Just when you thought you were clear of your acne days, suddenly you find yourself breaking out as if you were a pre-teen. Yes, adult acne is a real thing (and struggle) — but it doesn’t have to be.
When it comes to the vast amount of acne treatments out there, it can be hard to know which acne-fighting product is the best. The good news is, there’s an acne treatment for everyone and every skin type. Whether you prefer an acne cleanser to acne serum or like the good ol’ traditional face scrub, you’ve got plenty of solutions for how to get rid of acne.
To help release you from the hell that is adult acne, what better place to look than reviews from consumers sounding off on the best acne treatments? Real people with real-life acne issues sharing honest feedback on how acne treatments work (or don’t work) for everything from whiteheads to cystic acne to back acne. So before you grab your next tube of so-called “zit-zapping” cream, check out these tried-and-true acne products first. Your skin won’t be disappointed.
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TB Best/Worst Acne Products
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Best: Obagi
If you're looking to shrink pores and finally be rid of that acne you thought you'd given up back in high school (along with that crazy ex-boyfriend), then reviewers say it's time to invest in this best acne treatment, as it is totally "worth the price." They say the product goes on the skin smoothly and it has a cool and refreshing sensation — leaving your skin looking (and feeling) fresh and blemish-free.
Obagi Clenziderm M.D., $22.95 at Amazon
Juicy01532 from TotalBeauty.com: "I have very fair, sensitive skin and have been searching for a skincare system that not only treats breakouts, but does not dry my skin out either. This is an ideal solution. I highly recommend giving it a try."
Foxijt from TotalBeauty.com:"I've battled break outs for almost all of my 27 years. This system is wonderful. It stops the breakouts, it gives my skin a cooling, refreshed feeling (normal to oily skin system), the toner is brilliant and the serum is ingenious! Love it."
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Best: Aveda
As per usual, Aveda strikes again with its "amazing scent" in every product — including this acne-fighting cleanser. The lemon tea tree and rose geranium scented product has left consumers smitten, claiming it cleans their skin of impurities and fights breakouts before they even happen. However, users caution this product isn't for those prone to dry skin — but for everyone else, they say it will clear your face of acne and leave skin nice and soft.
Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser, $22.95 at Nordstrom
Jessa from Amazon: "I've been struggling with pretty moderate acne for over six years now, not quite severe, but pretty bad. My skin was nowhere near clear and I always had to wear makeup to try and hide it. I tried countless moisturizers, cleansers, wipes, creams and masks. Then my aunt who is a scientist at a company who produces all natural products suggested this. I noticed an immediate improvement in my skin's appearance the very first day … I have been using this cleanser for about 3 months and my skin hasn't looked this good since I was a kid. It's smooth and almost completely free of acne … [this product] saved my skin."
Sara from Amazon:"I'm in my mid 20s and have always struggled with acne. I've tried dozens of products, including prescription products. Upon a recommendation I started using this cleanser. Wow! I've been washing [my face] once a day, to once every other day for only two weeks -- and today for the first time, I was comfortable going out without applying any foundation. My skin has never been this clear. My only warning is to not use too frequently because it can be drying. I can't recommend this product highly enough though!"
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Best: Murad
If you suffer from oily skin, consumers say this is your new go-to product. They claim the cleanser keeps your face shine-free and even prevents you from producing excess oil throughout your day (no need for those blotting papers). If that's not good enough, more than a few reviewers said this best acne treatment beats prescription acne products and a little goes a long way. As one reviewer sums it up, "This product is a dream come true."
Murad Acne Complex Clarifying Cleanser, $28 at Ulta
Bridgetisfun from Ulta: "I've struggled with acne my whole life. This product works! I'm 36 now and I was still dealing with acne issues. [Since] using this cleanser my skin is clear for the first time in my life. I also use the follow up steps from Murad and I love the whole system. After trying everything, including prescription meds -- to find this product is a dream come true!"
Shopaholic95 from Ulta:"I have been using this cleanser for four years now, and I absolutely love it! It foams up just the right amount and really cleans deep. It doesn't smell too strongly and it helps with my acne very well.
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Worst: Benefit
While the product claims to purify pores and stop breakouts in their tracks, many reviewers say they experienced nothing of the sort. While it's supposed to dry out appearing acne, users say it just dried out their face and did nothing for making their blemishes disappear.
