From buttne and chestne to neckne and backne, body breakouts happen, regardless of your age. If you're noticing pimples, strawberry skin, or even rough texture that won't seem to disappear, reaching for an acne body wash is not just a want, but a need. Here's the good news about the best acne body washes: There are plenty to choose from, you can buy super effective drugstore formulas for under $10, and they start working more quickly than you'd think.
More good news: Treating mild to moderate body acne can easily be accomplished by making a few lifestyle changes (think using clean towels and pillowcases and showering directly after sweating or a workout), in addition to incorporating some of the best acne body washes on the market into your skincare routine. “Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid washes are very helpful,” explains board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, D.O. “They loosen up the skin cells that contribute to acne.”
What should you look for when shopping for an acne body wash? "The acne-fighting ingredient and its concentration are typically printed on the back of the bottle," says Carmen Castilla, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City. "[Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide] come in different strengths and have the potential to cause irritation. If you have sensitive, dry, or eczema-prone skin, it’s best to start with a lower-percentage formula." And make sure to keep an eye out for additional skin barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, she adds.
There are countless options on the market, so I did the hard work ahead of time by testing, evaluating and rounding up the best acne body washes you can buy. Ahead, dermatologists' and editors' 12 favorite acne body washes to beat breakout fast and for good.
The Best Acne Body Washes
- Best Overall Acne Body Wash: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
- Best Value Acne Body Wash: Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Acne Body Wash
- Best Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Body Wash: PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash
- Best Salicylic Acid Acne Body Wash: Murad Acne Control Acne Body Wash
- Best Scented Acne Body Wash: Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash
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 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.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides
Skin Type: All
Product Type: Chemical exfoliant
What I Love: Dermatologist-recommended; Affordable; Starts working quickly
What I Don't: Doesn't lather well; Unscented wash may not be your preference
Review for MC: "The CeraVe wash has helped reduce acne on my back. I’ve only used it for four days but already see a difference in the clarity on my back. It doesn’t lather very much, but I prefer when the body wash gets very soapy. There was no scent, which can be good if you're sensitive to that or if you don't want to add any additional fragrance to your skin, but I would enjoy a scented option. This cleanser has definitely been helping clear up my back." — Victor Malzahn
Victor Malzahn testing CeraVe's SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin.
Tried and true, this Neutrogena body wash is a staple in the category. It has a strong citrus smell which you'll appreciate if you're a fan of fragranced products. Plus, 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 microbeads to physically exfoliate and 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.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, grapefruit extract
Skin Type: Oily
Product Type: Chemical and physical exfoliant
What I Love: Contains salicylic acid; Lathers very well
What I Don't: Strong scent may irritate sensitive skin
Review for MC: "I personally love an exfoliating body wash that contains both chemical and physical exfoliants, and this one does the trick. The citrusy-fresh scent is refreshing to me but may be overpowering to some. It lathers really well (a little goes a long way), and it doesn't dry out my skin if I use it a few times a week." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Neutrogena's Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Acne Body Wash.
“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. With any benzoyl peroxide product, make sure to use a white towel and sheets, because it can (and will) stain fabrics.
Key Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide
Skin Type: Oily, textured
Product Type: Chemical exfoliant
What I Love: Dermatologist-recommended; Strong concentration of the active ingredient
What I Don't: Can stain towels
Review for MC: "When I had backne as a teenager, I trusted a high percentage benzoyl peroxide body wash to keep breakouts in check. Now, when I have a pimple pop up here or there, I use a bit of this creamy benzoyl peroxide wash to take care of it. It doesn't dry out my skin or cause any irritation, despite such a high concentration of the active." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing PanOxyl's Acne Foaming Wash for Face & Body 10% Benzoyl Peroxide.
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 jojoba beads, a physical exfoliant, gently exfoliates. This combination paired with a lower percentage of salicylic acid makes this work for even sensitive skin types. While physical exfoliation isn’t for everyone, this particular inclusion is relatively gentle.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beads
Skin Type: Oily, textured, combination
Product Type: Chemical and physical exfoliant
What I Love: Contains multiple acids; Luxurious lather and formula
What I Don't: Expensive
Review for MC: "Growing up as a teenager, a lot of the acne-fighting products available felt so clinical and bland. I wish I had the option of a luxurious option like this one. I love that it combines both physical and chemical exfoliants into one bottle, so my skin feels like it's getting an extra deep clean. The exfoliating granules are super fine so it feels more like a massage on your skin than anything else, and it instantly helps evening out and brightening my back." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Murad's Acne Control Acne Body Wash.
