10 Best Acne-Fighting Products for Clearer Skin
On Home Care, Pimples, Dark Spots, and Everything In Between.
Acne is one of the most common problems I see people running into when it comes to skin.
It’s something I deal with personally, and it was the impetus for me to really dig deep into the science of skincare a few years ago.
Like many of you, I went through the “pick whatever’s on the shelf that says it’s oil-free and hope it fixes my skin” phase.
Also like many of you, it took me a while to figure out that doesn’t fix everything!
Be sure to check out my protocols for Clearing Back Acne and Hyperpigmentation, How to Get Rid of Acne Scarring, and Mitigating Acne Issues on TRT for easy-to-follow guides.
You can learn more about dietary triggers and lifestyle changes to manage acne in this post, but today, I want to share some of my favorite acne products that actually work.
Typically, these products include one (or even better, multiple) of the following ingredients that are excellent for treating breakouts and post-acne marks:
Salicylic Acid: Deep-cleansing exfoliant that unclogs pores and sloughs off dead skin cells, targeting acne at its source.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Potent antibacterial agent that zaps acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation for clearer skin.
Mandelic Acid: Gentle exfoliant derived from almonds that dissolves dead skin cells and improves skin texture without irritation.
Sulfur: Natural element that absorbs excess oil and unclogs pores, reducing acne and preventing new breakouts.
Azelaic Acid: Multi-tasking powerhouse that diminishes acne, fades dark spots, and calms inflammation for smoother, more even skin.
Zinc Oxide: Soothing mineral that reduces inflammation, controls oil, and acts as a protective barrier against acne-causing irritants.
So, let’s dive into the top 10 acne-fighting products you can use at home.
1. Best overall: Adapalene Gel 0.1%
If you're dealing with acne, Differin gel is your new best friend.
Suitable for mild to moderate acne, adapalene is a great retinoid treatment to control breakouts.
The catch?
It doesn’t work if you just apply it once or twice like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
With retinoids, you have to be consistent in applying them because they work by speeding up skin cell turnover, and the typical cell cycle is ~28 days.
So, if you want to use adapalene, you have to commit to applying it consistently for 3-6 months to see results.
You can learn more about retinoids and how to use them in Retinol Part 1, Retinol Part 2, and Which Retinoid is Best for You?
Start by applying a pea-sized amount 2-3 times per week, and slowly work your way up to 5-6.
Remember, Differin should only be applied at night, and follow up with a moisturizer!
In addition to Differin’s adapalene, I also love the BP wash and the resurfacing scar gel.
The Daily Deep Cleanser, with 5% benzoyl peroxide, treats and prevents acne while minimizing irritation and redness.
It absorbs excess oil and releases a gentle moisturizer that won't clog pores.
The Resurfacing Scar Gel reduces post-acne scars, smooths rough skin, promotes cell turnover, firms with peptides, and hydrates to soften scars and imperfections.
2. Best for Body Acne: PanOxyl 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
Benzoyl peroxide is one of my favorite acne treatments, and it's one of the best and most affordable ingredients for tackling acne.
Ideal for oily skin types, benzoyl peroxide works by killing off acne-causing bacteria.
In fact, I personally found it just as effective for fighting inflammatory acne as prescription medications.
Generally considered a stronger acne treatment than salicylic acid, it might not suit sensitive skin.
You can add benzoyl peroxide into your routine as a cleanser, a leave-on gel, a mask, or a spray.
I also recommend Naturium's Salicylic Acid Body Spray 2% for body acne.
This 360-degree spray targets hard-to-reach blemishes, balancing oil and soothing irritation with encapsulated salicylic acid and niacinamide.
The brightening blend evens complexion and reduces dullness, while the fermented complex boosts hydration for smoother skin.
3. Best Serum/Gel: Replenix BP Acne Gel 10% Spot Treatment or Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%
Replenix BP Acne Gel 10% Spot Treatment effectively targets and eliminates blemishes.
This dermatologist-developed gel uses highly purified, medical-grade benzoyl peroxide USP for its strong antibacterial properties.
Applying it directly to problem areas clears existing blemishes and prevents new ones from forming.
Its maximum potency ensures swift, reliable results, making it a key part of any acne-fighting routine.
An all-time favorite of mine, Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% is perfect for addressing acne, red marks, and rosacea.
This serum combines glycinated azelaic acid complex, niacinamide, vitamin C, and coffee seed extract to enhance skin tone and brightness.
The azelaic acid derivative balances excess oil, leaving skin comfortable and hydrated.
Ideal for sensitive skin, this serum tackles multiple concerns with a gentle, soothing touch.
4. Best Face Mask: Sofie Pavitt BP Mask, Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask
Sofie Pavitt Face Reset BP Mask is a new find for me, and I love it. With 5% BP, you leave it on for 3-5 minutes and let it work its magic.
It's not drying and very effective. In fact, it's the only BP mask I've found that isn't a leave-on gel.
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Sulfur Mask reduces oil, pimples, and blackheads using sulfur, salicylic acid, and Austrian peat.
Its hydrating and easy-to-remove formula offers a pleasant experience, making it ideal if benzoyl peroxide is too drying.
5. Best for Hormonal Acne: Murad Deep Relief Acne Treatment
Murad Deep Relief Acne Treatment heals deep, uncomfortable acne with powerful phytosteroids, avoiding the need for steroid shots or prescription pills.
