Best Cleanser for Acne

Sodium hypochlorite cleansers are my favorite antimicrobial cleansers for acne-prone skin because they are gentle, non-drying, and usually well tolerated, even by sensitive skin types. Sodium hypochlorite has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes, as well as fungi and yeast, including Malassezia, which can cause fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). 

Unlike benzoyl peroxide and exfoliating acids, sodium hypochlorite does not rely on exfoliation to work, making it a particularly good choice for people with facial redness, irritation, or a compromised skin barrier. I especially like these cleansers for patients using tretinoin or other retinoids because sodium hypochlorite does not increase exfoliation or typically worsen retinoid-related sensitivity. Properly formulated sodium hypochlorite cleansers help reduce microbial buildup without stripping the skin and can be used by both oily and dry skin types.

My favorite options available at Skin Type Solutions include:

• CLn Facial Cleanser: A gentle, non-exfoliating option for sensitive, red, or easily irritated facial skin.

• CLn Acne Cleanser: Combines sodium hypochlorite with 0.5% salicylic acid to target acne-causing bacteria, excess oil, and clogged pores. Best for oily skin that tolerates exfoliation.

• CLn Dermatologics BodyWash: A non-drying antimicrobial wash for acne, folliculitis, and irritated skin on the chest, back, and body.

• CLn MD Pro Strength Wash: Contains sodium hypochlorite and salicylic acid, making it useful for acne and Malassezia folliculitis when exfoliation is tolerated.

• CLn SportWash: An antimicrobial body cleanser for people who exercise, sweat frequently, or develop body acne and folliculitis.

Your cleanser does much more than wash your face. It can have good and bad effects depending on how well matched your acne cleanser is to your skin concerns and skin type.

Acne cleansers can have good and bad effects. They can:

• prepare your skin for the acne medications that follow.
• remove excess sebum that can interfere with medication penetration
• damage the skin barrier and increase penetration of irritating ingredients.

That's why I recommend choosing an acne cleanser based on your Baumann Skin Type rather than simply buying a product labeled "for acne." The easiest way to find a good acne cleanser is to take our skin type quiz. We will give you a list of the best acne face washes for your skin type.

If you would rather figure it out yourself- keep reading.  I will review all the different types of cleansers that can be used for acne and which skin types they are appropriate for.

Acne cleansers contain ingredients that help fight acne in different ways. Hydroxy acids, such as salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid, exfoliate dead skin cells, help unclog pores, and lower skin pH, making the environment less favorable for certain microorganisms. Hypochlorous acid has direct antimicrobial effects, killing bacteria and fungi through oxidation. Benzoyl peroxide releases free radicals that kill acne-causing bacteria and fungus without relying on lowering skin pH. However, benzoyl peroxide can be very drying and irritating, causing redness, peeling, burning, and stinging, and may trigger rosacea flares in susceptible patients. Sodium hypochlorite is another antimicrobial ingredient that damages bacteria and fungi through oxidative reactions. Some cleansers also contain prebiotics and microbiome-supporting ingredients designed to encourage beneficial bacteria and maintain a healthier skin microbiome.

The surfactants (detergents) in your cleanser are just as important as the acne-fighting ingredients. Surfactants remove sebum, dirt, and sunscreen, but harsh detergents strip away protective lipids and damage the skin barrier. Cleansers that produce a lot of foam and suds are often more drying, although foam alone does not determine how harsh a cleanser is. Traditional soaps often raise skin pH, while gentle synthetic detergents can cleanse without disrupting the skin's natural acidity. People with very oily skin may need stronger cleansing to remove excess sebum. 

One of the most common mistakes I've seen in my dermatology practice is acne patients washing their faces too frequently with harsh, foaming cleansers. For example, washing two times a day with a strong detergent cleanser while using tretinoin can damage the skin barrier, increase penetration of irritating ingredients, and cause redness, stinging, and inflammation. This is one reason why you  may need 2 different acne cleansers in your routine.

The goal is to remove excess sebum without damaging the skin barrier so your acne medications can work effectively while minimizing side effects.

If you have acne without facial redness, stinging, or skin allergies, I recommend a low pH cleanser such as hydroxy acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. However, the best acid cleanser depends on whether your skin is oily or dry, which I'll explain later. If you have oily skin, you may also tolerate a benzoyl peroxide cleanser once daily to kill acne-causing bacteria.

If you have acne and facial redness, I recommend looking for cleansers with anti-inflammatory ingredients to help calm the skin. Salicylic acid cleansers can be a good choice for oily skin because they help unclog pores, but they may be too drying for dry skin types. I generally avoid traditional benzoyl peroxide cleansers in patients with persistent facial redness because they can worsen irritation and trigger rosacea flares. Some patients have both acne vulgaris and papulopustular rosacea, which is particularly challenging because ingredients that treat acne may aggravate rosacea. For these patients, I prefer gentle, non-stripping cleansers with soothing ingredients. Hypochlorous acid may also be helpful because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The goal is to treat acne without worsening facial redness or inflammation.

If your skin stings or burns when you apply skin care products, I recommend a gentle, soothing, non-exfoliating cleanser that won't further damage your skin barrier. Avoid benzoyl peroxide, strong hydroxy acids, and harsh foaming detergents until the stinging improves. Hypochlorous acid sprays may be helpful because they have antimicrobial properties without exfoliating the skin. Once your skin barrier recovers, you can gradually introduce acne-fighting ingredients based on whether your skin is oily or dry.

If you have a history of frequent skin rashes or allergic reactions to skin care products, the most important thing is to avoid ingredients you are allergic to. I recommend fragrance-free cleansers that do not contain your known allergens. Products marketed as hypoallergenic are not necessarily free of every potential allergen, so always check the ingredient list.

Dry skin types who are just beginning tretinoin or other retinoids should use a creamy, noncomedogenic cleanser with soothing ingredients that cleanses without stripping protective lipids or damaging the skin barrier. I recommend ingredients such as argan oil, allantoin, panthenol, Centella asiatica, madecassoside, sunflower seed oil, and barrier-supporting lipids to help calm irritation, maintain hydration, and prepare the skin to tolerate retinoids with fewer side effects. One of my favorites is Zerafite Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser, which contains these ingredients along with gentle surfactants that remove dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin. Using a soothing cleanser before applying retinoids helps keep skin comfortable and may reduce the risk of dryness, tightness, burning, and stinging during the adjustment period. Avoid exfoliating cleansers and facial scrubs until your skin has adjusted to retinoid treatment.