The best acne body washes, according to dermatologists
Ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can prevent and treat acne breakouts on your body.
Replenix Gly-Sal 5-2 Deep Pore Cleanser
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$34.50
When shopping for a body wash that targets acne, consider these factors:
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Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian recommends this cleanser for acne-prone and oily skin. At 10%, it contains the highest strength of benzoyl peroxide in an OTC product, says Ibrahim. The high percentage makes it an extremely effective option that also helps with inflammatory acne, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano.
Aside from its main ingredient, it also has a gentle, non-stripping texture that makes it ideal for use on the face and body, according to Ibrahim. However, if you’re not looking for a maximum-strength option or have sensitive skin, consider using the PanOxyl 4% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, says Turegano.
This is a great option for those who can’t tolerate benzoyl peroxide, have mild acne or want to work on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, says Turegano. This wash has glycolic and salicylic acids to help unclog pores, keep skin smooth, and fade post-inflammatory marks, she says.
“As someone prone to body acne and who sweats a lot in the summer, this body wash makes me feel amazing after a long day at work,” says NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi. “It helps to clean out my pores but doesn’t leave me red afterwards, which I appreciate since I have sensitive skin. I noticed less pimples on my arms and chest after a few weeks of regular use and the pump on the bottle is so ergonomic.” This body wash is ideal for sensitive and dry skin, and has salicylic acid paired with hydrating glycerin, says Song. The fragrance-free option has a gel-like consistency that becomes a silky lather. After applying it, leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off completely, according to the brand.
This fragrance-free and hypoallergenic body wash has low levels of sodium hypochlorite, which reduces all microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and yeast, according to Song. It’s also great for all skin types, including those with eczema-prone skin, she says.
This exfoliating and soothing body wash has a 4.5-star average rating from over 300 reviews at Kosas and is suitable for daily use for all skin types, according to the brand. Reviewers say this helps combat acne breakouts and leaves skin feeling smooth and soft, plus it has subtle notes of jasmine, rose, orange flowers and sandalwood. If you prefer a different scent, this body wash is also available in Juicy Clean, which has notes of orange and vanilla.
Song recommends this bar soap because of its main ingredient, sulfur. “Sulfur is an effective acne-fighting ingredient suitable for sensitive skin prone to redness, including rosacea,” she says.
One of Mian’s favorite acne body washes is this one from Necessaire. Aside from acne-fighting ingredients, it also has ingredients like niacinamide to help reduce discoloration, according to the brand.
This body wash is a great option because salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, while other ingredients, including ceramides, strengthen the skin barrier, according to Mian. This counteracts the drying and stingy feeling one might get with using salicylic acid on its own, says Ibrahim.
This sudsy body wash has plant-based cleansers to give your skin a deep clean without leaving it feeling dry and tight, according to the brand. Reviewers say that this option from Dove helps with their mild to moderate acne, and rather than other body washes, this one has left their skin the most hydrated. They also say the fresh and herbal scent can linger on their skin for hours but doesn’t have an overwhelming quality. This wash has a 4.6 star rating from over 1,000 reviews on Amazon.
This product contains a key acne-fighting ingredient known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, says Song. It comes in a gentle cream formulation available in two different concentrations: 10% for oily skin and 4% for sensitive skin, she says.
Retinol isn’t just an expert-recommended ingredient for your face — you can also use it in your body care routine to smooth out your skin. This Olay body wash is a favorite of Alabi, who has keratosis pilaris. “I was worried that it would dry my skin out since retinol can be harsh the first couple weeks, but this soap is actually moisturizing and made my skin so much smoother, especially my legs,” she says. The formula has vitamin B3 to moisturize your skin, too, according to the brand.
Prequel’s cleanser, made for both your face and body, removes excess oil and helps repair your skin barrier using ingredients like glycerin and salicylic acid. “As someone with back acne, after using this cleanser for a couple of weeks, I noticed a clear difference. My breakouts were less frequent and my skin feels softer and smoother,” says former NBC Select editorial intern Andriana Kourkoumelis.
This body wash from Neutrogena has salicylic acid to treat acne and gluconolactone to gently exfoliate skin. The combination of these ingredients can help resolve white heads, blackheads and even cystic acne, according to the brand. The formula is fragrance-free and can be used daily.
Sometimes acne-fighting ingredients can irritate your skin. This body wash aims to both treat breakouts while also soothing your skin. It has salicylic acid to do the former and niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help address any potential irritation.
Dermatologists recommend considering factors like consistency and whether or not a product is noncomedogenic. It should also be free of common irritants like fragrance. However, the most important thing to note when shopping for an acne body wash are its active ingredients Here is what you should look for:
Although these formulas will include most ingredients, they may vary in concentration. Opt for lower concentrations (for example, benzoyl peroxide between 2-5%) to avoid excessive irritation, which can lead to worsening of acne and rashes, says Song.
You might be experiencing body acne for a few reasons, whether it’s a consistent, ongoing issue or breakouts here and there. Below, Turegano and Mian break down a few different causes:
If you have acne-prone skin, consider using an acne body wash daily, according to Mian. If your skin is getting too dry from the active ingredients, you can decrease the frequency to every other day.
She says the time of year may also impact this, as active body washes are better tolerated in the summer than in the winter due to increased humidity in the air and less chance of dryness leading to irritation.
Use lukewarm water, apply acne body wash (while avoiding sensitive locations), and leave it on for 1-2 minutes to increase contact time, then wash off with lukewarm water, says Song. If you’re using a body wash with benzoyl peroxide, consider leaving it on for five minutes if possible, says Turegano.
While it may seem intuitive to use a loofah or body scrubber to "scrub" the skin clean, those actually contribute to further irritation, according to Mian. Instead, use your fingertips to wash the body, which is the most gentle and effective option. Soft washcloths can be used, but things like this are a nidus for bacteria and often make the issue worse, she says. Also, silicone bristle brushes are more hygienic than regular bristles or loofah sponges, according to Turegano.
After showering, pat your skin dry and gently with a clean towel, says Mian. Then apply either a clindamycin body lotion or a body lotion with exfoliating acids, like salicylic or glycolic acid, she says. “I like Remedy Science for Body Bumps, as it has a blend of active ingredients that can help treat body acne and lighten marks from acne.”
If you are working out but don’t have time to shower immediately afterward, Turegano suggests carrying salicylic acid wipes with you and using them right after exercising.
Other ways to treat body acne include adding skin care products with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid. These ingredients can be found in sprays, gels, lotions and other formulations of your choosing.
Incorporating an over-the-counter retinoid like adapalene gel can help address and prevent acne on the face and body by improving skin cell turnover and removing dead skin from your pores. Using a hypochlorous acid spray is also a great way to address acne on the body because it’s antibacterial. Salicylic acid spray or salicylic acid wipes are another great option for oil control and comedonal acne.
It’s also important to note what may trigger your acne. To combat body acne, you may want to avoid tight-fitting clothing if possible or wear breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen, says Ibrahim. Also, shower immediately after sweating or working out, he says. Also, consider addressing diet and lifestyle factors, according to our experts.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter who reported on a range of beauty topics, like exfoliating products and retinol alternatives. For this piece, she interviewed four dermatologists and researched many acne body washes on the market.
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