Benefit Boo Boo Zap!, $16 at Amazon
Lasarah from TotalBeauty.com: "I fell for the cute packaging of Benefit again! I loved the soothing camphor smell of this product and the fact that it did not irritate my skin any further, but it did absolutely nothing for blemishes. I would definitely not recommend this to anyone."
Pinenhi from TotalBeauty.com:"When I first began using it, it was decent, my acne did not clear up and it did not help my face a lot. My acne is quite bad so for anyone suffering with a large amount of acne, this product is not for you! I used this product daily and it was empty after a week and a half. I was very disappointed."
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Best: La Roche-Posay
According to consumers, there's no need to spend the big bucks on an acne product that works, as the affordable La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel will clear your acne (rather than your wallet). Users say this cleanser works "exceptionally well on both oily and aging skin" and can be used to treat breakouts all over your body (read: bacne). How's that for a double win?
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel, $14.99 at Ulta
Ddb11 from Ulta: "I love this cleanser. My skin tends to get very oily on certain places and I break out like a teenager. If I use this cleanser every night my skin looks great, I also use it on my body -- especially on my back."
Shopaholic95 from Ulta: "I wash my face in the morning and at night with this product. I use an earth therapeutics face scrubber with it as well. I love it so much! My acne cleared up shortly after use. Then I noticed that this particular [acne product] isn't even medicated! It's so cleansing and balancing, and it helped my skin to clear up. I'm in love, and plan to keep using this face wash forever!
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Best: Biore
When you find an affordable acne treatment that clears blemishes, leaves skin soft and even brightens your skin tone, you know you've found your skincare spirit animal. Users say this scrub not only fits that description but also works well for all skin types (I'm looking at you, sensitive-skin ladies).
Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub, $6.99 at Ulta
Tee from Ulta: "I rarely have acne, but I've had really bad tone/complexion issues. Within three days (I only use in the mornings), my skin looks brighter, feels super soft, and it makes me look very even-toned. I'm really happy with the results because other products I've tried made it worse. I will definitely be sticking with this product."
Smittyt from Ulta: "I was looking for a new face wash that would remove all my makeup, and leave my skin feeling and looking fresh -- and I may have found that item! I love the cooling effect this wash has while using and even after. The scrub is gentle but makes me feel certain that it is deep cleansing my pores and removing all the unwanted things on my skin. I'm excited to try more Biore products!"
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Best: Clinique
If you're looking for the double-win acne treatment that prevents and treats breakouts, then users say Clinique Acne Solution Clarifying Lotion is your best bet. The product works to clean pores by first cleansing the dead skin cells (sorry for the visual) while it's oil-absorbing powder contents work to keep you shine-free all day. Users vouch for the product description saying this product delivers and can be trusted to clear your pesky acne.
Clinique Acne Solution Clarifying Lotion, $16 at Sephora
Beautystrs from Sephora: "I am currently on my third bottle of this because it is truly the best! It has cleared most of my major acne and cleared away all the small bumps I had on my cheeks! Coming from someone who has never, ever repurchased a skin care product (because they haven't worked) and has spent soooo much money on skincare -- please get this! You won't regret it!"
Christine1124 from Sephora: "My skin is pretty normal but definitely acne prone. I've been using this for about a month and a half, and have started seeing an incredible difference in my skin. I use it twice a day, morning and night, after cleansing with Philosophy Purity (with my Clarisonic at night). Then a swipe of this on a cotton pad, and I follow it with Clinique's Dramatically Different Gel moisturizer. It has really helped control my breakouts, prevent new ones and treat them quicker when they do pop up. It also does not dry out my skin at all. I will absolutely continue to use this!"
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Best: Neutrogena
Pimples attack when you least expect it and often times they tend to make an appearance right before an important event (what's up with that?). For those (extremely frustrating) times, users say they rely on this acne spot treatment. Users say they apply the product right before bed and wake up the next morning to find a noticeably smaller blemish. Other reviewers say it even helps to reduce the appearance of the acne scars you probably acquired from popping them before your last big event. Either way, consumers are smitten.
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, $7.99 at Ulta
The Bug Lady from Ulta: "I apply this product onto my pimples right after I rid my face of any makeup. I apply a thin layer of the ointment onto a pimple and it does shrink in size the next morning. However, with adult acne, it takes a little longer to shrink in size, understandably because the pimple is older and larger. I enjoy this cream, it really helps speed up the recovery process and has made my life just a little easier.
Christine1124 from Ulta: "I have acne and this product has definitely helped my acne to reduce -- some of it has [completely] gone away. I use it every night before I go to bed and wake up even happier."
