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13 Best Body Washes for Acne, According to Dermatologists (Reviewed for 2023)

Tested and reviewed to actually treat your acne.

By Lauren Balsamo and Corinne Sullivan
body wash for acne
BRETT WARREN

You've probably read somewhere on this site that acne face washes can be kinda sucky. It's true. Even though active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide used in traditional acne cleansers are excellent zit zappers, they're usually paired with harsh sulfates—i.e., stripping cleansers usually found in dish soap—and the combination is way too drying and irritating for your sweet lil face.

The good news? The skin on your chest, back, shoulders, and butt is way less sensitive, which means acne body washes aren't totally off the table to soothe your breakouts. In fact, using a well-formulated body wash for acne is one of the easiest ways to treat and prevent breakouts below your chin. Here's what dermatologists Mamina Turegano, MD, Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Michelle Henry, MD, have to say about using an acne body wash to treat bacne, chestne, butt pimples, and other body breakouts—all without turning your skin into a dry, flaky mess.


✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info! We updated this article in March 2023 to add new body washes for acne our editors are buzzing about, delete outdated oldies, and check in with new experts for tips on adding a body wash for acne to your routine.


    Now onto the good stuff! Ahead, the best body washes for acne, according to dermatologists:

    Our top picks for the best acne body wash of 2023

    • 1
      Silkshake Probiotic-Rich Cleanser for Acne-Prone Bodies

      Best Body Wash for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin

      ZitSticka Silkshake Probiotic-Rich Cleanser for Acne-Prone Bodies

      $25 at Amazon
      Read more
    • 2
      Acne-Clearing Body Wash

      Best Creamy Body Wash for Acne

      Differin Acne-Clearing Body Wash

      Read more
    • 3
      PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

      Best Drugstore Acne Body Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide

      PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

      Read more
    • 4
      Dove Body Love Acne Clear

      Best Drugstore Body Wash for Acne with Salicylic Acid

      Dove Body Love Acne Clear

      Read more
    • 5
      Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

      Best Clean Body Wash for Acne

      Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

      Read more

    Keep scrolling for the full list of the 13 best body washes for acne, plus how to shop for a new acne body wash like a pro.

    Shop the best acne body wash deals on Amazon

    1
    Best Body Wash for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin

    ZitSticka Silkshake Probiotic-Rich Cleanser for Acne-Prone Bodies

    On Sale
    Silkshake Probiotic-Rich Cleanser for Acne-Prone Bodies
    1
    Best Body Wash for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin

    ZitSticka Silkshake Probiotic-Rich Cleanser for Acne-Prone Bodies

    Now 19% Off
    $25 at Amazon
    Credit: Courtesy of Zitsticka
    Pros
    • Helps support skin barrier function
    Cons
    • Doesn't contain actives like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide

    If you have sensitive skin, then you already know that a body wash loaded with strong actives may do your skin more harm than good. That's where this gentle option from Zitsticka comes into play. It uses a blend of pre-and-postbiotics to balance the bacteria on your skin and strength your skin's protective barrier. Also great? It has soothing and calming properties to reduce any inflammation associated with body breakouts.

    THE REVIEW: "I have tried so many products to make my acne go down and nothing has worked, but after using this product for a week I saw AMAZING RESULTS—worth every penny," writes one tester.

    2
    Best Creamy Body Wash for Acne

    Differin Acne-Clearing Body Wash

    Acne-Clearing Body Wash
    2
    Best Creamy Body Wash for Acne

    Differin Acne-Clearing Body Wash

    Now 24% Off
    Credit: Courtesy of Differin

    I love the feel of a rich, creamy body wash, but most don't rinse clean and end up clogging my pores. Differin's formula is the exception. It feels super luxe and lathers *just* the right amount—plus it's spiked with 2 percent salicylic acid to deep-clean skin and get rid of excess oil and buildup without causing irritation.

    THE REVIEW: "I get upper back and shoulder acne from time to time and whenever it pops up I start using this and it goes down almost immediately—a genuine miracle-worker."