It’s hard not to be obsessed with the smell of Sol de Janeiro’s products, from the famed Bum Bum Cream to this body wash. But it’s not just a treat for your nose; your skin will thank you. And it doesn't just smell good: 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.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, vegan lactic acid, fruit AHAs
Skin Type: Oily, combination, textured
Product Type: Chemical exfoliant
What I Love: Signature scent; Strong actives
What I Don't: Can be drying for some
Review for MC: "Whether you have KP, strawberry skin, or body acne, this powerful formula will do wonders. Even though it's on the pricier side, it lathers well, so a little goes a long way. Plus, with a combination of AHAs and BHAs, this is going to seriously work. Just note: Because it contains strong actives, it can dry out skin if you use it too often or don't follow up with moisturizer post-shower." — Catharine Malzahn, Contributing Beauty Writer
Catharine Malzahn testing Sol de Janeiro's Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash.
If there's one thing I know, it's that French pharmacy brands know their stuff. Avène has a long line of products I've trusted for nearly 15 years, but I'm not the only one. Dr. Castilla recommends this cleanser, especially if you have blackheads. "This is a salicylic acid cleanser that helps clear blackheads and pores that skin barrier support ingredients to help prevent skin irritation," she says. The best part? It's gentle enough to be used on both face and body if you're into a multitasking formula.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Skin Type: Oily, sensitive
Product Type: Chemical exfoliant
What I Love: Treats blackheads; Dermatologist-recommended; Supports skin barrier
What I Don't: Doesn't provide a lot of lather
Customer Review: "My skin has cleared up completely. It feels deeply clean after each use, yet not dry—just smooth and soft. My pores are unclogged. No more pimples—not even a small one, whether deep or on the skin’s surface.It doesn’t foam much, but I think that’s part of the gentle formula. I apply it to wet skin, rub gently with my fingers until I get a rich lather—it takes some time—then rinse well with water." — Amazon
While many acne body washes can cause irritation or dryness, Cetaphil has formulated an option that actually does the opposite. Though it contains a significant two percent of salicylic acid, it also balances out the strong active with skin barrier-supporting and dryness-beating ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and soybean oil. Nourish your skin and beat acne at the same time with this drugstore favorite.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin, shea butter, soybean oil
Skin Type: All, especially dry or sensitive
Product Type: Chemical exfoliant
What I Love: Supports skin barrier; Well-priced; Moisturizes skin
What I Don't: Need to use a lot to cover skin
Customer Review: "Works amazing! Got rid of stubborn acne that I couldn’t seem to get rid of. Only downside is that you have to use a LOT of it. This does not sud at all and I have to use 3-4 pumps per body part basically." — Amazon
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 (read: it'll help prevent breakouts from popping up in the first place).
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin
Skin Type: All, especially oily
Product Type: Oil-controlling body wash
What I Love: Soft, milky texture; Good for daily use and sensitive skin
What I Don't: Doesn’t contain exfoliating acids
Customer Review: "If you are in need of a body wash to get rid of acne on your chest, back, upper arms, really anywhere, PLEASE try this. I've struggled with body acne for years. I even tried the salicylic body wash, which mildly helped. But this one cleared it up within a week. Niacinamide is amazing at controlling your oil production but I never found a body wash with that in it. Less oils = less acne." — Ulta
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. With that in mind, you’re not going to find any irritating fragrances, 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.
Key Ingredients: Bisabalol, hemisqualane, glycerin
Skin Type: Sensitive
Product Type: Hydrating body wash
What I Love: Gentle; Non-Irritating; Dermatologist-developed
What I Don't: No acne-fighting actives
Customer Review: "Great for sensitive skin! My skin feel hydrated and clean! Other bodywashes would give me hives or feel like they just coat my skin…. I never truly felt clean till I started using this product. This is what I will use from now on." — Amazon
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 mandelic), as well as fruit enzyme extracts. Together, they’re going to work some magic on the acne front, plus brighten skin at the same time. That all said, this intense exfoliation can be irritating, so the brand tossed in some soothing allantoin to combat any dryness.