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Worst: X-Out
It appears X marks the spot, but doesn't get rid of it. Users are not fans of this acne product as they claim it actually "burns the [user's] face" (and no one should go to such extremes to get rid of acne). Others say that instead of making their acne disappear, it made them break out in even worse — with cystic acne no less. It's safe to say this is not a fan favorite.
X-Out Wash-In Treatment, $33.20 at Amazon
Luvhaleiwa from TotalBeauty.com: "I ordered a trial size of X-Out a few months back for my daughter. She tried it once and it left burns on her face. She thought maybe she had used too much, or that she left it on too long. After her face healed, she tried it again and used a pea sized amount and left it on for 2 minutes - again it burned her face - we threw it out."
Alycia_lewis from TotalBeauty.com:"I went from having a decent amount of smaller, easy-ish-to-cover acne, to having a bunch of big, painful and hard to handle ones! It was awful. I gave it a week of trying different things like changing my makeup brush to a new one, using it only once a day, washing for longer or shorter amounts of time, everything just seemed to make it worse and when I finally stopped using it my skin returned to the way it was before. I don't recommend."
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Best: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
These aren't any ordinary acne treatment pads. Dr. Dennis Gross formulated these with L-Carnitine Clearing Complex, which helps to prevent oil and gland blockage. The pads target blemishes, even if you can't see them. And with continued daily use, expect clearer, healthier skin within 10 to 15 days.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare One Step Acne Eliminating Pads, $38 at Sephora
Sarahjh from Sephora: "I purchased these upon the recommendation of my facialist after suffering severe hormonal acne along jawline and chin for the past 8-9 months. Having tried virtually everything, I was at my wit's end. Within 10 days of twice-daily use, my skin was completely clear and has remained so a month later (even during 'that' time of the month). These pads have given me back my confidence!"
Customer from LovelySkin: "I have struggled with acne since I was in my teens (am now 37) and along the way have tried every product under the sun. These pads are the first product to make a significant and consistent difference. I first used them for about 30 days before noticing a change, but now my skin is super smooth and breakouts happen much less often. I use them once at night before I go to bed. They do sting for a few minutes after, but I can deal with that for these results. I hope they never discontinue them or I am going to be lost! Give them a try. You will be glad you did."
Ayaha from Sephora: "I used prescription drugs for acne oral and topical and these are better than all of it together. My skin looks amazing. I am so happy with my perfect skin! After 3 months of usage I get zero breakouts. I have very sensitive skin too."
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Best: Kate Somerville
Because of its high content of sulfur, this best acne treatment is very effective. It will help calm any existing acne flare-ups and will also prevent future outbreaks from happening. Consumers flock to this product and we now understand why.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment, $24 at Nordstrom
Yellow2008 from QVC: "I have gone to dermatologists and have had numerous prescriptions and of course tried many different brands of cosmetics for my hormonal acne on my chin. NOTHING worked. I was so desperate as once a month I would get these large, cyst like acne on my chin and then struggle 3+ weeks for it to erupt, be red, and then go away leaving another scar. I did so many treatments. I even did proactive. This thing works. I put it on every night and only once in 6 months did something look like it might come and then I put it on twice that day and it went away. I can't thank Kate enough. I was in tears over it and now I have a fix for sure. Keep making it!"
DeliaC from Nordstrom: "I bought this on a whim after reading the reviews and being SO frustrated with drugstore spot treatments. I have fairly clear skin but have a random breakout. I put this on the area over night and bam the next morning it's significantly reduced. So happy with this product. Absolutely amazing."
Summer fromKateSomerville.com: "I love using this for when I can feel a pimple coming from under the skin, i put this on immediately and the next day the pain and swelling is gone! This prevents breakouts amazingly without over-drying."
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Best: Kiehl's
This wonder product was clinically demonstrated to "clear acne blemishes and allow skin healing while helping to reduce the appearance of post-acne marks." In a nutshell, it will clear up skin and help to prevent future unwanted breakouts from happening. It's really good stuff and since it's in a small tube, you can take it everywhere.
Kiehl's Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment, $24 at Nordstrom
TMPoole from Nordstrom: "I've been using this product for a week now and so far I love it. I apply a small amount to problem areas about 1-3x daily. It doesn't dry out my skin and I've seen a significant improvement in new and old blemishes. I also apply to old acne scars and those have improved as well. I love it! It's gentle yet effective for me."