    3
    Best Drugstore Acne Body Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide

    PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

    PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
    3
    Best Drugstore Acne Body Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide

    PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

    Pros
    • Comes in a 10 percent and 4 percent version
    Cons
    • May be too irritating/drying for certain skin types

    You can't beat this drugstore acne body wash from PanOxyl. It's loaded with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, this maximum-strength foaming wash helps treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts from forming. "I will recommend the PanOxyl 4 Percent Benzoyl Peroxide formula for people with mild acne or skin that might be on the dryer side," says Dr. Turegano, "but I will usually recommend this 10 percent version for most patients struggling with acne."

    THE REVIEW: "After a week of using this only in my morning routine, my breakouts really reduced in irritation, size, and redness," writes one tester. "After two weeks, more than half of them were gone. After three weeks, they were all gone—this stuff really works."

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    4
    Best Drugstore Body Wash for Acne with Salicylic Acid

    Dove Body Love Acne Clear

    Dove Body Love Acne Clear
    4
    Best Drugstore Body Wash for Acne with Salicylic Acid

    Dove Body Love Acne Clear

    Credit: Courtesy of Dove

    This drugstore body wash from Dove is a solid choice for treating stubborn blackheads and whiteheads on your chest, shoulders, and back. It uses 1 percent salicylic acid (so it's a bit gentler that versions that contain 2 percent) and bamboo extract to degunk pores and prevent breakouts—and unlike other gel body washes this won't leave your skin feeling tight or dried-out after you get out of the shower.

    THE REVIEW: "This is such a great deal/buy. It smells both floral and herbal to me but in a very pleasant way that I don't find overwhelming or irritating. It's made my skin feel soft and the hormonal acne on my chest has lessened," writes one reviewer.

    5
    Best Clean Body Wash for Acne

    Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

    Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
    5
    Best Clean Body Wash for Acne

    Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash

    Credit: Courtesy of Naturium
    Pros
    • Made with clean, plant-based ingredients
    Cons
    • Contains oils that may leave a slight film on skin

    Anyone who is into clean, green beauty will love this body wash from Naturium. It's made with salicylic acid to treat and prevent body bumps and breakouts and high-quality plant-based oils to nourish and soothe skin. Plus, it's vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free too.

    THE REVIEW: "I'm a huge fan of Naturium Products and this one didn't disappoint," writes one reviewer. "I have sensitive skin, and this body wash doesn't bother me at all. As a matter of fact, my skin loves it. What I love the most is that it doesn't leave a film like some do on my skin. If you're on the fence, give it a shot!"

    6
    Best Cult-Favorite Acne Body Wash

    Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

    Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
    6
    Best Cult-Favorite Acne Body Wash

    Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash

    Pros
    • Classic formula has been loved by derms and consumers for years
    Cons
    • May be too drying for some skin types

    There's a reason this iconic body wash has been on the market for years (and why it's one of Henry's fave picks): The classic formula is a tried-and-true option for treating breakouts and rough, bumpy texture on your back, chest, and shoulders thanks to 2 percent salicylic acid.

    THE REVIEW: "This soap prevents acne on your body but it is a wonderful treatment for KP too," writes a tester. "A lot of these treatments are are really, really expensive for the average consumer but this is affordable and will do you wonders for your skin too."

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    7
    Best Face and Body Wash for Acne

    Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser

    On Sale
    Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser
    7
    Best Face and Body Wash for Acne

    Bliss Clear Genius Clarifying Gel Cleanser

    Now 29% Off
    Pros
    • Formula is vegan and cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Some testers say the pump is prone to clogging

    While most acne body washes are gonna be too sensitive for your cute lil face to handle, that's not the case with this bb from Bliss. Formulated with a blend of salicylic acid, Brazilian sea water, and willow bark extract, Dr. Zeichner says this non-irritating cleanser is great for cleaning, detoxifying, and soothing the skin on both your face and body.

    THE REVIEW: "My skin is very sensitive and prone to breakouts but I haven’t seen any pop up breakouts since I started using this cleanser," writes a tster, adding "my skin is silky soft after using it and I really like the smell too."

