:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2)/Best-Acne-Body-Washes-PO-Social-16fd8d6bfaac4d76809aa33e64617f85.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "These Acne Body Washes Actually Helped Diminish Body Breakouts, According to our Testers")
As far as acne-prone skin is concerned, we’re no strangers to all of the cleansers, masks, and treatments available for our complexions — but what about breakouts on the body? These pustules can become wildly uncomfortable if they go untreated, but thankfully, one of the first lines of defense against them is acne body wash.
“The shower provides an opportunity to really cleanse the skin, which is important for acne-prone skin,” says Dr. Tracy Evans, MD, MPH, Board Certified Dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology. “A body wash formulated for acne can be very helpful, especially in areas such as the back, shoulders, and chest, which have large surface areas and can be difficult to treat with creams that you have to rub in,” she adds.
After testing dozens of formulas with acne-fighting ingredients for consistency, effectiveness, hydration, and cleansing ability, the PEOPLE Tested team found the best body washes for acne that address concerns like pre-existing breakouts, and excess oil, and even help ward off new blemishes, too.
Here are our top picks for the best acne body washes PEOPLE Tested.
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We were so impressed by the Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash. The secret here is its exfoliating prowess — it’s formulated with a combination of tropical fruit enzymes, allantoin, and glycolic acid to help gently wash away excess sebum and remove dead skin and buildup from pores, thereby reducing breakouts and prevent future ones from popping up.
After testing this acne body wash, we were pleasantly surprised by how well it diminished acne breakouts on the chest and back and also how it reduced the overall amount of breakouts we would typically experience. We even noticed that we had fewer ingrown hairs and bumps after shaving. We also love that the formula is gentle and non-irritating, which can be a nightmare when coupled with sensitive acne breakouts. Although it doesn’t include heavy-hitting ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, we found that it still worked well and left our skin looking and feeling much clearer and smoother after a month and a half of use.
While this body wash is a bit pricier than your typical drugstore wash, the impressive results justify the price tag. Plus, after the testing period, we still had about 70 percent of the product left, meaning it will last you a long time.
Size: 9 ounces | Star Ingredients: AHA, tropical fruit enzymes, allantoin, glycolic acid | Skin Type: All, especially oily skin types
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Rich in omegas, it provided lightweight yet effective nourishment
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Visibly shrunk our pimples
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Made pimples less painful
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Prevented new breakouts
Dry skin and acne breakouts are individually an annoyance, and it’s not always easy to find products that address both. However, during testing, we found that the ZitSticka Silkshake Body Cleanser is the best acne body wash for dry skin. It includes gentle acne-fighting ingredients like tea tree but also has omegas 3, 6, and 9 to nourish the skin without feeling too heavy. We love that this cleanser also focuses on the skin’s microbiome and includes pre-, post-, and probiotics to strengthen its moisture barrier.
While it doesn’t include powerful ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, it did a good job of decreasing pre-existing pimple size and diminishing painful bacne while also preventing the formation of new breakouts (though it didn’t completely clear breakouts during the testing period). Additionally, we thought this acne body wash worked well at reducing redness, which is a major plus. However, if you have cystic or abundant breakouts, you may need to reach for something stronger, like the PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash below.
Size: 10.14 ounces | Star Ingredients: Tea tree, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 | Skin Type: Sensitive skin with minimal breakouts
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People / Meredith Campbell
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People / Meredith Campbell
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Mild enough to use on sensitive areas
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Helped reduce our skin’s oiliness in general
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Worked wonders on breakouts and ingrown hairs
If you’re looking for a body wash that won’t break the bank and does an amazing job at combatting acne, we were thoroughly impressed by our experience with PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash, which is formulated with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide and designed to treat and prevent acne breakouts on the body.
After testing this body wash for several weeks, we found that it did a fabulous job of removing excess oil and keeping spot inflammation at bay. And because it’s more of a cream wash than a soap, it left our skin feeling soft after use. The benzoyl peroxide helped to unclog pores and worked wonders on ingrown hairs. Additionally, there was no scent, which is great for sensitive noses and skin types. The price point certainly doesn’t hurt, either!
Size: 5.5 ounces | Star Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Skin Type: All, especially dry skin
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People / Sara Luckey
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People / Sara Luckey
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If you’re looking to splurge on a luxe acne-fighting formula, the Murad Acne Body Wash is our top pick. This body wash has a gel-like texture with tiny exfoliating particles that gently slough off dry skin to help keep clogged pores at bay. The formula also features salicylic acid, which can exfoliate while also targeting inflammation, excess oils, and blackheads.