Key Ingredients: Lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids, fruit enzymes, allantoin
Skin Type: All
Product Type: Chemical exfoliant
What I Love: Effective combination of ingredients; Refreshing scent
What I Don't: Can dry out skin
Customer Review: "I have extremely sensitive skin and am extremely sensitive to fragrances. Most fragrances make me break out in hives or give me a headache, and I was truly expecting I would have to return this. The scent in the bottle is strong but it goes on very light. Smells heavenly and gives me no headache and no skin reaction (sooo rare for me). Works great to get the stink off after going to the gym or for a run." — Amazon
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.
Key Ingredients: Sodium hypochlorite
Skin Type: All, including sensitive and eczema-prone
Product Type: Hypoallergenic body wash
What I Love: Dermatologist-recommended; Multi-purpose; Fragrance-free
What I Don't: Pricey
Customer Review: "I’ve had little bumps for years on my face. Cleared them right up. My dermatologist suggested this cleanser for me. My skin is so sensitive to everything… this works." — Amazon
If you like a creamy body wash, allow me to direct your attention to this body wash from drugstore staple Differin, whose OTC retinol has long been a first-line at-home treatment for face acne. It's formulated with two percent salicylic acid to unclog pores, plus blue tansy to ensure skin stays soothed. It's gentle enough to be used daily too, so consider this your answer for body, chest, and back acne.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, blue tansy extract
Skin Type: All
Product Type: Chemical exfoliant
What I Love: Affordable; Contains salicylic acid as an active ingredient; Soothing
What I Don't: Doesn't suds up
Customer Review: "I was skeptical to purchase this product but after just a few weeks, it made a significant difference! If you’re one that goes to the gym a lot or is active and breaks out from time to time, this product is for you." — Amazon
Does Acne Body Wash Actually Work?
Yes, acne body wash is absolutely effective, but with some caveats. You want to be cognizant of the cause and type of your acne, your skin type, and more. For best results, pay attention to the ingredients. "Salicylic acid works well for blackheads because it penetrates the pores and helps dissolve dead skin and oil clogging them," says Dr. Castilla. "Benzoyl peroxide works by killing C. acnes the bacteria that leads to acne development and also has some anti inflammatory properties."
Acne body washes, like anything else, will only work if you're consistent. Imagine if you went to the gym three times and expected to walk out with a six-pack. It takes time, and the same goes for your skincare. "You should have to use the wash for at least four weeks before you can expect to see any improvement. They work best for mild to moderate acne."
If you're dealing with severe or cystic acne, these "often won't respond to an acne body wash alone," says Dr. Castilla. "If your acne is not responding with consistent use, the acne is very severe, you are seeing scarring, or it is spreading rapidly, it's best to be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist."
How to Use an Acne Body Wash
If you're prone to body acne, make sure you're showering at least once per day—and definitely after sweating or going to the gym. Once you've rinsed your body with water, use a generous amount of product all over your body. Because the skin on your body is a bit thicker than that on your face, you might want to consider letting the acne-fighting formula sit on the skin for three to five minutes before rinsing it off, as long as it isn't causing any sensitivity or redness.
What Ingredients Should Be in an Acne Body Wash?
Think of an acne body wash the same way you think of an acne face wash—it’s a short-term contact therapy treatment. Your body's skin can handle something a bit more intense than your face, so you might find higher concentrations of active ingredients. Products with salicylic acid helps, and chances are you’ll also find additional AHAs, BHAs, or natural alternatives in the mix, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or tea tree extract.
It also helps to make sure you check the labels on your shampoo and conditioner, as some contain pore-clogging ingredients that could be the cause of your body acne. Check that the label says "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic."
Benzoyl peroxide has long been a popular ingredient for acne treatment thanks to its bacteria-killing ability. However, a recent study proposes that, when exposed to very high temperatures, it can break down into benzene, a known carcinogen. "Although this is disheartening news about a very effective medication, these results were found by one lab," board-certified dermatologist Jessica Dowling, M.D. previously shared with Marie Claire. "There have been no official recalls of these products and there has been no public response from the FDA." While more data is absolutely needed to verify these findings, if you're more comfortable with an alternative, there are plenty others to choose from.
