23 Acne-Fighting Face Washes For Every Budget and Preference

An editor-favorite (and dermatologist-approved) drugstore option for years, the Clean & Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser ($6) contains a whopping 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria on the skin and minimize breakouts. Leave it on for a few minutes while sudsing to get the most out of the powerful ingredient.

Acne treatments are notoriously harsh, which is why sticking with a gentle cleanser is key. This CeraVe Renewing Gentle SA Cleanser ($14) is mild but also sprinkles in a low dose of salicylic acid that dissolves a day's worth of grime without stripping the skin.

Some people might think the Renee Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Cleanser ($43) smells too "medicinal," but we think it smells like it works. Which, by the way, it does: we use it after spending too much time in our makeup, and it completely dissolves all dirt and gunk from pores — no breakouts in sight. It does come out a bright yellow shade (which, in truth, isn't pretty), but it's what's on the inside that counts.

You can consider maskne a thing of the past with the The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser ($10). Packed with 2 percent of the pore-clearing salicylic acid, plus oil-controlling zinc, it gently dissolves any dirt and grime while treating breakouts in the process.

From the brand that brought you everybody's favorite pore strips, the Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser ($6) is a gentle sudser that contains natural charcoal, which absorbs excess oil and sebum. It also contains a low dose of salicylic acid to help treat current zits and prevent future breakouts from forming.

A tried-and-true favorite for years, the salicylic-acid-spiked Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser ($13) dissolves any gunk chillin' in your pores but never leaves the skin feeling tight or dry.

You know it's effective when it's recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology acne guidelines, which is exactly why the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash with 10% Benzoyl Peroxide ($9) is almost always a winner. It features 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, which works to reduce skin bacteria.

A bestselling cleanser for a reason, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash ($40) uses a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (hi, glycolic and lactic acids!) to gently exfoliate your skin, preventing future breakouts.

While it's not specifically formulated for patients with acne, many dermatologists recommend the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($11) to acne patients, since this skin type can be sensitive and should be treated delicately. Plus, many acne products tend to be drying, so a gentle wash will prevent overstripping of the natural oils, thereby preventing further irritation.

This bottle will last you a while: a little of the Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash ($39) goes a long way. The formula features two percent salicylic acid to banish excess oil and bacteria.

It doesn't just smell good; the Eminence Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser ($42) also features a potent blend of lactic acid to remove dead skin cells, which often clog pores and cause acne.

Dozens of dermatologists agree: the Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask ($7) is gentle but effective, thanks to its gentle 3.5% benzoyl peroxide that kills bacteria and helps to unclog pores. It is mild enough to be used as a daily cleanser, and works to treat inflammatory acne on the face, chest, and back. Even better? It can also be used as a mask when you want to do a little self-care skin care.

Clear out your pores with the Kiehl's Blue Herbal Acne Cleanser Treatment ($25). Those with oily skin will love its ability to banish both blackheads and whiteheads while sloughing off dirt and debris.

For those who prefer benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and temporarily decreases oil, the Proactiv Renewing Cleanser ($25) is a reliable pick with many devoted users.

The surprising hydrating Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel ($28) features hydrangea, which adds moisture back into the skin while also gently cleansing your pores.

The natural fruit extracts in Tatcha's The Deep Cleanse ($38) gently exfoliate your skin, preventing dead skin cells from clogging your pores.

If you have sensitive skin but still tend to prefer benzoyl peroxide to salicylic acid, the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser ($8) contains a low amount of the former to help kill off acne-causing bacteria without causing any irritation.

For people with an affinity for natural products, the Tata Harper Clarifying Blemish & Oil Control Cleanser ($76) is the one for you: the gel-foam formula contains salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acids to banish breakouts and uneven texture.

The Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser Face Wash ($7) contains both alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which work simultaneously to help remove oil and dirt that sit deep in the pores. It gently exfoliates the skin, leaving the skin smooth and soft.

Not only is the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser For Normal to Oily Skin ($14) extra gentle, but it's also formulated with ceramides to restore moisture to your skin.

Gently cleanse your face with the Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser ($27), or leave it on for three minutes for a purifying treatment that will keep acne at bay.

The Alba Pore Purifying Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser ($9) smells like a tropical paradise, and the pineapple and papaya fruit enzymes also brighten and exfoliate the skin, keeping pores from getting clogged.

A classic for a reason, the salicylic acid-spiked Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Fighting Face Wash ($10) works best on mild acne and blackheads. Put it on, leave it sit for 30 seconds to a minute, then rinse.