We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Skin & Hair Products The Best Body Washes for Acne, Tested & Reviewed Thanks to their acne-fighting ingredients, these body washes can help clear up chest and back acne. By Lacey Muinos Updated on September 22, 2024 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Print In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Body Wash for Acne What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know When to See a Healthcare Provider How We Tested the Body Washes for Acne What to Look for in a Body Wash for Acne How to Use a Body Wash for Acne Effectively Our Experts Why Trust Verywell Health Verywell Health / David Hattan Acne is a common skin condition that affects up to 50 million Americans. It’s characterized by clogged pores, also called pimples, breakouts, or zits. Though acne is frustrating, it’s treatable. Facial cleansers, body washes, and other acne treatments can all help improve mild cases of acne at home, though a visit to your dermatologist may be warranted for more severe cases. Since it’s tied to sebum (aka oil), acne mainly forms in areas of the body where sebaceous glands are concentrated, such as the face, back, or chest. Though it’s not intended for use on the face, using body washes formulated for acne may help clear up shoulder, chest, and back acne or “bacne.” With many on the market to choose from, our acne-prone editors tested 30 body washes for six weeks. We selected the top body washes for acne based on their effectiveness, consistency, and cleansing ability. Ingredients to Look for and Avoid in Body Wash for Acne A body wash’s ingredients can tell you a lot about how it potentially clears acne. The dermatologists we spoke to recommend the following anti-acne ingredients: Salicylic acid: A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin. It’s a lipophilic ingredient that can penetrate into and unclog pores.Benzoyl peroxide: An antibacterial agent that kills acne-causing bacteria within the pores and on the skin’s surface.Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids, that smooth out bumpy skin and brighten dark spots.Niacinamide: An antioxidant that reduces inflammation, oil production, and the appearance of dark spots. Tea tree oil: An essential oil with antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Plant enzymes: Proteins found in fruits like papaya and pineapple. They possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. People with acne-prone skin may also want to avoid some ingredients, such as fragrance, pore-clogging ingredients, and harsh sulfates, says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know Be consistent: If your body wash is just sitting on your bathroom shelf, it won’t work, says Steffany Shearer, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Raleigh, North Carolina. She recommends diligently using body wash every day, which gives the ingredients time to work. Be patient: Acne treatments, including body washes formulated for acne, don’t work overnight, Murphy-Rose says. With consistent use, you should start to see improvements in as little as two weeks, though it may take up to six weeks to see noticeable changes, she says. Discontinue use if you experience irritation: Body washes for acne typically contain exfoliating ingredients, which can reduce oil production and, therefore, dry out the skin. This could lead to skin irritation. Similarly, ingredients like benzoyl peroxide are known for being harsh on the skin. Murphy-Rose advises that if you experience skin irritation, stop using the body wash. Let it sit on your skin before rinsing: Unlike ointments and creams, body washes are designed to be rinsed away. However, you don’t want to rinse it off immediately. Allow the body wash to sit on your skin for a couple of minutes, which encourages penetration of the active ingredients, explains Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who practices throughout New York and New Jersey. Follow up with a moisturizer: Acne-fighting ingredients can increase skin dryness, so apply a moisturizer after each use, Shearer says. Moisturizers work best when applied to damp skin, she adds. Consider ingredients: Camp says that benzoyl peroxide washes are generally best for inflammatory acne (pus-filled pimples), while salicylic acid is best for non-inflammatory acne (whiteheads and blackheads). Benzoyl peroxide can also help improve cystic acne, but it’s considered a severe acne type and should be treated by a medical professional. When to See a Healthcare Provider You don’t have to treat your acne alone, Shearer says. Though there’s no cure for acne, it’s worth seeing a board-certified dermatologist for advice and treatment if it causes you discomfort. If you have severe acne that won’t go away, you should consult with a dermatologist who may recommend prescription-strength treatments. A dermatologist can diagnose the type of acne you have, which can influence the proper course of treatment. However, you don’t have to wait until your acne is severe to see a dermatologist, notes Gabriela Soza, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Wexler Dermatology in New York City. Even people with mild-to-moderate acne can benefit from a dermatologist