The Best Acne Cleanser for Every Skin Type

You know you need a cleanser as the foundation for your healthy skin care regimen. But which one? Acne-prone skin has specific needs, and your individual skin type has additional requirements. There’s the question of ingredients, the question of irritation, the question of exfoliation (to bead or not to bead?). Let’s examine all the components, tick the boxes, and find your perfect cleanser match.

Best for Oily Acne-Prone Skin

3% BP Acne Wash

Benzoyl peroxide has been the first choice for acne for decades because of its ability to flush out pores and peel out impactions. It works by releasing oxygen into the pore to kill the bacteria that would otherwise feed acne and create inflammation. Its keratolytic properties cause a peeling reaction in the skin to clear dead cells and remove impactions. BP can be irritating, especially at high concentrations, so it’s not for sensitive skin or skin prone to hyperpigmentaion. At 3%, Vivant’s BP wash strikes the perfect balance for refining and resurfacing without undo irritation. Les Nouvelles Esthetiques & Spa Best Product Award Winner 2018.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash

Because their job is to kill bacteria and clear impactions, many acne-fighting ingredients can be on the aggressive side, which makes it tough for people who have both acne and sensitive skin. To clear impactions and reduce oil without causing redness and irritation, you want something that kicks like a ninja but soothes like your momma. Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Wash does both. Cell-regenerating, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties make mandelic acid ideal for clearing and controlling breakouts, but it’s the slower absorption and non-irritating action of this multi-tasker that make it ideal for treating acne in sensitive skin. This is an excellent choice for skin of color and for adult acne.

Best for Mild to Severe Acne in Skin of Color

Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

This multi-faceted alpha-hydroxy acid is the perfect hybrid of muscle and restraint. The larger molecular structure and slower absorption rate are only part of what give this formula the advantage for treating acne in dark skin tones prone to hyperpigmentation. Mandelic acid is also a melanin inhibitor and natural brightener. So it helps fade existing discoloration including acne scars while preventing new pigmentation problems.

Bio-degradable, luxfoliating microbeads take this formula to the next level of fresh and invigorating. Clears cellular debris, kills acne bacteria, and promotes a bright, smooth complexion without drying or irritating. 

Best for Mild to Severe Acne In Skin not Prone to Hyperpigmentation 

3% BP Exfoliating Cleanser 

For more vigorous exfoliation, we’ve added biodegradable microbeads to our gold standard acne-fighting formula to make this the king of all cleansers. It removes cellular debris, kills bacteria, peels out impactions, and prevents future breakouts. Long a top-seller for its take-no-prisoners effectiveness, 3% BP Exfoliating Cleanser is great for targeting acne on the face, back, forearms, or for use after a sweaty workout. It’s a thing of beauty.

Whichever cleanser you choose, use it consistently, twice a day. Use just your fingers to cleanse (no washcloths or brushes) to avoid over scrubbing, which can irritate skin and allow bacteria to spread. Follow your cleanser with a toner to prep skin for better absorption of serums.

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