We loved how gentle the exfoliation felt despite being partially physical (one tester even used it on her face, too, which we wouldn’t necessarily recommend, but she did not experience any adverse reaction in doing so). We also noticed a significant change in our back acne after regular use, as most of our breakouts cleared up, and we only experienced a couple of new pimples during the testing period. It also reduces our overall oiliness, which helps prevent future breakouts.
Size: 8.5 ounces | Star Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree extract | Skin Type: All, especially oily skin
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After six weeks of use, most of our back acne was completely gone
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Did not irritate our sensitive skin
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No new pimples appeared
Those who experience back acne can sigh a breath of relief because we found a formula that can actually get rid of body breakouts. The Truly Cherry Jelly Anti-Bacne Body Cleanse is specifically designed to target acne on the back and does a phenomenal job to boot.
After testing this body wash for several weeks, we noticed that this cleanser, which transforms from a gel to an easily spreadable creamy formula, made significant changes in our pre-existing back acne, as well as some tricep breakouts. The formula features mandelic acid, which is a powerful ingredient that removes acne-causing bacteria, helping to not only shrink inflamed pimples but also prevent any new pimples from forming. While we wish the formula was a little more nourishing as it made the skin feel a bit dry after use, it works well for those with oily skin types.
Size: 8 ounces | Star Ingredients: Mandelic acid, niacinamide, allantoin | Skin Type: Balanced, oily
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Noticeably reduced the new formation of large, cystic acne
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Provided a nice sensorial experience thanks to its refreshing fruity scent
For sensitive skin types, finding an acne body wash that doesn’t feel super harsh on the skin can be a challenge — but the Frank Body Clearing Body Wash has you covered. Formulated with salicylic acid, the acne body wash gently targets inflammation and new acne formation to keep skin clear and unbothered. It also features soothing aloe vera, which feels really nice on sensitive skin, plus vitamin B to protect the skin from free radicals.
We really enjoyed using this body wash — it’s very light and comes to a nice, bubbly lather without having to use too much product. Plus, it has a subtle fruity scent that feels especially refreshing. When using this formula, we found that it didn’t do the best job at treating pre-existing breakouts, but it helped put a stop to the formation of new blemishes, especially those deep, painful cystic breakouts. It also did not irritate our skin whatsoever, which is helpful for not exacerbating current pimples.
Size: 12.17 ounces | Star Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Kakadu plum, aloe vera, vitamin B | Skin Type: All
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Provided cooling sensation to irritated blemishes
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Nourishing formula
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Lathered really well, even when our skin wasn’t that wet
Having inflamed breakouts on the body can come with a side of heat. For relief, we recommend using a cooling body wash. And, of all the acne body washes we’ve tried, the The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash worked the best. The tea tree oil formula not only cooled on contact but also helped target inflammation and redness on the body, too.
And, after regular use over several weeks, we found that it helped clear up some of the breakouts on our skin. Although tea tree might not be for everyone (it can sometimes be irritating for sensitive skin types), it’s a powerful, naturally derived acne-fighting ingredient that is much easier to use when formulated in a body wash than as an oil alone. Additionally, it wasn’t moisturizing, so you’ll want to follow up with a nourishing body lotion after showering.
Size: 8.45 ounces | Star Ingredients: Tea tree oil | Skin Type: Acne-prone
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People / Loren Brutsch
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People / Loren Brutsch
What to Know About Acne Body Washes
A Balancing Formula
Similar to the face, it’s important not to choose a body wash that is too harsh and, therefore, strips the skin on the body of natural oils, as this can cause the skin’s sebum production to overcompensate and result in excess oil. “One thing to look for in a body wash for acne-prone skin is one that gently foams off the dirt, oil, and sweat, but at the same time does not strip all the natural hydration of the skin,” says Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore. With this in mind, Dr. Kobets recommends staying away from formulas with heavy ingredients like shea butter or oils (which can clog pores) and instead going for more lightweight hydration, like hyaluronic acid. For dry skin types, you might also consider ingredients like glycerin and dimethicone to restore moisture to the skin and hold it in, respectively, like the Panoxyl Acne Foaming Wash winner on our list.
Ingredients for Acne-Prone Skin
In addition to looking for more balancing formulas, paying close attention to the full ingredient list also makes a difference. “Look for a body wash that has several active ingredients to help fight breakouts, [such as] salicylic acid, azelaic acid, sulfur, green tea extract, and zinc,” says Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, and founder and lead facial plastic surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa.
