<p class=”body-text”>Keep scrolling for the full list of the nine best acne body washes, plus how to shop for an acne body wash to treat your bacne, chestne, butt pimples, and other body breakouts below.</p>”/>
Pros
- Treats breakouts and fades the marks they leave behind
- Testers love the chic and eco-friendly aluminum packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s only good for blackheads and whiteheads and not cysts
I’ve been using this body wash for a few months now and have noticed a significant improvement in the texture and clarity of the skin on my chest, shoulders, and upper back. It uses 2 percent salicylic acid to unclog pores along with zinc PCA to reduce excess oil production and niacinamide to fade any dark marks from old breakouts. Unlike other gel body washes, this won’t leave your skin feeling tight or dried out after you get out of the shower, thanks to a dose of hydrating glycerin.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc PCA, niacinamide, glycerin
- Format: Gel
- Size: 8.4 fl oz.
- Skin type: Oily, combination
Glowing customer review: “The Body Acne Wash works great on my skin. It is clearing up my active back and chest acne. I love the subtle smell and it doesn’t dry my skin. I use it daily and so far I don’t have any new breakouts. The nice silver container looks great in my bathroom.”
2
Best Acne Body Bar
Topicals Faded Brightening & Cleansing Bar For Uneven Skin Tone
Pros
- Comes in a pack of two
- Great scent
- A 2024 Cosmo Acne Award winner
Cons
- Need to use daily for effective results
This pick from Topicals (it’s a 2024 Cosmo Acne Award winner FYI) is far from your average bar soap. It’s a stellar multitasker, and a favorite of beauty editor-at-large Julee Wilson for its ability to fade hyperpigmentation with lactic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. If you’re dealing with uneven skin texture and uneven skin tone, this is a must-try IMO.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide
- Format: Bar
- Size: 3.4 oz.
- Skin type: All
Glowing customer review: “I love this body bar! What I love most is how multi-functional it is, it not only brightens, but it also cleanses without stripping my skin After using it, my skin feels so soft and smooth.”
3
Best for Acne Wash for Face and Body
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
Pros
- Lathers really well
- Lower dose of benzoyl peroxide is gentle enough for the face
Cons
- Packaging gets a bit messy
Many acne body washes are too harsh for your precious face and body, but this Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser from CeraVe (aka the gold standard of drugstore skincare) is the perf balance of gentle and effective for all-over use. The combo of niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, alongside 4 percent benzoyl peroxide makes the formula ideal for treating acne while simultaneously hydrating and soothing the skin.
Not to mention, it has more than 25,000 five-star reviews from customers with sensitivity, acne, dryness, and sooo much more. So ya know it’s great for a variety of skin types.
- Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, ceramides
- Format: Liquid
- Size: 8.4 fl oz.
- Skin type: Oily, normal, combination
Glowing customer review: “If you’ve tried other benzoyl peroxide cleansers/washes, this will probably be the best one you’ll find. It’s scentless unlike a lot of others. It also lathers a lot which can feel a nicer on the skin than some of the other non-lathering type cleansers and it doesn’t have that chalky feel.”
4
Best Acne Body Wash for Dullness
Iota Supervitamin Body Wash
Pros
- We love the scent
- Has a great lather
- 2024 Cosmo Acne Awardswinner
Cons
- Pump is a tad hard to use with wet hands
Another Cosmo award-winning wash, this body cleanser from iota combats dullness and roughness. It’s also a shower staple for beauty editor Beth Gillette. “I’m obsessed with how soft this makes my skin feel,” she says. “The niacinamide-filled formula helps gently exfoliate and smooth the hell outta my usually bumpy skin without stripping it of any moisture.”
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin D, yuzu
- Format: Gel
- Size: 10 fl oz.
- Skin type: All
Glowing customer review: “With my sensitive skin needs, I’m very picky about what body washes I use. This body wash has been a game changer in my routine. It has a nice leather, lovely smell that’s not too overpowering, and my skin has been left hydrated and glowy.”
5
Best Affordable Acne Body Wash
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 10% Benzoyl Peroxide
Pros
- Contains the highest amount of benzoyl peroxide you can get over-the-counter
- Also comes in a bar version
Cons
- May be too irritating/drying for certain skin types
This acne-fighting formula is a staple in my shower and it’s loaded with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to help treat existing acne and prevent new breakouts from forming. It also lathers super well and is great for treating *any* type of body acne.
“I recommend the PanOxyl 4 Percent Benzoyl Peroxide formula for people with mild acne or skin that might be on the dryer side,” says board-certified dermatologist Mamina Turegano, MD, adding “but I will usually recommend this 10 percent version for most patients struggling with acne.”
- Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycerin
- Format: Liquid
- Size: 5.5 fl oz.
- Skin type: Oily, combination, normal
Glowing customer review: “I was having trouble with breaking out on my back even with showering, moisturizing, and using benzoyl spot treating cream. I got this and use it almost every day, and after 2 weeks I’m not seeing any more fresh breakouts. I’m super happy with it so far, and I’d recommend using lotion once in awhile as it is drying to the skin.”