Bridget from Kiehls.com: "This has become my go-to treatment for spot treatment of occasional acne. The product is not over-drying, and a little goes a long way. While I use it over night, it could also be worn under makeup as it is light and leaves little residue."
Willsmom from Amazon: "This is amazing...gentle on the skin yet totally did the job. No peeling or flaking...got rid of all acne!! Love it!"
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Best: Mario Badescu
There's a reason why it's Mario Badescu's number-one selling product. Tried and true, this best acne treatment is the product to use when you're looking for a quick fix for blemishes that sporadically pop up. And it works its magic overnight, so you'll wake up to clear skin.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17 at Nordstrom
Jessica from Ulta: "This product is amazing! I decided to try this because it's Mario Badescu #1 selling product. It works overnight. Best acne product I've tried."
Roxyy22 from Nordstrom: "I read so many reviews for this but was hesitant on trying it. So glad I did! This makes pimples disappear! It dries them right up and are gone before you know it. I have tried soooo many different acne creams, but somehow they always leave a red patch on my face. This did nothing but help the pimples disappear. It's amazing!"
Susan from Amazon: "I am 30 and I get the occasional breakout from stress and hormones. This stuff smells funny, like old-school Clearasil, but it really does work overnight. It took away the redness and shrunk the pimples I had. I will never go back to using anything else."
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Best: Peter Thomas Roth
Consumers love this formula because it's oil-free and fragrance-free and really does the deep-cleansing trick. It also has anti-aging benefits that will help minimize fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. Sounds like a winner to us.
Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel, $54 at Ulta
Smashleylynn from Sephora: "I wish I could give this 10 stars! I am so glad that an associate recommended this to me after I told her of my troubles with hormonal acne around my jaw line and chin area. Nothing has helped so far! She gave me a sample and after the FIRST use, my skin was CLEARED. NO JOKE!!! This is just so fantastic in many ways I cannot explain it. I used the sample a few more days to make sure my skin didn't adjust and the product would continue to work and it did! The product recommends to use 1-3 a day but I use it once at night and once in the morning and feel it works well. I read reviews and it says it has the tendency to dry out the skin, but luckily I have not had any issues with that - just be sure to moisturize! I have also noticed (after the first use as well!) that it reduced some acne marks that I had, talk about perfect!! I am so grateful for this product and I hope they never take it away!"
Kcnola from Ulta: "I have sensitive combination skin. My skin is prone to adult acne -- unless I use this serum. This is, hands down, my go-to HG skin care product. I use it morning and night, after I cleanse and tone/clarify my face. I follow with an SPF moisturizer in the am, and a night cream in the pm. I have tried so SO many products, high/low end, drugstore to prestige. This one product is more effective, dependable and skin-perfecting than Murad, Proactiv, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, Cerave, Burt's Bees, Clinique, DDF, Mario Badescu, Philosopy, Decleor, Ole Henriksen, Shiseido, Boscia, Rx treatments... you name it, there's a good chance I've tried it."
Mcr29 from Beauty.com: "I put a layer of this on before my moisturizer in the morning. It has no adverse affect on my makeup application. It helps to keep pimples at bay and mildly exfoliates my skin, keeping it clear and smooth. The bottle is huge and lasts for many months before needing to repurchase, so the cost/use is low. Great Product!"
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Best: Philosophy
With regular use, this gentle facial cleanser will help reduce breakouts without irritating skin. And unlike many acne treatment products, it actually smells divine thanks to its refreshing orange scent. Use it in the morning and at night for the best results.
philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cleanser, $22 at Sephora
Cheekykaren from Sephora: "I love this product. My dermatologist gave me a list of ingredients to have and a list to avoid. This fit the bill. My dermatologist is so happy with my results she's recommending it to other patients."
Philosophy fan for life from Ulta: "After struggling with acne for over 10 years I can finally say that I have found a product that does everything it says it will! I have tried numerous OTC and Rx products over the years and they would either work for a little, completely dry my face out, or wouldn't even make a difference. I have been using this product and the other items in the Clear Days Ahead line for over a month now and I can honestly say, with tears in my eyes, that I am nearly blemish free. This product and the rest in the line are worth EVERY penny. Thank you Philosophy for giving me my skin back!!!!"
Goldilocks from Macy's: "I've been experimenting with different face washes for years and have never found anything this effective. I've been using it for a little over a week and already have seen massive improvements. This really was a life changer. Thank you philosophy!!!"