Should I Use a Chemical or Physical Acne Body Wash?
Exfoliant options typically fall into one of two camps: They’ll be a physical exfoliant (think: grainy particles you manually scrub onto your skin) or a chemical exfoliant (think: acids like salicylic or glycolic). It is largely a personal preference, but Dr. Lal is partial to the latter. “I don’t recommend physical exfoliation for acne or folliculitis,” he says. “Chemical exfoliation is the way to go and washes are an easy way to do this. It allows for therapeutic intervention without irritation and dryness.”
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
To find the absolute best acne body washes, Contributing Beauty Writer Catharine Malzahn interviewed dermatologists, asking them what makes a standout acne body wash, if they really work, and what to look for when shopping for one. The derms and and Marie Claire editors shared their go-to products, narrowing it down to the 12 best products you can buy. When evaluating the acne body washes, she took into consideration aspects like scent, efficacy, lather, ingredients, and more.
Meet the Experts
Originally from New York City, he grew up in Queens and attended Hunter Science High School in Manhattan. He graduated summa cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology, where he completed a rigorous seven-year accelerated combined medical program. He was selected to be an academic medical scholar, during which he received a Master of Science in neuroscience and a scholarship for three years of medical school and graduate training. He was elected to the Sigma Sigma Phi and Psi Sigma Alpha medical honor societies. He completed his internal medicine internship at the University of Connecticut Medical Center where he was elected intern of the year. He completed a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Massachusetts, where he was elected chief resident. He continued at the University of Massachusetts to complete a pediatric dermatology fellowship, where he gained an interest in vascular anomalies, pediatric laser, and dermatologic surgery of pediatric patients. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, soft tissue filler augmentation, body sculpting, melanocyte keratinocyte transplant surgery for vitiligo and hypopigmentation, pigmentary abnormalities of the skin and enjoys treating patients from birth onwards. He is an expert in atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, melasma, psoriasis, and hidradenitis and has worked in specialty clinics among experts. He is the only board-certified pediatric and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist in the country.
Jessica R. Dowling, M.D., is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at the Skin Institute of New York (SINY). Dr. Dowling treats both adult and pediatric dermatology patients at SINY’s offices in the West Village of Manhattan and the Park Slope area of Brooklyn. Furthermore, Dr. Dowling is a committed educator, currently serving as a clinical instructor of Dermatology at NYU, where she teaches residents about medical and cosmetic dermatology in weekly clinics.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, Dr. Dowling earned her medical degree from Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine. During her time in medical school, she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Subsequently, Dr. Dowling completed her dermatology residency at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY, where she held the position of Chief Resident of Cosmetic Dermatology and the Estée Lauder Research Fellow. She has presented her research at numerous national conferences and has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, she is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Born in the city of Almeria in Andalusia, Spain and raised in New York, Carmen Castilla, M.D., is a Manhattan-based, board-certified dermatologist specializing in personalized, patient-centered treatment plans in cosmetic and medical dermatology. Dr. Castilla graduated cum laude from New York University, with a degree in studio art-photography and minor in psychology. After serving as a volunteer in an emergency room, she was inspired to pursue a career in medicine. She attended Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where she was a member of the highest honor society - Alpha Omega Alpha. She then completed her internship in internal medicine at the renowned Brigham and Women’s HospitalHarvard Medical School in Boston and her dermatology training at New York University Langone Hospital, one of the top-ranked programs in the country. Her interest in art naturally led her to dermatology, and this background has enhanced her clinical practice. Like art and photography, dermatology is a visual field which relies on pattern recognition to make a diagnosis or stylistic judgement to make things appear optimally beautiful. Art hones these observational skills, uniquely strengthening her abilities in dermatology. Her work in aesthetics, especially, is benefitted by a keen eye to notice subtleties, manipulating light and shadow to improve outcomes. As an internationally-recognized thought leader in skincare, and holistic medicine, she has published numerous papers and textbook chapters, is an expert source for media, and has a passion for sharing her evidence-based knowledge. She has frequently presented at conferences, including most recently, at the DASIL World Congress in Mexico City to speak about nutrition in dermatology. Finally, she remains a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital and is committed to advancing the field of dermatology by teaching advanced technologies and cutting-edge techniques.