visit. Any severity of acne can take a toll on your self-esteem and mental health, Shearer says. For that reason alone, it’s a good idea to check in with a professional before it affects your quality of life. It’s also a good idea to see a dermatologist before your acne worsens to get ahead of acne scars, Soza adds. Our Top Picks Best for Oily Skin: frank body Everyday Clearing Body Wash at Amazon $12 Jump to Review Best for Back Acne: Truly Cherry Jelly Anti-Bacne Body Cleanser at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe SA Body Wash at Amazon $14 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash at Amazon $10 Jump to Review Best for Chest Acne: ZitSticka Silkshake Body Wash at Amazon $27 Jump to Review Best for Acne and Dark Spots: Kosas AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin frank body Everyday Clearing Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon View on Cultbeauty.com Pros Exfoliates and brightens skin Reduces inflammation Good value Cons Contains fragrance Key Specs Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, coffee seed extract, Kakadu plum | Size: 12.17 ounces | Scent: Cedar, orange Why We Recommend It Dermatologists approve of this Frank Body cleanser because it’s full of anti-acne ingredients yet free from harsh sulfates. “This body wash contains salicylic acid and niacinamide to banish blemishes, gently exfoliate skin, and reduce inflammation,” explains Soza. “It also contains Kakadu plum, a potent natural form of vitamin C, which brightens skin and helps fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” We used this body wash 3–4 times per week during the 6-week testing period, and by the end, we noticed fewer acne bumps across the back and butt. It didn’t cure acne, but then again, there is no cure for acne. Still, we noticed a difference in the number of acne spots and found it effective for preventing new breakouts. This formula also lathers well, feels nice on the skin, and has a pleasant scent. We consider the large 12-ounce bottle a budget-friendly option. Keep In Mind It didn’t feel mega moisturizing, so if you have dry skin, it may not be rich enough for you. We also had to use more than the recommended amount to feel clean after a sweaty workout. PHOTO: Verywell Health PHOTO: Verywell Health PHOTO: Verywell Health Best for Back Acne Truly Cherry Jelly Anti-Bacne Body Cleanser PHOTO: Ulta $32 at Amazon $32 at Ulta View on Trulybeauty.com Pros Formulated for back acne Chemically exfoliates skin Soothes irritation Cons Pricey Contains fragrance Key Specs Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide | Size: 8 ounces | Scent: Cherry Why We Recommend It This bacne body wash topped our list as one of the most effective cleansers. Our editor with oily, acne-prone skin used this body wash every day for six weeks and noticed a large reduction in bacne. It also reduced acne across the arms, but the improvements were mainly concentrated on the back, which worked wonders. By the end of the test, we found it also reduced overall skin irritation, smoothed bumpy skin, and balanced oily skin. So, what makes it so effective? It’s powered by salicylic acid, a go-to chemical exfoliant for acne-prone skin. “This body wash also contains mandelic acid, niacinamide, and allantoin to address back acne, flaky skin, and irritation,” explains Camp. Compared to salicylic acid, mandelic acid has been shown to be equally effective at improving mild acne. This body wash contains both acids, so you don’t have to choose. Keep In Mind It softened the skin but was borderline drying. Skin felt dry if it wasn’t moisturized immediately after using this in the shower. Best for Sensitive Skin CeraVe SA Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon $20 at Walmart $14 at Walgreens Pros Ceramides support skin barrier health Fragrance-free Noncomedogenic Cons Can be drying Key Specs Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 10 ounces | Scent: Unscented Why We Recommend It People with sensitive skin know all too well that this skin type comes with some do’s and don’ts. For example, use gentle products and try to avoid irritants like fragrance when possible. Rest assured, if you have acne-prone yet sensitive skin, you can still use acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid like in this CeraVe body wash. Though BHAs like salicylic acid can be drying as they reduce sebum production, this wash buffers the exfoliant with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which soothe and hydrate skin. “It combines salicylic acid with ingredients that hydrate and support skin barrier function, including niacinamide,” says Murphy-Rose. We liked that this product was just as effective as a regular body wash. It smoothed out bumpy skin and was gentle on problem areas while leaving skin feeling just as clean as with a regular body wash. Keep In Mind Though it contains moisturizing ingredients, we didn’t find the formula particularly hydrating or friendly for dry skin types. We still had to moisturize after using this body wash. Best for Dry Skin PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $10 at Target Pros Creamy consistency Fragrance-free Reduces acne-causing bacteria Cons Small bottle May be too strong for