tea Tree Pure Castile Soap
Product Claims
This pure castile soap contains pure tea tree oil, which is known for its acne-clearing property. This body wash hydrates your skin. It contains organic extracts that nourish your skin and keep it healthy. And it’s environment-friendly too.
Pros
- Biodegradable product
- Medicinal grade
- Fair trade ingredients
- Certified organic
- 100% vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
None
9. Best Non-Toxic:Puracy Natural Body Wash
Product Claims
This body wash is developed by doctors and is trusted by those who are looking for gentle care for their skin. It is a coconut-based cleanser. It contains medical-grade moisturizers, citrus extracts, and sea salt. It does not clog your pores and is suitable for those who have skin issues. Although it is not marketed as an acne-clearing product, it is an excellent exfoliant for skin.
Pros
- Plant-derived
- Non-toxic
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free (approved by PETA)
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-freeBiodegradable
Cons
None
10. Best For Sensitive Skin:CeraVe SA Body Wash
Product Claims
This product is best for hormonal acne. If you experience breakouts when you are stressed or menstruating, go for this body wash. It contains salicylic acid that penetrates deep into your skin pores. It exfoliates your skin and makes it smoother.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Contains hyaluronic acid
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Developed by dermatologists
Cons
None
11. Best Antifungal Formula:Essential Oil Labs Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Product Claims
This is a natural detox for your skin. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that keep your skin free of acne. It reduces inflammation and smoothens your skin with regular use. It has an antifungal formula that helps in controlling other skin issues such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
Pros
- Antifungal formula
- Extremely effective
- Suitable for all age groups
- Gives soft and smooth skin
Cons
None
12. Best For All Skin Types:Detox Exfoliating & Detoxifying Body Wash
Product Claims
This body wash contains activated charcoal, which is considered a potent cleanser. It not only exfoliates your skin gently but also clears dirt and grime from all pores of your body. This is especially helpful in controlling back, shoulder, and chest acne.
Pros
- Contains white lava volcanic materialsNon-drying formula
- Hypoallergenic
- 100% cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types (even sensitive skin)
Cons
None
13. Best Non-Foaming:Humane Acne Wash
Product Claims
This is a benzoyl peroxide-based product. So, if your skin responds well to benzoyl peroxide, this is the body wash for you. It is specially designed to treat acne, and it works effectively on back and body acne. It kills acne-causing bacteria and prevents further breakouts.
Pros
- Contains 10% benzoyl peroxide
- Cruelty-free
- Non-foaming
- No SLS, parabens, and fragrance
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
14. Best For Reducing Inflammation:PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash
Product Claims
This is one of the most popular benzoyl peroxide body washes. It contains 4% benzoyl peroxide that helps in killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Pros
- Reduces acne and blemishes
- pH balanced
- Contains emollients and humectants
Cons
- Contains parabens
15. Best For Clearing Back Acne:Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap
Product Claims
This body soap exfoliates your skin gently and smoothens the irritated areas. The active ingredients of this body soap include ginseng, papaya, and grapefruit extracts. It is very effective in clearing back acne, and you can see a difference just after a few days of using it.
Pros
- Contains natural extracts
- Does not leave a soapy residue behind
- Contains fruit extracts
Cons
- Contains SLS
Note: While some products claim to show results within days, some might take weeks. Always consult a dermatologist before purchasing any products for acne treatment.
The next section discusses the factors to consider while buying a body acne wash.
What To Look For In A Body Acne Wash
- Look for an acne wash that is gentle on the skin and non-abrasive.
- Check if it contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and glycolic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide (B.P) has anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties (1). It also helps fade acne spots. Salicylic acid acts as a chemical exfoliant and targets acne (1). It removes the dead skin cells and prevents the recurrence of pimples. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent acne lesions and swelling (2). Glycolic acid improves acne scars and cystic lesions (3).
- Check if the product contains emollients like ceramides to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Humectants like glycerin and exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) help smoothen rough skin surfaces caused by acne.
- Use products that are free of artificial and synthetic fragrances as they might irritate the skin.
- Choose a non-comedogenic acne wash. Such products do not clog your skin pores and prevent the reoccurrence of acne and breakouts.
Check out the following section for tips to eliminate those unwanted, pesky bumps on the skin.
How To Get Rid Of Body Acne
- If there are major acne breakouts on your body, the chances are that your pillow covers and bedsheets have not been washed for quite some time. Make sure to wash them at least once in 15 days.
- Avoid synthetic garments and opt for cotton or linen fabrics.
- UV exposure has adverse effects on acne. Always use sunscreen before stepping out.
- Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove the dead skin cells. Use scrubs with AHAs and BHAs for better results.
- Avoid processed foods, sweets, and smoking to prevent acne. Follow a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables and drink sufficient water.
- Indulge in physical activities and practice meditation to eliminate stress.
Here are a few things that should be avoided while buying body washes for acne. Scroll down to know more!
Things To Avoid While Buying Body Washes For Acne
- Opt for soap-free, low-pH body washes for acne. Balanced and slightly low pH products make it difficult for the bacteria to survive on your skin. This prevents acne infection, and your skin heals quickly.
- Avoid acne body washes with artificial fragrances and preservatives as they might aggravate the skin allergies and sensitivities.
- Choose sulfate-free body washes and cleansers that leave your skin feeling “squeaky clean” or “tight”.
Anti-acne body washes can be more effective when used the right way. Here are some tips to help you.
Tips For Using Anti-Acne Body Washes
- Do not take a shower in steaming hot water. Use lukewarm water as too much hot water can damage your skin.
- Anti-acne body washes contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Wait for at least 3-5 minutes to let the ingredients absorb into your skin.
- Avoid sponges or loofahs if you have severe and inflamed acne. These products might cause bacteria to spread further and result in breakouts. Use your hands to rub the product in slow, circular motions.
- Apply a non-comedogenic body lotion after your shower on damp skin to hydrate it.
- Avoid reusing clothes or towels. Even if you do so, ensure you wash them properly.
These body washes can effectively manage body acne, especially those that accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your body. From salicylic acid to organic tea tree oil, they are made with ingredients that are perfect for different skin types and conditions. In addition, you can choose body washes that do not clog your pores or irritate your skin upon use. To be safe, you should avoid body washes made of harmful chemicals or toxins.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who understands the bane of body acne. She has thus curated this list of the best body washes for acne problems based on product listings and user reviews. Shiboli has also explained the contents, benefits, and other features of these body washes and included a buying guide to help you pick the product that best suits your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use acne body wash daily?
Yes, you may use acne body wash daily. But if it irritates the skin, use the product in moderation.
What product gets rid of body acne?
Products with glycolic acid and salicylic acid help get rid of body acne.
Can you use acne body wash on your face?
No. Body wash is not meant for your face and may cause dryness and clogged pores.
Is soap or body wash better for acne?
Body washes are better than soaps for acne as they help moisturize the skin and treat acne without causing dryness.
Can body wash make acne worse?
No. However, if your body wash contains a high concentration of detergents, your acne condition may worsen.
How do you clear back acne?
• Gently cleanse your skin.
• Stop using harsh skin care products that irritate your skin.
• Use oil-free skin care and cosmetics.
• Avoid anything that rubs against your back.
• Refrain from picking and popping acne, even on your back.
• Sun protection is essential for your skin.
Sources
- Over-the-counter Acne Treatments A Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366450/ - The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study
https://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2007;volume=73;issue=1;spage=22;epage=25;aulast=Enshaieh - The effect of glycolic acid on the treatment of acne in Asian skin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9107290/
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