    8
    Best Body Wash for Fungal Acne

    SkinFix Azelaic Acid AHA/BHA Cleanser

    SkinFix Azelaic Acid AHA/BHA Cleanser
    8
    Best Body Wash for Fungal Acne

    SkinFix Azelaic Acid AHA/BHA Cleanser

    Pros
    • Contains azelaic acid to soothe skin and minimize redness
    Cons
    • Some testers say it doesn't lather enough

    If you're dealing with fungal acne (aka acne-looking bumps that are usually tiny, red, and/or itchy), then you'll wanna check out this cleanser from Skinfix. Along with salicylic, azelaic, and glycolic acids for reducing breakouts and minimizing excess sebum, this formula includes niacinamide, which will reduce inflammation and redness that is often caused by fungal acne.

    THE REVIEW: "I have sensitive skin that breaks out often," writes a tester. "I love that this is gentle enough to not irritate my skin but still powerful enough to clear up pimples. I highly recommend."

    9
    Best Splurge Body Wash for Acne

    Murad Acne Body Wash

    Murad Acne Body Wash
    9
    Best Splurge Body Wash for Acne

    Murad Acne Body Wash

    Pros
    • Contains AHAs and BHAs to unclog pores and nix dead skin cells
    Cons
    • Pricey for the amount of product

    Even though your body is tougher than your face, gritty scrubs do way more harm than good, as they can create micro-tears in your skin that mess with your barrier and lead to more breakouts. Instead of physical exfoliants, opt for chemical exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acids—like you'll find in this triple-action acne body wash—to gently and effectively clean your pores and minimize oil. And at $48 we totally get that this bb is too pricey to use all over your bod, so think of it as a "spot-wash" and massage it on breakout-prone areas like your chest and shoulders.

    THE REVIEW: "I never write reviews but had to for this product," one reviewer writes, adding "I've used it consistently for 6+ months and my bacne is all gone!!!!!!! If you're doubting it or unsure, JUST TRY IT."

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    10
    Best Multitasking Body Wash for Acne

    Soft Services Clearing Clay

    Soft Services Clearing Clay
    10
    Best Multitasking Body Wash for Acne

    Soft Services Clearing Clay

    Credit: Courtesy of Soft Services
    Pros
    • 3-in-1 formula can be used as a cleanser, mask, or spot treatment
    Cons
    • Not good for dry, peeling skin

    The hero ingredient in this body wash for acne is sulfur, which is loved by derms for it's antibacterial, antifungal, and skin-softening benefits. And the pasty clay texture is super versatile—use it all over as a regular wash, leave it on a little bit longer as a mask, or dab it on like problem areas like you would a spot treatment.

    THE REVIEW: "This has become my new holy grail body product," writes on reviewier. "I have sensitive, combination skin that's prone to breakouts and this calms my active body breakouts without drying out my skin. It also seems to be preventative too."

    11
    Best Gentle Acne Body Wash

    Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel

    Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel
    11
    Best Gentle Acne Body Wash

    Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel

    Pros
    • Helps absorb excess oil and mattify skin on the face and body without causing dryness
    Cons
    • Some testers say the scent can be overwhelming

    Not down to treat your body acne with a medicated wash? No prob, loading up on hydrating ingredients is just as important (and effective) in the fight against zits. This gentle body wash from Avène cleanses your skin without messing up your pH levels—which can lead to breakouts—courtesy of gentle ingredients like glycerin and spring water.

    THE REVIEW: "This is one of the only cleansers that keeps my combo, hormonal cystic acne prone skin clear while managing oil production. I keep coming back to it time and again. With regular use blackheads even are diminished. It's got a pleasant scent and lathers even though it's soap free," writes one tester.

    12
    Best Acne Body Wash Bar

    Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar

    Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar
    12
    Best Acne Body Wash Bar

    Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Bar

    Pros
    • Can be used on the face and body
    Cons
    • Some testers say the bar dissolves quickly if not stored in a soap dish

    We get it—liquid body washes aren't for everyone. That's where this bar soap from Clinique comes in. It's formulated with everything you want in a body acne cleanser (pore-clearing salicylic acid and hydrating glycerin) but with the creamy texture of an easy-to-handle bar.