- Salicylic acid: This skincare ingredient is a great exfoliant for sensitive, acne-prone skin because it can help decrease inflammation, reduce oils and blackheads, and kill the bacteria that cause acne, says Dr. DeRosa. “Salicylic acid is considered one of the most effective [ingredients] for mild to moderate acne.” For salicylic-enriched body washes, we recommend Murad Acne Body Wash and Frank Body Clearing Body Wash.
- Azelaic acid: This antibacterial and anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient is known to decrease swelling and redness as well as prevent clogged pores. “As a comedolytic, it unblocks clogged pores and prevents whiteheads and blackheads as well as decreases irritation and redness seen with acne through its anti-inflammatory properties,” says Dr. DeRosa.
- Sulfur: “Sulfur is another great ingredient to help combat acne and is commonly found in cleansers,” says DeRosa. She notes that it works by helping to dry excess sebum, thus reducing the oils on your skin.
- Green Tea: According to DeRosa, this natural skincare ingredient is anti-bacterial and “works nicely to help kill acne bacteria.”
- Zinc: “Zinc is an anti-inflammatory and may reduce bacteria on the skin and oiliness in the skin,” says DeRosa.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is another effective acne ingredient, recommended by Dr. Kobets. “It not only kills the possible infection or bacteria in the pimple but also dries out the oil and cleans out excess debris within the follicle,” she explains. With that said, this ingredient is a little harsher compared to other acne ingredients and might lead to excessive dryness and irritation, so it’s best to consult your dermatologist before using a product formulated with the powerful acne fighter.
Skin Type
According to Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, it’s also super important to make sure the body wash you use is formulated for your skin type — especially if you have acne-prone skin. This means looking not only at the product label but also at beneficial ingredients, as well as important cues like “non-comedogenic” which means it won’t clog pores (though most formulas shouldn’t).
Behind the Scenes
To find the best acne body washes, we researched dozens of formulas, carefully paying attention to acne-fighting ingredients, product reviews, and skin types to curate a list of top products. From there, the PEOPLE Tested team conducted real-world testing over six weeks to find out which body washes work at cleansing blemish-prone skin.
- Consistency: One of the first things we observed was the way each body wash felt on our skin, how easily each formula lathered up, and if we had to use more or less product than the instructions on the packaging recommended.
- Effectiveness: We noted whether or not each product helped reduce the oiliness of our skin and helped control our natural production of sebum, and if we noticed a decrease in breakouts, ingrown hairs, and irritation that we’d typically get. We also assessed whether the formulas helped prevent future formations of pimples or irritation and if our skin texture improved during testing.
- Hydration: We kept an eye on whether or not these formulas were hydrating or if they left our skin feeling dry as we stepped out of the shower. We also observed whether or not the concentration of clarifying ingredients was too much for our skin, causing unwanted irritation or over-exfoliation.
- Cleansing Ability: We noted whether or not the formulas removed all of the dirt, sweat, sebum, and makeup that our skin may have collected throughout the day and whether or not it stacked up to our usual body wash in terms of making us feel clean when we stepped out of the shower.
All of these qualities were rated on a scale from one to five, one being the poorest performing and five being the highest. The products that passed the test are the ones you see here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the best body wash for acne?
After testing dozens of acne body washes, we found the most success with the Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash, which features a blend of chemical exfoliants to help clear clogged pores and resurface the skin. For a more budget-friendly option, we also recommend PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash, which is formulated with benzoyl peroxide and designed to treat and prevent breakouts. If you experience both acne and dry skin on your body — which is a pesky combination — you can find relief in the ZitSticka Silkshake Body Cleanser, which is our top pick for the best acne body wash for dry skin since it has omegas 3, 6, and 9 for nourishing the body.
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Can you use acne body wash on your face?
Technically speaking, you can use acne body wash on your face as facial formulas and body formulas are often quite similar, but our experts warn of using formulas that could be more irritating to the thinner, more delicate facial skin (like physical exfoliants and those with harsher ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil if you have reactive skin). You should also be careful to avoid your eye area with any acne wash as the active ingredients can greatly irritate them.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE.com who writes about beauty, fashion, home, pets, DIY, and more. She has a BA in journalism from Academy of Art University and has written for other publications such as Forbes, InStyle, and Nylon. For this story, Quinn went through extensive testing insights and data, analyzing each tester’s experience with the body washes. She also consulted four medical professionals in the world of dermatology for their insights into which types of acne body washes work best and which ingredients to avoid.
Our Expert Panel
- Dr. Jaimie DeRosa is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon as well as the founder and Lead Facial Plastic Surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Boston, MA.
- Dr. Kseniya Kobets, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein, a medical center and university hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, NY.
- Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and the Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, NY.
- Dr. Tracy Evans, MPH is a board-certified dermatologist and the Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, CA.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.