Best overall
Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
8.6Excellent
The cult 2% salicylic acid leave-on exfoliant: reliably unclogs pores and smooths texture, with irritation the main risk.
Toner5$37.00
Clarify · Breakouts
Acne
4 products we review are built for acne — 50% of them exfoliants & masks. The ingredients doing most of the work: benzoyl peroxide, ceramides and niacinamide. Most are made for acne-prone skin, oily skin and combination skin.
Breakouts, blackheads, oil and pores — the clear-skin department, minus the stripping.
Top rated
The acne podium.
The ingredients behind it
Key actives in the products that deliver acne — tap one for what it does and how strong the evidence is.
Often paired with
Benefits that tend to come along for the ride.
4 products
Every acne pick.
4 products
Best overall
Differin
Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
8.3Great
The formerly prescription-only 0.1% adapalene gel, now OTC: a proven, inexpensive acne retinoid that demands patience through dryness.
Gel5
Community favorite Trending
Hero Cosmetics
Mighty Patch Original
8.3Great
The benchmark hydrocolloid pimple patch: flattens surfaced whiteheads overnight and stops picking, but does little for deep, closed bumps.
Patches4$12.99
Derm favorite
CeraVe
Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
8.2Great
A 4% benzoyl peroxide wash cushioned with ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid — an easier-to-tolerate BPO cleanser for breakouts.
Cleanser4$17.99