the face Key Specs Key ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxide | Size: 5.5 ounces | Scent: Unscented Why We Recommend It Many OTC body washes use salicylic acid for its ability to unclog pores, but there’s another active ingredient dermatologists want you to know about, and it’s in this PanOxyl body wash. “Almost everyone with body acne should be using a benzoyl peroxide body wash,” Soza explains. “It banishes active acne, kills acne-causing bacteria, and prevents new breakouts from forming.” This body wash has a 10% concentration of benzoyl peroxide, which is Soza’s recommendation for people with body acne. This body wash lived up to its claims during our testing—it prevented new breakouts, leading to smoother, less oily skin. It also reduced inflammation, softened skin, and was tolerable along the bikini line. It even improved ingrown hairs. We especially liked the creamy consistency, which felt more moisturizing than others we tested. It didn’t dry out bodily skin. In fact, skin felt softer after using this and we weren’t rushing to moisturize like with some others we tested. Keep In Mind When we used this as a facial cleanser, it was too harsh. Reserve this one for the body, which can handle more concentrated products compared to delicate facial skin. Verywell Health / Jessica Juliao Best for Chest Acne ZitSticka Silkshake Body Wash PHOTO: Bluemercury $27 at Amazon View on Zitsticka.com Pros Supports the skin microbiome Tea tree oil calms acne Soothes redness and inflammation Cons Contains essential oils Key Specs Key ingredients: Tea tree oil, probiotics, fatty acids | Size: 10.14 ounces | Scent: Tea tree Why We Recommend It You may have heard of probiotics for your gut, but what about your face? Like the gut microbiome, the skin has a microbiome that affects how skin functions, and skin bacteria plays a role. Topical probiotics, which contain “good” bacteria, could therefore help balance the skin microbiome and improve acne. This ZitSticka body wash contains probiotics as well as pre- and postbiotics to restore a balanced skin microbiome. It also contains tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for reducing acne-causing bacteria and soothing redness. Finally, it contains ingredients that provide essentially fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and foster skin barrier repair. When testing this body wash on the shoulder, back, and chest acne, we noticed fewer breakouts overall. When a new breakout did appear, it was smaller and less severe, so this body wash also reduced the severity of large, painful pimples. It also reduced hormonal breakouts from menstruation. We also had a positive experience with tea tree oil while testing The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Body Wash. It significantly reduced body acne without drying out the skin. Keep In Mind Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can cause contact dermatitis, Shearer says. She recommends a body wash free from tea tree oil if you're prone to allergies or irritation. Best for Acne and Dark Spots Kosas AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash PHOTO: Amazon View on Kosas $22 at Amazon $22 at Sephora Pros AHAs exfoliate and brighten skin Suitable for darker skin tones Helps improve post-acne darkness Cons Pricey Contains fragrance Key Specs Key ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids | Size: 9 ounces | Scent: Fresh, tropical Why We Recommend It Even after your acne clears up, you may face a whole new set of skin concerns, including acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This is when skin becomes darker due to an increase in melanin following an injury, and it’s more common in people with darker skin tones. This body wash targets breakouts, dullness, and dark spots. “A blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and plant enzymes gently exfoliate the skin to clarify breakouts, brighten dullness, and fade residual PIH,” Soza says. “The mandelic acid knocks out blemishes while the glycolic and lactic acids soften and smooth out skin.” We noticed considerably less chest and back acne when using this body wash. It reduced redness, smoothed out bumps, and cleared up congestion, all without drying out the skin. Despite the long list of anti-acne ingredients, we found the formula gentle. It didn’t cause any discomfort. If you’re worried about irritation from the handful of acids, Soza adds that it also contains allantoin, which makes it more tolerable for those prone to sensitivity. Keep In Mind We didn’t have any complaints about this product, though we’d prefer a fragrance-free formula for those with sensitive skin. It’s also pricey for the size. PHOTO: Verywell Health PHOTO: Verywell Health PHOTO: Verywell Health How We Tested the Body Washes for Acne A group of our editors who experience body acne themselves put thirteen body washes to the test for six weeks. To test each product, we referred to the manufacturer’s instructions. We also discontinued the use of other acne treatments during the testing period. Our final list is the culmination of testing and assessing more than a dozen body washes on the following attributes: Effectiveness: We prioritized body washes that effectively improved skin by the