The 12 Best Acne Body Washes, According to Experts and Editors

Whether you’re dealing with straight up body acne or just have a rough texture that you want to even out, CeraVe can save the day. “This has salicylic acid and ceramides which makes this safe for all skin types,” says Dr. Lal. The salicylic acid, which is concentrated at two percent, serves as the active, acne-fighting ingredient, while the ceramides, along with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, counteract the drying, occasionally irritating side effects. The best part? The price can’t be beat. 

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Affordable; Fragrance Free 

Cons: None 

It’s all too common to mistake folliculitis, aka inflammation of the hair follicle, as acne. Thankfully, this Amazon body wash is a savior for both. “This has sodium hypochlorite, which is great for people with bacterial-prone acne and for people with folliculitis,” says Dr. Lal. The benefits don’t stop there—it’s also able to treat eczema, redness, and dryness. Such a 360 treatment doesn’t usually come bottled up in one product, so don’t sleep on adding this bleach bath dupe to your shower shelf. 

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Multi-purpose 

Cons: Can stain towels 

“This is the OG acne body wash. It kills all organisms and truly works,” says Dr. Lal. How, you ask? Thanks to a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide formula. That’s the strongest possible concentration you can get over the counter, so rest assured it’s the real deal. If you lean more sensitive, I would wash it off right away. But if you can tolerate it, try letting the wash sit on your skin for a few minutes. Just a word from the wise: “Be careful, it can bleach towels.” 

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Strong OTC concentration

Cons: Can stain towels 

For bad breakouts, you’ll always want to go the salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide route. But if your acne is controlled and you only deal with a small flare here and there, allow me to direct your attention to this delightfully milky body wash from Naturium. The fragrance-free product is primarily hydrating and contains all the usual suspects, with the extra addition of niacinamide, which is loved for its oil controlling abilities. If you find you need an extra acne-fighting kick, try out their new Salicylic Acid Body Spray. 

Pros: Great texture; Good for daily use and sensitive skin 

Cons: Doesn’t contain AHAs or BHAs 

Tried and true, this Neutrogena body wash is a staple in the category. It has a *very* strong citrus smell, don’t get me wrong. But, the formula itself is impressive. Salicylic acid is the star of the show and gets to work unclogging pores, removing dirt, and busting up oil. It’s supported by a hefty dose of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that comes along with a brightening effect. On the texture front? This is the way to go if you like a foaming lather. 

Pros: Contains salicylic acid; Foams 

Cons: Strong smell

While salicylic acid can be used at a two percent concentration, Murad opted to cut it in half—and for good reason. Their acne-fighting body wash takes a three-pronged approach to pimple destruction. The beta-hydroxy acid attacks blackheads, glycolic acid speeds up cell turnover and gets rid of dead, pore-clogging skin cells, and date seed powder, which is a physical exfoliant, gently exfoliates. While physical exfoliation isn’t for everyone, this particular inclusion is relatively gentle. 

Pros: Contains two acids

Cons: Physical exfoliation is too harsh for some

Different types of acne need different types of treatments, which is why the chemists over at Hero cooked up a solution that cures all. Salicylic acid addresses clogged pores, while a mineral complex complete with silver and copper side-swipes benzoyl peroxide by fighting acne-causing bacteria. It works up a nice lather (foam included!) and creates an aromatic experience in your shower. The gender neutral fragrance profile is a mix of citrus and sandalwood. 

Pros: Targets multiple types of acne; Lathers

Cons: Fragrance free 

Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, brighten, and do all the things with Kosas’ anti-pimple concoction. It’s powered by a trio of alpha-hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, and madelic), as well as fruit enzyme extracts. Together, they’re going to work some magic on the acne front. Dead skin cells? Gone. Skin tone? Brightened. Oil? Controlled. Acne? Incrementally better. That all said, this intense exfoliation can be irritating, so the brand tossed in some soothing allantoin to combat any dryness. 

Pros: Nice texture; Great ingredients

Cons: Fragranced

It’s hard not to be obsessed with the smell of Sol de Janiero’s BumBum Cream—it’s too good. Enter this body wash, which is a just-as-amazingly-scented counterpart that infuses the signature scent into your shower. But it’s not just a treat for your nose; your skin will thank you. The formula has blemish busting superpowers thanks to its intense formula. Salicylic and lactic acids blend with fruit acids to create an AHA and BHA blend that’s top notch. 

Pros: Signature scent; Intense actives 

Cons: Drying for some 

Sometimes the solution to your breakouts is simply to do less. That’s SEEN’s whole motto. The dermatologist-developed brand is focused on removing acne triggers from the equation. That in mind, you’re not going to find any irritating fragrance, sulfates, silicones, oils, or preservatives in their body wash. Instead it’s going to nourish the skin, deliver non-comedogenic hydration, and cleanse your body without disrupting the skin’s barrier. 

Pros: Gentle; Hydrating; Non-Irritating 

Cons: No treatment ingredients 

Fun fact: Exfoliating your body in the shower can *majorly* help prevent ingrown hairs. Getting rid of dead skin cells, with, say, Typology’s Anti-Blemish Body Wash, can stop those little red bumps from creeping up. This particular formula couples six percent glycolic acid with tea tree extract, which has antibacterial properties. Hydronesis, a hydrating ingredient, also made its way into the mix, to soothe redness and address any keratosis pilaris on the body. 

Pros: Contains glycolic acid, anti-bacterial 

Cons: Expensive 

This particular *vegan* body wash targets acne without any of the common actives. Instead, it takes a natural approach and leverages the purifying effects of Community Fair Trade tea tree oil sourced from Kenya to dry out body blemishes. It soaks up oil and sucks up blackheads, all while providing a next-level sensory experience. You can expect a refreshing little tingle to the skin upon application and a nice lemon-y aroma. 

Pros: Natural; Ethically sourced ingredients; Vegan 

Cons: No acids