The treatment forms an invisible "second skin" that enhances penetration, using amino acid technology and 2% salicylic acid to target the bacteria responsible for severe acne.
For additional help with hormonal acne, check out this article on CurrentBody’s red light mask which worked wonders for my hormonal acne.
Heads up – you can get $60 off a purchase of the CurrentBody LED Face Mask and a 60-day money-back guarantee with my code STACYLED (great customer service!)
6. Best Cleanser: CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser, Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser, Paula's Choice 2.5% BP Cleanser
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is one of my favorite drugstore cleansers.
In addition to classic salicylic acid which is a great anti-acne ingredient, it also includes niacinamide to support your protective skin barrier.
Having gone through a couple full bottles of CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, I can confirm that it’s a good, affordable cleanser.
In fact, I think this is one of the best salicylic acid products you can get at the drugstore, and I particularly like it for teenagers with acne because it’s an uncomplicated product to use.
It reduces blemishes and prevents new ones from forming.
That being said, it does feel a bit stripping on my dry skin.
I definitely think this cleanser is more suitable for people with oilier skin types, and you can use it every day.
Kate Somerville EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser is developed for acne-prone skin and clinically formulated to help combat blackheads, sebaceous filaments, and pimples while preventing new breakouts.
This cleanser features 3% sulfur, which effectively targets active breakouts and helps prevent future ones.
It also unclogs congested pores and draws out impurities, promoting a clearer complexion.
The patented botanical complex with honey and rice bran extracts helps soothe and calm irritated skin, while natural oat extract absorbs excess oil and balances sebum production.
Paula's Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide effectively combats acne.
This lightweight, oil-free lotion targets existing breakouts and prevents new ones. Soothing plant extracts calm the skin and reduce redness.
Its ultra-light texture sets to an invisible matte finish, making it ideal for use under makeup.
It controls excess oil, minimizes dryness, and suits both face and body, including skin prone to cystic acne.
Overall, this twice-daily treatment reliably enhances any acne-fighting skincare routine.
7. Best for Dark Spots: Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigment Corrector
This serum from Allies of Skin is a no-brainer for people with dark spots.
It has an incredible blend of mandelic and lactic acid in this formula plus bakuchiol and other brightening agents.
Not only will it turn over your dead skin cells but it will also help regulate melanin production to get your acne under control!
For budget options, consider Paula's Choice Discoloration Serum or Topicals Faded Serum (lowkey smells bad but it works).
You can get 20% off at Allies of Skin by using the code SKINCARESTACY.
8. Best sunscreen: Supergoop Glowscreen, SuperGoop Mineral Unseen Sunscreen, Hero Superlight Sunscreen
I love mineral sunscreens for acne because they're zinc-based and excellent at fighting acne, though they can feel heavy.
My current favorite non-mineral sunscreen is Supergoop Glowscreen, which gives a fantastic glowy, sun-kissed look with great coverage.
For mineral sunscreens, I prefer SuperGoop Mineral Unseen Sunscreen for its powdery finish and no white cast.
For a budget-friendly mineral option, I’d go with Hero Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30.
It's lightweight, perfect for acne-prone skin, and provides strong UVA and UVB protection, though it can leave a white cast on darker skin tones.
9. Best Moisturizer: Versed Dew Point, Korres Yogurt Cream, Stratia Interface
The Dew Point Gel-Cream Moisturizer is a lovely option, and it’s probably my favorite product I’ve tried from Versed.
It's super lightweight, making it perfect for oily skin, especially in the summertime.
The gel-cream has a translucent, almost cloudy color and a jelly-like texture that absorbs instantly.
It contains sodium hyaluronate, which helps draw in and retain moisture, aloe leaf juice for hydration, and natural antioxidants from green tea to soothe the skin and combat free radicals.
Truly, this moisturizer is excellent for those with oily or acne-prone skin. It hydrates effectively without clogging pores.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use it if you have dry skin like me.
Overall, it's a great moisturizer for anyone looking to keep their skin bouncy and refreshed without the heaviness.
The Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Probiotic Gel-Cream is suitable for acne-prone skin as this moisturizer features a unique prebiotic strain called alpha-glucan oligosaccharide.
This prebiotic nourishes your skin’s microbiome and reduces dryness.
Over time, it helps soothe acne-prone skin and protects your skin barrier.
Stratia Interface is one of the best moisturizers on the market today.
Not only is it affordable, but it uses encapsulated and targeted peptides to help hydrate firm and repair skin.
As far as anti-aging moisturizers go, Interface is among some of the best.
I love all Stratia products, but Interface plays an important role in promoting youthful skin in particular.
10. Best tool: Banisher 3.0
I have the Banish microneedling tool, which is excellent for supporting the healing of textured scars and hyperpigmentation.
You can't use it over active acne, but it's a fantastic tool for improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of old acne scars.
This tool promotes skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen production, leading to smoother and more even-toned skin over time.
This roundup of acne-fighting products provides everything you need for clear, healthy skin.
Remember, consistency is key to seeing results with these treatments.
As a bonus: I always have hydrocolloid patches on hand.
I like Hero Cosmetics the best, but I've also tried Cosrx, which is a bit less adhesive but also a little cheaper.
Cheers,