    THE REVIEW: "I’ve been dealing with hormonal cystic acne all over my chin and cheek area for years now," writes a tester. "I’ve tried everything and have never seen results until I started using this—it's the best thing around for cystic acne!!!"

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    13
    Best Body Wash for Acne Scars

    Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

    Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
    13
    Best Body Wash for Acne Scars

    Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

    Pros
    • Helps smooth rough, uneven texture and fade dark spots and marks
    Cons
    • May be too strong to use everyday on sensitive skin types

    You can thank the glycolic acid in this body wash for its ability to prevent annoying breakouts and fade the stubborn acne scars and marks they leave behind. Not only does glycolic acid dissolve pore-clogging dead skin cells, it has brightening benefits that help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation too.

    THE REVIEW: "I typically have breakouts on my chest and back but once I started using this twice a week no more breakouts! It comes out thick but it lathers well and a couple pumps is good for the whole body. My skin was so smooth after using it—love!"

    Which body wash is best for acne?

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    As a general rule, the best body washes for acne contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. "Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that removes dead cells and excess oil from the surface of the skin," says Dr. Zeichner. "It is a great option for people dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, small bumps, and even acne scars."

    Benzoyl peroxide, on the other hand, works by lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation, explains Dr. Zeichner. "It is particularly useful in treating red, angry pimples."

    How do I use a body wash for acne?

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    A great acne body wash doesn't just clean the surface of your skin—it also works to remove built-up oil and unclog pores. That's why you should think of an acne body wash more like a short-contact treatment rather than just a cleanser. "It is important to give the cleanser enough contact time with the skin to allow it to do its job," says Dr. Zeichner. "Applying it and immediately rinsing it off will help remove soiling from the skin, but won't give the actives enough time to penetrate through the follicles to get to where they need to go to be effective. So I tell my patients to apply a cleanser, let it sit while you sing 'Happy Birthday' to yourself, then rinse off."

    Speaking of effectiveness: Dr. Henry says some manual exfoliation (such as with a Buf-Puf or other body sponge) can help make your body wash as effective as possible. "A big part of body acne is the fact that the body does not exfoliate itself as effectively as a face, which makes it more prone to having clogged pores if one is acne-prone," Dr. Henry explains. "So adding additional exfoliation is really critical to clearing up body acne."

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    How to choose the best body wash for acne:

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    There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all acne body wash, as everyone's skin is different, and what works for your bestie might not work for you. "I put washes for body acne in two categories: supportive or therapeutic," says Dr. Zeichner. "If you are using prescription acne medications or leave-on products, then I recommend sticking to cleansers that help support the health and hydration of the outer skin layer, like Dove's Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash." However! If you aren't already relying on your cleanser to treat body acne, then you'll wanna look for a therapeutic wash. Here are some things to keep in mind while ya shop:

    Avoid oil-based ingredients.

    Since body acne forms when oil gets trapped in the pores, causing blockages and inflammation, it makes sense that you'd wanna avoid oil-based formulas that'll only exacerbate the issue. "I recommend avoiding oils that can clog pores," says Dr. Turegano. "This includes coconut oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, and almond oil, among others."

    Consider your skin's sensitivity level.

    Got sensitive or dry skin? Then be careful when choosing a wash with benzoyl peroxide. "I think that benzoyl peroxide should be used at a lower percent strength or avoided if you have a sensitivity to it or if you have very dry skin," Dr. Turegano says. And while benzoyl peroxide-and salicylic acid-based formulas tend to be the most effective, an exfoliating body wash with glycolic acid may be the best choice for those with sensitive or dry skin, explains Dr. Henry.

    Meet the experts:

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    Why trust Cosmopolitan?

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    Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She’s an authority in all skincare categories but an expert when it comes to acne products. She regularly tests and analyzes acne products, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and estheticians to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies.

    Headshot of Lauren Balsamo
    Lauren Balsamo
    Deputy Beauty Director

    Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram

    Headshot of Corinne Sullivan
    Editor

    Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé. 

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