6
Best Exfoliating Acne Body Wash
Geologie Acne Control Body Wash
Pros
- Smooths out texture
- Nourishes dry patches
Cons
- Says it also works on face, but might be too strong for sensitive skin types
Body acne is no match for this super exfoliating wash. The breakout-busting formula is loaded with salicylic and glycolic acids to unclog pores, remove buildup, and eliminate dead skin cells all over the body. The combo of chemical exfoliants targets even the deepest of blackheads and bacne that go beyond the skin’s surface.
And it’s no surprise that this editor-beloved body wash won a Cosmo Acne Award. “The salicylic and glycolic acids help chemically exfoliate the hell out of my skin, but—plot twist—it doesn’t leave me tight or dry post-wash,” says Gillette.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid
- Format: Gel
- Size: 8.4 fl oz.
- Skin type: All
Glowing customer review: Because of the nature of my work, I shower twice a day, so you can imagine the concern I have for drying out my skin. Since I started using this body wash, the look feel, and health of my skin has improved dramatically. And the eucalyptus scent puts me in the right headspace to start my day. I am in love!
7
Best Acne Body Wash for Bumpy Texture
OuI the People Clean Slate Lactic Acid Smoothing Body Wash
Pros
- Treats acne without drying out your skin
- Great for textured skin or skin with keratosis pilaris
Cons
- Some testers love the scent, whereas others describe it as too “herbal”
The hero ingredient in this body wash for acne is lactic acid, which is loved by derms for its brightening, smoothing, and skin-softening benefits. The exfoliating AHA works to increase cellular turnover and clear bacteria, which is awesome for clearing acne. But the best part about super ingredient lactic acid is that dryness is mitigated due to its humectant properties—i.e., it draws moisture back into your skin. Couple that with another humectant, glycerin, and you get this incredibly effective body wash that treats stubborn acne without the drying, irritating effects other acne products are notorious for.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, glycerin, green tea extract
- Format: Liquid
- Size: 5.5 oz
- Skin type: All
Glowing customer review: “I really like this cleanser. It feels amazing and I see a huge difference in my skin. My skin—especially my back and arms—feels so much better. Also, I can see that I have fewer pimples in those areas than before.”
8
Best Gentle Acne Body Wash
ZitSticka Silkshake Body Wash
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.
- Key ingredients: Prebiotics and postbiotics, glycerin, tea tree
- Format: Liquid
- Size: 10.4 fl oz.
- Skin type: All
Glowing customer 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.”
9
Best Clean Body Wash for Acne
Naturium The Perfector Salicylic Acid Body Wash
Pros
- Made with clean, plant-based ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- Great for dry skin types
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 moisturize and soothe skin. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin, safflower seed oil
- Format: Gel
- Size: 16.9 fl oz.
- Skin type: All
Glowing customer review: “I’m a huge fan of Naturium Products and this one didn’t disappoint. 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!”
10
Best Acne Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
Differin Acne-Clearing Body Wash
Pros
- Non-drying formula is a good choice for dry or sensitive skin types
- Cream-to-lather formula feels ultra luxe on skin
Cons
- Some testers say it has a weird smell
I love the feel of a rich, creamy body wash, but most don’t rinse clean and end up clogging my pores. Differin’s drugstore body wash 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.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, blue tansy extract
- Format: Cream
- Size: 10 fl oz.
- Skin type: Oily, combination
Glowing customer 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.”
Which kind of body wash is best for acne?
The best body wash for acne isn’t one-size-fits-all. 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 board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “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 Zitsticka’s Silkshake Body Wash.” However! If you aren’t already relying on topicals to treat body acne, then you’ll wanna look for a therapeutic wash that contains active ingredients.
Can hair products cause acne?
Yes, hair products can cause acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, when haircare products contain oil, it can find its way to your skin, leading to clogged pores and acne. If you’ve started using a new product (hi, shampoos, conditioners, styling products) and have noticed that your body acne has increased, consider taking the new product out of your routine to see if it clears—if not, then you can move on to acne body washes. It may be worth it to investigate the products you’re already using beforehand if you’ve noticed sudden changes.
What do dermatologists recommend for body acne?
In general, dermatologists recommend body washes containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to treat body acne. “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?
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 they sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to yourself, then rinse off.”
Speaking of effectiveness: Board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, 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.”
How to choose the best body wash for acne:
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? 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:
- Mamina Turegano, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in New Orleans, LA, and co-founder of Skintap.com
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY.
- Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan in New York, NY.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan where she writes about all the best products you can add to your cart—including skincare, of course. As an acne-prone editor, she takes her skincare routine very seriously, making sure to research, test, and review the most effective formulas out there.
Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with 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.
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers all the best things you can add to your cart. She loves writing about everything from fashion to politics, and you can definitely find her listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on loop while doing so. She’s also probably in bed either reading or endlessly scrolling through TikTok (most likely the latter). Feel free to follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
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.
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