end of the test. We also shared whether the skin was softer, smoother, and calmer.Hydration: Acne cleaners can dry out or strip the skin, which is counterproductive to supporting skin health. We noted whether our skin felt balanced after use—not too oily but not too dry either.Consistency: A good cleanser should lather up nicely and feel comfortable on the skin. We prioritized those that are easy to spread around on the skin and don’t require a ton of product to get the job done.Cleansing ability: Compared to a regular body washer, we assessed whether each product got rid of dirt, makeup, sweat, and other impurities on the skin. What to Look for in a Body Wash for Acne Non-comedogenic: Comedogenic ingredients encourage the formation of acne, Camp says. They essentially clog pores, so look for labels that say “non-comedogenic” to quickly spot formulas free from pore-clogging ingredients. pH: You may see product labels that say “pH balanced,” which means the body wash is formulated to complement skin’s pH. Skin has a pH level of around 5.5, which is slightly acidic. This is the same pH level that Shearer recommends when choosing a body wash. When a product is alkaline, it could increase skin dryness and irritation, she says. Fragrance-free: Ingredients used to make up a product’s fragrance aren’t disclosed, so scented products could contain harmful chemicals, Shearer says. Fragrance-free products are typically recommended for people with sensitive skin, but this advice can apply to those with acne looking for gentler ingredients. Skin type: Though it’s often associated with oily skin, acne is a skin condition that can affect any skin type. Still, your skin type can influence the right product consistency and accompany ingredients for your needs. Look for a creamy consistency and humectants like hyaluronic acid if you have dry skin, and go for a gel consistency in an oil-free formula if you have oily skin. How to Use a Body Wash for Acne Effectively Using a body wash isn’t rocket science, but if your goal is to clear up acne, try these dermatologist-recommended tips: Use a small amount each day.Gently massage onto wet skin.Let it sit on the skin for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.Follow up with a moisturizer. Our Experts In addition to hands-on testing, we spoke to the following experts on their personal recommendations and advice for choosing: Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who practices throughout New York and New JerseyBlair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City Steffany Shearer, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Raleigh, North Carolina Gabriela Soza, MD, a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Wexler Dermatology in New York City Why Trust Verywell Health Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer who specializes in skin health. She’s interviewed dozens of skin experts, including board-certified dermatologists, and waded through current medical research to become an expert herself on skin care. As someone with breakout-prone skin herself, she has personal experience with body washes for acne. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are her go-to ingredients for clear skin. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Academy of Dermatology. Skin conditions by the numbers. Abbas S, Shanbhag T, Kothare A. Applications of bromelain from pineapple waste towards acne. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021;28(1):1001-1009. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.032 Dayal S, Kalra KD, Sahu P. Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(2):393-399. doi:10.1111/jocd.13168 Skowron K, Bauza-Kaszewska J, Kraszewska Z, et al. Human skin microbiome: impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on skin microbiota. Microorganisms. 2021;9(3):543. doi:10.3390/microorganisms9030543 Habeebuddin M, Karnati RK, Shiroorkar PN, et al. Topical probiotics: more than a skin deep. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(3):557. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14030557 Nascimento T, Gomes D, Simões R, da Graça Miguel M. Tea tree oil: properties and the therapeutic approach to acne—a review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(6):1264. doi:10.3390/antiox12061264 Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070 Sangha AM. Managing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with acne. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(6 Suppl 1):S24-S26. Cleveland Clinic. What is your skin’s pH and why does it matter?. Additional Reading Chen AC, Damian DL. Nicotinamide and the skin. Australas J Dermatol. 2014;55(3):169-75. doi:10.1111/ajd.12163 By Lacey Muinos Lacey Muinos is a health and wellness writer who specializes in skin health, nutrition, fitness, women’s health, and more. Passionate about dispelling misinformation about health topics, she routinely speaks to healthcare providers and wades through the growing body of medical literature for the most factual and up-to-date information. With more than eight years of experience as a health writer, Lacey’s work has been seen by millions of readers on their own wellness journeys. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit